With its brilliant, walk-to-everything location in the heart of the village, River Run puts you steps from the lifts and Ski and Ride School – plus shops, bars and restaurants, and annual seasonal festivals. The cozy, lodge-like lobby invites, with glowing fireplace and courtesy coffee and tea. Once you’ve fully sorted out which gloves and goggles go with which hands and heads, and you’re ready to roll, see if more mini-helmeted noggins nod when you ask about the gondola or the high-speed quad chair and head that way. Hit it hard, then reward yourself for conquering the slopes with a stop at the heated, year-round outdoor pool and two hot tubs. (You won’t have to ask the kids twice.) If you’re still going strong, hit the fitness center before making your way back to figure out the dinner plan. Thinking you’ll eat out instead? Bundle everybody back up and stroll over to a nearby hotspot. Swing by the cozy game room on the way back (another fireplace!), hand the kids pool cues and coach them on the finer points of angling a bank shot.

Professionally decorated condos have a mountain-inspired flair, complete with gas fireplaces and pine trim and furnishings. Full kitchens make big breakfasts a main event, as you rotate through family favorites, from pancakes and French toast, to omelets and breakfast burritos. Choose from studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, depending on the size of your crew. Living areas double as collapse zone after a day of trying to one-up each other on every run. Put a movie on after dinner, and see if anyone can make it through the whole thing. (All bets are off.)

In addition to nearly instant ski access, you’re steps from wildly popular local summer festivals like the Bluegrass and Beer Festival, Wine and Jazz Festival and the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour. Summer’s also the perfect season for Lake Dillon. Rent a pontoon or fishing boat at Frisco Bay Marina, or hit the trails at Marina Park. And if you time it right, you can catch a live show at the Lake Dillon Theatre Company.