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A pile of inner tubes await riders at the bottom of the tube hill. -- Photo by Phil Raby

Big Boulder Ski Area declares itself to be the kid-friendliest mountain in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This resort certainly has everything to make a child's day at a ski hill perfect, but there is one more descriptor that should be added: It is grown-up friendly too.

Located amongst the peaks and hollows of the Pocono Mountains, Big Boulder is one half of two ski hills known as the Jack Frost Big Boulder Poconos Resorts.

Although Jack Frost, located 10 miles from its little sister, boasts big fun, it's more adult oriented, while Big Boulder has programs and services that cater specifically to kids, their parents and even their grandparents.

Hold that tube!

Tubing at Big Boulder equals fast fun. And that doesn't mean just going down the hill. A mechanical pulley tows you up quicker than you can say snow tube. Best of all, the good times can be shared together.

Kids (or even adults) who are a little scared of sliding down the mountain on their own don't have to anymore. The introduction of the double tube allows two people to descend together. There is even a four-person tube for group descents.

But if you prefer slip-sliding on your own, there are individual ones as well.

Once the kids are all tubed out, it's time to hit the slopes and there's no reason to fret if the little ones aren't exactly up to speed in the skiing or snowboarding department.

The Snow Monsters Kids Program available at Big Boulder will fix that problem. The program teaches skiing and snowboarding in a nurturing setting by demonstrating basic skills and safety procedures in a fun way and at a child's own pace.

Children from ages three to four can join the Snow Tigers group to become familiar with skiing equipment and basic skills. The Snow Snakes offers lessons for kids ages five to ten on terrain according to their ability and, as well, a ride to the top of a beginner's hill on a chair-lift.

For those boarders aged six to ten in the family, there is Snowboard Beavers.

There are also lessons for youth, adults and seniors ranging from "absolute beginners" to "I've been around the ski hill a few times but I could use some pointers."

The Learning Center at Big boulder offers myriad choices for lessons alongside instructors that are PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) certified, guaranteeing safe and fun learning.

The toddlers in the family might feel a little left out if they are too young to take up skiing; however, Big Boulder offers babysitting on the premises with qualified caregivers at a reasonable fee and with the promise of lots of fun.

Skiers ascend the lift line at Big Boulder Ski Area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. -- Photo by Phil Raby

Tired from all that running around or maybe you just need to get out of the cold to sip some hot chocolate? Well, head over to the huge lodge on the premises where finding a seat to rest those weary snow boots is never a problem.

Visitors will find a cafeteria with the usual ski lodge fare (hamburgers, fries, hearty chili, etc.), as well as a large variety of drinks and snacks.

If it's a bit of quiet you crave, make your way to the Yuengling Lounge, a comfy area with a warm gas stove, a great view of the hills and where beer and wine can be acquired and consumed in relative calm.

For those not looking forward to a long drive home there is the option of staying at one of Big Boulder's condo apartments.

The spacious two-bedroom condos provide a comfortable living room with a log-burning fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen and a nice dining room with a great view of Lake Harmony. There are also two complete baths, making it the perfect option for an extended family traveling together.

The chalet at Big Boulder Ski Area provides a warm respite from the cold. -- Photo by Phil Raby

Fast facts:

- Big Boulder Ski Hill has a vertical drop of 475 feet.

- There are 15 different chutes and slopes and 1 half-pipe for snowboarding as well as nine lifts.

- The snow tubing area consists of 12 chutes.
For more information: www.jfbb.com

Travel writer A.P. Rodrigues can be contacted through R + R Creative

Tubers head down the hill backwards at Big Boulder Ski Area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. -- Photo by Phil Raby