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A little research last year lead me to believe Mt Wachussett had the best bang-for-buck kids ski school. Unfortunately, we never made it.
My kids are aged 3.5 and 5.5. Looking to just spend a day. I've snowboarded Loon, Waterville, Nashoba, Pats Peak, McIntyre & others. I don't care about amenities, number of lifts/trails, lodging, vertical drop, black diamonds, glades.
Just looking for a good bang-for-buck kids ski program to introduce my kids to skiing.
Pat's Peak in Henniker has my vote as a family friendly learning mountain. The staff is great. The rates are affordable. It offers enough of a variety that skiers of all levels can enjoy themselves.
I take advantage of the "Parent Pass" they offer for those who have kids in their program. It cost $25 for an all day pass. I pull the kids out of school early every Thursday (the day of their lessons) and we ski untill closing at 9pm. Night Skiing is another great part of Pat's.
They have a free lift (the magic carpet ride) you can practice on and take your inexperienced skiers on for nothing. My 4 1/2 year old skis most of the mountain and 5 and under ski free all the time.
Oh, they also make a lot of snow so even now the conditions are great. Better than Sunapee or Crotched it terms of snow from what I've experienced this year.
Interesting. I crossed Pats Peak off my list because it appeared the only option they have for my kids is private lessons for $75/hr. I see no reference to the "Parents Pass" you mention. The website is clunky so we'll have to give them a call I guess.
Another vote for Pat's Peak, many schools in the area have a ski program at school where they can go after school for 5 weeks (one day a week), and is very reasonable. I am one of the coordinators for the ski program at the elementary schools in Goffstown, Pat's has a lot to offer.
Took the kids to Crotched yesterday for the afternoon program. Wife and I got to snowboard for 3hrs while the kids got their lessons. The instructors were great. It wasn't crowded (my 5yr-old pretty much had her own instructor). They have an indoor play area with a few toys but they try to keeps the kids in the snow as much as possible. They break every few minutes to come inside and drink hot cocoa.
I was shocked that my kids wanted to ride the double chair up and ski down. They did great for their first time.
Total was $280 for two kids + rentals and 2 adult lift tickets.
Maybe we'll try Pats Peak next time to see what they offer.
Children under 6 can ski for free at a lot of areas. Loon, Waterville, Cannon all offer free skiing. Lessons will cost ya'. I taught my kids to ski using the old "make a slice of pie" method. They quickly learned stem christie and became expert skiers.
Try the Family Fun at Crotched on Sundays from 2:30 to 5:00 PM. That can save some money.
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