Keystone, Colorado: first family ski trip

When $29 plane tickets are available, it's hard not to plan a last-minute getaway. Even if it's something "normal" people spend a while planning--like a first-ever family ski trip for a crew that rarely sees temps below freezing. BUT, we found a nonstop flight to Denver that we just could not pass up!

It was early in the ski season (week of 12/7), so resorts were running deals for free kid stays and discount lift tickets. We took advantage of all of them! The downside of going super early is that not all the runs are open yet so if you're an avid skiing family, you may not find the discounts are worth the limited slopes. The only bummer for us was that there wasn't enough snowfall yet to cover the family-friendly activities at the summit, so the snow fort and tubing weren't open yet. Still, there was plenty to do--with ice skating, sleigh rides and hunts for Bigfoot. Be sure to pack lots of layers, chew-able Tylenol for sore muscles and granola bars for easy ski lift snacking!

Ski trips are best for kids that are adventurous and competitive enough to set goals, conquer them and then look for new ones--even if it's just to keep up with big sister. At ages 4 and 9, ours were ready to take on the mountain! 

snowball fights and ski lift naps

Ask the kiddos about their favorite part of our entire family ski trip and they'll tell you in was the impromptu snowball fights in the hot tub and unlimited hot chocolate.  

But, there's nothing quite like standing on top of a mountain and seeing the world below. Until the winds pick up and the enclosed gondolas close. That makes for a pretty anxious mama! We ended up riding back down the mountain in an open chair lift. As a 4 year old, Archer thought it was a great time for a nap. I'd have an adorable photo to share of him snuggled in while the wind and snow swirled around us, but I was too busy white-knuckling the safety bar for both of us!