Skiing and snowboarding are lifelong sports the whole family can enjoy while staying fit. Several years ago the ski industry realized that to stay alive, it needed to embrace the younger generation. Opening the slopes to snowboarders and new "ski and play" instruction methods has ensured a new generation of enthusiasts and made it easier than ever for parents to get their kids onto the hills.

Snowboarding is the fastest-growing segment of the ski industry with an estimated 80 percent of kids opting for it over skiing. Resorts are wise to this boom and most now allow snowboarders.

If you or your kids are interested in snowboarding, be sure the resort you choose allows access to the majority of its trails. You should also make sure that rental equipment and instruction is available for all ages and sizes. Often, but not always, areas with good children's ski programs also feature good snowboarding programs.

One great resort that tops the charts and guarantees to keep the kids of all ages entertained on and off the slopes is Sunday River, Maine.

SUNDAY RIVER--BETHEL, MAINE

Sunday River just keeps getting better. With tree glades, sweeping bowls and long, thigh-burning runs, there's no place in the East that can touch it for that wide-trailed, western-style skiing feel. Once you're off the bunny slopes you'll find 17 miles of intermediate trails and more than 14 miles of advanced runs.

The owners of Sunday River have always put family first--the resort was one of the initial testing grounds for the MINIrider program. Instruction programs operate for ages three and older, and the resort provides child care for ages six weeks to six years. Lodging along the mountain's base leaves you close enough to walk out the door, click on your skis (or boards) and go. A teen center and shuttle bus prevent wild excuses at curfew time. Call 207-824-3000 for more information.



Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.