Our seven weeks in the snow was a wonderful diversion. When we first embarked on our trip in 2009, we didn't anticipate that our boating adventure would include time in the snow. However, wanting to spend time off the boat in CA and needing to rent a place somewhere, it worked out perfectly. We sort of got to live out a ski bum fantasy (just a few decades later, with kids and a bit paunchier.) The daily ritual for Rodney and I included skating - fast cross country skiing. It was a zen experience to concentrate and skate on the tranquil trails day after day. It eventually got us in shape after the boat blob and holiday indulgences. Our routine also included homeschooling (not so zen) and taking the boys downhill skiing in the afternoons. RJ and Leo loved zooming down the mountain and after a few scares, we thought it best to put Leo in a ski jump lesson - certainly lest costly than other scenarios. We relished a few blizzardy days and the many gorgeous sunny days. The frosting on the festivities were all the folks who visited us on the weekends.
btw: During our time in the mountains, RJ turned 13, grew out of his clothes and Leo lost four more teeth. We stayed in the Truckee/Tahoe Donner area which is a low key, affordable family ski area. We rented our house via vrbo.com, which we have used to book our accommodations all over the world with great luck.
Photos Here