Getting kids on skis;as early as possible can be rewarding for a lifetime of skiing. But planning a ski trip — especially with kids in tow — isn’t as easy as just picking up and going. Instead of just “following the snow,” you’ll want to pick a ski mountain that truly caters to kids — one that offers top-notch ski lessons, kid-friendly trails and many off-the-snow activities as well.

A town board in Stowe has denied an application for a proposed parking lot aimed at relieving parking pressures for the Stowe Mountain Resort.

The top New England ski towns are the topic of annual debate, but which are the top towns for cross country skiing? Some of the favorite New England towns and areas to go on a cross country (XC) ski vacation include Stowe and Woodstock in Vermont, the Mt. Washington Valley in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and Bethel in Maine. Here are more details from XCSkiResorts.com about XC skiing at these fabulous New England ski towns:

Happy Thanksgiving! We're eating up the forecast with plentiful helpings of snow and chill for the East, and warm, buttery turns in the West. Here's what to expect in the forecast in this week's SnoCast.

Vail Resorts' portfolio includes five New England and Middle Atlantic resorts that will see new lifts going up in the next summer's construction season.

It used to be you’d have to go out west for a top-notch upscale ski vacation, but fortunately, that is no longer true. With a major transformation over the past 10 years, Stowe Mountain and the Spruce Peak Village will truly give you everything you are looking for in a ski vacation.

You don’t have to jump on a plane to Vail, Aspen, Jackson Hole or Park City to ski this winter: New York is within driving distance of several destinations that promise almost as much allure.

With several more ski areas opening up for the holiday week, the ski season is well underway. We're seeking out the snow and cold air to keep flakes flying. Here’s where to expect great conditions this holiday weekend.

As summer draws to a close, Vermont ski areas are broadcasting high expectations for opening this winter. 

With about a foot of snow expected in some parts of Vermont heading into the weekend, ski resorts and lodges are gearing up for some prime riding conditions. 

We’re turning into mid-January with a busy and changeable weather pattern across North America. Two fast-moving (albeit mild) storms graze the East, while cold and snowy conditions persist for the West.

Most resorts have a bunch of bars to choose from when it comes to apres-ski, but if you want to find the down-home, braggin' rights kind of bar, just follow a local.

Tired of riding the lift? Then find the longest way down the mountain and treat yourself to a break from the bumps and trees and deep pow'. Mostly green, sometimes blue, these runs cool out the day – and they provide some of the best scenic views of the mountain.

Take a look at what SnoCountry found:

The rewards are great for taking the time to get out onto the trails. (Fisher Touring)

One of the greatest challenges for many people who love to cross country (XC)  ski regardless of the snow conditions is making time to get out there. Skiers struggle with this, but there are easy ways make time and to be more prepared to enjoy skiing.

Sunrise on Mt. Mansfield from Sterling Pond. (Sunrise Mountain Guides)

Backcountry and sidecountry ski touring are all the rage now, but heading out of bounds without some experience can be at best a frustrating undertaking and at worst a dangerous one. SnoCountry.com has found the prefect combo of ski hotels that not only offer the comforts of a destination resort, but guide service to bring your adventure goals to reality.

The whiskey is lined up in Park City. (High West/Facebook)

Catching a cocktail after a long day on the slopes has been a winter tradition since the beginning and, recently, the distillers are making the good stuff right at the resorts.

Family golf at Stowe. (Stowe)

The kids might be going back to school soon, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy some great deals at the greens and fairways of the golf courses across Northeast ski resorts.

A green mountain backdrop for Jay Peak's Jeezum Crow Festival. (Jay Peak)

The kids are out of school and it's time to grab your lawn chairs and blankets for some music in the mountains at Vermont ski resorts. Musical offerings range from free outdoor concerts and weekend music festivals to mid-week jams at local bars and restaurants.

Tele turns at the top of "Goat" at Stowe. (Stowe)

The true “steeps,” they make us pause. Across ski-snowboard country, we peer tentatively over the edge and into precipitous pitches, long and short, that cause the heart rate to rise and adrenaline to course through our veins.

It's party time on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Valley on New Year's Eve. (TahoeSouth/Facebook)

The annual celebration of the new year at a ski and snowboard resort signals that the season is in full swing – and looking forward to tons of snow in the coming months.

Mountain resorts traditionally feature torchlight parades, fireworks, festive food and hearty drink on the evening of Dec. 31. Many add twists to the holiday activities – for kids, VIPs and just regular folk.

Here’s a preview of some of what will be happening in the across the country as 2016 turns into 2017 up in the hills:

South Lake Tahoe shuts down Main Street for Heavenly Valley visitors to party with music, food and drink before famed Gondola Ball Drop (ala Times Square) to signal in new year.

Crystal Mountain lays out buffet and prix fixe dinners, separate parties for teens and adults, and torchlight ski and ride down the Cheers trail for 16 years or older.

Grand Targhee gets going early with glowstick parade for 5-14 year olds with basic turning and stopping skills. Adults parade at 5:45 p.m. with roadside flares (wear an old parka), and then fireworks.

Breckenridge starts out with a glowworm parade on the slopes for the kids, then an adult version later. Many hike up Boreas Pass for best view of nighttime fireworks.

Sunday River features evening ride up Chondola for fancy meal at mid-mountain Peak Lodge. Back at base, the music is nonstop until midnight.

Stowe goes all day on Dec. 31 with face-painting, handbell concert, champagne tasting and free s’more before torchlight parade and fireworks cap off the year.

Sugarbush honors a human’s best friend with annual Dog Parade in the afternoon at base of Lincoln Peak, followed by the usual evening festivities.