Usually kids don't want to wear the hood thing, but carry it in your pocket just in case. If it's really cold once you get on there on the slopes, I'll bet you big money that'll change.
Temps have been great for snowmaking and we definitely have more snow this year than we had last year. I wouldn't worry, we tend to get dumped on in December.
Here's a good article about late starts and how the season turns out.
I have been checking the cameras lately, and there does not appear to be alot of snow on the mountain, and not much in the forecast?
Getting nervous about our trip out December 18th. Anything to worry about?
I agree with the balaclava. If your boys are going to wear helmets, which they should, then you can buy a nice under helmet hat/balaclava, a must in Steamboat. The key to keeping warm on the mountain is layers. (and toe warmers!)
I ski with my boys every January in Steamboat (now 10 & 8) and they wear the whole kit every day since they stay up top most the whole day ... base layer top and bottom, fleece top (& bottom if it's Arctic cold), and down jacket. They used to wear...
Actually, we may book the Ore House, having had a vote from the children!
We skied a couple of years ago at Christmas and it was very cold. Usually we go in March. Thermals are a definite, if it's really cold I'll make the children wear a long sle...