Planning a family ski trip can feel overwhelming. I remember my first time trying to find the right resort for my kids.
You want gentle slopes where they won’t get scared, patient instructors, cozy places to stay, and fun activities when everyone needs a break from skiing.
I’ve put together this list of the 11 best family ski resorts across North America based on what really matters to families.
Each spot offers safe beginner areas, excellent ski schools, comfortable lodging, and plenty to do off the slopes.
Let’s find the perfect place for your family’s next winter getaway.
What Makes a Ski Resort Family-Friendly?
A great family resort needs more than just snow. Look for resorts with plenty of beginner and intermediate runs so kids can build confidence without feeling scared.
Quality ski schools with certified instructors make a huge difference, and on-site childcare gives parents some freedom.
Family suites or condos with kitchenettes help you save money and stick to familiar routines. Kid-friendly restaurants with simple menus keep mealtime stress-free.
And here’s the thing: not everyone in your family might want to ski all day. Resorts with tubing, ice skating, or indoor pools keep everyone happy.
List of 11 Best Family Ski Resorts in North America
Looking for the perfect family ski vacation? These 11 resorts offer easy slopes, great lessons, and fun activities everyone will love.
1. Steamboat Resort, Colorado
Steamboat feels like a real Western town, not just a ski resort. The mountain has tons of gentle, wide runs perfect for kids learning to ski.
Their ski school gets great reviews from parents, and the instructors are patient and fun. You’ll find everything from slope-side condos to budget-friendly hotels in town.
Kids love the hot springs nearby, and there’s tubing and sledding when they need a break from skiing.
2. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch has won awards for being the best family resort in North America. Everything is designed around kids and families. Their ski school is included in many packages, which saves you money.
The resort has adventure zones where kids can practice in a fun setting. You can stay right at the base, and they offer all-inclusive packages.
There are indoor pools, game rooms, and activities every night.
3. Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the mountain each day, so it never feels crowded. The snow quality here is fantastic, and the groomed runs are perfect for families.
Ski valets help you with your gear, which is a lifesaver with kids.
The resort has excellent dining options that welcome children. You can stay ski-in/ski-out or in nearby Park City. There’s also snow tubing and sleigh rides for non-skiers.
4. Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek feels upscale but stays welcoming to families. They give out fresh cookies at the base every afternoon, which kids absolutely love.
The beginner area is separated from faster skiers, so it’s safer for little ones. Their ski school is top-notch with small class sizes. Family suites come with full kitchens.
The village has ice skating, and there are free activities like storytelling and s’mores around fire pits.
5. Keystone Resort, Colorado
Keystone offers night skiing, which is a unique experience kids remember forever. The resort has dedicated learning areas with magic carpets instead of intimidating lifts.
Their Kidtopia program includes daily activities like snow fort building and torchlight parades. Lodging ranges from condos to hotels, many with pools.
The base area has an outdoor ice skating rink that’s huge. There are also snowcat tours and tubing hills nearby.
6. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley has been a family favorite since the 1930s. The mountain gets incredible sunshine, making cold days rare. Wide, groomed runs are perfect for building confidence.
Their ski school has been teaching kids for generations. You can stay at the historic Sun Valley Lodge or rent condos in the village.
Kids enjoy ice skating at the outdoor rink and visiting the bowling alley and arcade when the weather turns.
7. Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont
Okemo focuses on making families comfortable without breaking the bank. The mountain has gentle slopes and a fantastic learning center for first-timers. Their snow tubing park is one of the best in the East.
Family lodging includes slope-side options with kitchens and multiple bedrooms. The base lodge has casual dining spots kids enjoy.
There’s also an indoor pool and game room to keep everyone entertained after skiing.
8. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods has the most skiable acres in New Hampshire, giving families room to spread out. The mountain is known for gentle, scenic trails perfect for beginners.
You can stay at the grand Mount Washington Hotel or choose budget-friendly condos. Their ski school is patient and well-organized. Kids love the zip line canopy tour and tubing park.
The resort also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for families wanting variety.
9. Holiday Valley, New York
Holiday Valley offers great skiing without the high prices of Western resorts. It’s perfect for families on a budget or those new to skiing. The terrain is gentle and forgiving for learners.
Lodging is affordable, with many options including condos and inns. The resort has casual dining spots with kid menus.
Their tubing park is massive and a huge hit with children. There’s also a terrain park for older kids wanting more challenge.
10. Mount Snow, Vermont
Mount Snow has invested heavily in family amenities over the past few years. The Carinthia learning area gives beginners a safe space away from advanced skiers. Their ski school uses games and fun to teach kids.
You can rent slope-side condos or stay in the Grand Summit Hotel. The base area has several restaurants with kids’ favorites.
There’s also an indoor climbing wall and arcade for après-ski entertainment.
11. Northstar California Resort
Northstar combines Lake Tahoe beauty with family-friendly features. The village feels like a European ski town with shops and restaurants. Beginner terrain is separated and well-maintained.
Their ski school gets consistently high marks from parents. You can stay in village condos within walking distance of everything. Kids love the outdoor ice rink in the village center.
There are also events like fire dancers and live music that make evenings special.
Bonus Tips for Planning a Family Ski Trip
- Visit in January or early February for the best deals and fewer crowds. Avoid peak holiday weeks when prices jump and lift lines get long.
- Buy lift tickets online at least a week ahead to save 20-30%. Rent equipment at shops in town instead of on the mountain for better prices.
- Pack layers including base layers, fleece, and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, extra gloves, and hand warmers for cold fingers.
- Start with a lesson even if you think you can teach your kids yourself. Professional instructors know how to make learning fun and safe for beginners.
- Take breaks often and don’t push kids too hard on the first day. Tired, cold kids won’t enjoy skiing, so quit early and try again tomorrow.
Conclusion
These 11 resorts have everything families need for a successful ski trip. I’ve seen how the right resort can turn nervous first-timers into confident skiers who can’t wait to come back next year.
Think about your kids’ skill levels and what they enjoy off the slopes. Do they want tubing and hot springs, or are indoor pools and game rooms more their speed? Consider how far you want to travel and what fits your budget.
Now it’s your turn. Pick a resort, book your dates, and start planning. Your family’s winter memories are waiting.
Trust me, that first run down the mountain together is worth every bit of planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable family ski resort in North America?
Holiday Valley in New York offers great value with lower lift ticket prices compared to Western resorts. Smugglers’ Notch also provides excellent deals with all-inclusive packages that cover lodging, skiing, and meals.
Which ski resort is best for toddlers and very young children?
Smugglers’ Notch has the best childcare and programs for little ones, including activities for kids as young as 6 weeks old. Keystone also excels with its Kidtopia program designed specifically for young families.
Do I need to book ski lessons in advance?
Yes, especially during holidays and weekends when group lessons fill up quickly. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead guarantees your preferred time slots and sometimes offers early-bird discounts.
What’s the best month for a family ski trip?
January and early February offer the best combination of good snow conditions and lower prices. You’ll avoid the crazy holiday crowds and still get plenty of fresh powder.
Can non-skiers still have fun at these resorts?
Absolutely. All these resorts offer activities like tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, spas, and indoor pools. Many also have village areas with shops, restaurants, and entertainment that don’t require any skiing.