One of our favorite mountain operators and a group that's always ahead of the curve, Vail Resorts, has just announced some neat mountain dining initiatives that speak to every family's budget crunch. 'To ski or not to ski?' may no longer be part of your family's winter break equation with these great meal values for skiers and riders at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly in California for the 2009-2010 season.

For the past few years, Vail has stepped back to examine their dining choices, focusing on healthy eaters and the locavore crowd -- those who prefer to eat locally grown -- preferably organic -- meats and produce, and are happy to pay a premium. In that spirit, yoghurt, fruits, gluten-free items, and more have been made available in mountain lodge cafeterias. For 2009, they've done a makeover on the classic burger, now offering "a burger that features a freshly baked bun from Denver's Harvest Moon Bakery, a fresh, Angus quarter-pound patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, organic white cheddar cheese and a special signature sauce," according to spekesperson Amy Kemp. Best news? It's sold at 2008 prices.

The wallet-tickler and mom-stuck-in-condo-kitchen saver is "Lunch for Less," a new value meal that will be offered at all Vail lunch venues for $9.95. Ten bucks will get the kids an entree, side dish and a beverage. The Lunch for Less meal will vary from day to day and from resort to resort but may include a wrap and soup one day or a pasta and salad the next.

Fussy eaters likely to revolt? A la carte more your family's thing? For the first time, guests who visit Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone or Heavenly can take advantage of a convenient new pre-paid "Mountain Meal Card" which will offer added value by providing an extra 20% dollar value based upon the amount purchased. The additional 20% will only be available to those who pre-purchase the meal card online prior to arrival, so make sure to get every family member their own food smart card, then use it at all Vail Resorts' owned and operated fine dining facilities at each of the five mountain resorts.

Come evening, the folks at Vail have recognized that the family that skis, rides or spas together may want to chill out together over a gourmet repast. This season, the resorts' fine dine restaurants are offering new celebratory and family-friendly options with built-in savings. "Celebrate With Us" invites guests to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or that special occasion on site, with a complimentary beverage or dessert. The "Family Friendly" offer includes specials such as kid-friendly menu items that are reasonably priced. Offers will vary by restaurant.

To learn more about the Vail Resorts' family-friendly offerings, visit these links:

Vail, Colorado

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado

Keystone, Colorado

Heavenly, California

Sound enticing enough to stay awhile? From September 15 – December 19, 2009, the elegant Vail Mountain Lodge in the heart of Vail Village is offering a free night's stay in one of their 20 spacious rooms or eight two- and three-bedroom condos. Basically, book two nights and you'll receive the third consecutive night free, a 33% discount. This offer applies to families who arrive Sunday to Wednesday,  and includes daily breakfast and complimentary access to the Vail Athletic Club. Base rates are from $159/N per person. If you plan to hit the slopes before Christmas, you can combine Vail Mountain Lodge’s offer with a buy two get one free lift ticket special, and use the savings to indulge at the famous Spa at Vail Mountain Lodge. For more information or to reserve accommodations, call 866-326-6094 or visit www.vailmountainlodge.com. 

For additional details on dining services and more news of early season lift ticket and lodging offers, please visit www.snow.com.