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.