Adirondack Family Time™

By Diane Chase New York State Ski Discounts for the Adirondack Mountains. Alpine skiing can be expensive for a family. The great thing as that so many downhill ski mountains offer discounts and special events that if you plan ahead you can save money. Please keep checking back as discounts become available I will list them here.  Keep money in your pocket while enjoy all the Adirondack ski resorts have to offer. Ski Olympic mountains or small family-size hills.  Below are just a few savings so go to the websites to see if lodging and other discounts fit more to your family's needs. Besides discounts I have listed those mountains that offer night skiing and tubing as well. 

By Diane Chase Did you know? Charles Dickens • Charles Dickens was born in 1812 • At 12 he was forced to leave school and work in a factory to help get his family out of debt. • He is considered a Victorian author because he wrote during the Victorian era • He was the most popular writer of his time • Dickens began his writing career as a journalist • He wrote plays, journals, travel books, and weekly periodical called Household Words and All Year Round as well as numerous novels • He also traveled to the United States to speak against slavery • He had ten children with his wife, Catherine • Dickens wrote five Christmas books but A Christmas Carol is the most popular. • He died before his last book, The Mystery of Edwin Drood was completed • He used his writing to highlight poor working conditions and the atrocities of child labor • The characters from his books were inspired by real people from his life Like the character Mr. Micawber in David Copperfield, Dicken

Photo from MrEclipse.com What to do with kids in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Lake George, Saranac Lake, High Peaks Tuesday, December 21, 2010 EST  Total Eclipse of the Moon time frame partial eclipse = 1: 33 a.m. total eclipse begins = 2:41 a.m. mid eclipse = 3:17 a.m. total eclipse ends = 3:53 a.m. partial eclipse ends = 5:01 a.m. Be a Nature Detective: What is a Lunar Eclipse? • An eclipse of the moon can only take place when the moon is full and if it passes through part of the earth's shadow. • A lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye while special filters are required to view a solar eclipse.

Santa is making those last minute rounds around the area so there will be plenty of opportunity to get any last minute letters and whisper into the ear of the merry ol’ elf. The area business communities have once again pulled together to bring Santa out and about. Last week had its own special events for children while this weekend provides even more activities to ensure every child the opportunity to get a gift from Santa. For the 34 th  year, Santa will be at the Department of Environmental Control (DEC) in Ray Brook on Friday, December 17 th  from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and it only makes sense that Smokey Bear will be there as well. Don’t try to get Smokey to talk; I’m told he doesn’t give interviews. Elves will be passing out treats. Face painting and cookie decorating is available with a special holiday concert from the Saranac Lake High School Chorus.   The Saranac Lake Youth Center has managed to grab Santa from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday for those last minute photos

Don't be a Scrooge! Check out Pendragon Theatre's performance of A Christmas Carol.  Call 518-891-1854 for reservations. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for those under 17 At the Pendragon stage December 18 and 19, 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.  December 21, 22, 23, 7:00 p.m.  At the Lake Placid Center for the Arts December 27, 28, 7:00 p.m. 

By Diane Chase I  want that simpler time with Adirondack carolers, hot chocolate and exchanging friendly greetings on the street. I want to alleviate the holiday stress and just enjoy being with my family. On December 10-12, 2010, the village of Lake Placid will turn on its old world alpine charm and celebrate its annual Lake Placid Holiday Stroll. Santa will kick off the event with  free  skating at the  Olympic Center  on Friday the 10th starting at 6:30 p.m. Read More of my Post on Lake Placid.com

Children try small jumps first By Diane Chase The 'Learn to Fly" Wednesday is back as the NYSEF coaching staff at the Olympic Ski Jumps in Lake Placid will have four fun ski jump clinics in 2011 on the hill of Vancouver Olympians Bill Demong and Peter Frenette. These clinics are open to all children. Date and Time: Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. as follows: January 5, 12,18 (Tues) and 26th Location: Base Lodge of the Olympic Ski Jumps in Lake Placid, NY. Cost: First year jumpers are $5.00/session A successful clinic at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumps Age: All athletes six-years and older with prior skiing experience Equipment: Alpine or XC skis and a helmet There will be plenty of snacks and hot chocolate to keep your little ones energized! Kids progress to the jumps at their own initiative.