I will try the phone number on the lift tickets on my next trip. My non-ski wife likes the deck by the bunny slope idea too. I have been to some resorts that are already set up this way with the bunny slope in front of the main lodge. There are some ski areas that are remote enough that there is no cell phone coverage. I would suggest those FM walkie talkies for these areas.
We have used walkie talkies with our older kids on lots of trips, skiing and otherwise. It was especially useful when we went to Canada and cell service was expensive. Another tip, especially with younger kids: make sure everyone goes to the bathroom right before you go out on the slopes!