Huskies at Northerly Island It’s December and it is snowing in Chicago.  For many, this news might signal that it is time for hibernation and/or plentiful hot toddies, but for the adventurous, it means the start of Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island.  Northerly Island is a 91-acre peninsula that used to house Miegs Field, Chicago’s third airport, but now it’s a nature preserve that hosts lots of bucolic activities. Once the ground is covered with at least three inches of snow, on every weekend from December through February,  Polar Adventure Days commence.  Get up close and personal with Siberian huskies and birds of prey, watch ice sculptures being created or sip hot cocoa and wander down the icy nature paths. My favorite offerings at Northerly island are snow shoeing and cross country skiing. That’s right.  You can slap on free snow shoes or skis smack in the heart of downtown Chicago and glide around the island.  The equipment is available on s...[more »]

‘Tis the season! No, I’m not talking about turkey – or even tinsel or mistletoe. It’s the season for embracing the cold and strapping on your skis (or snowboard, if you prefer) to hit the slopes. Grab the kids and head to one of these winter wonderlands. Keystone, Colorado Known as a slightly less glamorous (but just as powdery) version of Aspen, Keystone might provide a better bargain for family travelers. Where to Ski: Keystone Ski Resort Located within the White River National Forest, this ski haven has 3 peaks, 135 trails, and 20 lifts to transport snow bunnies of every age and ability. Where to Stay: Inn at Keystone This hotel provides a great value for families and easy access to the slopes for skiiers. Stowe, Vermont Get the views and the weather synonymous with New England winters in this idyllic Vermont town. Where to Ski: Stowe Mountain Resort There’s nearly 40 miles of snow-covered trails to be conquered between Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfiel...[more »]

Hunter Ski Area Winter isn’t over yet, and families who love to ski can still get some great skiing in over the next few weeks.  The ski areas and resorts of the Northern Catskill Mountains, just two hours away from New York City, are offering some great activities and packages.  There are two very distinctive ski areas – so choose the one that’s most appropriate for your family. The Windham Mountain Ski Center, recently named New York’s most accessible resort by Ski Magazine, is offering a variety of family packages.  North of Windham Mountain is Hunter Mountain, which claims to be both family- and black diamond- friendly. If you are planning to travel to the area, consider signing up for the free Greene Card.  The Greene Card offers lift ticket discounts and special deals throughout 2011.  There are even “buy one, get one” deals on lift tickets (midweek). There are a variety of family-friendly resorts in the Catskill Mountains.  While many ar...[more »]