January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the nation. And Sapphire Valley is the perfect place for beginners. I saw kids as young as three taking to the slopes while we were there! Prices are extremely reasonable too. Note - there are only two slopes - the beginner hill and the lift to the main slope (also beginner level). If you have advanced skiers in your family, this won't be the best place for them. But if you have skiers / boarders who are looking to learn or build confidence, it can't be beat. That said, there's much more to do in Sapphire Valley then just ski! Stay tuned for my full review next week.
Since it IS LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD month, here's a word of advice to all parents - please make sure your kids wear helmets. First, it's the SAFE thing to do. And if you/they have a problem with that....well, I love wearing a helmet because it keeps my head warm. Check out this website - lidsonkids.org - for info on how to choose the right helmet and why they are recommended. Plus, there are games and activities for kids on the site as well.
"You wouldn't play football without wearing a helmet – same rule applies for skiing. Plus helmets are way warmer than hats."— Lindsey Vonn
As you can see, my kiddo is wearing a helmet in this photo. And my 9-year-old, who snowboards, wears one too (photo of both below). He wiped out pretty badly on Sunday evening - luckily at the end of our trip - and ended up with a concussion. His feet went out from under him and he fell backwards, landing on his head. I'm just incredibly relieved he was wearing a helmet, even though he did suffer a mild concussion. He's still recovering - no sports for at least another week - but he's doing just fine now and is ready to give snowboarding another try next season. Wherever we end up, I know we'll ALL be wearing helmets!!
Since spring sports are about to start up as well (baseball...), you might also want to take a moment to read up on concussions. We did go to Children's when we returned on Monday - better safe than sorry. CLICK HERE for everything you need to know! If you suspect your child may have suffered a concussion, don't let it go unchecked.
And now, moving on to the fun stuff happening THIS WEEK (well, and the week after, and the one after that!). There's too much to put in a paragraph so just go straight to THIS WEEK'S PICKS!!
WINNERS
Winners from last week's giveaways were chosen - you all really wanted those WILD KRATTS LIVE tickets! Congrats to Heather C. who won the 4 tickets to the show on Jan. 31 at Cobb Energy Centre!And many of you have kids who love trains too - so don't forget that Trains, Trains, Trains is this Saturday at The Southern Museum in Kennesaw! Congrats to Aimee C. who won 4 tickets to take her family.
For those of you who requested tickets to our MILES FROM TOMORROWLAND premiere party next Saturday, invites for the "winners" are out. I have a wait list, so if anyone fails to respond or cancels, you might still receive an email!
Have a wonderful weekend! Please follow us on FACEBOOK for daily updates, great deals, and more fun. PINTEREST too! Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and I've got a board up now...
Michelle
