Ski Weekend

Is a weekend away with kids actually fun?

This weekend, we’re taking a long weekend and going skiing as a family. Having ski weekends is something that I’ve always envisioned when I thought about having kids and going on family vacations. As a New Englander, I believe it’s essential to have some cold-weather activities that you enjoy and can look forward to during wintertime. Bonus points if it’s something active (in other words, ice fishing is not the activity for me) and makes it possible to actually enjoy (or at least tolerate) the cold weather.

When we were dating, my husband and I lived in the midwest and I strongly encouraged (cough, forced) him to come with me on a variety of ski trips and vacations. We had easy access to so many ski destinations out west (oh, and basically no obligations, that was nice!) We had a ton of fun and he passed my rigorous vetting process to confirm that he would be able to (and want to!) ski. Ski weekends away were such a fun way to escape the frigid cold of a midwestern winter where the terrain was mostly flat, and an essential part of looking forward to the winter season!

Basically, I’ve been thinking about being able to do a weekend like this for a really long time! Someday, I hope we’ll be able to go on longer ski trips and go further than just New England, but we’re dipping our toes gently into it - our kids are young and our expectations (read: basically no expectations) are accordingly low. I’m hopeful that we’ll get on the slopes at least two of the three days that we’re there, and get several runs in. My kids are both signed up for ski school, and while I feel like the drop-off portion of the morning might be a littleee bit rough, I am hopeful that they will have a ton of fun and hopefully pick up some useful tips while we’re at it. Just a few years away from a full-on ski vacation…shoop, shoop, shoop (did you get the reference?)

So, there is the exciting part of the anticipation of the weekend. And then there is the simultaneous mental gymnastics being performed to keep track of everything we need for this trip since we booked it. There are legitimately a lot of logistics involved in any ski trip — kids or no kids - making sure you have a plan for lift tickets, all the gear and equipment you need, tracking the weather, etc. But man, it is next level with kids. The days leading up to the trip are filled with making sure the right layers are washed and ready to go, and do we have the matching wool socks, does this neckwarmer actually fit, will the toe warmers fit with their boots, and do they actually need goggles or are they just going to lose them? Plus just the normal gymnastics of making sure you have everything you need when you travel with kids - we literally pack a bag entirely for sleep-related items — the right stuffed animals, blankets, sleep sack, noise machine, “time-to-wake” light, bedside toilet, etc, etc., etc.

All this swirling around and the creation of multiple to-do lists in my head and in shared google notes with my husband has got me thinking, once again, about whether or not trips with kids are worth it. It is a lot.

And yet, here I am, not just pushing for this trip, but looking forward to it. Even though I know it’ll be tiring, and I will have limited time to do exactly what I want, and at the end of the day, no matter what I want, a toddler having a meltdown will put the kai-bosh on sticking it out for a full day of skiing (knock on wood, I’m hoping we actually have no meltdowns). I’ve been excited to talk to my kids about Maine all week. About how much snow we’re going to see. About the snacks we will have on the mountain, and the restaurants we will get to check out. It’s fun to see how excited they are — wondering about whether the house we rented will have “good toys” and imaging what the toys will be, guessing how high the snow will be, and telling us how high they imagine the mountain will be. It’s pretty impossible to see their excitement and not be excited.

Will I have fun? I don’t know — on Monday morning I am sure I will be tired and my body will be sore and I’ll be anxious over the household chores that will have been ignored as a result of being away for several days. I am confident that in one week, or two, or even in a couple of months, I will scroll back through the photos of this weekend and remember how much fun we had, the funny things that my kids said, and how happy they were to be doing an outdoor activity as a family.

You can’t really think about a ski weekend without also thinking about the looks. And man, ski gear has really evolved in the past several years. At a huge range of price points, there are really fun and chic pieces out there whether you are in it for a killer mountaintop look or the apres vibe, or both. I’ve been especially excited to see that this season there is a major nod to ski style from the 70s and 80s - I’m talking, the same type of snowsuits my dad wore years ago. And I have to say, I’m here for the full-piece snowsuits and vintage-inspired gear!

So, this week, a little round-up of the vibe and looks that I would be going after if my actual vibe wasn’t “seeking snow pants that fit.” I’ll be sure to share my looks on instagram once I’m home!

You can shop everything here.

1: Falke Socks: Warm, comfortable socks are not to be skipped when skiing. Keeping your feet warm and comfortable is critical.

2: Apres Ski Hat: I just really like this hat.

3: Beanie: Fun, sartorial take, and functional because your head will probably be cold!

4: Ashton Jacket: People rave about Halfdays gears, and I admit I’ve been very intrigued. I really love that this coat is just a little bit on the longer side, but the belt gives it a really nice shape. Plus, love the color so much.

5: Farm Rio Snowsuit: I mean…? Honestly, the whole Farm Rio Ski collection is worth a browse - especially love this jacket!

6: Star Suit One Piece: If this is in your budget, then please, please, get these, because they are SO COOL. Honestly this Asos option is equally as chic (if you want a solid color) at a literal 10th of the cost

7: Belted Ski Suit: What you need if you are going for simple, chic, & statement-making.

8: Freestyle Jacket: I don’t know much about this brand, but I like the look of all of their coats, and I think this would be a good ski one. At a much lower price point, I have and really love this one from Lands End (truly an insane price!)!

9: Crochet Sherpa Jacket: Do you need a jacket besides your ski coat if you are going on a ski trip? No. Might you want one? Yes.

10: Ribbed Flare Trousers: Perfect for a night out in a ski town, with a cozy sweater and boots.

11: Knit headband: If, after a day on the slopes you need something to hide the chaos that is post-ski helmet hair, this is just the thing!

12: Sweaty Betty Half Zip: I’m a bit fan of Sweaty Betty activewear. This is categorized as a running top, but honestly all the more reason to pull it for skiing, and then wear into the spring for runs or walks before the weather gets really warm!

13: Shearling Trim Boots: Man, I love these boots and they really are meant to be worn in a cold, snowy place.

14: Polo Sweater: A super classic take on a ski sweater, and the half-zip makes it feel fresh, the fleece ensures it will be warm!

15: Sweater Dress: Okay, so you might look at this and not think ski trip - but I’m picturing this with tights, warm boots and a beanie for a dinner out?

16: Retro Ski Suit: Okay, do not sleep on trying out asos things if you’re looking for something fun and stylish. I am loving this one too. I cannot speak to functional or technical performance, but it’s definitely worth a try!

17: Earmuffs: I look absolutely ridiculous in earmuffs, but they are very cool.

18: Colorblock Vest: An essential layering piece.

19: Isabel Ski Pants: The bibs to go with your other Halfdays pieces!

20: Fleece Tights: A layer you will need if you are traveling somewhere cold - I’m even curious if you could wear these with dresses or under a normal pair of pants!

21: Free People Tunic: This is a great sweater - I have it in black and wear it constantly! Looks great over leggings, and is just the right amount of oversized. I love the cream color!

22: Fair Isle Baselayer Top & Pants: A bit of a step up from the hot chillis of my youth.

23: Beyond Yoga Sweatpants: I don’t own these, but I am sure that if I did, I would use the term “like butter” to describe them.

24: Sydney Sweater: I have been coveting this sweater all winter long - to me, she is perfect. Equally perfect for an apres look as she is perfect for the rest of winter and well into spring.

Wishing you happy winter activities!