Spring Break with five boys under ten is basically an Olympic sport, right? This year, we traded sandy toes for snowy slopes with a detour to pure maple magic which I’ll write in a future post very soon!
We swapped Florida beaches for the crisp mountain air of Maine, with our final destination being Smugglers Notch Resort in Vermont – a skier’s paradise for all ages (including the perpetually-falling variety, ahem, my boys!). While the boys’ skiing skills really improved, what they learned about love, teamwork and family made this one of the most memorable adventures yet!
The Trip
We left sunny Florida and boarded a flight up to Maine after school on a Thursday afternoon, spending an entire 4-day weekend visiting family and going to our favorite local spots we always frequent when we vacation in Maine. But the highlight of this particular trip was a road trip up to Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont for our first ever family ski trip.
After four hours in the car, we arrived a little worse for wear (five boys under ten will do that to you!), but the sight of our mountainside condo instantly lifted our spirits. Nestled amongst the evergreens, it boasted three bedrooms and breathtaking views of not just one, but three majestic mountains. Talk about a picture-perfect setting for a week of snowy adventures!
After a delicious dinner (fueled mostly by the promise of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream!), we bundled up for a short walk to the resort’s indoor splash pad, pool and hot tub. The boys, especially, were in a frenzy of excitement. The splash pad was small, but they were able to turn cranks to fill buckets of water and slide down a slippery water slide together for some simple fun. The hot tub was a welcome respite for weary muscles (mine!), and the laughter echoing through the pool area was a symphony of pure, unadulterated joy.
Ski Bunnies… Lots of Them!
The next morning, it was time to hit the slopes! Having learned the basics during a ski day at Mount Abrams in Maine earlier in the year, the four big boys (ages 5-10) were eager to show off their skills. Papi, Grampa, and I joined them, armed with an arsenal of patience, breaks, and encouraging words. The conditions were perfect – crisp, clear skies and a layer of fresh powder that made every turn an adventure. This time around, the boys weren’t just tentative snowplowers; they were actually starting to get the hang of it! They were learning to “pizza” (feet pointed in) for control and “french fries” (feet parallel) for speed, and even managed some impressive partial turns down gentle slopes.
Little Jack, at two years old, wasn’t quite ready to conquer the magic carpet. But that didn’t dampen his spirits one bit. He stayed back at the condo with Mimi, where they had a whole other adventure planned. Honestly, sometimes those quiet moments at the condo were just as precious as the action-packed days on the slopes.
Fun Off the Slopes
By day three, all five boys were itching to get back into the “Fun Zone 2.0,” a haven of indoor activities for kids (and maybe a few over-enthusiastic adults!). We’re talking pool and ping pong tables, bounce houses galore, play kitchens that fueled countless culinary masterpieces, and enough board games to keep us entertained for days. It was the perfect place to burn off some energy, especially when the weather wasn’t cooperating.
Speaking of weather, day three threw us a bit of a curveball. A massive snow squall rolled in, blanketing the mountain in a thick white sheet and reducing visibility to practically zero. Our planned ski outing was out of the question. But hey, that’s the beauty of family vacations – you learn to adapt! We spent the morning huddled up in the lodge, playing board games, building epic Lego creations, and enjoying a delicious (and slightly chaotic) picnic lunch.
Enjoying Every Opportunity
By afternoon, the snow had eased up, revealing a magical winter wonderland bathed in the most beautiful 40-degree sunshine I’ve ever seen. We ventured out to the “Highlands” section of Morse Mountain, a smaller area perfect for beginners. The boys were in their element, confidently navigating the gentle slopes and even attempting a few (slightly wobbly) parallel turns. Their progress was incredible – gone were the days of timid snowplowing; now they were carving their own little paths down the mountain with growing confidence.
Each evening, we retreated to the pool for another round of aquatic fun. But the highlight of day three was undoubtedly the magic show held right at the resort. It was a hoot! A mix of classic magic tricks and hilarious audience participation, it had us all in stitches. Two of the boys even got to be part of the act, much to their (and our!) delight.
Final Moments of Fun
Thursday brought another unexpected twist – a windchill that dropped the temperature to a bone-chilling 1 degree Fahrenheit. Needless to say, skiing was out of the question! But that didn’t dampen our spirits. We turned the day into a full-blown family fun fest. The “Fun Zone 2.0” once again became our playground. We swam, we played games, we bounced and climbed and laughed. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular fireworks display – a dazzling spectacle right from our cozy condo front porch.
Friday, our final day on the slopes, dawned crisp and clear, but considerably colder than the previous days. Papi, ever the resourceful one, had foreseen the possibility of colder weather ruining all the fun and stocked up on a mountain of face masks and hand warmers. These little lifesavers made all the difference, allowing us to spend the entire day enjoying the slopes without numb noses and frozen fingers.
This final day was truly an amazing send-off. The boys, emboldened by their newfound confidence, tackled steeper slopes with an enthusiasm that was both admirable and slightly terrifying (for this mama, at least!). They were carving turns like little pros, their laughter echoing across the mountain as they raced each other down the slopes. Papi even captured some epic videos on his phone, documenting their impressive progress.
The Best Parts
By the end of the vacation, we were all exhausted but exhilarated. Our muscles ached, our faces were rosy red, and our hearts brimmed with the satisfaction of a week well spent. Looking back at the progress the boys had made, it was truly remarkable. They had gone from timid beginners to confident skiers, tackling slopes they wouldn’t have dared to attempt just a few days earlier. And it wasn’t just their skiing skills that had improved; their overall confidence had soared. They were braver, more adventurous, and more willing to step outside their comfort zones.
The presence of Grampa and Mimi on this trip can’t be overstated. Their unwavering support, endless patience, and genuine joy in watching the boys learn and grow added an extra layer of magic to the experience. Grampa, with his quiet wisdom, became a favorite ski buddy for the older boys, offering helpful tips and words of encouragement. Mimi, meanwhile, created a haven of warmth and comfort at the condo, showering the boys with love and attention, and ensuring that even the youngest member of our crew had a fantastic vacation.
Until Next Time
As we packed up the car to head back to Florida, a wave of bittersweet nostalgia washed over me. We were leaving behind a week of laughter, adventure, and memories that would last a lifetime. But we were also taking something precious with us – a renewed sense of family connection, a deeper appreciation for the outdoors, and a newfound confidence that radiated from our five little skiers. Smugglers Notch wasn’t just a ski vacation; it was an experience that brought us closer as a family, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
So, if you’re looking for a winter getaway that caters to families of all ages and abilities, look no further than Smugglers Notch. With its friendly atmosphere, endless activities, and breathtaking scenery, it’s the perfect place to create your own winter wonderland memories. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for skiing in your little ones (or maybe even yourself!). Just remember to pack plenty of face masks, hot cocoa, and most importantly, a whole lot of love and laughter.
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