Family Ski Trip Planning: Childcare Solutions & 2026 Winter Olympics Preview with Writer Annie Fast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Annie Fast, Oregon-based freelance writer and former professional snowboarder, joins the Ski Moms to discuss two critical barriers facing ski families: accessible childcare at resorts and mothers competing at elite levels. Annie's investigative work for Ski Area Management revealed a troubling trend of resort daycare closures post-COVID, including Vail's Small World, Jackson Hole, and Bridger Bowl facilities, while highlighting success stories at Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood Meadows, Brundage, and Tamarack with year-round programs. She explains why finding childcare information on resort websites is nearly impossible and how this impacts both visiting families and employee retention. Annie also previews her coverage of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, spotlighting Olympic moms competing with young children and the challenges of decentralized venues. The conversation covers practical advocacy tips for ski families, the reality of split-day skiing for toddlers, and why true "family-friendly" resorts must offer guest childcare. Keep up with the latest from Annie!Website: https://anniefast.contently.comInstagram: @anniefastKey Quotes"If you're going to call something a family-friendly ski area, it has to have childcare for guests. I just can't imagine how that works otherwise.""Let them know that if you do decide not to go to the resort because there is no childcare, that was a deciding factor. Otherwise they just won't know that's something that's missing."The Patio Place and Ski Haus helps you make the most of outdoor living. Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com  Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS. Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier: 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s ClubSupport the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com