Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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 RestaurantGlaciers 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! 


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. :) 


99 comments:

Helen said...

This is really neat. Great giveaway. :)

Unknown said...

This looks like a lot of fun!

Erica said...

My family has never been skiing, despite living in snowy PA. We do, however, love sled ridding! :)

Rebecca Kemmerer said...

Looks amazing!

Unknown said...

Looks like a fantastic winter get-a-way and adds some fun to a long, cold winter!

Unknown said...

I was just talking to my 7 year old about going up on the 13th. This would be awesome for us since I went back to work after 7 years full time and a vacay is calling me and some make up time for my only son. Thanks for allowing us the opp to win this trip!!

Anonymous said...

I haven't been skiing in years and my kids have never gone before, it would be great!

Unknown said...

It would be great to just get away from it all with the family for a few nights. We didn't vacation this past summer, and taking a break from the ordinary would be great!

Erin said...

I'm most excited about the thought of just getting away for a few days! And take a babysitter with you. Brilliant!

Melanie Bryan said...

Our family would love this!

Trista said...

It would be a great way to celebrate my 40th birthday with my husband and daughters.

Unknown said...

No better way to cheer up in the winter than to take a small family getaway! Would be nice to relax... :)

Ronie Montgomery said...

The most that excites me is going to have a chance to experience the slopes that my family hasn't been on before. This would be the perfect first time adventure!

Unknown said...

My family never does anything like this. This would be an exciting experience.

Deadra said...

This is one of your best giveaways yet! Well, IMO. : ). My husband and I were just discussing Hidden Valley last weekend and if we could swing a family weekend there. Thanks for the overview and advice.

GAZE said...

My son is dying to learn how to ski! I hate being cold so if we won this trip, he'd be in heaven and I couldn't mind the cold so much since I didn't have to pay!

Nannette said...

Looks like you made some great memories with your family!

Heather E. said...

I love skiing, and have been wanting to take my kiddo. He LOVES the snow (and all things hotel lol), so this would be perfect! :) thank you!

Debbie H said...

Would love to take my sons to play in the snow :)

valerie said...

Looks so fun! We've been thinking of going to something like this with our kids but didn't know how our kids would do (almost 5 and 2.5). This has given me inspiration to take a trip with them!

Maisiesdaddy said...

It would be great to get away with the family.

Patricia Wojnar Crowley said...

We would love the Snow Tubing! So fun!

JenChmielus said...

Looks like so much fun!

JenChmielus said...

We'd love the sledding and the pool!

Mandy Klink said...

Such a great giveaway! Fingers crossed that I win - my son would be thrilled!!

jill b said...

Looks like fun and my family would enjoy the smaller setting with "new" skiers

Steph said...

We would welcome the family getaway! Fun and hopefully a little sunshine for it too!

Lauren G said...

I haven't skied in years. Would love to hit the slopes again!

Holly said...

I would love to be able to get away with my daughter and have some winter fun.

Unknown said...

I think would be a great break to winter routine.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like so much fun! We have never been to hidden Valley before.

Beth Busch said...

What a fantastic getaway! Love that they did a giveaway with you too. So cool! I'd love for my kids to get to go tubing and skiing and enjoy being outside. Kevin would love this too! :)

Betty Wojnar said...

My family would love to go snow tubing

elizabeth said...

We tried to take my daughter snowtubing last winter, but it was a bust. This would be a perfect opportunity to show her the slopes!

Unknown said...

We need a vacation so bad! I know we would love snow tubing!

Carly said...

OMG I want to win this SO bad. I am a mountain soul and I haven't been on the slopes in 2 years for financial reasons. We were given a Seven Springs/Hidden Valley gift card for Christmas, it's looking like it'll only cover about half or less of the cost of a ski weekend with my 2 kids. Fingers and toes and eyes and arms and legs are crossed!!!

Unknown said...

This would be a great way to bond with my kids and husband! We love the winter and spending quality time together. This sounds like a ton of fun!

Lindsey said...

would love to take my oldest skiing for the first time. My husband and I haven't been skiing since we had kids and would love to get back

leslie kraft said...

i would LOVE a vacation with my family because we have never taken one together.

Erin said...

This looks like so much fun!

Stephanie Jankowski said...

Ohmygoodness!! I want this! I saw your pics on Facebook and was sooo envious! It's gorgeous up there--would love to win this bad boy! xo

Henry T said...

Looks like fun

Jamie L said...

Looks like fun! I've always wanted to visit Hidden Valley!

Julie Parker said...

Looks like a really fun get-away! Would love to share this with my family!

Tabatha said...

Sounds like a Fantastic way to unplug
and enjoy spending time with my family!

Kimberly said...

Looks delightful. What a fun way to escape the gloominess of winter. Great giveaway!

Jess L said...

What a great prize! Thanks for the chance to win!

Wendy Hutchison said...

A HV trip is what my son asked for, for his birthday this year!

Unknown said...

Glad to see people getting excited about Hidden valley! Great giveaway!

Katie said...

It has been a few years since my husband and I have been to hidden valley. We want to teach our daughter how to ski this year, what a perfect trip to do so!

Unknown said...

I've never been sking! I couldn't Afford the school trips growing up and now money is always tight, this would be a great trip!

Liz W said...

This would be a fabulous getaway for our family. I've been wanting to take our girls snow tubing!

Glennen said...

My 7 year would be so excited!

molly p said...

I would love to check out the slopes and have a fun day with the family!

Katie said...

Some really cute pictures with your family. Looks like you had a great getaway. Skiing is something my husband always did and we have yet to ever do together. Would love to spend some time away with everyone in the snow!

The Lesters said...

Sounds fun! Although we don't ski we would love the snow tubing!

christina h said...

Just being outside sounds amazing to me. That, and a nice getaway with my husband and kids when i've been working some long hours.

Erin Rabatin said...

Just getting away from the everyday is fantastic! Would love to snow tube with our daughter!

Unknown said...

Another excellent giveaway!!!!

Michele Vannucci said...

Love snow tubing and my daughters love snow boarding so this would be great!

Unknown said...

My husband and I have a son, almost 3 years old and we are so very excited to get him on the slopes so he can spend lots of weekends with mommy and daddy skiing/snowboarding :) My husband and and I ski on a regular basis and can't wait to introduce this into our sons life. Many times we as a family have talked about teaching him at Hidden Valley, because it is peaceful, a great place to learn, the hills are friendly to all levels of skiing and there isn't the hustle bustle of large ski resort. It makes it more personable and family oriented. We have skied here many times and plan to come back. :)

Anonymous said...

This looks awesome!

Deb Whitewood said...

What fun!!!
All my kiddos would enjoy this!!

Unknown said...

I used to love skiing "back in the day" and went to Hidden Valley quite often. I would love to take my 2 boys here again.
Thanks - great contest!

Adrienne said...

My son is the age I learned to ski. I love the idea of having him get to go to the ski school.

Kelley said...

I actually had no idea Hidden Valley had some of the things you mentioned. Have been wanting to take the kiddo there!

Anonymous said...

My husband and I skied when we were in high school. Our daughter is now 16 and has never been skiing. We are taking her on Jan 25th to Hidden Valley Resort. We are all excited about it!!

The OT Toolbox said...

We love Hidden Valley!

Unknown said...

I would love the opportunity to win this giveaway! I have wanted to go skiing for years, but haven't had a chance since I've had children. This looks like an amazing package!

Unknown said...

No better time to get out of the house for a few days.. even if its in the snow!! Fingers crossed!

Unknown said...

Great giveaway, looks like a lovely resort!

Jenna W said...

It will be exciting just to get away from home for a couple days and to play in the pool, of course.

anna5546 said...

My 5-year old learned to ski last winter, and we love Hidden Valley - this giveaway sounds like a lot of fun!

Anna

Heather L said...

Oh, I would LOVE to win this!!

Unknown said...

Would love to show our 4 year old skiing and more of the beautiful outdoors. there's nothing like being outside in the snow and coming back into a nice fire.

Susie said...

My husband and 10 of our friends visited Seven Springs last year for the first time. It was amazing! We were just talking about how we needed to plan a trip back to that area to go skiing. Oh they would love me if we won!!!

Elissa and Matt Tunno said...

Great giveaway!

Heather D said...

Thank you for the chance!

Heather D said...

This would be such a nice family bonding adventure!

Unknown said...

We just moved to Pittsburgh and I'd love to take advantage of some winter fun...see what the area has to offer!

Deidre Sula said...

Looks like a lot of fun!

Anonymous said...

Would LOVE to have a getaway this winter once cabin fever really sets in!

Kristie said...

It would be a great getaway!

BD said...

A winter getaway? What could be better? I also have a threenager and he has never been skiing! This would be an awesome family getaway for my husband, me, son and daughter. Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

Awesome giveaway!!!!

Kelly C. said...

My favorite thing would be to getting to celebrate my husband's winter birthday by doing something so fun and memorable with the kids. Lovely giveaway!

Jessie S said...

I would love the chance to take my two kiddos for their first winter getaway. As a recent single mom, we don't get many chances to do things like that.

Immabadmomma said...

Wow, a place where my husband and I can breathe a little after having the shock of an 18 month old and 4.5 month old. Looks like a well deserved trip!

Laura said...

This looks so fun!!!

Laura Smith said...

Learned to ski at Hidden Valley - love that place! Would love to go back with my husband and kids!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks awesome! So all your kids got to hit the slope? I was under the impression that the kids must be at least 4 years old before they can start skiing? Thank you!

Rachel McC said...

The opportunity to teach my 3 to ski!!

mrsgregwillis said...

Babymoon... :)

Anonymous said...

Looks like your family had a great time!

Shannon Bollig said...

We love hidden valley . What a perfect getaway for all!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

We would love ths getaway! My daughter loves sled riding, swimming, and would love to learn to ski! Thanks!!

kristin k said...

My kids have been asking for a lot of snow!

Betty Wojnar said...

Congrats Amanda O!