Kids' Guide to Colorado Ski Country

— -- Snowball fight anyone?

Maybe you’d rather explore a giant mountain top snow fort (at Keystone Resort), soak in a hot spring (outside Steamboat), or tube down a four-lane track (at Snowmass Resort). You can always ski or snowboard, snowmobile, cross country ski or snowshoe.

Winter is a great time to visit Colorado and Ski Country. “Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in the world!” said Chloe, 13, who lives in Aspen.

And there’s no better time than January -- the nationally designated Learn to Ski and Snowboard month -- with well-priced beginner programs in Colorado and across the country that offer discounted lift tickets, lessons and rentals as well as incentives for those who introduce a friend to snow sports.

A tip: Look for kids-free options and discounted air-hotel-lift deals from sites like www.ski.com and lift tickets from www.liftopia.com. See what snow resorts are offering families this season at the Taking the Kids Guide to Fun in the Snow.

“I love living in Colorado because there are so many places to go and so many things you’ll never forget,” said Eve,12, who lives in Denver and was one of the many kids I interviewed for my Kid’s Guide to Denver, Boulder and Colorado’s Ski Country. “Just make sure you drink a lot of water, “said her classmate Katie, 13, or else in the high altitude you’ll get a headache.”

Savvy traveling parents know the more input kids have in vacation planning, the more fun everyone will have. Here’s the Kids’ Take on Colorado:

MUST SEE IN DENVER:

The Denver Art Museum, where kids can check out special free backpacks to create an art work based on an exhibit. There are also kids’ activities everywhere. “You have your own work to remember the museum…art isn’t just a bunch of boring stuff on canvas," said Guin, 11.

The History Colorado Center “because they have really interactive exhibits,” said Zooey, 11.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science: "It’s amazing. I went there for my birthday and it was the best birthday I ever had!” said Kiley, 12.

MUST SEE OUTSIDE OF DENVER

The free tour at Celestial Seasonings Tea Company in Boulder where “there is a dress made completely out of tee and the peppermint room smells delicious!” said Jamie, 10.

The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs “because the big rocks are red and orange,” said Leah, 10, of Colorado Springs.

Rocky Mountain National Park in summer to hike and camp or fall “to see the Elk," said Archer, 12, of Denver.

MUST DO IN WINTER

“Kids should not leave Colorado without skiing," said Katie, 13.

“Snowboarding and building a snowman!” added Jacqueline, 12.

“Snowmobiling is my favorite thing to do outside because you get great views and have a good time,” said Keegan, 13.

MUST HAVE WHEN YOU ARE OUT DOORS:

A water bottle “at all times,” said Sterling, 11.

Sunscreen and Chapstick since “lips get super dry,” said Grace, 12.

“Power Candy,” like Skittles “to eat on the lifts,” said Taylor.

“Ipod to listen to music,” said Gemma, 13.

Snacks such as “power bars and energy chews!” Robbie, 13.

MUST TAKE HOME:

“Your ski pass,” said Elliott, 13.

“Clothes that say Aspen,” added Leslie, 13.

“A Snow Globe to remember the ski resort or if you’re not a skier, a cool rock,” said Ruby, 11.

“Pictures are the best,” said Skylar, 11. “Take lots of pictures!”

Eileen Ogintz writes the syndicated column and website Taking the Kids and is the author of the nine Kids Guide books. This is the third in a series looking at major American cities from kids’ perspectives.