Child care: Ages 2—6 years (toilet-trained). All day costs $99 with lunch and snacks ($109 in peak season) ; half day costs $79 ($89 in peak season). Activities include art, snow play, science, drama and language development. Reservations recommended; call (530) 562-2278. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pagers are provide to parents. Northstar is repeatedly recognized as one of the nation's best resorts for children's programs.

Other options: Baby's Away (800-446-9030; 530-544-2229) rents and will deliver baby items (cribs, strollers, toys, etc.) to your hotel or condo. For babysitting referrals, call North Lake Tahoe Resort Association (800-434-1262; 530-583-3494).

Children's lessons: All-day program for children ages 4–12 is $119 with lifts, lessons, equipment and lunch. A half-day program is $92 (without lunch). Lessons only cost $99 a day and $79 for a half day.Ages 4–6 get indoor activities as part of the program. Holiday rates are higher. Meet at Starkids Center at mid-mountain. Children 13 and older enroll in adult programs.

For children ages 3—4 and their parents, a 2 p.m.daily Teach Your Tots session is available for $119, or $129 during peak season. Phone 530.562.2470 for more information..

Here's something you shouldn't pass up: Northstar's instructors will teach parents how to teach their 3- and 4-year-olds in a free program called Mommy, Daddy & Me, offered Sunday through Friday (non-holidays) at 1:30 p.m. Meet at mid-mountain at the Ski & Snowboard School.