- Part 2

Teens and Tweens Enjoy the Hike up Flattop Mountain near Anchorage, AK

Alaska, Best trip archives No Responses »

Jul 092011

Teens and Tweens Enjoy the Hike up Flattop Mountain near Anchorage, AK

We’re back from Alaska and have many great stories and photos to share. In 7 days we covered roughly 700 miles from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and Whittier to Hatcher Pass and Willow. We felt like we just got a taste of what the State has to offer but are thankful that we had fairly good weather and enjoyed lots of time with cousins, aunts and uncles along the way. Over the next few weeks we’ll share our Top 10 list of the best things to do when visiting Alaska with teens and tweens, starting with a hike up Flattop Mountain in the Chugach State Park on the eastern side of Anchorage. The summit of the 3,500 foot mountain is reached via a 1.7 mile trail that rises 1300 feet [...]

Five Favorite State and National Parks for Family Vacations with Teens and Tweens

Hawaii, Jersey Shore, Mt. Washington Valley, South Dakota, Yellowstone No Responses »

Jun 022011

Five Favorite State and National Parks for Family Vacations with Teens and Tweens

With school getting out and summer coming in, many families with teens and tweens will be thinking about hiking, camping and getting into the great outdoors. State and National Parks offer access to a wide array of natural wonders and family adventures. If you are looking for ideas consider some of our favorites from across the country including: Custer State Park in South Dakota Stay at one of the park’s lodges, drive the wildlife loop to see the buffalo herd, big horn sheep, antelope, begging burros and more. Don’t forget to visit Sylvan Lake. Take a mile long stroll around the lake or follow the trail for a thrilling day hike to 7,244 ft. Harney Peak. Its a great hike for teens and tweens. Side trips to Jewel Cave [...]

Top Five Things to Do in Winter At Smugglers’ Notch

Resorts, Ski Country, Smugglers' Notch No Responses »

Mar 092011

Top Five Things to Do in Winter At Smugglers' Notch

As we write this Smugglers’ Notch is digging out from a 2 foot snow storm in early March. The full service ski season including all lesson and camp programs is scheduled to run for almost another month so there is definitely time for some skiing over March spring break. If you take your teens and tweens to Smugglers’ Notch this spring, or plan to visit next season, be sure to follow the links below to read our posts about our five favorite things to do: Ski Experience the scenic trails on Madonna and Sterling Mountains. On a clear day you can see the Adirondacks, Lake Champlian and Vermont’s Green Mountains from the Upper Drifter trail. Learn Take snowboard and ski lessons as part of the resort’s Snow Sports University [...]

Off the Slopes: Out and About at Smugglers’ Notch

Best trip archives, Reviews, Ski Country, Smugglers' Notch No Responses »

Mar 042011

Off the Slopes: Out and About at Smugglers' Notch

The endless list of things to do at Smugglers’ Notch extends well beyond Snow Sports University and a wide range of downhill trails. During our recent visit, non-skier Mary T took some time to explore the off-mountain activities available at the resort. Many activities are included in the resort activity pass, including ice skating, guided winter walks, and access to cross-country and snowshoe trails. Rental equipment is available at the Nordic Center. The Nordic Center is also the place to arrange for a number of other activities including Dog Sled rides and snowmobiling. Evening rides are available right at the Resort while daytime rides are offered at nearby locations. While the teens were skiing and snowboarding, Mary T and Camera Guy opted to book a daytime snowmobile ride with the Sterling Ridge [...]

Teen’s Favorite Smugglers’ Notch Ski Trails

Resorts, Reviews, Ski Country, Smugglers' Notch, Vermont No Responses »

Feb 282011

Teen's Favorite Smugglers' Notch Ski Trails

During our recent visit to Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch resort, #1 Son had a chance to ski the vast majority of the trails on 3,640 ft Madonna Mountain and 3,040 ft Sterling Mountain. During the few days we were there he developed the list of favorites shown below. If you go be sure to check them out. Scenic Favorites on Madonna Mountain Madonna’s majestic views across the valley, the Notch and well beyond won hands down when it came to selecting scenic trails. Don’t miss out on: Upper Chilcoot: 4,500 feet long and accessed from the summit of Madonna Mountain via the Madonna I chairlift. Named after a mountain pass in Alaska, this trail provides a lot of entertaining twists and turns to go with the stunning views. Connect with the Waterfall Trail and Gary B’s Northwest [...]

Teens Review Smugglers’ Notch Ski and Snowboard Lesson and Camp Options

Reviews, Ski Country, Smugglers' Notch, Vermont No Responses »

Feb 252011

Teens Review Smugglers' Notch Ski and Snowboard Lesson and Camp Options

As we noted earlier, Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers a wide range of ski and snowboard camps for teens and tweens as part of the mountain’s Snow Sports University program. From regular group lessons, to full day camps and age-appropriate mountain explorations, Smugglers’ tries hard to help each teen and tween find their own niche. During our recent visit, the Princess participated in the all-day Notch Squad snowboard camp for kids ages 11-15. #1 Son experimented (briefly) with the Mountain Explorer program for 16 and 17 year olds before opting to explore the mountain solo. Their experiences remind us why it is so important to know your teens and tweens and make an effort to match their personalities to the available programs. Making sure that your teen or tween enjoys their lessons at [...]

Why Smugglers’ Notch is Tops for Teens

Ski Country, Smugglers' Notch, Vermont No Responses »

Feb 172011

We’re getting ready to head north for a school vacation week family ski getaway hosted by Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont. If you read our earlier reviews on the best ski resorts for families in Vermont and New Hampshire you probably noticed that Smugglers’ stood out for its commitment to teen and tween programming. We were thrilled when Smugglers’ invited our family for a visit to check out all the teen attractions for ourselves. To help with our vacation planning, we asked Smuggler’s Snow Sport University director Harley Johnson and Activities Director Stacey Comishock to give us an overview of what to expect. Here is what we learned: Q: Smugglers’ Notch seems to make a big effort to cater to teens and tweens. Can you give us a quick summary of the [...]

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