In the heart of Steamboat’s mountain village, Snow Flower keeps you close to the action on the slopes, and equally important, puts you an easy stroll from the après ski scene. Gondola Square and ski school are just 60-75 giant steps away, depending on your stride (or how much kids’ gear you’re hauling). Grab a complimentary wagon to make it easier to get around the base area with little ones, especially if you need one hand free to carry that complimentary lobby coffee. Once you get everyone situated in their respective classes, zip up the mountain on the high-speed Christie lift or gondola and race over to your favorite chairs from there. Keep a map handy, and see if you can top your previous all-time record for vertical feet. When it’s time to collect the kiddos, make your way back down and see if they’re up for a few runs together before posing for pics with hot cocoa whipped cream mustaches. Send the rest of the crew up to get changed for the hot tub, while you grab a few last-minute items and a bottle of wine for dinner from the gourmet Wild Plum grocery, right across the street. And talk yourself into a quick browse in a sports shop or two – it may be time for a ski-wear upgrade and it’s easier to shop without worrying about the young ones wandering off.

Individually decorated studios, plus roomier two- and four-bedroom condos give you plenty of space to keep helmets and snow pants out of the main traffic areas. And light housekeeping every other day takes one not-super-fun task off your plate. Fully equipped kitchens are your go-to for hearty mountaineer breakfasts – and possibly a chili cook-off, if you can round up at least two contestants. Pit white bean chicken chili against Cincinnati-style and sample them side by side to see if you have a clear winner. No trophy needed – a souvenir t-shirt works just fine. Flip on the gas fireplace and collapse in the living room after gloriously exhausting days on the mountain, and see if anyone can stay awake for the whole movie. (All bets are off.)

The free bus into town stops right outside, and it’s just a 10-minute ride. Jump off and stroll the few short blocks of gift shops, boutiques and galleries, stopping for treats along the way. Pick out cowboy hats for your whole gang, and have them take the tags off so you can wear them right away. If you forgot the selfie stick, have the cashier snap a quick group shot. The historic downtown is buzzing all year round, with winter snow tubing and summer festivals, races and the rodeo that’s been a Steamboat tradition for over 100 years. Back at the base, check out the Coca-Cola Adventure Zone, with a slingshot bungee jump, ropes course, climbing wall, human gyro and mineral panning for kids. PS: you’ll definitely need that cowboy hat you bought earlier if you want to look legit on the mechanical bull.