I took my children here to Bear Creek 6 or 7 time...

I took my children here to Bear Creek 6 or 7 times in 2010. After I completely failed to help our children ski after the first time or so, I enrolled them in the Kodiak Kids program, which they did about 5 or 6 times. I think I have taken them at least once each year since.

Every instructor has been fabulous, every time. They reach out to our children, and engage them positively and helped them to progress to the best level they could. They have a day care, a pleasant room with many activities, but they did depend on movies a bit to entertain the kids, which our kids didn't prefer.

My daughter, in particular, was five, and was very nervous and unsure about it. I gave her private lessons with Susan, who was amazing with her--the right balance of encouragement and firmness. They also are clear in the instruction, so the children understand what is expected.

They currently only accept 5yo children and older for the program.

We went during the week, so taking the Kodiak program has always been almost like having private lessons. The instructors always challenged my son, and would move him and a few others into a more advanced group so they could enjoy the slopes and challenge their skiing.

Most importantly, they learned to ski safely. None of them take unnecessary risks, but ski considerately on the slopes.

We rented our equipment from Buckmans for the season. Unfortunately, you don't get a discount for that when you sign up for the package.

Bear Creek black diamonds do not equal other black diamonds. After skiing black diamonds at Bear Creek, one of our children was completely flummoxed when we took him/her to Crystal Mountain in Washington State.

We have tried various different ski schools and none of them have equaled Bear Creek. Another perk is that the lodge is also a hotel so it is more comfortable than the typical bare bones ski lodge.