From kids working on their pizza wedge to tweens honing their advanced skills, ski resorts are becoming more family-friendly across the U.S. These kid-friendly ski resorts have recognized the importance of catering to families and are helping kids progress their skills and enjoy their time on and off the mountain like never before.
Limited child-to-instructor ratios and increasingly segmented age groups are improving the on-mountain learning experience, while an emphasis on base-area activities and events is adding more family fun to the after-ski routine. Additionally, North America ski resorts are catering to new parents with child care and babysitting programs available for kids as young as 6 months. And as for those hard-to-impress teens? Ski areas are rolling out nighttime activities and relaxed, yet supervised areas for hanging out or playing games.
See below for some of OnTheSnow’s top user-rated North America ski resorts for kids and families, plus an OnTheSnow user review for each. See more reviews, and leave your own ski resort reviews, on our website.
Top-Rated Ski Resorts for Families
1. Keystone, Colorado
Keystone is one of the great Colorado resorts off I-70 in the Rockies. It delivers a kid-friendly experience from the moment the car doors open, with free parking near the resort’s base, and free gear wagons available to make transportation from the lot to the lift a breeze.
Ski-in, ski-out accommodations, tons of restaurants and kid-centric activities complement the beginner-friendly terrain at Keystone. To top it off, Keystone’s Kidtopia offers mini shredders everything from snow forts and playgrounds to scavenger hunts and complimentary fresh baked cookies.
» Check out family lodging options at Keystone.
“The programs for the kids have been great! Getting to the lifts with kids is an easy task (use the wagons that are provided). Just drop the kids off at ski school and they handle it from there.” See more Keystone reviews here.
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2. Steamboat, Colorado
Steamboat, located about 180 miles from Denver International Airport by car, caters to the entire family with events, fun perks, and activities across the resort and in the town of Steamboat Springs. Holiday events, including the Winter Carnival and the Springalicious Festival, keep kids happy from fall through the entire ski season. Other Steamboat highlights include the Kids Ski Free program, in which kids under the age of 12 ski free for as many days as their parent or legal guardian.
» Check out family lodging options at Steamboat.
“…I enrolled a variety of levels of my 5 kids (7, 9, 11, 13, 15) to bring them up to speed for the first ski of their season and they all enjoyed the tree-skiing, terrain park, and groomers.” See more Steamboat reviews here.
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3. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
When traveling with kids who have a short attention span and little patience, choosing a ski resort that’s close to an airport can make all the difference. Park City Mountain Resort in Utah fits the bill, located just a 50-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.
The big mountain offers 7,300 acres of terrain and a large base area with a variety of kid-friendly activities. Multiple ski school, child care, and preschool options are available on the mountain.
» Check out family lodging options at Park City.
“Terrain for every ability—unique layout that allows families with different abilities to ski together. Lots of after-ski activities such as alpine coaster, zip line, ice rink, sleigh rides. Most accessible ski area we have been to, with a phenomenal ski school.” See more Park City reviews here.
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4. Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley is an upscale resort in Park City that caters to families with toddler-friendly skiing, child care programs, and a small child-to-instructor ratio. The resort’s Children’s Center welcomes infants and children up to 12 years old who spend the day crafting and playing while you have a grown-up adventure, skiing Deer Valley’s legendary terrain.
Because Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, tiny tots have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Other amenities include an Adventure Camp and adventure trails with furry mascots.
» Check out family lodging options at Deer Valley.
“Deer Valley Resort was wonderful, the runs were great, and the views were spectacular. It’s everything you would want in a ski-only resort. But what really sets this place apart is the staff that works there.” See more Deer Valley reviews here.
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5. Northstar California, California
The Village at Northstar California, near beautiful Lake Tahoe, has about as many family activities as you’ll find at any ski resort. Northstar’s list of activities for families includes ice skating, a bungee trampoline, snow tubing, crafts, movies, holiday festivals, fire pits for roasting s’mores, and free afternoon cookies during aprés-ski. Convenient gear wagons make transporting equipment to and from the parking lot quick and easy. A variety of different ski lessons are available for kids three years old and up.
» Check out family lodging options at Northstar California.
“Great family-friendly and easy beautiful place to ski and snowboard for families who have mixed members who do either or both. Love the pizza and sushi at the Village. Beautiful atmosphere all around love this place.” See more Northstar reviews here.
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6. Big Sky, Montana
The generally uncrowded slopes of Big Sky are a welcome relief for parents who want a reprieve from busy groomers. As the name suggests, this Montana ski resort is big on views and ski terrain, making that family portrait a frame-worthy addition to the mantle piece.
Numerous Big Sky activities, including zipline tours, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and a high ropes course are sure to keep the kiddos busy, and a variety of on-mountain lodging options provide convenient access to and from the slopes.
» Check out family lodging options at Big Sky.
“Big Sky has become our favorite place to ski, after skiing in many spots throughout Colorado, Utah, California, and Washington. It has the same amount of terrain as places like Vail or Park City, but with a tiny fraction of the crowds and congestion. Absolutely stunning views.” See more Big Sky reviews here.
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7. Sun Valley, Idaho
It doesn’t get much more classic than Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort. SnowSports School provides top-notch instruction, offering a variety of group, private and specialty lessons. Off the slopes, Sun Valley entertains kids of all ages with activities like sleigh rides, movies, bowling, ice skating, ice shows, and more. Sun Valley offers a little bit of everything for accommodations, from deluxe condos to charming multi-room cottages, and of course the iconic Sun Valley Lodge.
» Check out family lodging options at Sun Valley.
“Sun Valley is a world class resort! The mountain is awesome, but so is the town! All the people, locals and tourists, are super friendly and welcoming. Gorgeous scenery and the best lodges of any resort we have been.” See more Sun Valley reviews here.
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8. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch is a Green Mountain family favorite that offers an idyllic Vermont escape with a variety of kid-centric amenities. The resort, located in quaint Jeffersonville makes for a great winter getaway. From adaptive programs and lessons to babysitting and child care, “Smuggs,” as many call it, delivers. The Alley Teen Center (ages 13-19) caters to the young adults in the group, offering a supervised and centrally located gaming area in the Village.
Condo lodging options are within a quick walk, or an on-demand Resort Shuttle ride, from Smugglers’ Notch Village.
» Check out family lodging options at Smugglers’ Notch.
“Smuggs is my family’s all time favorite mountain. The great terrain, service, and activities are what keeps us coming back…” See more Smugglers’ Notch reviews here.
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9. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski area, is home to 464 skiable acres and 62 trails. While it on average receives 200 inches of annual snowfall, Bretton Woods is regarded as one of the best ski areas on the East Coast for grooming. The Mount Washington Hotel, if you remember your high school history, was the site of the 1944 Monetary Conference and has been completely refurbished. We named it one of the best ski town hotels.
Kid-friendly winter activities abound at Bretton Woods, including a slopeside climbing wall, ice skating, kids snowmobile park, tubing, and more. They offer children’s group lessons (ages 4 to 10) with a variety of programs for the growing skier or rider, while the Snow Play Program (ages 4 to 6) is perfect for younger kids in need of a relaxed introduction into winter sports.
» Check out family lodging options at Bretton Woods.
“Superior skiing on very well groomed trails. Beginners slope is prime. Great base on all the trails. So much fun.” See more Bretton Woods reviews here.
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10. Okemo, Vermont
Okemo screams “family-friendly” with its offerings for children and teens. The Southern Vermont ski resort’s Ski + Ride School offers programs and childcare for kids ages 6 months up to 14 years old. The resort also boasts an impressive list of activities including ice skating, the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more. The Supernova Slider Club and Amplitude Program also offer long-term lesson programs for families who wish to spend the majority of their season at Okemo.
» Check out family lodging options at Okemo.
“Have been coming here for years with my family—best experience for young kids, great learning programs, well maintained and well-marked terrain.” See more Okemo reviews here.
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11. Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington
With more than 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, Crystal Mountain has endless adventure opportunities. A designated portion of Crystal Mountain is just for beginners, making it a perfect spot for kids learning how to ski. Activities abound for kids throughout the winter, such as gondola rides for stunning views of Mt. Rainier and snowshoeing,
» Check out family lodging options at Crystal Mountain.
“I grew up learning to ski here. I live 1:30 minutes away and have been taking my kids here to learn how to ski. Great ski instructors. Great terrain. On mountain lodging if you want to spend the night. Good modern lifts.” See more Crystal Mountain reviews here.
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12. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
Less than a two-hour drive from the Denver metro area, Breckenridge features a charming downtown and tons of kid-friendly restaurants to fuel your family’s adventure. The resort offers a number of ski-in and ski-out lodging options, making it easy to stay at Breckenridge Ski Resort without a car.
Tons of lesson options, the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, and an alpine coaster will keep your kids busy during your entire ski trip. Breck’s Kids Adventure Zone is adjacent to the popular green and blue runs of Breckenridge Ski Resort, while the younger kids will love Riparoo’s Forest with bridges, tunnels, and the spooky haunted forest. Teens meanwhile will enjoy Downstairs at Eric’s, located on Main Street, which has arcade and pinball games.
» Check out family lodging options at Breckenridge.
“A mountain that is great for the family offering terrains for all levels of boarders and skiers. It also offers one of the best ski towns in the country.” See more Breckenridge reviews here.
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13. Beaver Creek, Colorado
With terrain for all abilities and kid adventure zones scattered around the resort, Beaver Creek is among the top resorts in Colorado for families. Stroll the village shopping district, go ice skating, and enjoy many other family activities that the resort offers. Beaver Creek is the luxurious and family-friendly sibling to Vail, and is just a 20-minute shuttle ride away.
» Check out family lodging options at Beaver Creek.
“They have nice diversity of trails for all levels. Some of the great things are that they have a nice amount of green trails at the peak of the mountain which you don’t get at many resorts. Also, you can hang around for the apres hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies. It’s what they’re known for.” Read more Bever Creek reviews here.
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14. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Venture across the border for a unique skiing experience for all ages at Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada. Most notably, the resort dons a large European-vibe village with shops, restaurants, and activities. On mountain, lodging makes it easy for the family to enjoy the resort during their stay. Kids 1-6 years old can join the Kids Club Daycare with a variety of activities to keep them entertained, while ski and snowboard lessons are available for kids 3-12 years old.
» Check out family lodging options at Tremblant.
“Tremblant has something for every age and skill level, with an amazing village and great food. There is nothing like it east of the Rockies.” Read more Tremblant reviews here.
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15. Jay Peak, Vermont
Vermont’s Jay Peak is a welcome reprieve to families looking for non-traditional ski resort amenities. Enter the Pump House Indoor Waterpark, Jay Peak’s indoor waterpark with a lazy river, hot tubs, water slides, a wave surfer, and more. An indoor ice skating rink, family-friendly ski school, and a special learning zone also reflect the resort’s family-friendly nature. Jay Peak’s kids’ programs are specifically designed for 4-12-year-old skiers and snowboarders.
» Check out family lodging options at Jay Peak.
“Amazing terrain all day with tons to do after, including a massive indoor water park!” Read more Jay Peak reviews here.
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16. Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park, less than a 90-minute drive from Denver, took top honors last year in our Visitors’ Choice Awards for Most Family-Friendly Ski Resort. It boasts activities for everyone in the family. Kids of all ages can ride ice bumper cars, go tubing, meet the Safety Patrol Dog Team, try ice fishing, soak in sulphur springs, and much more. Winter Park is also home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled, which has helped thousands of people get on skis. Lessons at Winter Park are based on “guests-centered teaching,” where instructors teach based on what people want to learn or improve.
» Check out family lodging options at Winter Park.
“I love Winter Park. The terrain is soo very fun and challenging. I ski and snowboard and both are awesome to do at Winter Park. I especially love Mary Jane. Winter Park Rocks!!!!” Read more of Winter Park’s reviews here.
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17. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest’s Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon, a long snowball’s throw from Bend, has all the traditional ski school elements for every member of the family. The big plus for kids and teens is Woodward Mountain Parks with all sorts of urban features. The banked slalom and flowing, twisting, and turning features of the Volcano Adventure Zone are all family-friendly. Look for a buried VW bus in Peace Park. For a unique adventure, consider a dog sled ride led by an Iditarod finisher. Parents can take advantage of Mt. Bachelor’s full-day childcare, which is available for infants, toddlers, and children up to 10 years old.
» Check out family lodging options at Mt. Bachelor.
“After riding here once I had to move from out of state so I could make this my local mountain. I’m a fan of Mt. bachelor!” Read more of Mt. Bachelor’s reviews here.
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18. Angel Fire, New Mexico
Located 45 minutes east of Taos, Angel Fire was the 2022-23 Visitors’ Choice award winner for most family-friendly ski resort. Angel Fire refers to itself as a family-first ski resort, and that’s evident in its activities and experiences designed for families — from a great children’s ski school to family-friendly lodging to off-mountain activities and more. You and your family can learn to ski in the morning, and then spend the afternoon tubing, snowshoeing, making s’mores, and enjoying any number of other great activities for families.
» Check out family lodging options at Angel Fire.
“The boys had been snowboarding, before, but we were all going to try skiing. We had such an awesome time that we’re making it a family hobby.” Read more of Angel Fire’s reviews here.
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19. Sun Peaks, British Columbia
Sun Peaks is ranked on OnTheSnow as one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in Canada, and for good reason. While Sun Peaks isn’t the size of some of Canada’s larger ski resorts, it abounds with activities for families. Ski lessons for tots and kids, dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, and snow shoeing are just a few of the great family-friendly activities that Sun Peaks offers. If your little ones aren’t quite ready to strap on skis, then take advantage of the Sundance Kids Centre, which is available for children 3 to 5 years old.
» Check out family lodging options at Sun Peaks.
“Great family resort with a cute village. Most of the properties are ski-in/ski-out. Lots of terrain with something for everyone and short lines.” Read more of Sun Peak’s reviews here.
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Header Image: @Keystone Ski Resort
November 13, 2024
