Family Guide

Ski resorts are realizing they need to do a little bit more to get you to the slopes this year. Travel is more expensive and they want to make it easier on your pocketbook. Some companies are making unique and very enticing offers.

Blair McNamara is with The Resort Company out of Colorado, which books properties in Vail, Beaver Creek, and Steamboat. He thinks that, up to this point, the industry has taken a more passive mode due to consumer confidence at an all-time low .

"What you'll see happening now through the end of the ski season is more aggressive marketing campaigns by all of the ski destinations, with more value-added offers. You may see more offers that could include community involvement such as dinners. An example would be restaurant associations will come together with ski mountains to create family specials."

The big deal just announced by the Resort Company is WiiSkii For The Holidays. Families who book a new reservation at participating properties in Steamboat over the Christmas break get a Nintendo Wii gaming system. The deal is good Dec. 23 through Jan. 4 and it's based on a four-night minimum in a condo that is two bedrooms or larger. McNamara says, "We recognize people have been waiting due to the economy and we feel like this is a great way to spur them on. It's a great gift for our guests and it will help sell the resort." Call (800) 525-5502 for details on WiiSkii.

Plan ahead as well. Figure out your dates and book it. You can save up to 20 percent on lodging, if you plan your vacation to Vail or Beaver Creek and book it with The Resort Company by Dec. 1.

Bags Fly Free is another unique deal The Resort Company is offering. You will receive a $50 per person baggage credit when you book your airfare with your lodging package. "We think consumers are being nickled and dimed (by the airlines). This year, we're recognizing the challenges in our economy and we wanted to take the opportunity to say we care about our guests and we want to take care of them." Bags Fly Free is good all season in combination with stays of four nights or more in a one-bedroom condo or larger. The number to call with questions is (800) 525-1123.

Make sure you check with your favorite resort to see what deals are out there for families. Your first stop is right here, OnTheSnow.com. McNamara adds, "Get on the Internet and search, whether you search the ski area's main Web site, or go off and search the specific property Web sites. Spend some time looking and then pick up the phone, call and ask ‘What's your best available rate?'"

McNamara says it's an excellent year for families. "There's certainly going to be some great discounts. It's a great time to take your children. There's no better time to learn, when you have world-class accommodations and world-class destinations."

It's even better when they're fighting for your business.