In our travels to find the perfect gingerbread house design, we happened upon a magical place. Located just north of Candyland, this wonderland beguiled us with all manner of wintry fun. Skiers schussed down trails of powder as fine as confectioner's sugar. Comical penguins waddled across a lake ringed by sparkling evergreens. And when night fell, candy-striped lampposts guided us to a cozy graham-cracker chalet for soothing mugs of hot chocolate and marshmallows. Sadly, once we left this snowy paradise, we were never able to find our way back. But thanks to our vacation pictures, we were able to re-create the experience--on a smaller scale--at home. Should you and your kids decide to do the same, we think you'll find it's the sweetest place on earth.
The Sugar Chalet
As any builder will tell you, gingerbread house construction is traditionally tricky. But not so with this Alpine chalet. Made from a revolutionary new building material--graham crackers--it's a cinch for even first-time home builders.
Chewy & Louie
Whether slip-sliding across Lake Lollipop or waddling up to greet guests at the chalet, these dapper penguins are a cool yet comical pair.
Puffy the Polar Bear
Polar bears can be ferocious, but Puffy, the chalet's resident bear, is quite the opposite. With a gentle temperament and arms made for hugging, he's sweet to the core.
Mm-moose
He may look stately, but Mm-moose is a goofball at heart. He loves nothing more than sliding down Gumdrop Mountain's toboggan run (even though it leaves his antlers twisted up like pretzels).
Picabo Sweet
Dressed in candy-colored outerwear and a jaunty ski cap, this racer (and her pals) pulls off some tasty moves on the resort's packed-powder trails.
Lake Lollipop
The perfect end to a day on Gumdrop Mountain? A peaceful ski around the lake, then back to the lodge for dessert and dreams of another visit.
HOME, SWEET HOME
For more exterior decoration of your chalet, try any of the ideas below--or head to the candy aisle and dream up your own:
Gumdrop: Set these out as boulders and shrubs or join with pretzel sticks to make a low fence.
Swedish fish: Layer these as roof tiles or stand them on end as a colorful fence.
Marshmallow: Pile up a few as a snowbank or stack together three for a snowman.
Starburst: Use these to make brick paths, fences, or wishing wells.
Necco wafer: These colorful disks make great siding, roof tiles, or flagstones.
Caramel: Use these as stepping-stones or stack them up to make a stovepipe.
Skittles: Use these to make house trim, holiday lights, roof tiles, or doorknobs.
Fruit Roll-Up: Roll this out as a pathway or cut it to make flags and banners.
Licorice lace: Outline doors and windows, string up as holiday lights, or snip to make a smile.
Graham cracker: Great for shutters, pathways, skis, docks, and signs.
