Right along the Eagle River at the base of the Rockies, Wyndham Resort at Avon gives you access to a world-class ski area just eight miles west of Vail. Getting everyone layered, sun-screened, goggled and booted up can be a lesson in endurance, but your reward is an incredible day on the mountain. Drop off the ski schoolers, and head for the nearest lift, planning your route down as you pole your way over. Ski days have a way of flying by, and before you know it, it’s time to reclaim your skiers-in-training. See if you can talk them into a few more runs, making the most of your lift ticket by grabbing the last chair up for one super-long final run down. Ditch your gear with the ski valet and host an impromptu après ski back at your condo, with all the “greatest hits” of snacks, and hot cider or cocoa for the kids. Then get everyone changed for a trip to the indoor hot tub, while you come up with a dinner plan, and make a quick stop at the convenience store. (Keep it simple – no one’s expecting anything fancy.)

Spacious, beautifully furnished one- and two-bedroom resort condos range in size from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet – plenty of space for sleeping four to eight mighty mountain-tamers. They’ll return from the slopes, trails, rivers and lakes happy, exhausted and ready to devour whatever snacks you can rustle up from the kitchen cabinets and fridge. (After all, energy bars do not a real meal make.) Throw together some nachos, topped with melted cheddar, jalapeños and what’s left of last night’s chili to give them something to munch on until dinner’s ready. Then toss in a load of laundry while the rest of your crew decides on a movie. (Go with majority rules – it’s nearly impossible to get to unanimous).

The Eagle River Valley makes a great home base for all things outdoorsy, all year round. Summer highlights include guided nature walks, or a ride on Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park Express Gondola for a picnic at Beaver Lake. Still feeling adventurous? Hike three miles further to Upper and Lower Turquoise Lakes at the base of Grouse Mountain. Float down a river, try your hand at fly fishing, zipline over the trees or go horseback riding. And winter isn’t all just skiing and snowboarding. See if you can keep your balance on ice skates, look for critters along the snowshoe trails or spend a half day snowmobiling. Then cap off the week with a sleigh ride dinner at Vail’s Bearcat Stables or nearby Eagle Ranch.