I would like to take my son skiing for the first time in March. I'm looking for a place that will have a kids club the first day (I know this won't be free OR cheap) to teach him and then either free or CHEAP lift tickets for the 2nd day.
I found some deals here and there but some require a full priced adult lift ticket, the purchase of 5 days, or things like that.
Bonus points for places that are within an hours drive of a city with a Marriott. :)
ETA: I didn't specify location b/c I really don't care as long as it's in the US. I figured those of you who either live or have already visited would know best. THANKS!
Red River, NM is nice because it is ski in - ski out. My daughter took lessons there when she was 5 and loved it. We also enjoy Sipapu. We call it the Red Neck Ski Resort becuase it is very rustic (no TV's, remote location, etc) but it is cheap and very nice to get away. It is a close drive to Taos, Santa Fe, etc, for groceries or activities. It is way cheaper off season though, not so much on spring break.
Ummm.... where are you looking for?
Colorado
Utah
Washington
North East (too many states to list)
British Columbia
?
New Mexico or Colorado, I assume? Santa Fe and Angel Fire are wonderful. They have kids club, ski lessons. Very family friendly, with lots of greens. You can get a half day lift ticket. I like Santa Fes "vibe" better, but ANgel Fire is really close to Taos and that's super cool too. DO NOT SKI TAOS!!!! It is way too hard, too steep, too expensive.
It really depends on where you're going but my advice is think small resort and mid-week.
We starting skiing with our girls at the really tiny places around Tahoe and Yosemite. If he's only six and just learning why pay for access to 25 lifts?
Tahoe Donner, Badger Pass, both have deals with a lesson, ski rental, and lift tickets (sometimes even accomodations) that are very cheap. Our first time taking the kids we found a deal at Donner on a Tuesday where the kid skied FREE with each of our adult lift tickets.
Just pick the area you want to go to and look at the really little resorts, they'll be begging for people mid-week and will make it affordable.
