S'more Fun for the Kids in Snowmass

It's winter in the rocky mountains.  The mountains glisten with freshly fallen snow, and the skiers and boarders have migrated to the welcoming slopes.  Aspen/Snowmass is reputed to be one of the top family winter vacation destinations in North America, a reputation well-deserved.

Skiing and snowboarding naturally rank as the primary reasons for heading to this beautiful part of Colorado, especially for the adults in the group.  But let's not forget about the kids. There are activities for children of all ages to experience as a family or by themselves when the adults want to hit the black slopes well beyond any child's ski level.

Snowmass boasts an amazing ski school for children ages 3 and above (2 ½ if potty trained) at the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center. The classes aren't large, and the instructors are specially trained for their age group. The little ones may find the school daunting at first- there is lots going on - but don't let that dissuade them or you from trying it. Once inside, your child may not want to leave. In addition to the lesson, kids color, play games, and of course enjoy snacks and lunch. When the kids get older, they can race their friends down the public Nastar racecourse.

After skiing, on Monday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30, kids can join in a sing-a-long and s'mores by the campfire at the Snowmass Village Mall.  On Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30, families can meet at the Ice Age Discovery Center in Snowmass Mall for story time, and more s'mores.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, but never fear - there is a lovely coffee and muffin shop nearby ready to provide hot beverages and snacks.  Both activities are free. The Ice Age Discovery Center displays photos and stories of the ice age mammoths recently found near Snowmass - a great adventure for the dinosaur lovers in the family.

Parents and children can also participate in a free interactive nature program on Snowmass Mountain on Wednesday and Fridays at 11:45 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.  It's a fun way to learn about the animals (besides humans) that also call Snowmass their home.

If your family wants a bit more exercise, during the winter the Snowmass Club golf course becomes The Snowmass Cross-Country Ski Center. Novice skiers can take classes, and everyone can participate in special events and run races. The course is free, but lessons and some special events charge a fee in addition to any rental fees for skis and poles.  There is also a sledding hill, which no one can resist.

For children ages 8 weeks to 4 years, the Snowmass Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center provides childcare during the day. The facility is safe and comfortable, and each age level is in it's own private play area.

Children ages 3 to 12 can also participate, with or without their parents, in après ski activities from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Very popular with youngsters is a climbing room that is open to the public during the day. Kids can climb up the rope tunnels or through the wooden treehouse to a log cabin complete with a play pot belly stove and water pump.

For more information go to www.snowmassvillage.com and www.aspensnowmass.com.