Winter Vacay Giveaway

The winter months are here in full force! Many of us dislike being cold and it can be easy to fall into the "winter blues" as we stay inside more, get less Vitamin D, and begin to feel cooped up as the winter months drag on. My solution is to embrace the fun parts of the outdoors that winter brings us! Taking a little getaway in the middle of winter is another way to break up the monotony and bring some extra excitement into these cold days. So I began the hunt for the perfect winter family getaway to share with not only my family, but also YOU. And I do believe I found it! Hidden Valley Resort was very gracious to work with me in this promotion and I can't wait to share the fun of our family getaway and give you the chance to win this experience as well!

Hidden Valley is a sister resort to Seven Springs Resort, but a little smaller, which means a little less crowded! It is located in the heart of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, and just over an hour from Pittsburgh. It includes 26 slopes and trails to ski or snowboard, snowsports school, three on site restaurants, a fitness center, pool, The Trillium Spa which offers manis, pedis, massages + more, and an 18-hole golf course in the summer.

Loved the beautiful stone buildings!

All rooms include a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, hair dryer and a Keurig coffee maker (boy, did I love not having terrible hotel coffee!) A suite will include a living room with a beautiful fireplace. There is nothing better than coming in from snow sports to a toasty fire!

Although we were there for the snow, it sure was a bonus to have the indoor pool. My kids loved their swim time! And mom & dad enjoyed warming up in the sauna afterwards. :) 

Continental breakfast comes with your stay and includes cereal, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, juice, milk  and coffee. 

Are your kids new to skiing? Hidden Valley has you covered! My son enjoyed The First Time Experience lesson with his instructor and really loved his first time on the slopes.

For children that are 5 and older, you might be interested in dropping them off at Lil' Rippers School for a several hour experience in learning and fun! (This also might give parents a chance to hit the slopes.) :) The entire ski staff was extremely kind and helpful to all of us. 

 

My kids are 2, 3, almost 4, and almost 6. Yes, it's a lot of work just to get everyone outfitted and up the hills. We weren't without the cries of I'm hot! and my neck is itchy!! They are apparently allergic to layers of clothing. :) But without a doubt, all the craziness was more than worth everyone getting this fun experience. I'm embracing this quote I recently read: Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that multiple times. :) 

Riding the ramp up the bunny hill!

We were so very grateful to have our beloved babysitter with us which made it possible to not only get all the kids on the hill, but mommy & daddy got to sneak in a few runs during nap time as well. It's so tranquil riding up the lift and being at the top of the hills. We felt so refreshed and renewed being outside in the crisp cold and quiet. It was a perfect short date. :) It is so gorgeous at the tops of the slopes!

Snow tubing is another fun option at the resort! Kids must be at least 4 years old, 4-9 must be accompanied by an adult. Tubing is closed Monday - Wednesday.  

Photo courtesy of Hidden Valley Resort

Hidden Valley has three on site restaurants, Clock Tower Restaurant, Glaciers Pub, and Sunrise Sunset Cafe. Glaciers Pub was definitely our favorite. Pickle fries? Oh yes. :) 

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We chose to do our trip Sunday - Tuesday because we knew the resort would be quieter and less crowded (definitely a good choice for our season of life!). However, the on-site restaurants close a lot earlier on the weekdays and so you definitely want to check with them for closing times or you might find yourselves showing up to a dark restaurant, as we did. Twice. :) Somerset is about 25 minutes and Donegal is about 15 minutes away and they both have quite a few options. We definitely recommend Tall Cedars in Donegal for the excellent pizza! Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Somerset was also highly recommended. 

Vacation in the winter definitely means some inside time, so don't forget a few things to keep them occupied! The matching game and Uno were also some of our favorites. 

My threenager. What more can I say? :) 

And now it's time to pass the fun on to you! Hidden Valley Resort has generously offered to give away the Valley Family Memories Package to one lucky family! 

Package Includes:

• Two nights of lodging in a standard room at The Inn at Hidden Valley. Inquire about suite rates.
• Unlimited skiing/snowboarding at Hidden Valley the day of your arrival until close the day you check-out. Please note – slopes close at 4:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• One family-size one-topping pizza
• One $15 gift card per adult
• Up to two children age 11 and under receive free lodging, free skiing and free inclusion package when sharing a room with paying adults

Some blackout dates will apply. Winner will be notified on how to redeem their package. Prize package must be redeemed by March 31, 2015. 

Please note: only complete entries will be accepted. This includes leaving a blog comment and complete contact info, thank you! 

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Thank you, Hidden Valley Resort, for sharing your family winter vacay with us! 

Hidden Valley Resort generously sponsored this post and provided my family with all the mentioned amenities. All opinions remain my own. It truly was fantastic. :)