Sat 28 Jan 2006
Posted by Travelman under Travel
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“Chill, Mom!” the kids beg. I’m trying to, as the wind whips my face on the snowy mountain, but I can’t. Not when I feel like I’m herding cats—cats on skis and snowboards, no less. Those of you who have organized family-reunion vacations know exactly what I mean.
Maybe your family heads to the beach or to a favorite theme park. Ours gravitates toward mountain resorts—the more snow, the better. Nearly 20 of us have converged on the tiny town of Breckenridge, Colorado, for some fun in the snow at this centrally located Vail resort.
The parents in the bunch want nothing more than for our kids to feel that all-too-elusive family connection to their cousins who are spread across the country. If barreling down a snow-covered mountain helps, that’s fine with us. We’ve got skiers, snowboarders, shoppers, and spa lovers in the group. Some would be as happy to curl up with a book as head out on a snow-covered slope; others love skiing so much that they don’t even like to stop for lunch, stashing snacks in their jacket pockets.
This picturesque town with its old-fashioned wooden buildings and spectacular mountain vistas, and this big, bustling ski resort that aims to be all things to all snow-sports lovers, might just prove to be that rare family-vacation locale that pleases everyone. I hope so, anyway. There are plenty of families here—I even meet several skiing grandmas.
I realize while walking around the town and the mountain resort that Breckenridge would work just as well for a summer gathering. Families can kayak or hike, golf or mountain bike, check out the alpine slide or the giant maze. Lodging rates tend to be cheaper in summer, too. Another plus: No one needs a lift ticket to go hiking.
The locals whisper that April is the best time of all here—great snow, no crowds, all kinds of special activities and lodging/lift deals. The ski resort is open until April 22. Check Ski.com for packages. You can also save on lift tickets by buying them online from the resort’s website.
“We get big spring storms, so the snow is good,” said Tommy Banks, a manager at the resort’s ski and ride school. “You can ski in a T-shirt.”
Located two hours from Denver International Airport and boasting four peaks with three base areas and 2,200 acres of varied terrain, as well as umpteen shops and restaurants (burgers, burritos or buffalo steak?), the historic town of Breckenridge certainly has everything we need, from its own local brewery to a terrific little children’s museum to gourmet restaurants such as Relish or The Cellar for adults’ night out. (Tip: The resort’s child-care center is a great source for babysitters.)
The keys to a successful reunion, whatever the season and wherever you are: plenty of food (and beer), plenty of room—we opted for two condos, including one in the new Mountain Thunder Lodge half a block from the town’s just-opened gondola—and plenty for everyone to do whether they’re two or 52.
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