Waterville Valley | A Perfect Family Vacation with a Curious George Cameo

Waterville Valley
Credit: Heather Atwell WORLD-CLASS SKIING It’s always nice to see a trail before you actually ski it to know what you’re in for. It’s even more important when the trail is a double black that has tested the prowess of the best ski racers in many a top-level competition. Before you commit to True Grit, take the Sunnyside Triple to the top, and along the way decide whether you’re ready to tackle the #11 trail on the Ski Channel’s “Gnarly 99” list. It starts out steep and just keeps going, with half of the trail groomed and the other half bumped up. Tired? Need to refuel? Keep reading. AUSTRIAN FLAIR Ride the high-speed White Peaks express quad and use the time saved for a quick “take in” at the Schwendi Hütte. First take in the majestic views from the outside deck. Then take in some scrumptiousness: made-to order breakfast sandwiches, homemade fruit strudels, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls with cream-cheese frosting, homemade soups and stews, fondue, hot cocoa. Then from Oblivion, take in the sunny 270-degree view of three-peaked Mount Tri pyramid while you schuss down this bluesquare trail on Waterville’s aptly named Sunnyside area. GLADES FOR EVERYONE Just past  Sunnyside Timberlodge on skier’s left, tuck into the Family Adventure Glades, a woodsy paradise.  Perhaps moms and dads aren’t brave enough to bounce off the all natural jumps or bumps, but my guess is the young guns will show them how it’s done.