There’s no better way to start the New Year than by being on the slopes with my family. One of the best parts of getting older is being able to share my passion for skiing and snowboarding with my two nieces. They LOVE being on the snow and I will gladly spend a full day on the beginner slope just to see their excitement in conquering the trails.
Decide where to ski/ride
For us, it’s Stevens Pass in Washington as its the closest mountain offering terrain for all ability levels. Less than 2 hour drive from Seattle, the drive can include slow traffic especially on weekends but we’re lucky to have family in Skykomish that we can stay with. They offer night riding so you can watch the waze alerts and avoid traffic by skiing/riding longer into the night.
Got kids? Get the Stevens Pass 3-pack!
Stevens does a really great job with ski specials for beginners and kids. The Stevens Pass 3-pack gets you lessons, lift tickets and rentals so they learn the slopes while you get in your laps. My nieces are still young, learning and growing so it gives them a chance to pick up the basics without having to commit to gear for the whole year when they are growing at a rapid pace.
Seven years old and rocking the Burton Frozen goggles/helmet 
Three years old – first day on the slopes!
Have fun – That’s what counts
Getting to the slopes can be stressful, getting on the slopes can be stressful but enjoying the moment with your family should be what it’s about. It should be fun! This was the first day of the season for our nieces but also the first time my mom skied in five years and she was cruising the blues like it was yesterday.
Don’t forget to try on your gear before the slopes…
I spent most of last winter injured so it had been a while since I had checked out my gear. I assumed everything would fit fine but didn’t think how the injury had changed my feet. My boots were always tight but now they were unbearably tight and my toes curled at the end. I managed to make it through the day but with bruised toes and suffering in silence (or a little complaining to my family). Before your first day back or after an injury like mine, make sure to check all your gear so there’s no surprises.
GoPro selfie down Stevens 
Lapping the blue trails
