12 Amazing Ski Resorts Perfect for Families — Enjoyed by Kids and Adults Alike
A memorable ski trip is all about the company you keep. When the entire family joins, it’s essential to meet the needs of every age, skill level, and interest. Finding a single destination that checks all these boxes can be challenging, but there are numerous fantastic family-oriented ski resorts available. You just need to know where to find them.
The top family ski resorts provide fun for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros, ensuring a range of activities from thrilling mountain runs to relaxing scenic gondola rides—all in one place.
Looking for a perfect example? Check out Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in Canada, where kids can discover a magical forest in the "family-certified zone" while adults tackle the mountain's challenging ski runs. There's also Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado, where the entire family can unwind in a soothing hot spring (complete with waterslides) to share stories of the day's adventures.
For more inspiration, keep scrolling to discover the 12 top ski resorts for families.
Bretton Woods
Image courtesy of Omni Mount Washington ResortAdults will appreciate the 464 acres of ski terrain at this New Hampshire resort, while kids will enjoy a variety of activities crafted just for them (in addition to skiing and snowboarding lessons). They can race down the resort's snow tubing hill or, if they’re 12 or older, experience the Canopy Tour featuring nine zip lines and two sky bridges.
Location: Bretton Woods, 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Image courtesy of Smugglers' Notch ResortThis Vermont resort is perfect for families of all ages. Adults will find plenty of terrain to explore, with 78 trails across three mountains, and everyone can relax after a day on the slopes with hot chocolate around the daily bonfire. Be sure to catch the fireworks every Thursday night and enjoy glow tubing (night sledding under LED lights) on Tuesdays. With the resort's Kids' Club and on-site babysitting, parents can savor some quality adults-only time while the kids enjoy the nightly entertainment.
Location: Smugglers' Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT
Keystone Resort
Image by Jim Purdum/Courtesy of Vail ResortsAdults can challenge themselves on over 3,000 acres and 130 trails at this Colorado resort, primarily designed for intermediate to expert skiers. Despite the demanding terrain, Keystone provides lessons for children, and if your little ones are seeking other activities, there are plenty available. Non-skiers can enjoy ice skating, tubing, scenic sleigh rides, or visiting the world's largest snow fort, located atop one of the resort's three main peaks.
Location: Keystone Resort, 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO
Steamboat Ski Resort
Image by Larry Pierce/Courtesy of Steamboat Ski ResortOne of the main concerns when planning a family ski vacation is cost, and this mountain resort has a solution. At Steamboat, children aged 12 and under ski for free when their guardian purchases a five-day (or longer) lift ticket package. In addition to nearly 3,000 acres of terrain, families will value the Snowsports School, which helps kids and less-experienced adults hit the slopes. After a day of skiing, everyone will love visiting Old Town Hot Springs, featuring two 230-foot waterslides.
Location: Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO
Park City Mountain Resort
Image courtesy of Vail ResortsThe sheer number of trails at this Utah resort makes it one of the top ski destinations for families in the United States. With over 330 trails and 7,300 acres of terrain, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids and adults learning to ski or snowboard will find their perfect spot at High Meadow Park, a dedicated learning area with groomed off-trail runs where beginners can hone their skills. After a day on the slopes, unwind with a 25-minute snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to The Viking Yurt, featuring a six-course dining experience at an elevation of 8,700 feet.
Location: Park City Mountain Resort, 1345 Lowell Avenue, Park City, UT
Whiteface Mountain
Image by Dave Schmidt/Courtesy of Whiteface MountainAfter a day exploring the 94 trails of this Lake Placid mountain, parents can relax at the Bear Den Lodge with a drink while enjoying a panoramic view of their kids mastering skiing and snowboarding. There's also plenty of excitement to be found off the slopes. Whiteface is one of the "Lake Placid Legacy Sites" where the 1980 Winter Olympics were held, and across the four sites, you can discover a variety of Olympic-themed adventures. Experience the thrill of speeding down the bobsled track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg or watch ski jumpers soar the length of a football field from the Skyride, an eight-person gondola at the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Location: Whiteface Mountain, 5021 Route 86, Wilmington, NY
Northstar California Resort
Image by Jocelyn Noel/Courtesy of Vail ResortsThis North Lake Tahoe resort boasts 100 trails and over 3,100 skiable acres, offering ample terrain for the whole family to discover. At day’s end, gather your group for an evening of après-ski ice skating and hot cocoa, or keep the fun going with some tubing down the hill. Before heading to bed, cozy up by the fire pits and gear up to do it all over again. "I had my first ski experience here at 31, feeling anxious about the slopes," shared T+L editorial director Nina Ruggiero after her February 2021 trip. "I was truly impressed by their private lesson program. My instructor not only calmed my nerves but had me skiing blues. I’ve taken many lessons since, and she remains my favorite instructor."
Location: Northstar California Resort, 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA
Beaver Creek
Image courtesy of Vail ResortsWhat could be more inviting for families than an on-mountain Candy Cabin at 9,840 feet, welcoming kids (and the young at heart) with Swedish Fish, Jelly Bellys, M&Ms, and more? After satisfying your sweet tooth at Beaver Creek, you can explore the resort's 167 diverse trails or take on the challenge of skiing down the mountain's longest run, Centennial, which stretches an impressive 2.75 miles.
Location: Beaver Creek, 210 Beaver Creek Plaza, Beaver Creek, CO
Camelback Resort
Image courtesy of Vail ResortsThis Poconos ski resort may be smaller than its larger mountain rivals, but its compact size makes it easier for families to manage various needs and skill levels. With 39 ski runs and an impressive 42 snow tube lanes, it’s perfect for the tubing enthusiast in your family. When you’re not skiing or tubing, keep the excitement going at the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, which boasts 13 waterslides, a wave pool, a simulated surfing experience, and a swim-up bar.
Location: Camelback Resort, 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA
Whistler Blackcomb
Photo by Robin Oneill/Courtesy of Vail ResortsAt Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s premier skiing experience blends with exciting activities for young adventurers. This former Olympic venue offers adults over 200 trails across more than 8,000 acres, along with a vast backcountry accessible to advanced skiers with a guide. The true enchantment lies in its children’s facilities: one play area on Whistler Mountain featuring a tree fort and another on Blackcomb Mountain with a castle-themed playground. As night falls, families can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Whistler's charming pedestrian village or ice skate under the stars.
Location: Whistler Blackcomb, 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Aspen Snowmass
Courtesy of Viceroy SnowmassWith a single lift ticket at Aspen Snowmass, you gain access to all four mountains of this remarkable resort: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. For families with varied skill levels, Snowmass is the best choice. It boasts more terrain than the other three peaks combined, offering trails that range from challenging double-black diamonds to easy green runs. Children will adore the daily programming tailored for them, while even the least enthusiastic skiers in the family will find plenty to enjoy at the base — Aspen is considered one of the top ski towns for non-skiers in the country.
Location: Aspen Snowmass, 120 Lower Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO
Big Sky Resort
Ben SahebFor families skiing with children, accessibility is crucial. With direct flights available from over 20 cities, reaching Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is a breeze. Several shuttle services will take you the 50 miles to Big Sky, eliminating the need for a rental car. Once you arrive, enjoy more than 4,000 vertical feet of skiing from Lone Peak, complete with chairlifts featuring heated seats and weatherproof storm shields to keep your fingers warm. When it’s time to relax, consider booking a dog sledding adventure or take a magical evening stroll through the resort’s Enchanted Forest for a delightful snowy light display that everyone will enjoy.
Location: Big Sky Resort, 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT
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