How to execute a family ski trip that feels more like a retreat...........................

Have you ever had a family vacation where you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation?  I'm going to share some wisdom today that will help you execute a smooth family ski trip.

book lessons early:

Are any of the members in your family beginners?  Believe me, you do not want to take on the teaching unless you have a strong back and the patience of a saint.  You spend so much time on your butt when you learn to ski or snowboard - it can be frustrating for everybody.  During peak seasons you'll want to make sure you book lessons early becasue they do sell out.  For Northstar California, go to lessons here.

layer up:

Nothing leaches the fun faster than being cold.  And it's hard to warm those piggies back up after your child's toes get chilled!  Layer your family up with a baselayer, thermal and waterproof ski gear.  You should bring 2 pairs of gloves for each family member, because your little ones won't want to put the wet ones back on for an afternoon of sledding.

have a backup plan:

People have been scarred for life because of a ski trip gone sour.  Weather it's too much pressure for performance, or a wreck into the lift line, remember - a flexible vacation is a memorable vacation.  If your daughter does 3 runs and then wants to call it quits and have a hot cocoa - that's not only age-approprite but fully acceptable.  In fact, if you build a snowman in your ski boots, and never make it to the slopes that's a good memory (and great photo op).  Better yet - swap the skiis for skates!!

Swap the skis for skates

safety first: 

Being lost on the mountain is much more dangerous than being lost in the mall.  Make sure to designate a meeting place just in case.  Your kids should also know how to spot an employee- they likey carry radios and can locate the parents quickly.
Ski under control:  Make sure your family knows how to turn and stop to prevent injuries.   

Go Car-free:

Schlepping gear is a workout, and if you have small kids you'll feel like a packing mule.  My reccomendation is to stay in the Village, don't even look at your vehicle till your return home.  With the highly amenitized Village at Northstar, this is easy - good food, and great activities you truly won't want to leave anyway.   

Key to going car-free:
Platinum lockers: if you ski Northstar on a regular basis, you should consider this a great option for your skis and snowboards.
Tahoe Mountain Lodging:  When you book a condo in the village, you have access to a storage cage for your gear.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe:  you will be spoiled with the on-mountain ski concierge service, which includes overnight ski storage.

insider tip:

You won't find ski and snowboard rentals for any less that $35 a day.  So if you plan on skiing 4 or more days, you may want to check out doing a season lease or ski delivery service for the length of your stay.  For example, Tahoe Dave's does a 4 day ski lease for $60 for kids and $120 for adults.  Ski Butler's ski delivery service rates are $29 and $51 per day at the time of this writing.

other activities:

Ride the gondola up to the Ritz, make s'mores, take in a flick, ice skate, bungee trampoline, tube rides, and more!!  I really hope you enjoy your ski trip, and if that happens to be in Tahoe, please consider calling me if you'd like to look at some real estate during your stay.

about the Author

This article was written by Teddy Runge, real estate professional in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe area.  Teddy can be reached via email address trunge@tahoemountainrealty.com, or by phone/text 530.941.9881.  Please call or email Teddy  to check out some Tahoe real estate or for a seller home  evaluation. 
​Click over to the contact page, leave a note and be informed on the Truckee/Tahoe real estate market via Teddy's  monthly newsletter.
Neighborhoods served: Northstar, Squaw, Alpine, Martis Camp, Lahontan, Shaffer's Mill, North Lake Tahoe, Grey's Crossing, Old Greenwood, Sierra Meadows, Tahoe Donner, Prosser, Glenshire, and Historic Truckee.
​Neighborhoods served: Northstar, Squaw, Alpine, Martis Camp, Lahontan, Shaffer's Mill, North Lake Tahoe, Gray's Crossing, Old Greenwood, and Truckee. 

​Other articles you may be interested in: 
​OFF the slopes with kids in North Lake Tahoe - credits TahoeAscent 
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