This was the first family vacation that we took with Sam. We chose Snowmass because it is one of the only resorts that starts ski school at 2 years old. They have an awesome facility, called The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, at the base village which offers ski school plus day care. We had an amazing time and can't wait to go back.
We started traveling around noon with the drive to DFW Airport, followed by a shuttle from remote parking to the terminal. We flew into Vail/Eagle Airport and took a shuttle to Aspen/Snowmass. Total travel time was about seven hours. Sam especially liked flying and going through the tunnels in the mountains.
I couldn't imagine six whole days with no Thomas the Train. We considered taking a few of the trains and tracks that he already had, but the solid wood pieces are too big and too heavy. I found this Take Along Thomas set on sale online. Some of the trains were on sale for as low as $2. The tracks and pieces on the Take Along Thomas sets are plastic so they weigh a lot less. The trains are diecast metal, so they weigh a little more, but they are a lot smaller. Of course Sam was thrilled to have new toys to play with.
This is a shot of the living room in the condo. We stayed at the Tamarack Townhomes. You can see the snow stacked up outside the windows, and Sam playing with his trains.
We cooked breakfast in the condo every morning. Sam got a kick out of sitting on a stool at the bar.
Here's everyone sitting around in their long underwear after the first day of skiing.
I love all of Sam's ski stuff. Chris and I have been skiing for eight years, so it was funny to see everything in miniature versions. Oh, and don't forget the fireplace. We loved that! There was a fireplace in the master bedroom of the condo too.
It got pretty warm while we were in Snowmass. It started out high 30s low 40s, but ended up high 40s low 50s. All the snow started melting on the roofs.
This is the gondola that the locals call "The Skittle." It's intended to be a people mover between the two ski villiage areas. The older area is at the top and is called Snowmass Villiage Mall. The newer area at the bottom is called Snowmass Base Villiage. Most of the places to eat and shop are at the top. The Treehouse and ski school are at the bottom.
We tried to get some pictures of Sam in his ski school. We waited around for about 30 minutes, but he ended up being in the second group that day so we didn't get any. We took lots of pictures of the scenary and of each other while we were waiting. Here's a picture that I took of Chris.
Fletcher Duke lives in Snowmass and owns a restaurant there. Melanie and Fletcher have been friends since preschool. He came out for a few runs with us after lunch one day.
I thought this was funny. Sasquatch Crossing.
Family pic in the condo.
Here we are getting suited up to go out. There's lots of gear involved in skiing: long underwear, wool socks, fleece shirt, snow pants, boots, hat/helmet, coat, gloves, gogges, skis, and poles. Then there's the stuff in your pockets: wallet, cell phone, camera, snack, lift ticket, trail map, sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen. Pair all of that with a two year old's "my do it" and it takes a while to get going in the morning.
Chris and I took one day off from skiing to spend the whole day with Sam. That's our condos across the street on the right.
Sam and Mommy in front of the Treehouse. They let us borrow Sam's ski school gear so we could take him skiing up the mountain.
Sam and DeeDah riding the gondola up the mountain.
Teeny tiny ski boots.
Aspens and evergreens.
One of the groomers next to gondola. Snowmass is known for its groomers. You can see how it was getting a little icy since it was so warm.
A shot of the valley.
The white high peaks are part of the Continental Divide (divides the rivers that drain into the Pacific from the rivers that drain into the Atlantic).
Here are some shots of Sam gearing up. Skis first.
Helmet
Goggles
Magic carpet
I wasn't sure how comfortable Sam would be on the skis since I hadn't seen him at ski school. I also had no idea how the instructors were getting them down the runs. Were they holding them from behind or just letting them go? We tried the first couple of runs with me holding him from behind.
It was pretty warm, so we decided that we really didn't need our coats.
I love this picture of Sam. I can't believe he's skiing at two!
Sam finally said "Let go of me! Stop touching me!" So, I let go and he did fine on his own. The instructors were teaching him to make french fries (straight skis - go) and pizza (wedge - stop). I couldn't get him to do anything but french fries. It may have something to do with the fact that he was saying "faster, faster!" If he figured out that pizza made him stop, I don't think he wanted to do it.
Look at that big smile! He loved it.
A little ski montage.
DeeDah and Sam.
This is the front of Fletcher's restaurant, The Stew Pot. This was Fletcher's first season as owner. We ate seven out of nine lunches and dinners there, so we obviously really liked it. They specialize in soups and stews. I think the ham, brie, and apple panini with a side of cream of mushroom soup was my favorite.
Here's a picture of a few of The Stew Pot crew. There was more seating to the right and more upstairs.
Sam loved riding the "gongala."
Playing in the snow.
The condo had a heated pool and two hot tubs (with a waterfall).
It was neat to sit in the hot tub surrounded by snow and lights. The hot tub is pretty much mandatory -- skiing really makes your legs sore in ways you couldn't imagine.
Melanie took the Beginner's Magic ski lessons at Snowmass. She'll be tearing up those blues the next ski trip!
Me in my skis. I wish I was still there!
