Get on board it's time for winter fun!

The Fancy Free shuttle will run each Tuesday starting January 19th through March 23rd. We will meet at Little Howe Park in Queen Anne where there is free parking and a play area for the kids to enjoy during loading. The van will be there at 8a.m. and will depart at 8:30. We'll be at Hyak from 9:30 to 10:30 and back in Seattle by 11:30. I will need to know who is coming by Saturday the week before as the shuttle will only run if it is full (it's a 15 passenger van so at least 5 parent/child pairs are needed). Reservations are made by either e-mailing fancyfreenordiski@gmail.com or calling Erin at (406) 579-5642. The cost is $40 for a parent/child pair & $10 for each additional family member (this includes nannies).

You bring your own ski gear and sleds as needed--remember this is a create your own adventure format. Ski help and assistance will be available but you must decide if you will classic ski (in the tracks), skate ski (much like roller blading) or will be sledding only. You will need full winter clothing, water bottles and a snack or lunch. Diaper bags make a great back rest in the sled so don't leave them behind and a small blanket is nice for padding or cover, Hot coffee and hot water will be available so bring a mug and your favorite tea if you like. There will also be some van toys to entertain everyone during the ride.

A few of you have asked me about ski renals. I have been recommending REI which is $28 for the full package and that includes a free pick up day and a free drop off day (basically a three day rental) it is $14 for kids. I am available to meet at REI on Jan 8th and 9th when they open at 9 to preview and size out gear; please contact me to make plans. I encourage new skiiers who plan to ski with kids in a sled to join me for an adult lesson (we'll leave the kiddos home or bring a nanny/spouse to sled on the hill while we go ski). This will get you started right prior to bringing the little ones. I have two days open for this: Friday, Jan 15th or Saturday, Jan 16th at 8:30a.m. There is no fee for the lesson. Again, please call or e-mail me to set this up (fancyfreenordiski@gmail.com or calling Erin at (406) 579-5642). Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Here are some photos from our holiday:

Auntie Clare pulling Eden in West Yellowstone, Montana over the Christmas holiday. We used sleds to get around sharing the road with snowmobiles and snowcoaches.

This was quite the snowman we created up on Snowqualmie Pass near the Hyak Trails. The picture was taken in mid-November! We saw a lot more snow at this spot on our return trip from Montana. The trails are nicely groomed.

Snacking and other tips for the ski trails

Good snacks kids can eat while wearing warm fuzzy gloves:

1. Whole Graham Crackers
2. Carrots
3. Bananas
4. Turkey Sticks
5. Long Cheese Sticks
6. A Big Piece of Refridgerated Left Over Pizza
7.Long Cut Cucumber Spears
8. Long Pretzel Sticks
9. Peanut Butter Crackers
10. Jam and Butter Lefse Rolls
11. Turkey and Cream Cheese Wrapped in Tortillas
12. Fruit Bars

Large pieces are easy to hold in mittens & a joy to nibble on. These might be messy but well worth it. Try a kid-temperature beverage to bring ready in a thermos. We have tried various herbal teas with milk, apple cider and cocoa. A warm cup can bring comfort to outdoor adventures & great big smiles.

The first time I skied with Eden behind me we used a few comforts from home. I brought her favorite book and a few little carob chocolate mints. These were handy a half mile into our ski when she wanted to get out of the sled & have me carry her. I sat in the sled beside her, shared a banana, read her a familiar story & cuddled her reassuringly. She seemed happy to know we could stop at anytime and just hang out. We then continued to ski without me carrying her. The little chocolate mint I had stowed in my pocket was a surprise as we were returning to our car. I gave it to a very greatful Eden. Food is a wonderful way to create lasting memories shared & nourish us after all of those calories are burned in the fresh air.

Snow is on the ground on Snoqualmie pass and chances are if you're looking at this--you're ready. Winter 2010 is Fancy Free's pioneering season. I will be taking parents and kids up to the Hyak area for nordic skiing fun from January thru March. Starting in the new year, we will be taking a 15 passenger van (room for about 7 adults and 7 children) with our gear (skis, sleds, & nosh) to the flat, regularly groomed John Wayne Trail near the unincorporated community of Hyak. The trail runs along Lake Keechelus and then wraps around the East Summit of Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area. There is a sledding area where the ski trail begins and a great restroom facility with electric hand dryers (an essential for drying gloves or warming hands and toes). This program is for families. If you have never cross country skied before, this is an opportunity to learn and have fun with your kiddo/s. Cost is $40 per parent-child pair. It is $10 for each additional parent and child per family. What you bring: car seats, ski gear (I can suggest ways of obtaining gear to own or rent from retail costs to free), a sled & lunch. What I bring: a festive attitude, my tried and true driving fortitude, advice and teaching of ski technique, my daughter Eden, and hot coffee and water for apres ski. I will be looking for feedback from now until January as to what days and times people favor and from which Seattle area neighborhoods they will be coming (so I can select an optimal meet up spot). For more information please contact Erin at fancyfreenordiski@gmail.com.