ArcaMax

Nothing compares with a perfect ski day -- cold and sunny with blue skies and the slopes covered with a blanket of early morning fresh powder. Skiers call these perfect conditions a "bluebird day." We had almost canceled our multigenerational ski trip to Massanutten Resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains because the forecast predicted and delivered the total opposite -- constant rain and daytime temperatures in the 50s. But not going would have been a mistake. We would have missed some wonderful, if wet, family fun.

Yes, lessons take place in the rain. A major goal of the getaway, besides time together, was introducing our grandchildren, James, age 8, and Charlotte, age 7, to skiing. Although my daughter stayed home with their sick dog, my son-in-law, Michael, my husband, David, the kids, and I drove the two and a half hours from Washington, D.C., to Massanutten Resort, a 6,000-acre property.

Despite the drizzles and downpours, the wannabe skiers kept smiles on their faces from the moment they tugged on their boots in the rental area. For me, introducing children to adventures from sports to special places is a joy. Their fortitude in the rain surprised us.

To start, I booked a semi-private lesson for Charlotte and James. The rest of us whipped out umbrellas and watched as we wiped the slanting spray from our faces. Amazingly, James and Charlotte never complained about the showers. Skiing proved too enthralling. When James mentioned that the rain felt cold as it dripped down his neck, I rolled up the hoods of his and Charlotte's jackets to provide a makeshift shield. Neither child wanted to stop skiing.

Zachary, their instructor, radiated positive energy and friendliness. He bestowed high-fives and praise for trying, reassured the kids when they fell and encouraged them as they moved across the slippery surface. During the one-hour session, he taught them how to snowplow to stop, perform J turns to carve across the slope, and link S turns to get down the hill. By the end of the lesson, the kids were happy and soaking wet. Before lunch in the ski lodge, Michael drove back to our condo to get dry shirts and pants for James and Charlotte.

A funny thing happens at a ski resort when it rains: A special camaraderie develops. People joked with us in the lodge hall about being waterlogged. A teen snowboarder, rain streaming down his jacket, gleefully reported to his parents that he was drenched, and I met more than one woman in the bathroom who was bent under the automatic hand dryer to try and dry out her pants.

The unkind weather thinned the number of people in lessons and on the slopes. Just one other participant, a boy James' age, joined their afternoon group lesson. After practicing the basics, the kids honed their skills on the bunny hill. Despite slick conditions, they mastered the new terrain. Toward the end of the two-hour session, the instructor gave them one more challenge and chance to shine. They rode the lift, a first for all, to the top of the Creekside run. Even with some falls, the kids came off the green slope proud, pleased and sopping wet.

As a multigenerational group with non-skiers, we had plenty to do. The first night, we tried the resort's top-rated snow-tubing park. The 12-plus-lane facility drops riders 120 vertical feet during a 900-foot-long ride. The high daytime temperature melted some snow, while the evening cold created ice. We zoomed down, flying over the bumps. I screamed and giggled the entire way. James loved the run too. It's important to reserve tickets in advance, as this popular activity often sells out.

The next night, after dinner at Campfire Gill, a casual restaurant serving salads and chicken along with pizza and burgers, we spent the evening at Perfect Break. Along with gaming consoles, the lounge features two Topgolf Swing Suites loaded with sports games to play on a wall-sized virtual screen. We laughed as we tested our skills in golf, dodgeball, soccer, hockey and carnival games. None of us wanted to leave, especially the kids, but their bedtime drew near.

During our weekend we didn't have time for ice skating, trying the spa or playing at the resort's indoor waterpark, which was packed with slides, bucket dumps, a lazy river and other features. Massanutten offers a range of condominiums and hotels, including a dog-friendly property. Our adjoining two-bedroom condos gave us plenty of room plus some privacy.

My advice: Ski at Massanutten Resort, even in the rain. The property offers a great multigenerational getaway, especially in winter. We can't wait to go back, whatever the weather.

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WHEN YOU GO

Massanutten Resort: Rates for a one-bedroom condo start at $181 per night: massresort.com.

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Candyce H. Stapen is a writer at www.greatfamilyvacations.com.

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