Planning a family ski getaway? Enjoy easy access to the slopes without all of the commotion (and hefty price tag) of staying in the ski village when you book a condo at The Seasons at Avon. The charming town of Avon is situated just a bit further down the mountain than Beaver Creek Village but is connected to the ski area by the Riverfront Express Gondola. After carbo-loading on a hearty homemade breakfast (hooray for full kitchens!) get ready to hit the slopes. It takes only minutes to walk to the Riverfront, even with little ones in tow, which will whisk your crew off to Beaver Creek Landing. There you can hop the Lower Mountain Express Lift to start exploring the resort’s 1,800 acres of terrain right away, or head to Beaver Creek Village to check out rental shops and ski lessons. Beaver Creek Resort is home to the “Ivy League of Ski School,” where they offer traditional classes for all levels, plus engaging clinics like the Ski Girls Rock program designed by an Olympic gold medalist, or the Trick Class for teens in the Anti-Gravity Center. There’s ski and snowboard camps for tots as young as three and a certified daycare for infants, giving Mom and Dad a chance to hit the double-diamonds (or have a romantic lunch date on-mountain). As the sun begins to set and snow starts to slick your crew can check out the aprés scene in Beaver Creek Village and hop the town shuttle later on, or just coast down the Leav the Beav trail (a good, long green) to catch the Riverfront Gondola back to Avon.

Inviting one- to three-bedroom apartment-style suites are individually decorated and consistently homey. Fully equipped kitchens and in-unit washer/dryer lend the conveniences of home, while a cozy gas burning fireplace and a private deck with mountain views add to the alpine charm. A separate living area with ample seating and flat screen TV provides the perfect space for downtime with the crew. But complimentary covered parking (a rarity in Vail Valley!) is the ultimate perk.

There’s more to this winter wonderland than totally rad skiing! Take a break from the slopes with ski village classics like ice skating and downhill tubing, while the Nordic Center has snowshoe and cross country ski rentals. They also hold a free weekly guided snowshoe nature tour - Beaver Creek is located within the scenic White River National Forest after all. Feeling a bit snowed out? Spend an afternoon splashing around with the crew at the Avon Recreation Center, just across the street from the Seasons. There’s a top notch gym, fitness classes, an olympic pool with lap lanes, and a kids’ pool with waterslides, a climbing wall and even an indoor lazy river!