Magazine

The Best USA Ski Resorts for Families

Dec 11, 2020

Photo: Deer Valley Ski Resort

With countless world-class ski resorts across the Unites States, it’s hard to narrow down the perfect option for a family ski vacation. Many boast purpose-built resort facilities that help to create a hassle-free holiday, while others offer an authentic mountain town for a unique ski experience. Whether you need ski-in ski-out lodging, ski lessons, childcare, or just plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of choices for an easy and memorable ski vacation. Check out our list of the Best USA Ski Resorts for Families.

Keystone
Perfectly suited to families new to skiing, with a vast array of amenities, school programs, and super fun activities for the kids (including a giant tubing hill). Team this up with terrain that is beginner-friendly, easy access from Denver, great range of ski-in ski-out accommodation, and a cute compact resort village, Keystone really has it all for families.

Aspen Snowmass
Aspen has a reputation of being a bit on the pricey side, however, Snowmass Mountain offers a great value ski vacations, particularly for families. Its world-class facilities are catered specifically for families, with an internationally acclaimed ski school, fun kids programs, and non-snow activities that are sure to be a highlight. Snowmass also boasts great slopeside condos for families that seek a more self-contained ski experience close to all the resort amenities.

Winter Park
Parents will appreciate the compact and convenient base area, condo accommodation options, and overall good value of Winter Park. Being close to Denver, the resort is easily accessible, and unlike many resorts they offer ski school from the age of three. The down-to-earth family friendly atmosphere throughout Winter Park creates a great base for a memorable ski vacation in Colorado.

Photo: Copper Mountain

 

Copper Mountain
One of Colorado’s true underdogs when it comes to great value family ski vacations. Fantastic accommodation options, easy access from Denver, and distinct lack of crowds makes Copper a fabulous all-rounder ski vacation spot for families. The compact, pedestrian-friendly village has all the facilities you need, and countless non-snow activities for the kids, including Critterland, a specially made play area for the young ones.

 

 

Crested Butte
Crested Butte is the perfect playground for the more adventurous families, with great value lodging and an authentic mountain town to explore. The non-existent lift lines, uncrowded slopes, impeccable grooming, and excellent ski school are a major drawcard for the resort, plus the relaxed family friendly atmosphere with none of the pretentiousness of other big resorts makes Crested Butte a top pick.

Steamboat
According to a ton of data we've crunched at Scout, Steamboat is the best value ski resort for families in the US. For the quality and breadth of the mountain, facilities and fun activities it's where to head if you want a memorable ski vacation without breaking the bank. Kids ski free with certain Scout packages and there is also a ton of condo lodging that's either slopeside or a short walk to the lifts. With plenty of fun side activities (like a coaster ride) and an authentic downtown area with a ton of great restaurants you'll most definitely want to come back to Steamboat again and again.

Telluride
Both the town of Telluride itself and the mountain village are well-established for families, offering a great range of lodging options to suit any budget and variety of family. Ski school and childcare are top notch and reasonably priced, and the terrain is perfect for learning and progression. The purpose-built village is pedestrian-friendly, and the free gondola makes for an easy and exciting visit to the authentic mountain town below.

Northstar
One of the best destination resorts for families, with high quality service, and all the bells and whistles of a world-class resort. Its massive ski school is highly regarded among the ski community, and the Adventure Zones offer fun skiing slopes for learning. Families love the vast range of extra activities on offer at the resort, and the variety of hotels and condos for all budgets.

Big Sky
Big Sky sure knows how to please families. Offering a great kids ski free program, great value self-contained condos, and plenty of non-snow activities for the kids including year-round zip-lining. Plus the varied terrain will please all members of the family no matter what their level. Big Sky is surely one of the USA’s best-kept secrets for a family ski vacation.

Photo: Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley is renowned for its ability to cater to all, ideal for families of mixed ability levels. The Family Fun Zone makes learning easy, and ski school boasts a wide variety of programs to suit all levels and ages, while the Squaw Kids Children’s Centre keeps the kids entertained on and off the slopes. As an all-rounder, it’s a top-notch family friendly ski destination.

Deer Valley
This first class ski resorts is in a league of its own when it comes to catering to families. With unbeatable guest services, internationally acclaimed ski school and childcare, easy access from Salt Lake City, and everything else within arms reach, it makes for the ultimate hassle-free family ski vacation.

Still unsure on where to take the family for your next ski vacation? Contact us at Scout for a customised ski package to suit your needs. 

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