This is a great year for a ski vacation, but before you decide on a resort in which to spend your time and money, think about which category of ski resorts best suits your needs. Avid skiers may prefer the slopes high and more difficult to maneuver, whereas families may want to be sure there are amenities for everyone in the family – spa, bunny slopes and beginner lessons for the kids, for example.

Here are some categories for ski resorts that you may want to consider before making your plans:

Ski-In, Ski-Out – This type of ski resort provides accommodations located right on the slopes of a mountain, allowing you to ski in and out from your front door. Other resorts provide chair lifts, aerial trams and gondolas to take you to the top of the mountain. Some ski-in, ski-out resorts cater to ski tourism, while others offer snowboarding and other amenities such as swimming and ice-skating.

Mountain Resort – Located near a ski mountain, these ski resorts also offer golf, hiking, biking and tennis among other activities. There’s usually a town nearby that caters to skiers and snowboarders where you can find equipment and clothing rentals.

Family Resort – You can’t over-plan if you want to take your family on a ski vacation. When kids or beginner skiers are involved you don’t want to choose a resort with “No Beginners Allowed” signs and that caters to advanced skiers. However, it is important that the resort distinguishes which areas are challenging and which are especially for beginners.

Look for a family resort that offers a condo or townhome that will accommodate the entire family and you may also want to check on child care availability and ski packages that can save you money.

Nearby Ski Resorts – When you live near a good ski resort, you have the opportunity to select from accommodation and ski packages. There are season passes available that can include ski equipment and daily passes to the slopes. It’s a great way to save money and take ski or snowboarding lessons on a regular basis.

Before you begin to plan a ski vacation, make a list of what you expect and prefer in a ski resort. Then, scour the Internet for good deals and packages that suit your needs and budget. If you find a ski resort that you especially like, don’t hesitate to call and see what kind of deal they can offer.

Most ski resorts aim to please and will work hard to ensure that you’ll want to return by helping you plan a ski vacation from beginning to end and make it as pleasurable as possible.

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Original Post: Heavenly Ski Resorts

Ski Resorts