KidStuff

Child care: Ages 2 months to 6 years. Full-day program costs $107 during regular season. Reservations required; call (970) 845-5325. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With one main base area, Beaver Creek is a good place to bring kids. The ski school and child-care center are right in the base village, although the Small World Play School is a bit hard to find. After crossing the covered bridge that leads into the village, turn left and walk down the stairs until you see the sign to your right.

Other options: The Park Hyatt (970-949-1234) offers programs for children, as well as babysitting, days and evenings. Baby's Away (800-369-9030; 970-328-1285) rents and delivers baby needs, such as cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and toys.

Children's lessons: Lessons are available for children as young as 3 years old (toilet-trained). Ski lessons are offered for kids 3–14; snowboarding lessons are for ages 7–14. Cost is $153 during regular season and includes lesson, lift and lunch. Teens 15+ can take all-day lessons for $125 (lifts and rentals extra) with organized teen groups during the holidays.

Reservations are not required, except for kids ages 3–6. Register for all lessons at 8 a.m. or pre-register the day before; you also can register online at the website. Call (970) 845-5464 for information. Beaver Creek encourages kids younger than age 14 enrolled in ski and snowboard programs to wear helmets. Rentals are available; if you don't want your child to wear a helmet, you must decline in writing in order for your child to participate. The Children's Ski and Snowboard School is in Village Hall.

Skiing with your kids: Like Vail, Beaver Creek is sprinkled with Kids Adventure Zones. Kids can search out such haunts as the Tombstone Territory or the Hibernating Bear Cave. Most are located off Cinch near the top of the Centennial Lift.