By Justine Bray
When my husband and I were dating and newly married, we went on ski holidays out west at least once a year. However, now with two kids ages 3 and 6, we aren’t able to justify taking the long flight for just a few short hours on the slopes.
But just recently, we took our first family ski vacation to Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Massachusetts. While not as glamorous as Colorado, Utah, or Europe, it was just what we needed to venture into our trial run. It is not easy to find a resort in the northeast that offers ski school for a 3 year old, but Jiminy Peak had it. So that’s where we landed, and it was not too long of a flight to get there.
Jiminy Peak was lovely. Not top quality accommodations, but a good start. John Harvard’s Restaurant was comfortable, food was good, and the atmosphere was beautiful — overlooking the ski slopes. They take reservations. But if you just show up and wait a few minutes for a table that was a “no show” you are guaranteed to get a seat as a walk-in at any time.
Ski School
The ski school was well run and very organized. The instructors and staff are extremely friendly and helpful. It was also the first time since having kids that my husband and I were able to be and ski alone for a few quality hours. Drop off is at 9:30/10:00 in the morning and pick up for the full day at 3:00 PM. However, they do offer extended daycare. We were able to pick up our 6-year-old son and take him skiing in the afternoon while our 3-year-old stayed back happily to play games and get her nails done. The facility charges by the hour after 3:00 PM. Kids ski in the morning and come in for lunch around noon. Then, the big kids go back out while the little ones go to a play space to enjoy crafts, games, toys, and snacks.
Christiansen’s Tavern is another great place to grab a meal. More of a burger and beer type of place. We found it perfect for lunch. More lively than John Harvard’s and more upscale than the lunch line options at base and peak of the slopes.
Accomodations
The accommodations, as I mentioned, were unfortunately the downfall. The bed we had in our room was slightly broken, sagging in the center and definitely over used. The room did not have basics like shampoo, conditioner, and soap. They provided dishwashing liquid but no dish soap. Of course, one doesn’t think to bring this since most hotels offer it as standard. Had we known ahead of time, it would have been ok. But nowhere was it written that we needed these essentials.
Overall the trip was needed, fun, and a good quality family time experience for all.
