My bones are telling me that it's going to be a short fall and that winter will be at us in earnest before we know it. Experience also tells me that the only way to endure the cold weather is to decide to make the most of it and have fun. Which means get those bones moving and exercise, so you'll deserve the pleasure of snuggling up in front of a crackling fireplace (which is the best way to experience winter). One place that makes winter fun is Smugglers' Notch in Vermont, perennially voted "America's Top Family Ski Resort" by such magazines as "Skiing" and "Family Fun." These ratings were based on the resort's innovative approach to meeting the needs of all ages with a host of fun winter activities. This includes, in addition to cross country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and an indoor pool, a Child Enrichment Center for ages 3 to 5 that offers everything from storytelling to sleigh rides. For older children, aged 6 to 10, there's a Snow Rangers Camp, with skiing and snowboarding lessons and a science discovery program. Then there's a Notch Squad, ages 11 to 14, which emphasizes improving skiing and snowboarding in a more challenging atmosphere, and for teens 15 to 17, there's the Mountain Explorers Program, adding snow soccer, water polo and social activities. Family activities include ski races, snowmobiling, Game Night, Karaoke Night and more. Smugglers' Notch, located in the tony Stowe area of Northern Vermont, offers a host of weekly family packages that can suit almost any size family and budget, from studios to five-bedroom condominiums. The resort is also within striking distance of a number of year-round Vermont attractions, including Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, the Shelburne Museum, the Cabot Creamery, the Trapp Family Lodge and the Vermont Maple Outlet. For further information, call 1-800-451-8752 or visit www.smuggs.com. Enjoy!