How many times has your family's excitement surrounding a ski vacation been dampened by lack of planning? If your family is anything like ours, there will have been times when the enthusiasm for a ski outing plummets within minutes because essential gear or clothing was left behind. With a little bit of advance planning, all members of your family will be excited and content throughout the day.

Tips:

Clothing: Make sure your children are dressed in layers. We all know that layering allows our bodies to accommodate our constantly changing temperature. Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture and try some of the readily available wicking fabric products. A Turtleneck, fleece and jacket are all a good idea and the little one's can shed layers as necessary.

Body Fuel: Stuff your pockets with Powerbar-like snacks, nuts, and dried fruit. Inevitably, someone will want to quit before others are ready because of hunger.

Extras: Make sure to keep a gear bag in the car with extra clothing items like mittens, socks, headbands, sunglasses, goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm. long underwear and socks. If you've ever seen the monumental size of the lost and found boxes at ski resorts, you will know that is only inevitable that someone will forget something...

Protective Eyewear: I can't emphasize this enough. I hear more horror stories from my ophthalmologist friends about the dangers of the Colorado sun on young eyes, especially when it reflects off the snow. Make sure your children have UV protective sunglasses or goggles.

Plan for Being Separated on the Slope. While we all hope it never happens, I can assure you, it can happen much faster than you think. Make sure you plan a meeting place before you begin skiing in the event your child becomes lost. The information booth is a good place or decide which lift you will ski next so if you get separated. Make sure your child carries a piece of paper in a secure pocket that has your home, cell and lodging phone number as well as your name. Inexpensive walkie talkies are now available and are a big hit on the slopes.

TAKE A LESSON: Skiing IS NOT something you can teach to your kids, even if you are an expert. It's also not something you can teach yourself. If you are going to invest in the time and lift ticket and lodging to go skiing, invest in a lesson also. It's the best money you will spend if you've never been skiing before.

Planning a little in advance ensures a great adventure, fun, laughter. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your children's fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations.