Vacation ideas with snow

EddieWalker · Nov 3, 2006

Steph just found out she has a week off in January and we thought it would be fun to take the kids to the snow. They are 6 and 9 years old and have only seen snow one time in there lives. We're not looking for a ski resort, but a place where they can slide down a hill on a sled and have fun playing.

We're a hundred miles East of Dallas and figure Colorado is the closest place to go, but know it's a full days drive each way. Is there any other state that might be closer to the Texas, Lousiana, Arkansas area with snow and a hill that the kids can play on?

We're not set in stone on the snow idea, so if anybody knows of a fun winter destination within a few hundred miles of our area, we'd love to consider them.

I've ordered the tourist guieds for Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

Thanks,
Eddie, Steph and kids

monkeymonk · Nov 3, 2006

I'd start out in Durango,CO hit Mesa Verde if open.
head up red mountain pass check out silverton,CO.
Then head over to Ouray,CO where theres some lodging and Hot springs for all ages. Ouray also hosts an ice climbing festival and has some pretty cool water falls and winter hiking trails snow shoe or not. Plenty of snow everywhere.

This part of Colorado is our favorite and what we consider the most beautiful.Theres no large airport or HUB's near by so the tourist factor and swank-ker rate is very low compared to other areas of the state.

We always make a point to visit south west C.O.

Then if your feeling friskie Telluride is a 45min drive away very pretty town.You can ride the mtn village ski gondola for free while you check out the awesome views before you roll back to Ouray.

Either way where ever you go your gonna have fun.

OKnewguy · Nov 6, 2006

I do not know how it would work out time wise from your area, but for my family up in OKC area we shot out west to SantaFe, and Taos NM. It is about 4 to 5 hours shorter drive (then most of Colorado). There will be plenty of snow by then and there are some neat attractions in the area.
Good luck, Dave

BillG_in_TX · Nov 7, 2006

OKnewguy said:
I do not know how it would work out time wise from your area, but for my family up in OKC area we shot out west to SantaFe, and Taos NM. It is about 4 to 5 hours shorter drive (then most of Colorado). There will be plenty of snow by then and there are some neat attractions in the area.
Good luck, Dave

Eddie,

Northern New Mexico is a good place to start out. Angel Fire Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce is oriented to families and less expensive than a lot of places. Also, check out Red River, New Mexico. I've been to both places several times, along with Taos, but never in winter. I don't do cold very well, and certainly don't pay for it.

Wesdor · Nov 7, 2006

Since you don't have a desire to do serious skiing, but do want snow sports, I'd suggest Winter Park, Colorado.

The drive up over the pass is beautiful and the town itself is a winter wonderland. You can purchase a ride on a snow cat to see people at the ski resort and even pay $$$$ for an evening meal on the mountain.

There is a sledding hill at the north edge of town and you can also rent snowmobiles.

A few miles north is a place called silver creek resort. We had booked a room there years ago, but ended up not being able to go since we had a major flood.

The condos we have rented at winter park are a bit north east of town and include a nice clubhouse within easy walking distance. This includes sauna, hot tub, etc.

Good luck wherever you decide to go, Colorado has some fantastic places no matter what season you visit. BTW - just don't get there during the Christmas Vacation - prices are about double at that time.

Jimbrown · Nov 7, 2006

Well do not rule out any of the ski areas in colorado I really like the breckenridge area. Every ski resort has a program for kids for 1/2 or all day that most kids love. I guarantee a 6 or 9 year old with one hour of ski lessons will out ski most people who have skied for years.

EddieWalker · Nov 7, 2006

Thanks for the ideas. We're taking notes and looking them up!!

Eddie & Steph

Egon · Nov 8, 2006

Eddie; you take a kid out to the hill and give em some ski lessons and you will forever be going back to the Ski Hill's.

If you was going farther north I could find some nice places for you!

scott_vt · Nov 8, 2006

Egon said:
Eddie; you take a kid out to the hill and give em some ski lessons and you will forever be going back to the Ski Hill's.

If you was going farther north I could find some nice places for you!

Mornin Eddie,
Well theres always Vermont, much closer to Texas than Nova Scotia !

EddieWalker · Nov 8, 2006

Egon,

I have family in Nova Scotia that do allot of fishing. My parents visited them a few years back and really enjoyed themselves. One day, I'd love to meet those relatives and see that area.

Scotty,

I've never been to Vermont either. Niagra Falls is the closest I've ever been, and that was a family vacation in grade school. Your pictures, along with others here have realy sparked my curiosity and desire to see that part of the country!!!

Eddie