Compared to the big-mountain ski slopes an hour or two north in Vermont, the small ski resort of Jiminy Peak is little more than a bump in the valley. It would be worth the trip if it were substantially cheaper than its northern cousins, but alas, lift tickets are only $10 or so less than much more satisfying alternatives. That said, Jiminy Peak does offer a small-town, non-threatening environment, especially for kids (and adults) just learning how to ski, and a decent half-pipe for snowboarders. It’s also got an exceptional children’s program with lessons and other fun activities run by the same company as the one at the much larger resorts of Bromley (in Vermont) and Cranmore (in NH). As a bonus, kids 5 and under ski for free with accompanying adult. In the summer, the mountain becomes an aerial adventure park, with ropes course, mountain coaster, bungee bounce and giant swing.