Kids are getting various opportunities to develop their skills and enjoy time off the mountain at some of the best ski resorts in the country.
With a variety of activities and programs designed to help them improve their skills, families are getting the most out of their time on the slopes.
Due to the increasing number of instructors and age groups represented in the program, the learning experience at the slopes is becoming more enjoyable.
Family-friendly activities and events are also being added to the after-ski routine. Some U.S. resorts even offer babysitting and child care programs for new parents.
This article covers the best ski resorts in the US for families!
Skiing in the United States
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported that almost 480 ski areas were open during the 2019 to 2020 season.
The number of ski resorts in the country has increased significantly. There are now over 400 facilities in 37 states.
Some of these include New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Other states with multiple ski areas include California, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Best Ski Resorts in the US for Families
This list of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the country can help you plan your next trip to the slopes.
With so many locations to choose from, knowing where to find the best family-friendly facilities can be beneficial.
These are the best ski resorts in the U.S. for families:
1. Steamboat, Colorado
One of the best family-friendly facilities in the United States is the Steamboat Resorts, situated in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
This facility features a variety of activities and events for the whole family.
The area is also known for its various holiday events, such as the Winter Carnival.
Other family-friendly activities and events available at the facility include the Springalicious Festival and the Kids Vacation Center. This is one of the best ski resorts in the US for families.
See Also: Best Ski Mountains in Vermont
2. Keystone, Colorado
Another family-friendly facility in the United States is Keystone, Colorado. This facility is located off Interstate 70 and offers a variety of activities and events for the whole family.
Free parking near the base of the facility and gear wagons are also convenient features. The area’s numerous lodging options, restaurants, and activities cater to everyone.
In addition, Kidtopia, Keystone’s interactive play area, features a variety of mini-shredders, including snow forts, a snow playground, scavenger hunts, and more.
So if you’re in the market for one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for families, look no further.
3. Deer Valley, Utah
One of the best family-friendly facilities in the country is the Deer Valley, located in Park City, Utah. This facility features a variety of programs and activities for the whole family.
Since the resort only has a limited number of daily lift passes, kids and adults can still enjoy the facility’s various activities and programs.
Some other family-friendly features of the facility include the Children’s Center and the Adventure Camp.
4. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
One of the essential factors you should consider when choosing a family-friendly ski resort is the facility’s location.
Of course, it’s always easier if it’s close to an airport. Park City Mountain Resort is 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
This large mountain has 7,300 acres of terrain and features a large base area that can accommodate various activities for the whole family.
It also has multiple childcare and preschool options. This is one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for families.
5. Big Sky, Montana
The Big Sky’s uncrowded slopes are ideal for helicopter parents looking for a break from the groomers.
Also, this mountain’s family portraits are a great addition to any mantlepiece due to their location.
This mountain also has a variety of activities and programs that are designed to keep the kids entertained.
These include dog sledding, sleigh rides, and a high ropes course. In addition, this facility has convenient lodging options.
6. Northstar California
One of the West Coast’s best family-friendly resorts is the Lake Tahoe Village in California.
This facility has a variety of activities and programs designed to keep the kids entertained.
Some of these include a variety of holiday festivals and movies.
Equipment can be transported to and from the parking lot in just a couple of minutes with the help of convenient gear wagons. Kids can also take advantage of multiple ski lessons.
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for families on the west coast.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho
One of the best family-friendly resorts in the country is the Sun Valley in Idaho. This mountain is known for its impeccable snow conditions and is a classic ski resort.
If you’re looking for a private or group lesson, SnowSports School can provide you with the necessary instruction.
Aside from its slopes, Sun Valley has various activities and programs to keep the kids entertained. Some of these include movies, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
In addition, this mountain has a variety of accommodations that are designed to accommodate the entire family.
8. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
This list of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for families is incomplete without the Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont.
One of the best family-friendly resorts in Vermont is the Smugglers’ Notch, located in Jeffersonville.
This facility has a variety of activities and programs that are designed to keep the kids entertained.
The Vail Resorts’ “Smuggs” has a variety of programs and activities designed to keep toddlers entertained.
In addition, the Teen Alley Teen Center is for young adults, and it features a gaming area inside the village.
9. Okemo, Vermont
Another fine family-friendly resort in Vermont is Okemo Mountain. It has a variety of programs and activities that are designed to entertain the entire family.
Some of these include the Okemo Kids Program and the AmplitudePLUS. In addition, the facility’s instructors can provide the necessary skills to help the kids develop their confidence.
The Kids Night Out program at Okemo Mountain provides the kids with various activities and movies. This program is also held in a licensed child care center.
10. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
One of the largest ski areas in New Hampshire is the Bretton Woods. This facility has a variety of trails and 464 acres of land.
It’s known for its impeccable snow conditions and has an average annual snowfall of 200 inches.
The Hobbits School has various programs to help children develop their skills and confidence. One of these is the Ski &Snowplay Program, which is ideal for kids aged 3 to 5.
The Mount Washington Hotel, the site of a crucial 1944 monetary conference, has been completely renovated.
This facility’s various kid-friendly winter activities include ice skating, tubing, and a snowmobile park.
11. Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington
With over 2,500 acres of terrain, Crystal Mountain is an excellent choice for families looking for various activities and programs.
This mountain is also great for kids to learn how to ski. Throughout the winter, numerous activities and programs are designed to keep the kids entertained.
12. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
Located less than two hours from Denver, Colorado’s Breck is an excellent choice for families looking for various activities and programs.
This mountain is also great for kids to learn how to ski. It has several lodging options that are designed to accommodate the entire family.
Children’s programs and lessons are available at the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, and there’s also a mountain coaster and a mountain climbing area. The Kids Adventure Zone is right next to the Blue and Green runs.
13. Jay Peak, VT
One of the resort’s most popular features is its indoor waterpark, which features multiple water slides, lazy rivers, and hot tub facilities.
This facility is also an excellent choice for parents who want to spend some quality time with their kids after a day of skiing.
Besides the water park, the resort has an indoor ice skating facility, a ski school, and a learning zone. These facilities are designed to provide the kids with various activities and programs.
14. Beaver Creek, Colorado
With various activities and programs for kids, including an indoor ice skating facility, the resort is an excellent choice for families who want to spend some quality time with their kids after a day of skiing.
The village of Beaver Creek is also a great place to shop for local products. The ride between Vail and the resort is only around 20 minutes, with regular shuttles.
15. Winter Park, Colorado
One of the Rocky Mountains’ most popular ski resorts is Winter Park, less than two hours from Denver.
This facility has various activities and programs for families. It’s also an excellent choice for disabled individuals as it has a national sports center that’s dedicated to helping others become more physically active.
Kids of all ages can enjoy various activities and programs at Winter Park. Some of these include ice skating, tubing, and ice fishing.
The resort also has multiple other programs and activities to keep the kids entertained.
16. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
One of the best ski resorts in Oregon is Mt. Bachelor, which features a variety of activities and programs for families.
The Woodward Mountain Parks are also an excellent choice for teens and kids. The Volcano Adventure Zone features various urban features, such as a buried V.W. bus.
Another perfect choice for families is Peace Park, which has dog sledding led by an Iditarod competitor.
17. Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort
Located in Wisconsin’s Kenosha County, the Wilmot Mountain Ski resort doesn’t limit itself to just skiing. It also features 22 tube lanes.
This facility is an excellent choice for families who want to spend some quality time with their kids after a day of skiing. It also has a childcare program to help the kids develop their skills.
After you’ve finished skiing, you can try your hand at something a bit different, such as taking part in snow-sculpting competitions. The village also has an ice castle for the kids and a hot chocolate trail.
18. Heavenly Mountain Resort
One of the best ski resorts in South Lake Tahoe is Heavenly Mountain. This facility has over 90 trails that are suitable for everyone.
It also has a variety of activities and programs designed to keep the whole family entertained.
Kids can take private lessons at the resort and offer snow tubing and tours. Another excellent choice for families is Adventure Peak, which has a variety of activities and programs.
The property has various lodging options that accommodate families of all sizes.
19. Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a resort that offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It has various lodging options and is also known for its dining options.
If your kids are interested in learning how to ski, then the Child Ski Center in this resort is a great choice. It features a learning area and an excellent instructor-to-child ratio.
20. Stowe Mountain Resort
One of the best places for families to spend quality time with their kids is the Stowe Mountain resort in Vermont.
This facility is also one of the many resorts included in the Epic Pass, allowing members to access a wide range of ski areas.
With over 120 trails, this facility is an excellent choice for families who want to spend quality time with their kids.
It also features 12 lifts designed to make it easier for them to access the trails.
21. Telluride Ski Resort
One of the best places for families to spend quality time with their kids is the Telluride Ski resort, known for its high-quality snow and sunshine.
The terrain at this facility is ideal for beginner skiers, as it doesn’t require them to worry about getting crowded. It also features a larger open space for those new to the sport.
Best Time to Visit the United States for Skiing
The best time to visit a ski resort in the United States is from early January to March when the conditions are perfect. During this period, the slopes are less crowded.