Six Best US Ski Resorts for Families

When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, it’s the perfect time to take the family on a ski vacation. But how do you choose which mountain to ski? There are dozens of resorts at mountains across the country, and with so many options, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for your family. If you’re looking for a ski resort the whole family is sure to love, here are six options that won’t steer you wrong:

Six Best U.S. Ski Resorts For Families

Keystone, Colorado. This resort markets itself as the “ultimate family adventure,” and it isn’t wrong. When parents book two or more nights in a row at the resort, kids under 12 years old ski free, which can add up to huge cost savings over the course of your trip. Even if your little ones don’t love to ski, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. Kidtopia offers everything from kid yoga and snow tubing to face-painting and fresh-baked cookies as an afternoon treat! And Mom and Dad surely won’t be disappointed by the ski runs, restaurants and shopping options available in the area.

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont. If you’re in the northeast, Smugglers’ Notch is a great choice for a ski resort the whole family is guaranteed to love. Aside from some excellent skiing opportunities, you’ll find lots of fun activities planned throughout the week, like a Family Tubing Party, Family Karaoke Night, and a Winter Carnival. Tired of the cold? Get the kids indoors and have a blast in the FunZone.

Big Sky, Montana. This ski resort is a bit out of the way for most families, but if you can make it to Big Sky, you’ll find it well worth the journey. It isn’t as crowded as many other resorts, so you and your family will have plenty of room to stretch out and have fun, and there are plenty of activities like sleigh rides, dog sledding adventures, and zipline tours to keep everyone busy when you aren’t hitting the slopes.

Deer Valley, Utah. Aside from offering ski lessons for kids and teens of all ages and skill levels, an excellent daycare service, and plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy, Deer Valley is simply a great place to ski. You’ll find a solid selection of delicious dining options, ample shopping opportunities, and some of the best customer service available anywhere at this Park City resort.

Don't miss spring skiing at Stevens Pass in my neck of the woods!

Heavenly Mountain, California. Boasting stunning views of Lake Tahoe, it’s easy to see how this mountain resort got its name. You and your family will have a blast skiing - or taking lessons from their skilled instructors, if you’re new to the sport. Spend an afternoon tubing, or take advantage of the open-air ice skating that comes around each winter. Either way, your whole family will fall in love with this ski resort - and the Tahoe area - before you’re done.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Jackson Hole is a ski resort geared toward you and your crew, with ample discounts available for families. The Kids Ranch offers ski lessons for kids and teens of all ages, including programs geared toward skilled skiers, and hosts programs like Kids Night Out to give parents a little free time while keeping your little ones busy.

Want to head up to Canada and ski like the Olympians? Plan a family ski trip to Whistler, Canada.

Whether you choose to ski on the east coast, the west coast, or somewhere in the middle, you’re sure to find a family-friendly ski resort to suit your family’s needs. What ski resort has created the best experience and environment for your family? Leave a comment and let me know!

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