Planning a ski trip with the family? Choosing the right ski resort can make or break your family’s winter adventure. With so many options in the U.S., we’ve compiled a list of top-notch ski resorts that cater specifically to families. Now, I don’t know much about what is important to families as we don’t have kids, so I reached out to friends and families, did lots of online research to come up with useful criteria on what may be helpful for families planning a ski trip. So, here’s the beta on what makes a resort family-friendly and why these resorts made our list. I would love to hear your feedback in the comments section below 🙏🏾.

Our Criteria for Family-Friendly Ski Resort

1. Family-Friendly Amenities, Accessibility and Convenience
   Services like childcare and kid-friendly lodging, easy access to the resort, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and on-site gear rentals or rental gear delivery make trips smoother for families with young children.
2. Beginner-Friendly Terrain
   For families just getting into snow sports, resorts with gentle slopes, dedicated learning areas, and quality ski schools are perfect for kids and beginners getting started.
3. Après-Ski and Non-Ski Activities
   Options for off-slope fun for families include tubing, ice skating, and other entertainment. Or better yet, childcare or camp-style options so that mommy and daddy can grab some Apres action.
4. Value and Affordability
   Resorts offering kids-ski-free deals, bundled family packages, and affordable dining make trips more budget-friendly. On a budget and have an RV? Check our ski resorts with RV camping article.

Best ski resorts in Colorado for families

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Beaver Creek Ski Resort is located in Colorado’s Vail Valley, about 13 miles west of Vail. It’s known for its luxurious amenities, world-class grooming, and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The charming village atmosphere adds to its allure, offering plenty of dining and shopping options.

• Location: Located 30 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and about 2 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Terrain: Known for its well-groomed beginner and intermediate runs, along with challenging terrain for advanced skiers
• Why It’s Great for Families
  • It is famous for its complimentary 🍪 cookie time every afternoon. (Complimentary because the resort isn’t the most affordable on the list 😂)
  • Exceptional ski school with programs for kids and beginners
  • Haymeadow Park, is a dedicated beginner area, accessible by gondola
  • Childcare options available ✅

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Keystone Resort is located in Summit County approximately 20 miles (a 30-minute drive) from Breckenridge Ski Resort, making it an accessible hub for exploring multiple ski areas in the region. It’s known for its Kids Ski Free program and night skiing options, making it a favorite among families. Kids 12 and under ski free with a minimum stay of two nights at resort lodging.

• Location: Located 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Terrain: Features over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including long, gentle beginner runs
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Kids Ski Free program for children 12 and under
  • Night skiing and snow tubing at Adventure Point
  • A variety of family-friendly lodging options
  • Proximity to both Breckenridge Ski Resort and Copper Mountain Ski Resort

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Steamboat Resort, Colorado

Known as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Resort sits a bit farther from Denver, roughly a 3-hour scenic drive. It boasts 349 annual inches of it’s signature “champagne powder” snow. This resort offers a laid-back, western vibe that families love, along with diverse terrain for all skill levels. Steamboat offers free lift tickets for children 12 and under when a parent or grandparent purchases a 5-day lift ticket.

• Location: Approximately 150 miles from Denver (about 3 hour drive), or 30 minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)
• Terrain: Famous for its champagne powder and family-friendly slopes
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Renowned kids’ ski school and private family lessons
  • Sleigh rides, hot springs, and western-themed fun
  • Wide-open runs perfect for beginners and intermediates
  • Check out their top 10 winter activities for families

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Snowmass Resort (Aspen), Colorado

A family favorite Colorado resort, Snowmass is located just 9 miles from downtown Aspen and part of the four-mountain Aspen Snowmass resort system. Snowmass offers families a quieter, more spacious alternative while still providing access to Aspen’s world-class skiing and amenities. Its Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center and family-oriented events make it a top pick for those traveling with kids.

• Location: Located 15 minutes from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) or about 3 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Terrain: A wide variety of runs, from gentle greens to challenging black diamonds
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center – a state-of-the-art, family-friendly facility that combines childcare, ski school, and interactive play areas for children
  • Ullr Nights with tubing, snowbiking, and bonfires
  • Ski-in/ski-out accommodations make logistics easier
  • Lots of non-ski day options like ice climbing and snowshoeing tours

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Winter Park Resort is located just 67 miles northwest of Denver, making it one of the most accessible major ski resorts for families driving from the city. Known for its ski and ride school, Winter Park offers beginner-friendly terrain, tubing hills, and family-focused activities, making it an excellent choice for kids learning to ski or snowboard.

• Location: About 2 hours (90 miles) from Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Terrain: Over 3,000 acres of terrain with dedicated beginner areas as well as challenging runs for advanced skiers
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Award-winning ski and ride school for all ages
  • Activities like snowcat tours and scenic gondola rides
  • A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for families
  • Options for non-skiers or non-ski day activities like snowshoeing

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Copper Mountain is located in Summit County, just 75 miles west of Denver, and 16 miles from Breckenridge, making it an accessible hub for exploring multiple ski areas in the region. Known for its naturally divided terrain, Copper is perfect for families, offering the Woodward Snow Park for kids learning freestyle skills, and plenty of kid-focused activities like tubing and ice skating.

• Location: 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Terrain: Offers naturally divided terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Woodward Snow Park, an action sports hub with indoor and outdoor spaces for kids and adults to learn and improve freestyle skills
  • Ice skating, snowshoeing and kid-friendly après-ski activities
  • Well-designed village with family-focused dining and lodging
  • Proximity to Breckenridge Ski Resort

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Best ski resorts in Utah for families

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the U.S.. It is home to extensive ski school programs, loads of beginner-friendly terrain, and activities for all ages both on and off the mountain. Its proximity to Salt Lake City makes it easily accessible, and its lively village ensures there’s fun for everyone off the slopes.

• Location: Just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Terrain: A whopping 7300 acres of terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Comprehensive ski school programs for kids and adults
  • Fun activities for kids like the alpine coaster and ice skating
  • Easy access from an international airport and a vibrant, family-friendly village
  • Daycare options at both Canyons Village and at Park City
  • Check out the secret tips and where to ski from the Brave Ski Mom blog.

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Best ski resorts for families in California

Northstar California Resort, California

Perched near the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with wide-open groomed runs ideal for beginners and intermediates, and a cozy village featuring fire pits, ice skating, and a range of shops and restaurants. The village also hosts après-ski events, live music, and activities like s’mores-making, making it a great spot for family fun after a day on the slopes.

• Location: About an hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
• Terrain: Plenty of of wide groomed runs and gentle tree skiing for beginners and intermediates, with challenging glades and steeper runs for advanced skiers and riders on the backside of the mountain
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Lively village with activities for the whole family, including ice skating and live music
  • Ski school with personalized instruction, small group sizes and private lessons
  • Dedicated learning areas for kids

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Heavenly Mountain Resort, California/Nevada

On the south shore of Lake Tahoe, straddling the border of California and Nevada, lies Heavenly Resort. Heavenly is great for because of its scenic beginner areas, family-friendly activities like snow tubing and gondola rides with panoramic lake views, and a lively village with plentiful dining and entertainment options.

• Location: Conveniently located, about 1 hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
• Terrain: Well-designed layout with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, all with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A lively pedestrian-friendly village with a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options all in one place, including a skating rink, movie theater and scenic gondola rides
  • Dedicated beginner areas and top notch ski schools
  • Scenic gondola rides for non-skiers
  • Childcare options on the mountain

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain is located in California’s Eastern Sierra, about 5 hours from Los Angeles and just 30 minutes from Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). It’s great for families because of its wide variety of terrain for all skill levels, excellent ski and snowboard school, and fun off-slope activities like tubing, snow play areas, and a bustling base village and town with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

• Location: 3 hours from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and 5 hours from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Terrain: Features over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, with plenty of gentle beginner slopes, long intermediate runs and well-groomed trails. For advanced skiers and riders, there are steep chutes, moguls and Unbound Terrain Park, one of the best terrain parks in the country
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Lessons for kids as young as three, with half-day and full-day sessions available
  • Tubing areas, scenic gondola rides, and an ice skating rink in town
  • Epic hot springs in the area to soak in
  • Daycare options for small children

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Best ski resorts for families in Vermont

Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

Okemo Mountain Resort is located in Ludlow, Vermont, within driving distance from both Boston and Albany, making it a convenient East Coast getaway for families. It’s great for families because of its wide, groomed trails perfect for beginners, excellent ski school programs, and off-slope activities like snow tubing, ice skating, and the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster.

• Location: 2 hours from Albany International Airport (ALB) and 3 hours from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Terrain: The resort’s naturally progressive layout, with designated learning areas and long, cruisy runs, ensures a fun and stress-free experience for skiers and riders of all ages and skill levels
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A variety of family-friendly ski-in/ski-out lodging options
  • Kids Night Out: evening programs where kids can enjoy crafts, games, and movies while parents relax or enjoy après-ski activities
  • Family friendly activities like tubing, ice skating and a roller coaster
  • Excellent ski instruction programs for kids, with personalized instruction, small class sizes and a focus on fun and safety

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, located in Jeffersonville, Vermont, is about 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport (BTV) and nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains. It’s great for families because of its award-winning Snow Sport University ski school, dedicated beginner terrain, and a variety of off-slope activities like tubing, zip-lining, and kids’ programs, making it a top choice for winter family fun.

• Location: About 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport (BTV)
• Terrain: Known for its beginner and intermediate-friendly runs, along with tree skiing for adventurous families
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Award-winning Snow Sport University, offering specialized programs for kids, including full-day lessons with games and activities
  • Off-slope activities like snow tubing, ice skating, indoor entertainment centers, zip-lining, and guided snowshoe adventures
  • On-site childcare for kids of all ages

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Killington Resort, Vermont

Killington Resort, located in central Vermont, is driving distance from both Boston and Albany, making it a convenient East Coast destination. Known as the “Beast of the East”, it’s great for families with its beginner-friendly learning areas, progressive terrain parks, and off-slope activities like snow tubing, scenic gondola rides, and sleigh rides.

• Location: 2 hours from Burlington International Airport (BTV) and 3 hours from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Terrain: The largest ski area in the East, with 1500 acres of terrain including diverse runs for all levels
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Progressive learning terrain parks
  • Affordable family packages and lift ticket deals
  • Off-slope entertainment like tubing and sleigh rides
  • Special events and après activities dedicated to kids, such as scenic gondola rides, crafts movies and s’mores

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

Mt. Bachelor is located in Central Oregon, close to Bend and a 3-hour drive from Portland International Airport (PDX). It’s popular with families because of its wide-open beginner terrain, excellent kids’ ski and snowboard programs, and family-friendly activities like snow tubing, cross country ski trails, and scenic chairlift rides.

• Location: 30 minutes from Bend, Oregon, and 3 hours from Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Terrain: Over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, with lots of wide, forgiving runs
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A tubing park and cross country ski trails for non-skiers
  • Family-friendly ski programs and lesson packages
  • Stunning volcanic views and natural beauty
  • Hit the slopes with a forest naturalist for free with the Roving Ski Ranger Program to learn about the environment that you’re skiing in

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Teton Village, Wyoming, just 12 miles from the town of Jackson and a mile from Grand Teton National Park. It’s great for families because of its Kids Ranch ski school, dedicated beginner terrain at Teewinot and Solitude Station, and family-friendly activities like snow tubing, wildlife tours, and sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge.

• Location: Just 30 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
• Terrain: Known for its challenging terrain but also offers beginner-friendly areas
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Kids Ranch offers full-day kids programs that include lunch, supervised breaks, and engaging activities
  • Wildlife safaris provide opportunities to observe animals such as elk, moose, bison, and bighorn sheep in their natural winter habitats
  • Stunning scenery and a welcoming mountain town atmosphere
  • A great opportunity to visit Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park in the winter and add on an extra adventure to your family trip

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky Resort is located in southwestern Montana, about 50 miles south of Bozeman. It’s great for families because of its wide-open terrain with minimal crowds and fun off-slope activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and scenic sleigh rides.

• Location: About an hour from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), and about 1 hour from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
• Terrain: Offers over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain with options for all skill levels
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Adventure lessons tailored for families, providing a unique opportunity for parents and kids to learn and ski together
  • Minimal crowds, room to spread out and lack of lift lines
  • On-mountain childcare and plenty of family-friendly lodging
  • Lots of winter activities like sno-go biking
  • Great base for families looking to combine skiing with a visit to one of America’s most iconic national parks

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort is located in northwestern Montana, just 8 miles from the town of Whitefish and 30 minutes from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). It’s great for families because of its affordable lift tickets, welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly terrain, along with fun off-slope activities like snowshoeing, guided nature tours, and exploring the charming town of Whitefish.

• Location: 30 minutes from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell
• Terrain: With 3,000 acres of skiable space and a variety of runs, Whitefish is perfect for families of all skill levels. Manageable tree skiing and fun, natural features keep things exciting for more adventurous family members
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Affordable lift tickets and lodging options
  • A laid-back, friendly atmosphere
  • Off-slope activities like snowshoeing and guided nature tours
  • Max out the ROI on the lift pass with night skiing options
  • Extend the trip and visit Glacier National Park in the winter

🏨 Accommodations 🎿 Equipment Rentals 🚠 Tickets/Lessons

Map of the family-friendly ski resorts

Creating Winter Memories at the Best Ski Resorts for Families

Choosing the perfect family-friendly ski resort can make all the difference in creating unforgettable winter memories (like the crying meltdown on the lift). Whether you’re looking for world-class ski schools, gentle beginner slopes, or exciting off-slope activities like tubing, ice skating, and cozy après-ski fun, these resorts have something for everyone. From the laid-back charm of Smugglers’ Notch to the vast terrain of Park City and the scenic beauty of Whitefish, each destination offers a unique blend of adventure and family-focused amenities. So pack up the kids, hit the road or the skies, and get ready for a winter getaway that’s as fun for the kids as it is for the adults. The mountains are calling – let the family adventure begin!