Steamboat Child Care

Steamboat pioneered the first Kids Ski Free program - which have since swept North America and are beginning to catch on, at long last, in the Alps, back in 982. Kids Ski Free is valid the entire ski season at Steamboat (other resorts may only offer it low season) and means children, 6-12 years of age can ski free the same number of days as their parents when a parent purchase a 5-or-more-day lift ticket. This offer is on a one-on-one basis, with one free child per paid adult. Children's ski programs and child care are based in the Kids' Vacation Center and kicks off with non-skiing day care for children aged 6 months up. Buckaroos is the youngest 'with skiing' program available for children as young as 2 years and up. Participants enjoy all-day or half-day child care and a one-hour private ski clinic. Once children are three and a half years, potty trained, wanting to ski and can bring along their own equipment they can join Mavericks. Mavericks where they'll find smaller group sizes and two, one-hour ski sessions daily. From age 4 Sundance Kids gives aspiring young skiers the best coaching and facilities. These skiers are provided with special clinic areas and lifts at the beginning level, while using small class ratios to give special attention. More advanced groups have access to all terrain. Jackalopes Ski Weeks for children aged 5 to 6 years is designed for "eager" 5 and 6 year olds who have the desire and stamina to ski five full-days with new friends! The Jackalope Ski Week package includes five all-day clinics (Monday-Friday), a treasure hunt, a race and race ribbon and a colorful Steamboat T-shirt. Participants are grouped by ability level and remain with the same pro for the week. Older children can join ski school classes suited to their age group and price discounts on lift tickets continue through to age 18 with a low priced 'teen ticket' available again when an adult purchases a full price pass. Throughout Steamboat's ski area emergency message boards are provided at the top and bottom of all lifts. These boards provide a link to guests should something happen, such as a lost child or accident, and requires an immediate response. If you have older children in a Perfect Turn Program or skiing/riding on their own, it is a good idea to check the board each time you ride the lift. There are three family slow skiing zones marked with orange signs and located on intermediate (blue) terrain--Tomahawk, Flintlock, and Bashor; with two others on beginner (green) terrain- -Giggle Gulch and Swinger. Other slow skiing areas are located at the bottom of most lifts as well as in high traffic areas on the mountain. Steamboat also has a selection of evening activities organised for children of all ages from 2 and a half to 18. The Kids' Adventure Club offers kids, age 2-1/2 to 12 years, a "Kids' Night Out" every Tuesday-Saturday, with an indoor camp environment with supervision, snacks, games, movies, and rest time. "Night Owls" for 13-18 years olds includes a night at Vertical Grip or a trip to town for a pizza and movie every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

4 stars out of 5 overall