“Can you smell it? Snow! It’s just my favorite time of year! The whole world changes color. Flakes, flurries, swirls, crystals, whatever form it comes in, I’ll take it. We go back, snow and me. We have a beautiful history. Sleigh rides, ice skating, snowball fights, I’ll even take curling. It’s just the best time of year!” – Lorelei Gilmore, The Gilmore Girls
Story by Cheri Woodsmall
This time of year is notorious for warm, fuzzy nostalgia – sweet memories of a childhood long ago, when winters were brutal and snow was past your knees. You couldn’t wait to get outside! Your Mom would prepare a hearty family breakfast and pack up thermoses of Rich Hot Cocoa to take on your day on the hilly slopes and you would just PLAY!
Those memories are amazing! So don’t sit around wasting these precious days binge watching Netflix. Get out there and play in the snow! Give your kids the memories you cherish so much. We’ve put together a list of our favorite places and must haves to make your day in the snow a beautiful one! Whether you prefer skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating or sledding, close to home or a destination – there are plenty of options to choose from! So bundle up Baby and get outside!
Where To Go
Snow Creek
Nestled quietly in the bluffs above the Missouri River in Weston, MO, Snow Creek features ski and snowboarding, as well as tubing. The ski area has a 300 foot vertical drop, 2 triple chairlifts, 1 double and 3 rope tows and has over 60 snowmaking machines to ensure beautiful, pristine snow throughout the season. Their 10,000 square foot base lodge has a bar and lounge upstairs as well as a cozy dining area. Want to make a mini-vacation out of it? The historic town of Weston has plenty of quaint lodging options as well. Sunsets at Snow Creek are simply breathtaking. Don’t forget to tag #skisnowcreek in your photos!
Snowmass Village
Looking for a big adventure or a romantic ski weekend? Pack up and go to Snowmass Village, CO. Surrounded by many of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain peaks, this still-small town is home to some of life’s biggest experiences. Legendarily, much of the best ski and snowboard terrain in North America is found here. Along with over 3,300 acres of a ski lover’s dream, there are seven on-mountain restaurants. Big Hoss Grill offers affordable, homemade food at reasonable prices. Sage Restaurant and Deck Sage offers a casual elegant atmosphere, serving local, organic and sustainable ingredients, an expansive wine selection, Colorado craft brews on tap and the best views of Mt. Daly.
The Rink at the Village at Burlington Creek
A little gem in the Northland! If you love to skate, grab your sweetie and the kids! The Rink is located in The Village at Burlington Creek just off I-29 on 64th street in the Northland. This brand new outdoor ice rink features open fire pits, natural rock area, and tree-line planters. During the holiday season, The Rink shines bright with twinkling trees and festive lighting for the plaza. Skaters can enjoy a hot beverage and pastry from their cute indoor skate shop. And so fun for the kids! Santa arrives to The Rink on his sled with goodies and holiday cheer for all in attendance.
McCormick Tribune
If you haven’t had the Chicago winter experience, there is no better time! It’s so cold, but so worth it and – Simply Beautiful! Nestled in Millennium Park, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a Chi Town favorite. Open through March 5, 2017, the ice rink has become a Chicago winter tradition drawing over 100,000 skaters annually. If you get hungry, head over to Tavern at the Park and warm up with Prime Rib Chili or Chicago Fire Burger. Who knows, you may just run into those handsome boys from Firehouse 51! Did we get your attention?
What To Wear
Yes, we all want to be the cute snow bunny on the slopes. But that isn’t going to do you any good if you are sweating to high heaven. It’s important to dress smart and the key to that is to layer, layer and layer some more. There are many beginners that think heavy, warm clothes are what you need. You really need to wear clothing that is suited for winter sports or you will sweat, stay wet, then get cold and be miserable.
Make sure to wear base clothing layers that are wicking, which draws moisture away from your skin. So how do you know if a shirt is wicking? Quick Tip: It won’t be 100% cotton and it will most likely be made of polypropylene. For the mid-layer, wear fleece if possible. Polartec, the most well-known brand of fleece, numbers its weights, from 100 (the least warm) to 300 (for very cold days.) For the final layer, wear a GORE-TEX shell jacket. It’s a bit pricey, but so worth it ($100 – $650)
Finally, here is our biggest tip. DO NOT WEAR JEANS. This is a very common mistake that new skiers and boarders make while dressing for the slopes! When they get wet, they immediately freeze. Get some waterproof snow pants made with GORE-TEX as well, but make sure they have zipper or Velcro ventilation to cool off during those much needed breaks for a Jim Beam Kentucky Fire Fireside Coco.
So get out there! Have some fun this winter and GO PLAY! Lorelei would be proud.
