We always wanted to get our kids on skis early.  Last year, we pulled our daughter on a set of skis for a total of 5 minutes – she loved it!  This year, she’s 3.5 and will hopefully get started on skis – I think the hardcore ski families have little ones on skis as soon as they can walk, but for the rest of us mere mortals, generally 4 years old is on the early side.

Quechee has a great Kids program – including “day care” which is basically games and activities for the younger ones… Ski Bees is the group program for 4-7 year olds, then a more intense “Skills & Drills” class for 8-12 year olds.  We have friends with older kids who are on the Quechee Ski Team (which goes up until age 18).  I met a guy who’s kids learned to ski at Quechee, were now nationally ranked juniors and were currently touring in Germany on a ski program.  Not too shabby!  Skiing / snowboarding has gotten so expensive, I love that Quechee is still pretty affordable – you can bring a family of 4 for about $100 (if you buy tickets in advance) and don’t stress out if one in the group has a melt down, or another’s foot hurts, or if mom just wants to relax at the fire.

3 lifts, 13 trails and a Terrain Park – and that’s just the skiing / snowboarding!

Ken Kramberg’s ski school is renowned for teaching kids the basics for being safe, excelling, and having fun… more than a few accomplished skiers and riders started at Quechee.

Quechee Club organizes tons of family activities – there are free Sleigh Rides from Quechee Base Lodge (next to Ski Mountiain & Sledding Hill).

The Swiss Alps, it ain’t.  Then again, if you’re looking for more intense downhill action, there are many within a short drive:

• Suicide Six (Woodstock, about 15 mins drive):  2 lifts, 1 J-bar, 23 runs, 650′ vertical
• Mt Sunapee (Sunapee NH, about 30 mins drive):  11 lifts, 63 trails, 1510′ vertical
• Killington + Pico (Rutland VT, about 40 mins drive):  29 lifts, 212 trails, 3050′ vertical
• Swiss Alps (Switzerland, about 6 hrs flight)

The best part about Quechee is there’s tons of activities even if you don’t like skiing (or just want a day off):  from ice skating, to sledding, to x-country, to snow shoeing, to just taking a sleigh ride, or getting a massage at the club.  There’s something for everyone.