As Winter comes around, there’s no better time to start looking for ski resorts you and your loved ones can visit for a family ski trip. Roughly 400 million people go skiing each year, so it should come as no surprise that there are a lot of ski resorts. In fact, there are almost 500 ski resorts in the U.S. alone! With so many options, choosing just one to visit can seem a bit overwhelming. No worries, we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly ski resorts to help you take the ultimate family ski vacation.
Best Resorts for a Family Ski Trip on the West Coast
Vail Ski Resort – Vail, Colorado
With 5,317 acres, Vail Ski Resort is the third largest ski resort in the U.S. Beginner skiers are suited for 18% of the resort’s terrain, putting this in line with many of the best family ski resorts. There’s a world-class ski school with both ski and snowboard lessons on Golden Peak, while Northwoods and China Bowl have various options for intermediate skiers. Overall, Vail ski resort boasts 195 trails and 32 lifts, so you’ll never get bored here! Aside from skiing, families can look forward to plenty of other fun Winter activities like mountain tours, snowboarding, and a nature discovery center. There’s even a luxurious spa to help guests relax and unwind after a day packed with excitement on the mountain. You can indulge in massages, facials, and even couples treatments.
Best Ski Resort for a Family in Vail
If you’d like to visit Vail, consider staying at Vail Run Resort. Just two miles from the mountain, Vail Run is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. You’ll have access to a full range of Nautilus equipment, a heated outdoor pool, a sauna, and a whirlpool here. There’s also a fitness center with weights and cardio equipment. Accommodations include studio and one-bedroom units with king-sized beds, kitchens, a living area, and a toasty fireplace. These units can accommodate up to four guests, so you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs.
Beaver Creek Mountain – Avon, Colorado
Another fantastic Colorado ski area can be found at Beaver Creek Mountain. This mountain has over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain filled with natural snow and 167 ski trails to explore. You can also try out a terrain park here. Beaver Creek Mountain also offers ski lessons both individually and for groups, so its got one of the best family ski school programs. The ski area at Beaver Creek has plenty of fun twists and turns, making it a joy to explore. Down in Beaver Creek Village, enjoy freshly baked cookies or a massive performing arts center. You can also enjoy ice skating at both an outdoor and indoor ice skating rink. Aside from the ice rink, Beaver Creek has snow tubing, ice fishing, and plenty of shopping and dining.
Best Ski Resort for a Family in Avon
Named one of the 50 best resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is a fantastic, family-friendly ski resort in Beaver Creek. You can keep up with your workout routines at the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a dip in the hot tubs. Westin Riverfront also has a relaxing day spa with massages, facials, and even unique chakra blessings to revitalize your body. Guests have their choice of studio, one, two, and even three-bedroom suites. These suites offer king-sized beds and queen sleeper sofas alongside a toasty fireplace. You’ll also have access to a fantastic view of the mountain or Beaver Creek Village.
Looking for another great resort in Colorado? Check Out Club Wyndham Steamboat Ski Resort
Park City Mountain – Park City, Utah
At an imposing 7,300 acres, Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in America. This resort has over 40 lifts and 330 trails, so there are plenty of options for skiers of varying skill levels. That much variety is what makes this one of the best family ski resorts for Winter trips. Park City features a ski school with multiple classes to help get new skiers up to speed. In fact, the resort offers an All-Terrain program that allows kids to spend the day exploring the slopes with a guide. Other activities include a mountain coaster, a zipline, and skating at the ice skating rink. There’s also a scenic gondola ride that takes guests over the mountain and offers unforgettable views of the slopes. Looking for a totally unique experience? Then enjoy sleigh rides to a yurt snuggled in a pristine Winter wonderland, complete with hot chocolate.
Best Ski Resort for a Family in Park City
Of course, no ski trip is complete without a good place to stay, and Westgate Park City is one of the best. For the last ten years, this world-class resort has won the title of Best Ski Resort from Utah’s Best of State Awards. You’ll enjoy on-site amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, a picnic area, and ski-in/ski-out access to get you to the mountain as quickly as possible. There are also award-winning restaurants that serve wagyu beef, seafood, and an extensive selection of wines. When you’re ready to relax, you can unwind in a one, two, or four-bedroom villa. These villas all boast king-sized beds and queen sleeper sofas to accommodate four to 16 guests.
Big Sky Resort – Big Sky, Montana
Skiing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Montana, but it’s actually home to one of the best family ski resorts. Big Sky Resort has 39 lifts and 300 named runs to ski through, as well as multiple terrain parks. The resort also has the most advanced ski lift network in the U.S. When you’re done racing down the mountain, relax in the cozy village below. There are snowshoe tours, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and even fly fishing! It’s safe to say there’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family. While all of the activities are great, the real highlight is the enchanted forest. This family-friendly activity features immersive light displays along a kilometer-long path. Warm up at the end of your walk around the outdoor fireplace.
Best Ski Resort for a Family in Big Sky
Big Sky Resort is located right at the center of the Mountain Village. Guests have their choice of nine dining options on-site. From Mexican to burgers to pizza, the resort has a variety of meals to choose from. The Solace Spa, also located at the resort, features body treatments, facials, and massages. Additionally, the Solace has a storefront with women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories. There are also plenty of toasty hot tubs here. Accommodations include studio, one, two, and three-bedroom suites. Studios come with a queen Murphey bed and queen sleeper sofa. Meanwhile, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas come with king-sized beds and queen-sleeper sofas. These units can accommodate anywhere from four to eight guests, depending on the suite chosen.
Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort – Lake Tahoe, California
They don’t call this California ski resort “heavenly” for nothing! Heavenly Mountain Resort overlooks the crystalline waters of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Needless to say, this resort has some beautiful views. Heavenly Mountain has more to it than sightseeing, though. Heavenly boasts 34 miles of groomed trails covering 4,800 skiable acres, making it not only the largest in Lake Tahoe but one of the largest ski resorts in America. Specifically, the resort has 97 trails to accommodate skiers of every skill level. So seasoned vets and newcomers alike can enjoy the slopes. Heavenly Mountain is home to Groove Park, a progressive park with nearly 20 features, and LTR, a beginner park with four features. Just off the mountain are guided snowmobile tours, snow tubing, and even a scenic Gondola ride. So there are multiple options to stay entertained when not braving the mountain’s many slopes. Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for family ski trips.
Best Family Ski Resort Near Heavenly Mountain
If you want to stay near the Heavenly Mountain Resort, the Marriott Grand Residence at Lake Tahoe is just two miles away. This Marriott Vacation Club resort is located within the Heavenly Village and features a heated outdoor pool and fitness center. Guests can also enjoy a massage or beauty treatment at the on-site Serenity Spa. Serenity offers massages, facials, and a steam room to help visitors unwind after a day on the slopes. Accommodations include studio, one, and two-bedroom villas. The studio comes with a queen-sized bed to accommodate two guests. Next, the one-bedroom villa offers a queen–sized bed and sofa bed to house up to four guests. Finally, the two-bedroom villa features a king-sized bed, queen-sized bed, and sofa bed to accommodate six guests. With so much space, it’s little wonder this is one of the best family ski resorts.
Learn more: 4 California Ski Resorts to Visit Next Winter!
Best Resorts for a Family Ski Trip on the East Coast
Okemo Mountain Resort – Ludlow, Vermont
Nestled in the rolling green mountains of southern Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort is the state’s best family ski resort. The mountain’s enormous size, variety of parks, and versatile trails make it one of the best ski resorts in New England. Okemo offers 20 ski lifts to take you to any of its 121 scenic trails, so you’ll have easy access to whatever part of the mountain you want to reach. There are also six terrain parks to accommodate riders of all skill levels. The Okemo Ski and Ride School is also available to get new skiers up to speed, so be sure to check it out if you want to learn the ropes. This resort also has plenty of dining options to enjoy whenever you get hungry. From southern-style barbecue to Japanese ramen, there’s something on the mountain for everyone, making it one of the best ski resorts for families.
Best Ski Resort for a Family Near Ludlow
If you’d like to visit either the Okemo Mountain Resort or Killington Resort, consider staying at the Season Resort at Sugarbush. This great family resort is no further than an hour and a half away from Okemo Mountain. The Season Resort has over 10 acres of grassy property, complete with a seasonal heated outdoor pool and rustic Vermont tennis courts. Accommodations include studio, one, and two-bedroom suites. The studio has a queen-sized bed and accommodates up to two guests. Next, the one-bedroom suite has both a queen-sized bed and a queen sofa bed to house up to four guests. Finally, the two-bedroom suite has a king-sized bed, queen-sized bed, and queen-sized sleeper sofa to hold up to six guests. No matter which suite you choose, you’ll have plenty of room for the whole family on your ski trips.
Smuggler’s Notch
Another fantastic spot in Vermont for a family ski trip is Smugglers Notch Resort. Smugglers Notch has three big mountains packed with skiing and snowboarding opportunities for skiers of all ages, making it a great family-friendly option. In fact, Smugglers Notch Resort offers a world-renowned ski school to help you and your family level up your skills. These mountains are home to some of the most extensive and diverse gladed terrain in the East, so you can ski free of any worries. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities like Kids’ Night Out, where kids ages five to twelve have a blast at the FunZone arcade. There’s also a family magic show, a Winter carnival, and a haunted history walk.
Best Ski Resort for a Family in Smuggler’s Notch
Surrounded by the beauty of the East Coast mountains, Wyndham Vacation Club Smuggler’s Notch is a great home base for a family ski trip in Smuggler’s Notch. You’ll be within walking distance of plenty of great shopping and dining, as well as an ice rink. Plus, this RCI Gold Crown resort boasts hot tubs, laundry facilities, fire pits, and a fitness center. There’s also free parking for extra convenience, as well as a game room. For accommodations, there are one, two, three, or four-bedroom suites. These suites have king-sized beds and queen-sleeper sofas alongside cozy fireplaces. Overall, these suites have enough room for six to twelve guests. Making this the best family-friendly resort for big ski trips.
Bretton Woods Resort – Carroll, New Hampshire
With 63 trails to explore, Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski resort and one of the best for a family ski trip in New England. Plus, this resort also has an eight-person gondola along with 10 ski lifts to take you up to the mountain’s slopes. Bretton Woods is another ski resort that’s great for newcomers thanks to its ski school. This school offers both individual and group classes, so the entire family can take ski lessons together! These classes are a big part of why Bretton Woods is one of the best ski resorts for families. For dining, Bretton Woods has a massive food court with a variety of grab-and-go options to keep you fueled up for your ski adventure. There’s also the Slopeside Pub and Restaurant, where you can sit down and relax with a good meal and a great view of the slopes.
Best Ski Resort for a Family Near Carroll
If you’d like a home base near one of the best ski resorts for family trips in New England, check out the Crown Ridge Resort. This resort is just an hour away from Bretton Woods and Loon Mountain, making it a great home base for any ski trips you want to make in New Hampshire. Located in a private lush forest, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet in a luxurious two or three-bedroom villa. The two-bedroom villa has a king-sized bed and two twin beds to accommodate up to six guests. Meanwhile, the three-bedroom villa adds an additional set of two twin beds to bring the maximum occupancy up to eight guests. This resort also has an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a hot tub.
Buy a Timeshare at One of the Best Ski Resorts for Family Trips
If you’d like to lace up those ski boots and take the family ski vacation of a lifetime, consider buying a timeshare. When you buy a timeshare, you’ll be able to return to a beloved resort year after year. So, if you and your family love skiing and want to grow your skills each year, buying a timeshare is a great way to do so. If you’re ready to get started, check out our marketplace! You’ll find many ski resorts from top developers like Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and more. Between being within walking distance of the ski lifts and great activities like cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and sleigh rides, these ski resorts are amazing for a family ski trip.
Rent a Timeshare at One of the Best Ski Resorts for a Family Ski Trip
While timeshares are great, they can be a bit of a commitment. If you’re not sure whether vacation ownership is right for you, consider renting a timeshare instead. With a timeshare rental, you can enjoy a one-time experience at a family-friendly ski resort. You’ll still have all the great amenities timeshare owners love, but you won’t have to worry about things like maintenance fees. It’s all of the benefits with none of the commitment. What’s not to love? Check out these family ski trip rentals today!
What if I No Longer Want My Timeshare?
If you no longer want your timeshare, we can help you, too! Timeshares Only has been helping owners like you sell their timeshares for over 25 years. Plus, as a member of ARDA, we follow a strict set of ethics that helps to keep everyone in the industry safe. This means that when you work with Timeshares Only, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands. If you’d like to get started, give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at info@timesharesonly.com. We’re always happy to help!
