Where is there still snow at the end of March? Planning a holiday.

[luvmypeanut]

DD has Spring Break Mar 17-27 so I thought I would take the kids somewhere with snow. The catch is that it's got to be no more than an 8 hour flight from Hawaii because my son can't handle anything more (actually, he can barely handle 6 hours). The kids can't ski but I was hoping they could go tubing and play in the snow. Any ideas?

[Piglet]

British Columbia or Alberta, Canada.

Check out:

http://www.skibanff.com/mountain/stats.html
http://www.skilouise.com/
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm

Fly into Vancouver. Air Canada/United has a direct flight from Hawaii. You can then either drive to Whistler or fly to Calgary and drive to Banff/Lake Louise. The flight time is pretty reasonable. We flew from Calgary to Hawaii when DS1 was 7 months and he did great.

[luvmypeanut]

ooohh that looks good. Thanks!

[bubbaray]

I'd recommend Harmony Airways direct from Oahu (not sure about other islands, I think they also have a direct from Maui) to Vancouver (YVR). Their service FAR exceeds that of Air Canada.

Whistler/Blackcomb should still have snow then. I was just there this past weekend, however, and they have no snow. Zero. Zilch. They have extensive snowmaking capability, but the temps have to be around 0 Celcius (freezing).

W/B does have a kids ski school/camp for kids, as well as childminding.
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/schoolkids/index.htm

tubing: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/events/detail/tubing.htm?sitecampaign=Banner_DYKtube_20060403

ETA: I just saw that WestJet flies from Maui and Honolulu direct to YVR. That airline has the BEST customer service!!! Highly recommend WestJet! :)

And, I just spoke with my DH who is an avid skier and instructor, and regular Whistler skiier. He says for tubing, you'd be just fine in March.

HTH

Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

http://bd.lilypie.com/SasRm7.png

[daniele_ut]

Park City, Utah!!! We have the best snow on earth, and depending on the year, we've been able to ski well into May. There is a great Tubing park with tow ropes that is a lot of fun, and the resorts up there are great. We really loved the indoor/outdoor pool at Westgate Park City at the Canyons.

[marie]

Mammoth Lakes, CA has been open until July 4 the past couple of years so March would be a definite!

http://www.mammothmountain.com/

when we go, we're there to visit family so i'm not sure what their kid activities are like. as a non-skier, it's nice for me to be able to drive down the mountain an hour and get away from the snow and cold!

good luck deciding!

[MarisaSF]

Mammoth or Tahoe. For either, you can fly into Reno.
I think Tahoe is easier to get to -- fly into Reno, drive an hour or two. Alternatively, fly to SFO or even Sacramento and drive a bit farther.

For Mammoth, you can fly into LA and drive about 6 hours(?), I think. The drive from Reno to Mammoth is like 3 or 4 hours, but I don't know how hard it is to get to Reno from where you are.

Both will have snow and good skiing at the end of March.

[Lovingliv]

Hey, let the snow come to you. I live in Mass...we get more snow than I want. You live in my favorite place ever....with fresh pineapple..all you can eat...and beautiful scenery. And a Costco in driving distance (on Maui)....all my requirements.

We will bring some snow....and see you in March!!!!

[gisele]

Lake Tahoe. San Francisco is a 4.5 hour flight from Honolulu (5 hours going back). You can either continue to fly to Reno or drive from San Francisco. They will have tons of snow in March. And there are so many options of what you want to do and where to stay. If you want more casino life/nightlife stay in South Lake Tahoe. If you want peace and quiet and a rustic, more rural atmostphere, stay in the North Lake Tahoe area.

[StantonHyde]

I second Utah. THe snow is great in March and it is warm. Park City has a fun tubing rope tow. Depending on the ages of the kids, you can put 4 yr olds in ski school and let them have a blast. Staying in Park City can be expensive. It is cheaper to stay in SLC. PC has great food, etc, but not always kid-applicable. SLC is VERY kid friendly. And all of the resorts are only 30 min away. (There are SEVEN ski resorts within 30 min of SLC)