The gear is packed, the tickets purchased, and you’re on your way to another great weekend on Vermont’s slopes. But have you thought about feeding your family? The All Mountain Mamas have you covered with some of our own food planning tips!
Meal planning while on the mountain varies by family, and more importantly by accommodations. Most Vermont ski resorts offer condos or large suites with a kitchenette as a lodging option. These may add more to your budget, but could end up saving your family money and time during your ski season by allowing you to prepare more meals. A ski trip for families can add up quickly and one way to save is through some simple meal planning while skiing.
Some families, just want to treat an entire ski getaway as a vacation and not cook at all. All Mountain Mama Dana’s family lives locally and tends to only spend a night or two on the mountain and like to eat out more. Others, like Mara and Gina, have organized plans for most meals. I fall into that middle area. We bring all of the fixings to make hardy breakfasts each morning to keep my family going and lots of healthy snacks for après ski grazing. Lunch is on the mountain and I like to splurge a bit on dinner.
Kitchen Appliances and Utensils
Accommodations definitely vary but if you’re staying in a condo at one of the Vermont ski resorts you’ll likely have a kitchen that is fully stocked with coffee pots, mixing bowls, pots, frying pans, and some small appliances (blender, toaster, Crockpot). We’ve even found popcorn makers, salad spinners, and other kitchen items we wouldn’t have expected. If you plan to prepare most meals at your condo, call ahead to find out what will be waiting for you which will save you from lugging big items on your trip.
Pack or Buy Food Locally
This is another area of personal preference. I like to pack a cooler with all of the necessary items so I know I have them and can spend more time having fun and less time food shopping. This always includes a container of oatmeal buttermilk pancake mix. Others have their go-to local markets and come to Vermont with preplanned list. Gina brings everything from meat to herbs to prepare full dinners with her family. Family customs vary but the important thing it to plan ahead.
Location
If your condo is slope side, like those at Bolton Valley, you can easily go back to your lodging for lunch. If it’s not convenient to head back to your condo, and you plan to prepare lunches for your family, pack a cooler and store them in a locker at the lodge. Most resorts also have some form of cafeteria space at the mountain so you can bring your own food.
Meal Sharing
Planning to ski with another family? Each can pick a night to prepare dinner. This saves money and time and can be a fun way to relax after a day on the mountain, while splitting responsibilities.
Here’s a list of the basics to help you get started on planning your next trip!
Basic Food Shopping List:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Cheese (though this is best locally sourced in Vermont)
- Butter
- Veggies (for snacking and meals)
- Hummus / Dressing
- Granola Bars
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Condiments
- Olive Oil
- Ground Beef / Other Meat
- Pasta
- Sauce
- Taco fixings
The most important thing is to have fun! Food planning should be just that, a plan, but not something to stress over. Organizing before traveling will save you time and money so you can enjoy the mountain more. Do you have any food planning tips to share? We’d love to hear how YOU plan.
Adrienne Veglia Mazeau is the mom of two school age children, and loves taking them on adventures with her attractively geeky archaeologist husband. She writes about balancing a demanding full time career and family travel both close to her home in Upstate New York and beyond.
Although currently on a hiatus from blogging, her writing strives to inspire others balancing family and demanding careers to carve out time to travel together. Adrienne began skiing at age 12, but lost touch with one of her favorite pastimes when her career and family demanded much of her time. Now many years later, she is back on the slopes again and teaching her children to embrace winter and develop a love of skiing.
As a former personal chef, I have a lot of experience cooking ahead…. which is good b/c I like to bring breakfast and dinner u with us. I’ve found that our weekends are more relaxing if everything is made ahead, and all I have to do is put it into the oven while we’re hanging out apres ski. I recently wrote about it here if you want a peek: http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2014/12/first-ski-weekend-reminds-me-of-why-i.html
I like to make a batch of healthy homemade pancakes, which freeze well and defrost for a quick ski day breakfast. Crock pot meals are easy-peasy dinners!
In the lodge yesterday, I was impressed by the families who had their crockpots simmering while they were skiing and then they were ready to eat. Healthy high energy food is so important and having it in the lodge makes going back to the condo unnecessary. Also, don’t forget fixins for happy hour. Many were enjoying the BYOB choices they had brought. Non-glass containers are the way to go. Can’t wait to get back out on the slopes this morning in Ellicotville,NY.