Polina Price
As a skier, I understand what it takes to create a seamless ski getaway. In my 20 years of skiing, I have explored most of the top ski resorts in the U.S. and Europe. I know which ones have the best beginner and black diamond trails, and where you’ll find the best match for après ski life. I can put everything together, including prearranged lift tickets, equipment, transportation, and accommodations.
Skiing can be expensive, especially for families, so I keep my eyes open for promotions. Many skiers like to sample different areas every year, and I stay current on all the U.S. and Canadian ski areas as well as those in Europe.
Vail and Aspen rank high with for U.S. ski locales, but there are great ski opportunities everywhere from New England and New York, to Park City, Utah. In Canada, Mont Tremblant has been getting better air connections, which makes it a great option from the East Coast, and on the Pacific side, you can fly into Vancouver and combine a city stay with world-class skiing at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, a major venue for the 2010 winter Olympics.
Many Americans are intimidated by the idea of flying to Europe to ski. However, from the East Coast, many European ski resorts are comparable in travel time and cost to getting to the Rockies. Even in Courchevel, known for its A-list celebrity clientele, I usually can find you a hotel room for $150 a night.
Europeans generally travel with their children from a very young age, so almost all of their ski resorts are very family friendly. For young children, you can find quality childcare and there are ski schools for all skill levels.
Plus you have the added allure of experiencing another culture. Often, the lifts are more comfortable than in the U.S., and even the slope-side cafeteria food is great. And as in some of the U.S. ski resorts, there is the option of skiing from town to town in many areas.
Christmas is the most popular time to book a ski getaway, and I have been sending a lot of people to Colorado. This past year, I found a large rental house in Aspen for an extended family gathering with kids, nannies and three generations of family members. The grandparents shipped presents for everyone to the house, and I surprised them with a decorated Christmas tree so they could celebrate together. It was super-fun to arrange and everyone had a family Christmas to remember.
If you are thinking of taking a ski vacation, I’d love to help find the one that’s right for you.