Bretton Woods was honored as a Top Ski Resort in 2001 by our parent company, Family Travel Forum, for reaching out to those caring for infants, toddlers and children under 5 years, as well as older siblings.  Each winner offers such superb childcare, exceptional recreational facilities, real value for money, and overall excellence, that they give proof to FTF's motto: Have Kids, Still Travel!  Here's a look at the resort today.

Bretton Woods Mountain Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire 03575
800/314-1752, 603/278-1000

The surrounding White Mountains National Forest and its highest peak, Mt. Washington, epitomize New Hampshire's scenic beauty. That's one reason why Bretton Woods deserves its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking a winter wonderland. And, as the state's largest ski area, it offers 101 alpine and 100 kilometers of cross-country ski trails as well as snowshoeing, snowtubing, ice skating, horsedrawn sleigh rides, indoor swimming and tennis courts, an exercise center and the Hobbit Ski (ages 4-12) and Snowboard School (ages 6-12). This is truly a winter playground for the whole family.

Lodging options in the 2,600-acre complex include motel units; the quaint Bretton Arms Inn; townhome condos and the magnificent Mt. Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark and the jewel of the property, now open year-round. This recently renovated, extraordinary building oozes with Old World charm, but is not stuffy or staid. The lobby is a showplace of Tiffany stained glass and crystal chandeliers, but active toddlers and their parents can be seen gazing out of its circular windowed veranda onto the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

During the ski season, infants and toddlers from ages 2 months to 5 years attend the Babes in the Woods Nursery from 8am-4:30pm.  Located (along with the ski and snowboard school) in the recently expanded Family Center at the base of the alpine slope, it is a short drive or free van ride from the various accommodations. With a ratio of 1:3, caregivers trained in early childhood education (many with First Aid and CPR skills), nurture toddlers with singing, rocking, storytelling, floor play and exercise. Private babysitting is also available. The Ski and Snow Play Program offers a combination of indoor and outdoor playtime with an introduction to skiing for potty-trained children from 3 to 5-years-old.  Free Après Ski Parties are available for children ages 4 to 12 years on Saturday evenings and during vacation and holiday periods.  Parents are encouraged to relax at the Slopeside Lounge while their kids enjoy live entertainment, games and refreshments at the supervised party.  The building's 2006 expansion not only increased the size of the facility but streamlines the process of preparing everyone for their day.  Patty Murray Bennett, the center's director states, "We can now accommodate the entire family's needs in one central location.  Rentals, lift tickets, lessons and nursery care can all be accommodated with one stop."

Bretton Woods continues to make its family offerings better.  With a Ski Magazine ranking of #3 in North America for family programs, the Hobbit Ski School building accommodates the growing demand for their popular programs.  Bretton Woods is also increasing the Hobbit and Ski School staff with the goal of offering the best possible learn-to-ski experience for your children.  And if you happened to forget goggles or mittens on the kitchen table, TreeTop sports is coming to the rescue with last minute essentials for a comfortable day in the snow, now right at the Hobbit's building.  But even with the new space, these programs sell out often, so make reservations in advance.

Bretton Woods knows how hard it can be to take care of one child that's too young to ski while the other kids are clamoring to get out on the snow, and it's hard to have one parent stay indoors while the other is outside enjoying the fresh mountain air.  With the Family Ticket, parents can now buy tickets with the same bar code so that either adult can share in the skiing, without the added cost of buying two adult lift tickets.  This convenience will present couples with an easy way to share babysitting duties.

 2001 Top Ten Getaways for Tiny Travelers
Top All-Inclusive Resorts:
Club Med Ixtapa, Mexico
Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico
Top Beach Resorts:
Our Lucaya Beach Resort, Grand Bahama Island
Top Family Camp:
YMCA Camp du Nord, Minnesota
Top Golf and Tennis Resort:
Wild Dunes Resort, South Carolina
Top Internatioanl Getaway:
Club Valtur Pila, Italy
Center Parcs Village, France
Top Romantic Getaway:
Cunard Line, Queen Elizabeth 2
Top Ski Resorts:
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, New Hampshire
Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah