Willy Booker, head of Burke Mountain Academy which hones some of America’s finest ski racers, bemoans that kids are less active and athletic today and don’t get outdoors enough. 

One way to remedy that is to have fun at a mountain resort this summer.

The Marmot Slingshot down jacket will keep you warm on the coldest day as will an Arc’teryx Sentinel shell with a down midlayer under it. (Karen Lorentz)

The fashions are colorful, the gear rocks, and both are more high-tech than ever — reasons they’ll make you more comfortable and happier on the slopes.

The South Ridge Quad chair will return access to more blue and green terrain. (Karen Lorentz/Killington)

Killington has announced $16 million in resort upgrades that will vastly improve the ski experience while providing creature comforts that make riding and skiing easier for families. It’s the largest investment in upgrades at the resort in 20 years.

Apres-ski singing was popular with folk tunes joining ski songs in 1950s and 1960s. (Dick Smith/State of NH)

Early ski trips were largely couple- and singles-oriented affairs, with 1930s’ snow trains popularizing the social connections and good times that became associated with the sport. Many joined ski trips just for the fun of the après-ski life — skiing was optional if looking for a mate.

Jessie Diggins and Sadie Bjornsen leap onto the podium after finishing third in the team sprint at the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. (Andrew Shinn)

Scandinavian countries, Germany, Italy, and Russia dominated women’s cross-country competitions for 60 years, but that began to change in 2012 with the breakout of the U.S. Women’s Cross-Country Team.

Keeping it fun at Shawnee Peak. (Shawnee Peak/Facebook)

As a skier who taught two sons to ski and then had the youngest son and a grandson take their first lessons in children’s programs, I know there is no one best way or age for all children to learn a snowsport.

With both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, everyone can relax and unwind after a hard day on the slopes. (Airbnb) 

A perusal of Airbnb shows the concept of direct online rentals has caught on in ski towns nationwide. Airbnb rentals are popular for the savings and convenience they can afford and in some places supplement limited mountain or town accommodations.

Lookout Pass has popular Learn to Ski & Ride and Bring a Friend programs that run all season long. (Bob Legasa Freeride Media)

There’s never been a better time to find ski/snowboarding discounts, freebies, and deals.