It's snow time

My 5 year old regularly goes cross-country skiing. I think she enjoys the time with dad more than the act of skiing itself, but either way she's out enjoying the sunshine and snow on a regular basis. And because she's familiar with the sport, she's loving the Olympic skiing coverage (although she insists on cheering for the person wearing her favourite coloured outfit.)

If Olympic fever has hit your home, check out the Everything Mom Olympics page which features links to everything you ever wanted to know about the Olympics.

If your family is not that into the Olympics but you still love to get out and ski, then the ski savvy info on the Savvy Mom website will come in useful. They have compiled a guide to ski lessons and daycare options at four ski areas close to Calgary.

And if neither the Olympics nor skiing float your boat, then head to the new interactive dinosaur display at the Calgary Zoo. Until October, the Prehistoric Park features 20 roaring, moving dinosaurs sure to thrill kids of any age.

And if you are travelling to Calgary for any reason this spring and need to rent baby equipment -- including snowsuits -- contact Little Travelller baby equipment rentals.

Family fun in the Crowsnest Pass

I'm just back from a weekend at our cabin in the Crowsnest Pass. Most people drive through the Pass in a hurry to get to Fernie, but there's plenty to do. And at only 2.5 hours south of Calgary, the Pass makes a great weekend destination with kids. Here are some of the activities on offer:
- Ski at Pass Powderkeg in Blairmore for just $30/day for adults, $18 for chidlren, under 5s are free. Ski until 9pm most nights.
- Take the family cross-country skiing at the incredible Allison Creek area. There are miles of scenic marked trails from easy to challenging.
- Walk the Frank Slide interpretive trail and spend some time enjoying the brand new exhibits at the centre which, open 10 to 5.
- Hike (or snowshoe if there's enough snow) 30 minutes up the Miner's Path in Coleman to the frozen waterfall at the end of the trail.
- Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the wonderful cafes in Coleman. Don't miss the warm, sticky cinnamon buns at the Cinnamon Bear, the homemade sandwiches and soup at the Crowsnest Cafe & Fly Shop, or the ambiance at the Blackbird Cafe all on Highway 3 in Coleman. The Stone's Throw Cafe in Blairmore is another child-friendly spot for lunch.

If you discover a fun place to visit in the Pass, let me know. I'm busy compiling a comprehensive guide for families and welcome input of any kind.