NYCityMama's Passport
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
I am a work-from-home-mom married to a work-outside-home-dad. We have 3 boys: 3, 4, and 12. We live in NYC and love it. I love to travel, and I write about our findings and adventures on my travel and lifestyle blog.
And because of our kids we find that our travels aren't always to exotic places, but in this adventurous family we believe that "it's not always about the destination, but about the journey". And man, are our journeys fun..and the destinations so far...not too shabby either : )
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, rowdy, simple, independent, energetic, spontaneous, easy_going, artsy, social_butterfly
We Just Got Back From
Niagara Falls, before that a road trip cross country.
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Wisconsin
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Disney, Europe
Favorite Vacation Memory
Recent trip cross country...from NYC to Missoula, MT and back.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Oh man...any time they have a tantrum is pretty awful...and my kids have a few.
Websites I Like:
What's Kid-Friendly at Pico Mountain Ski Resort
After a fun weekend at Killington, VT discovering Pico Mountain Ski Resort, my family and I walked away with a lot of new info to share with other ski-loving families! Everyone in our crew, from the 3 to 12 year old...and adults too...had something fun to do.
71 Alpine Drive
Killington, Vermont
reviewed on: February 26 2010
"Learning to Ski at Mini Stars Slide and Play in Pico Mountain"
A couple of weekends ago we visiting Pico Mountain, in Killington, VT for a family ski trip. Except for my husband no else in our family had ever been skiing before.We traveled with our 12, 4, and 3 year old sons. My 12 year old had done some snowboarding, but very little, and the younger ones had never even been to a ski resort.
The resort offers both a day care and a ski lesson program.
My 4 year old participate in the Mini Stars Slide and Play program, a ski lessons program set for kids ages 4 to 6. The program starts at 8:30AM, and we never managed to get there that early, which might have interfered a bit with the schedule.
Both the day care for the younger children and the ski lessons program were near each other so it was very easy to drop the children off where they needed to be.
The site was clean and spacious. All the equipment was clearly labelled and the check in wasn't too much of a hassle. There was always a staff member around to greet anyone that walked in.
However, we were hurried through the process of getting my 4 year old geared up and ready to go outside with the other kids for lessons on both days we were there. Things were a bit smoother on the second day, but on the first day the hurried drop off did not help my 4 year old son feel comfortable with all the new faces and being left alone. As a result, he was as any child would be in a unfamiliar environment and hesitant to jump right in with the others.
We found the Team Leader for the Mini Stars program to be amazing at getting everyone organized and out the door, but she seemed to lack an understanding of how to help really young children adjust to what could be an intimidating situation to a preschooler. I thought she was nice overall, but found her to be unsympathetic and confused as to why my 4 year old son would not warm up to a group of strangers, in a new environment. I was taken a back when she asked if my son had "health" issues, insinuating that maybe he had some mental issue or learning disability. She asked me this both days I saw her, and on the second day I was quite upset by it. The other children in the group were mostly children of local residents who frequent the program.
Despite my initial worries on how he might've been perceived or treated, my 4 year old spoke fondly of his friends and his experience, even after a rough start on his first day at ski school. I watched behind a bush as he fell on the snow at one point, got up, arranged his little skis so that they were parallel to one another and snapped his boots right in without any assistance. I also watched as he slid down a small slope, a smile full of pride and sheer joy on his face. It was incredible to watch.
Despite my initial reservations, he had a great time, though I would hope that better training is offered to the Team Leader on how to deal with the children who aren't regulars, and who might respond shyly or with hesitance upon their initial arrival to the program.
2 full-days at Mini-Stars for 4 year old estimated total cost: $260.00 ($109 non-peak/$129 peak). Half days are $80 non-peak/$90 peak. I found the value of the program in general to be worth it. My son was learning the basics quickly and the instructors were very nice.
Bottom line, I was recommend that you arrive very early so that if this is your child's first experience, they have time to acclimate a bit to their environment before they are taken out to the slopes. My 4 year old loved his "school" and often asks to return, so that and having seen how he handled himself with the skis makes it an overall good experience for us.
This review is based on a complimentary visit to the Mini Stars Slide and Play Program in Pico Mountain. I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
73 Alpine Drive
Killington, Vermont
reviewed on: February 26 2010
"A Family Ski-Weekend at Pico Mountain"
I have been wanting to learn to ski for 22 years. I had tried once before, in Italy of all places, but the weather was warm for the season, and there was no snow. Then, I just never had the chance. Until recently, when my family and I had the opportunity to head to Killington, VT to check out Pico Mountain. The town of Killington, VT is about 4 hours and 40 minutes from Upper Manhattan where we live. If you take I-87, it requires more tolls, but a lot less traffic than the other routes. My younger boys had no idea what to expect, though my 12 year old having discovered snowboarding with his father not too long ago, was very excited.
We arrived at Pico Mountain around 8:30PM. The area was dark, and it was clear that a lot was shut down for the night. We checked in at the Sports Center, and the young gentleman was friendly and very helpful, even guiding us to the main area where we would find dinner.
We stayed at Pico Mountain Condominiums, located a short walk to the main ski area.
The resort itself was lovely. Smaller than other ski resorts I have seen, but this is exactly why I chose it. The environment is perfect for beginner skiers like myself and my children, and though my husband is a more advanced skier, he still felt that the variation of slopes provided him with enough options for his level. He also thought the quality of the slopes was good, though the lifts were a bit older. As a beginner skier, I had no problems with either.
There is an separately owned day care on site called Kid's Quest for children 6 months to 3 years old and a ski lessons program called Mini Stars Slide and Play, set for kids ages 4 to 6. My 3 year old stayed at Kid's Quest and my 4 year old participated in Mini Stars. The resort hosts a Sports Center which is equipped with a weight room and a pool, and also serves as a membership gym for community residents.
Both my 12 year old and I took lessons. He, for snowboarding, and I, for skiing. The lessons are in the morning around 10AM and in the afternoon around 1:00PM. My son didn't feel he got much from his first lesson, though he liked his instructor on day two much better.
The staff at the equipment rental offices were helpful and very knowledgable. One of the young ladies even stepping out from behind the counter to help my 12 year old put on his snowboarding boots. The equipment was in good condition, fit well, and functioned without flaw.
I had wonderful instructors. Mark was my first and he was great in really taking us slow and not challenging us too much (we were all just learning to ski). Leslie, my instructor on day two was amazing. I would wish her on any beginner skier. After two days of skiing, I managed to not fall once! Not bad for a first-timer. I thought the value surpassed the cost of $35 for 1.5 hours.
Pico hosts a program called Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, where they offer lessons and activities to children and adults with disabilities. I witnessed a few members of the groups in action and everyone seemed be enjoying the experience.
There is a food court in the main building, where you can find pizza slices for $3.50 and a little over $5.00, among other food and beverage options. The Waffle Hut is located outside the main building and often filled the air with the scent of sweet, caramelized waffles - a favorite of most people at Pico.
The visitors were very friendly and approachable. I met a nice lady from Kent, England who spoke to me about her preference for Pico over Killington because of the size. I also met a Latino family, from the grandmother to the grandchildren, all frequent visitors of Pico, all avid skiers, who said they really enjoyed the laid back feel of the resort.
We cooked at the loft. I found out this was the best option for families with kids as most restaurants in the area experience huge lines at dinner time.
It is important to note that for larger families like mine, the ticket price for our experience is a bit high. Our weekend included: 2-night stay in the 2 BR, 2 BR loft; 2 full-day day care with lessons for our 3 year old, 2 full-days at Mini-Stars for 4 year old, 2 1 1/2 lessons for myself and also for my son, ski rentals for one junior and two adults, and 3 lift tickets. An estimated total cost: $1,520.00
However, Pico regularly offers ski and lift specials, including discounts on lodging throughout the season, discounted vacation packages, which can significantly help to reduce the cost.
My children cried as we crossed the bridge coming back into NYC. They begged their father to turn the car around, and to this day, almost a week later, my 4 year old refuses to take the ski tag off his coat and often talks about his experience at the "mountain house". I on the other hand, learned the basics of skiing, without falling once, and am longing to return soon as well.
Bottom line, I would recommend Pico Mountain as a ski resort destination, especially for beginner skiers. I researched a few ski sites nearby, including the larger, more popular Killington Ski Resort, but like many of the other skiers I spoke to, I decided on Pico Mountain because of it's smaller size, more intimate setting and environment.
This review is based on a complimentary visit to Pico Mountain. I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
71 Alpine Drive
Killington, Vermont
reviewed on: March 01 2010
"In Good Hands at Kid's Quest, Pico Mountain, Killington Vermont
"
During our recent visit to Pico Mountain we placed our 3 year old in the onsite licensed year-round day care program called Kid's Quest. My husband and I were so pleased with the attention and care provided to my child that I wish the the teachers at Kid's Quest could be his regular preschool teachers. The daycare was a good size with separate rooms to accommodate the different age groups they cater to, from 3 months to 5 years. The younger age groups, "Tamaracks" are for children 3 months to 3 years, and they have a separate room for them. Well lit, with natural light, they have cribs, and playpens, and enough space to allow for socialization without the distraction of the older, more active children. The little ones have fun enjoying music, floor time, climbing, arts and crafts.
The next group, the "Woodlands" (3 years to 5 years), are in a different room. My son was in this group. Both groups have quiet time/rest time around midday and they have the rooms set up to accommodate this with little sleeping bags.
In addition to providing full-time and part-time day care options, Kids Quest also offers ski lessons for children who are walking. Ski lessons are on a flatter terrain than where the "Mini Stars" take their lessons, though both centers have locations that are uncrowded and safe. The lessons are staggered between two hours both in the AM and PM, and are about 30-40 minutes long, depending mostly on the child's mood and willingness.
My husband and I got a chance to observe our 3 year old with his instructor. Hiding behind a pine tree, we saw how she patiently coached him and gave him confidence. Tears almost came to my eyes when I saw my "baby" coming down a small slope, hands on knees, smiling from ear to ear, no fear. He was so trusting of her, which is so rare, I knew we had made a great choice. My son started referring to his coach as "his best friend".
The rooms were clean, cheerful, and full of activities for the kids. The staff was helpful, kind, and attentive to all the children and their parents.
They also offer lunch, which is included and consists of pizza, small sandwiches, crackers, fruits, and other healthy choices.
In addition, Kid's Quest offers a Summer camp program for kids from K to 12. If we lived closer, I would definitely bring my child to Kid's Quest. The children enrolled have choices that include water sports, miniature golf, the alpine slide, hiking, rock climbing and arts and crafts. Lunch and healthy snacks are also served with this program.
The program is led by professional outdoor educators and Vermont state child care subsidies are accepted. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis.
If you're at Pico Mountain with a small child, definitely give your child the experience of Kid's Quest. A full day program with ski lessons included was a little over $110 dollars a day, $130 on weekends and Holidays. It is totally worth every penny for the positive experience my child had there.
*This review is based on a complimentary service offered at the Pico Mountain Kid's Quest Child Care Program. I received no other compensation besides the services and lessons at Pico Mountain Ski Resort and dat care center did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
4763 Killington Road
Killington, Vermont
reviewed on: February 26 2010
"Lodging at Pico Mountain Condominiums, Killington, VT "
We stayed at Pico Mountain Condominiums, during our recent trip to Pico Mountain, in Killington, VT. The lodge was a three floor townhouse, with two apartments on each floor. It was located at the top of a hill, but a short walk away from the main ski area. The size was great for our family of five.
It included two king size bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an upstairs loft, a kitchen completely equipped with all one would need as far as silverware, cooking supplies, etc., which really helped in reducing dinning expenses. There was also a nice bright dining room/living room area.
All the rooms were completely furnished with linens and extra pillows, as well as games and books for the kids. Another wonderful amenity was the free Wi-Fi, which worked beautifully as well as cable television channels.
Our three boys (3, 4 and 12) chose to sleep together in one room, on the king size bed, though they didn't have to since the 2nd level loft had a sofa bed. We loved the layout of the rooms because it was close enough for us to hear them, but not so close that we didn't have privacy. I also enjoyed the heating lamps in the bathrooms, that was a nice amenity to have after a day of skiing, and the kids really enjoyed the 2nd level loft. The younger kids spent most of their time up there watching t.v. or playing games.
The views were beautiful during the day. Tons of light came in from the floor to ceiling windows and the skylights in the living room area. There was also a small patio which overlooked the hill heading down to the resort, though you couldn't really see the resort itself. And it was quiet. A peaceful, wonderful silence we never get here in NYC. I think I enjoyed the silence of nature the most during this trip.
The beds and furniture were comfortable. The lodge also came with a wood burning fireplace, but this didn't work properly for us. We called to have someone check it, which they came over and did right away, but even after he fixed the fan, it still never really managed to function properly. However, the central heating system worked without flaw, so we were warm the entire time we were there.
My husband thought that the lodge should include more updates for the cost per night, and a guarantee that all amenities are in working order (such as the fire place), which I agree with. However, I also thought the space was perfect for us.
Our children loved their experience there and often talk about the "mountain house".
Our weekend included: 2-night stay in the 2 BR, 2 BR loft cost $350 a night, plus tax. A total of $800.00. A $100 deposit is required upon check-in.
Bottom Line: We loved our stay at the Pico Mountain Condominiums. The lodging here is privately owned and leased through Pico Mountain. I'm sure that one could probably find less expensive lodging off site, but for our family, proximity was a wonderful convenience. Pico Mountain offers lodging discounts throughout the season that help reduce some of the costs. We would recommend staying at Pico Mountain Condominiums, but also recommend to do so while taking advantage of any lodging specials available.
This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Pico Mountain Condominiums. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and services at Pico Mountain Ski Resort and the hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
