On the Road

Happy New Year everybody! And welcome to the January issue of On the Road. This month we’re going to take a break from the warmer destinations many RVers frequent this time of year. We know there are lots of you out there who prefer to brave the cold and hit the trails and slopes. So, this month we’ll find some RV friendly ski resorts and let you know about a cool service the West Coast states have for winter adventurers. It’s also the height of “cold and flu” season, so we’ll give you some quick tips for staying healthy on the road.

The new blog is going strong and lots of you are commenting with wonderful stories, tips, and favorite destinations. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, head over and take a look. Some of the best reading is in the comments section after each entry. We love hearing from our readers, so don’t forget to leave a comment of your own.

Let’s get to it!

RV-Friendly Ski Resorts

Ahh-Winter! There’s nothing quite like spending a day shooshing down the slopes, taking in a concert at the lodge, and then heading back to the parking lot for a few hours before getting up and doing it all over again. If this sounds like an ideal way to spend the coldest months of the year, you’re not alone. Winter RVing is perfect for ski bums or families who just want to bundle up and explore nature.

Many ski resorts, especially out west, will allow you to overnight in their parking lot for a small fee. Some even have hookups and showers. Here are a few larger resorts we found that offer this service.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Lake Tahoe, CA

Kirkwood offers 65 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding and three terrain parks for beginner through expert freestyle boarders. Other activities offered include cross country skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snow shoeing, and tobogganing. Kirkwood is family friendly, with available child care. RV parking is available on-site.

Sierra Summit Mountain Resort: Lakeshore, CA

Sierra Summit offers 45 trails, three terrain parks, a halfpipe, and “Family Fun zones” where kids or beginner boarders can experience jumps, banks, and rollers in a low-key atmosphere. There is no on-site day care, but half or full-day “kids camp” teaches ski and board skills to ages 4 – 12. RV parking with electric and TV hookup is available.  Reservations are recommended for overnight parking.

Timberline: Mt. Hood, OR

Known for having the longest season in North America, Timberline is a “nearly” year-round ski resort. Situated on Mt. Hood in Oregon, Timberline was open 305 days last year. In fact, World Cup National ski teams train there in the summer.  You’ll find lots of winding trails and 6 terrain parks from beginner through expert. RV parking is available (no hookups.)

Hmm, it seems overnight RV parking at ski resorts is a West Coast phenomenon. Know any great mid-west or East Coast mountains that allow RV parking slopeside? Let us know!

Up For a Little “Back Country” Fun?

Some western states including California, Oregon, Washington State, and Idaho have state maintained parking areas for winter sports like snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. They’re called Sno-Parks and are located at various trail heads around the state. Each state has different requirements, but for a small fee (around $25) you can buy a 1-year pass and park your RV at any of dozens of well-maintained sno-parks around the state. (Some states honor passes from other states, too.) Sno-parks are a low-cost way to escape from the crowded resorts and take in some quiet scenic trails. Some parks are very popular, though, and fill quickly during weekends and holidays. So, plan to show up early and claim your spot.

Do Your Homework

RVing during the winter can make pricey resorts a whole lot more affordable. So, don’t give up. Just because a resort doesn’t advertise “RV parking” on its website doesn’t mean they won’t allow it. Give them a call and ask. And if you run into a dead end, check around for some nearby RV parks or campgrounds open during the ski season.

Whether you’re into alpine or cross country, dog sledding or winter photography, head out into the white for a while this season. Rekindle an old love for the outdoors, or discover a brand new sport. You might never have to put your RV into winter storage again!