There's snow in the Sierra! Bring the kids to Bear Valley

One of my favorite ski resorts, Bear Valley in the California Sierra Nevada, sent out an email this month announcing that they'll officially open on December 20. Yes, the white powdery fluff has finally covered the mountains and the resort is ready to start operating its lifts. Lift tickets are free on opening day but if you can't make it up then it's worth visiting this resort on another date, even if you have to pay.

Here are some tips for planning a Bear Valley Ski vacation:

Stay: A 45-minute drive from the ski mount, the Best Western Plus Cedar Inn & Suites in Angels Camp is great for families because they have two-room suites. Put the kids to bed early and then you can stay up to read a book or watch a movie. Also free breakfast and wi-fi.

Eat: After a day on the slopes, on your way back to your hotel, stop at Grounds in Murphys for a glass of local wine and a steaming bowl of cioppino. Kids might light the cheese ravioli or chicken skewers served with a Thai peanut dipping sauce.

Ski: Bear Valley is known as the "Friendlies Mountain in the West" and it's a great spot for families with an established ski school and lots of beginner slopes (as well as more advanced ones for mom and dad). bearvalley.com