Pre-ski programs for a 3year old?

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 22, 2009 at 3:32pm

I don't think there are indoor pools in Steamboat. At least, not that I know of near the ski area. And there are no theme hotels, a la the Smugglers hotels in the Northeast. The Sheraton Hotel & Condos has been the best bar none logistically speaking of all the ski mountain properties, but it's by far not the nicest or even the best economically speaking (overpriced for underpar rooms). This year One Steamboat comes on line with new and nicely appointed large condos so that might change things.

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Permalink Reply by Boo Boo on November 23, 2009 at 1:52am

Actually have to disagree about the Sheraton... well at least the condos (or now called "Villas") - they are very nice. However they are expensive ($1000+ a night for a two bedroom?) and the pool isn't very convenient... (outdoor, bit of a dash from the building, I believe).

The Grand would be a very good choice, I think: only a very short walk across from Gondola Square (including the gondola and ski school), a couple of resturants on-site (I am not a big fan of Chaps, but it seems popular with the "Kiddie Tea Time" crowd), room service available, The Cabin (much nicer restaurant) and great pool (not indoor/outdoor, but it has an "indoor entrance").

Also Chateau Chamonix is a VERY easy ski out (or you could walk) down to ski school. That DOES have an indoor/outdoor pool. Haven't been inside, but they seem to be very nice from what I have seen/heard.

Personally I like (and regularly stay at) Bear Claw - a pretty easy ski-in/ski-out from the base (although you could use their private shuttle down to ski school) and very family friendly. Convenient pool and hot tubs, very "log cabin looking" and homely. Generally very reasonably priced for such a great location. It's main downside is not being able to walk anywhere (shops/restaurants) from it... but their private shuttle is very good.

I think that the Trappeurs Crossing complex (which is a little away from the slopes - you would need to use their shuttles) has an indoor/outdoor pool too. BIG complex with quite a variety of standard/priced units.

Can't help about ski school, but will be reading the replies you get with interest...

Boo

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 23, 2009 at 7:15am

But no in-room laundry at Bear Claw makes that most definitely NOT family friendly.

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 23, 2009 at 7:24am

Yes, I see your point about the Sheraton's pools. I always forget about that since we don't use the pools ever; somehow the winterpool experience didn't appeal to my Florida kids when they were little and now that they are 10 & 8 they want action with their pool time so a simple pool isn't worth getting wet. Far better for them is the downtown athletic club pool. As for the Sheraton appointments, I really meant that it's expensive for what you get even if the condos are quite nice. They are still not THAT much better to justify that high a premium. Truth be told, what I really liked about the Sheraton was room service. Now that is a really handy family-friendly feature.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on November 22, 2009 at 4:14pm

The kids get inside and outside playtime mixed in with beginning ski work. The kids center has been completely remodeled for this year. Some of the kids KVC people may upgrade my remarks as that is not my department and I am short on details for you, sorry.
The brand new Highmark is a Condotel and has a very nice indoor/outdoor pool. The walk to the ski area is very simple and gets you to the kiddie drop area without hassle.

A link to their site with photos. http://www.highmarksteamboat.com/amenities/

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Permalink Reply by chitown skier on November 22, 2009 at 7:11pm

We really like The Lodge at Steamboat. Mostly 2 BR condos, easy walk to Ski School, grocery next door, handy shuttle. The pool is outdoors, as are 2 hot tubs, but there is an indoor hot tub connected to building "E." As for Buckaroos - our youngest did Buckaroos or Mavericks (sorry, forget which) at age 3. It was a nice introduction, and he was ready for a longer day the next year. He now skis my pants off and scares me with tree runs and jumping, so I'm sure your little one would have a wonderful experience and get enough "on the snow" time for that age. It should be a lot of playing at this point so that they look forward to skiing like the "big kids" the next time. Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

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Permalink Reply by Marlene on November 23, 2009 at 7:34am

One thing that we have done with all 3 of our children is to let them walk around the house and yard in their ski boots. This always seems to be the most awkward for little ones who are new to the sport and this gives them the opportunity to get comfortable in their boots before you send them to the hill. Not sure if this is a possibility for you but it is worth a try even if it is only the night before he goes to ski school for the first time. I highly recommend the ski programs at KVC at Steamboat - they have very qualified and friendly staff and your son will have fun while learning the sport. Enjoy. (FYI- I second the Grand for lodging - we usually stay there when my extended family comes to town and it is very family friendly with convenient proximity to the slopes with ski storage at the base too!)

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Permalink Reply by trudeska on November 23, 2009 at 8:56am

Oh yeah, I remember that! Once those boots went on my kids reacted with all the joy of a horse feeling the saddle for the first time. I remember each day waiting for the last possible moment to click them in at the KVC parent drop-off area. If I had to do it over, I'd buy some several months before even just to use the for the one trip and call it a small price to pay for happiness and harmony.

My 2 cents... If you live in a temperate region, you will find that even the unfamiliarity of bulky clothes and a helmet will make small children reach their stress limits quickly; at least it did mine. It was hard to get out of the condo before stuff started coming off or the whining started. Make sure you don't overdress them. They are at the base when they are outside and in heated rooms the rest of the time.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Dean on November 23, 2009 at 12:26pm

Hi,

As far as lodging goes, my family visited into town last winter and stayed at the Highmark which at that stage was better value than the Sheraton or the Steamboat Grand. The Highmark is very close to the base, has an indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub, a fantastic shuttle service and very nicely appointed rooms. I have also had clients stay at Chateau Chamonix and was impressed with their facilities and the general level of customer service.

Three years is a perfect age to introduce your child to snowsports. How quickly your child takes to snowsports and how you approach the introduction depends on a couple of factors;

1. Is your child used to spending time away from mum and dad in a group setting (with other children)? If your child is used to spending time in day care, and won't find the group situation too confronting, the Buckaroos program would be ideal. This program combines all day child care with a one hour of ski private and other group activities. However, if your child has spent little time on his own, a whippersnapper private may be more successful. A whippersnapper private is a one hour product and includes ski equipment.

2. Winter sports require numerous layers of clothing, headwear and eye protection. For a three year old, the rigmarole involved in putting on and moving around in all this gear can be enough to over stimulate them. If possible try and get your child used to dressing and wearing all the required clothing and headwear prior to your arrival so this is one less thing to worry about when you arrive.

3. Finally, limit your sons skiing to short, enjoyable sessions and don't attempt to teach him yourself and ensure you stay out of sight during his lesson.

I hope this helps and enjoy your trip to Steamboat,

Andy

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Permalink Reply by Sue Michaels on November 23, 2009 at 1:01pm

Wow!!!!! Thanks to everyone for their wonderful, thoughtful replies. I am going to go investigate the places mentioned, and begin working on making my little guy familliar with helmets, goggles and the like.....

I am now getting even more excited to share my love of skiing and winter activites with my son!

Sue

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Permalink Reply by Laura Sjoblom (live2ski) on November 23, 2009 at 2:03pm

I've been reading this and there are many good suggestions for lodging. The Comfort Inn comes to my mind, if having an indoor pool is quite important to you. However it is located a good distance from the ski area base. There is a (free) bus stop right outside of it, though, and my girls (ages 3 and 5) love to ride the bus. The price might be a bit more reasonable, too. But it not within walking distance to the base with a 3 year old in tow. Good luck and have fun in Steamboat!!

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Permalink Reply by Sharon McConnell on November 23, 2009 at 4:43pm

Our daughter started in KVC at 3.5 yrs old and our son did the same, after having two one-hour private "on snow" sessions at 2.5 years. They were both able to ski off the Preview lift with us helping them that first year in KVC. They have done Steamboat Ski School every year since, and they're now 13 and 10. So, I say go for it, especially if your son is old enough for the youngest KVC "on snow" group (which used to be called Mavericks, maybe still is). My 13-yr-old now goes to ski school only b/c it's the only way she'll get to ski double black runs, as neither my husband nor I will do it with her!

We always go for condos close to, but not at the base, and have moved a little further away (i.e. not walking distance) as the kids have gotten older and able to handle the free bus. We like having it a little quieter in the non-skiing hours. Laundry in the condo is one of our very top criteria! The Phoenix is pretty close, but don't know what kind of shape they're in these days. There are also several fairly new condos across the street from the Gondola base, and many close by have private shuttles.

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