Snow is starting to appear on the caps of the Rocky Mountains making most of us in Denver start to envision swooshing down the slopes soon. From blind skiers, sit skiers, the beyond-cool teen, the anxious toddler and the cocoa sipping grandma the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains accommodate everyone. Wheelchair skiers are a common site on the slopes and you should be warned they are in some cases the fastest and most skilled up there.

For those of you not lucky enough to be able to day trip into the Rockies, here are some tips to help you plan the perfect family ski trip into the Rockies

• Fly into DIA and spend your first night exploring the Mile High city. It is estimated that at least half of all people visiting the Rockies experience signs of altitude sickness. A mom with a headache or a vomiting child does not a happy vacation make. Drink lots of water leading up to your visit and take the time in Denver to let your body acclimate before heading into the mountains.
• Book your lessons as soon as you book your hotel. Take advantage of the packages that include lift tickets, rentals and lessons, especially a good value for the little ones. If someone in your party is a sit-skier you need to get booked NOW. My two favorite areas for disabled ski are Winter Park and Breckenridge.
• If you have little ones, book a stay in a condo or rental home. The extra room is invaluable when you all return with lots of equipment, empty tummies and tired bodies. A place with a kitchen and more than one TV is ideal when traveling with multiple kids.
• Skiing can be exhausting. Don't try to ski all day, every day. Try night skiing on one of your days and take a break to ride a scenic gondola for fun during the day. Stop in the local shops. Have hot cocoa near a big fire. RELAX! No one is going to have fond memories of a trip where everyone is cranky, tired and sore.
• Talk to the locals. Colorado residents tend to be very friendly folk. Want to know where the best runs are or the closest restaurant that serves chicken nuggets? Ask a season pass holder. Chances are they will be more than happy to help you out.

No matter which resort area you choose the tips above will hopefully help make your trip to the Rockies as majestic as the scenery!

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