Conveniently located on a private hill with gorgeous views of the mountains, The West gets rave reviews from nature lovers. If you had to describe this place in one word, you’d be hard-pressed to choose. (It would be something along the lines of amazing, incredible, spectacular). Take advantage of the morning coffee offered in the lobby – you’ll need all the help you can get once you hit the slopes. You’re only 200 yards from the gondola – excellent news when one of the kids leaves something behind, assuming you realize it before you’re halfway up the mountain. The outdoor heated pool will quickly become a family favorite hang-out spot. Challenge the kids to a race and find out if last years’ fastest swimmer gets to keep that prized title or if there’s a new family champ. Got a little overly ambitious out there on the slopes? A soak in one of the resorts’ two covered hot tubs will leave you feeling a little more optimistic about the trail plan the kids mapped out for the next day.

All one- and three-bedroom condos at The West include a full kitchen (because treats from the snack suitcase shouldn’t count as dinner). It’s just a five-minute shuttle ride to Safeway where you’ll find everything you need from groceries to ingredients for your favorite cocktail. PS: microwaving still counts as cooking, especially on vacation. The bathrooms come stocked with a hairdryer, Aveda toiletries and plush bathrobes. Light housekeeping is offered every other day, or mid-week for stays of seven nights or more. And the onsite laundry facility means more room in your suitcase for souvenir coffee mugs or new ski gloves. All condos include HD flat-screen TVs with cable and a DVD player – remember to pack plenty of movies. Gather everyone on the couch, pop some popcorn and start your movie marathon (which may end with a fairly early “to be continued” thanks to all that mountain air). Now the only question is: Star Wars or Harry Potter?

The West-to-Village access path leads you directly to the gondola and Christie Express Lift. During the winter, Mountain Resorts has a complimentary shuttle with service to downtown Steamboat Springs. Lincoln Avenue features several shops and restaurants. The soda fountain at Lyon Drug Store serves breakfast, lunch and some good old-fashioned classics, like milkshakes, banana splits and sundaes. Lincoln Avenue is also home of the Winter Carnival’s best activities. Visiting during the summer season? Gather your crew and disappear for a few hours of friendly competition at Rollingstone Ranch Golf Course. Then secure your status as best vacation planner ever with a visit to Steamboat Zipline Adventures. Safety and fun are their top priorities, and you’ll be thankful for that “safety” part once you see your family soaring through the sky at 30 miles-per-hour.