12 best family ski resorts in the US
Editor's Note
Whether your child is a snowboarding teen used to shredding powder or a newbie headed to ski school for the very first time, many mountain resorts across the U.S. are perfect for a family ski trip.
Skiing can be a terrific family activity in winter, as the après-ski scene provides just as much fun as time spent on the slopes. Many resorts offer alternative snow-related activities — such as tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and even sleigh rides — so the whole family can enjoy the mountain experience.
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The best ski resorts for families are usually the ones that offer on- and near-mountain lodging, ski schools with a variety of programs, beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain and some quality non-ski activities, too.
Keep in mind that ski and snowboard lessons can book up well in advance, so if ski school — or even on-mountain child care — is a must-have for your vacation, double-check the options to ensure they fit your ski vacation goals.
Once you decide on the best resort for your family, price out lift tickets and pass options ahead of time. You may be surprised at how much more affordable it is to buy ski passes in advance rather than purchase individual lift tickets — even if you are only skiing for a day or two.
Some mountains also offer kids-ski-free programs, which can help keep the trip cost down. Additionally, many ski resorts have capacity limits, so you'll want to make sure you purchase your tickets prior to arriving (or make advance reservations at select mountains).
With all these nuances in mind, here are some of our favorite ski resorts for the whole family.
Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
Why Beaver Creek is a good ski resort for families
This may be surprising for those who are only familiar with the mountain's luxury reputation, but Colorado's Beaver Creek is perhaps one of the friendliest slopes for family ski trips. About a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) or 30 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), this resort is relatively easy to access, assuming you have good road conditions.
Beaver Creek has been upping its already solid family ski game even more lately thanks, in part, to the recent opening of a brand-new, 250-acre, lift-served expansion called McCoy Park. This offers even more terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, and it elevates the mountain experience with 17 new groomable trails, plus two additional chairlifts.
Here, you'll also find the Beaver Creek Candy Cabin, which is a great addition to the Ice Cream Parlour at the top of the Haymeadow Express Gondola. At the Red Buffalo Park's Cookie Cabin and at the bottom of the Centennial Express and Haymeadow Lift, you'll also be able to experience the mountain's infamous 3 p.m. cookie time.
After a long day of skiing, you can enjoy ice skating in the village, and on Thursday nights, kids and adults who are at least level four skiers can participate in a glow stick ski. For a unique experience, take an open-air, snowcat-led sleigh ride to Allie's Cabin, Zach's Cabin or Beano's Cabin — three different mountain-top dining options.
The mountain also ensures that teens are fully entertained. With the Hawk's Nest Cabin debuting this year in Beaver Creek Village, teens can enjoy the coolest underage club, featuring craft nonalcoholic beverages, music, interactive technology, arcade and table games, a ski simulator, lounge spots and more.
Lift tickets for Beaver Creek don't have to cost a ton if you plan in advance and lock in an Epic Pass of some sort.
Where to stay at Beaver Creek
Winter rates start at $950 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Winter rates start at $840 or 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
TPG tip: You can add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to certificates with fixed prices, meaning that many nights are within range of the 85,000-point certificate awarded annually by the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card if you are willing to add some points.
Winter rates start at $450 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Keystone Resort, Colorado
Why Keystone is a good ski resort for families
Out of all the great Colorado ski resorts (and there are plenty), Keystone is the hot spot for kids of all ages. There are the usual dog sledding, snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh ride activities, but the piece de resistance is the resort's kids programs and accommodations.
There are plenty of fun on-mountain experiences, such as snowcat skiing and night skiing (on weekends and holidays). Tykes should also like the famous Snow Fort. In fact, this year, there are actually two snow forts to pick from: one up on Dercum Mountain and one in the Mountain House base area.
Additionally, the resort offers a ton of family conveniences, such as free preferred family parking for those with kids 12 and younger as well as red wagons to help tow skis, boards or even tired kiddos.
With a new lift and for the 2023-24 season, Keystone will add another 550 acres of diverse terrain among 16 new trails. Now, with more than 3,500 acres, your family can experience a wide range of terrain, including the 3.5-mile-long Schoolmarm — a timeless run for the family to work on turns.
Best of all, kids 12 and younger ski free when you stay at one of the resort's properties for two or more nights (there are no blackout dates).
Where to stay at Keystone
Winter rates start at $250 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This property is a great use of the Hyatt Category 1-4 certificate that's available annually for those with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
Winter rates start at $900 per night for a three-bedroom accommodation, with 20% discounts available to those with an Epic Pass.
Snowmass, Colorado
Why Snowmass is a good ski resort for families
Snowmass is one of the mountains in Colorado's swanky Aspen ski area, so you can check a high-end ski resort off your bucket list while entertaining the kids at the same time.
A bit less showy than its big sister Aspen, Snowmass notably includes the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, a licensed kids club for children between 8 weeks and 4 years old. Children at least 2.5 years old can also hit the slopes, as the mountain offers many ski school options.
On top of that, Snowmass allows kids to ski free all the way through age 6, which makes it a more affordable choice for a young family than most mountains; other areas typically start charging kids by the time they turn 4. For those 7 and up, know that the mountain participates in both the Ikon and Mountain Collective ski passes.
Other kid-friendly Snowmass activities include on-mountain snow tubing, alpine coasters, ice skating, snowshoeing tours and even an indoor climbing wall. During select dates throughout winter, Snowmass will offer a nighttime winter wonderland party called Ullr Nights filled with evening activities for families. This includes a gondola ride to Elk Camp, bonfires, tubing, alpine coaster rides, snow biking, s'mores and hot chocolate.
Where to stay at Snowmass
Winter rates start at $530 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. This means you could add Marriott points to a 50,000-point free night certificate on many nights.
Winter rates start at $280 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Winter rates start at $750 per night.
Related: How to save money on a trip to Aspen
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Why Copper Mountain is a good ski resort for families
If you are looking for a Colorado ski resort experience with lower prices than its neighbors, Copper is a great choice. This resort has family-friendly written all over it, with an array of activities for all ages.
In addition to skiing in what are often prime snow conditions, you'll have the Rocky Mountain Coaster, plenty of snow tubing, ice skating on West Lake in Center Village and even daily complimentary ambassador ski tours.
Additionally, whenever there is a full moon, Copper Mountain will offer ambassador-guided Full Moon Snowshoe Tours in the evenings. For an off-mountain activity, the 19,400-square-foot Woodward Copper Barn serves as an indoor action sports facility, offering many unique activities at Copper Mountain.
For the third year in a row, the Copper Maze is set to return. Near the base of the Super Bee lift in Copper's East Village, this maze is extremely fun for kids, as it's made entirely of snow.
New this year, visitors will be able to experience the resort's brand-new mid-mountain lodge, Aerie. The gondola will unload at the deck on this 25,000-square-foot building, which will also offer more dining options with a beautiful 270-degree view.
Copper is also continuing to make improvements to its Western Territory Expansion. This area is on the far west side of the mountain and is designed to inspire beginner skiers, kids and families to connect with Copper's history and heritage. With 27 new snowmaking hydrants just this year, guests will receive even earlier access. In addition to the new trails that have debuted over the past few years (including kid-friendly tree trails), guests will be able to experience two more beginner trails, bringing Copper's overall skiable acreage to 2,538 acres.
Where to stay at Copper Mountain
Winter rates start at $209 or 35,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Why Deer Valley is a good ski resort for families
When kids are getting their bearings and making big side-to-side turns on a slope, it can be easier to start on runs where you won't find any snowboarders.
At the ski-only Deer Valley Resort, there's a children's adventure area on the mountain where you will find 14 pint-size trails allowing tots to practice new techniques — although their favorite part will probably be the tiny cabin hidden in the woods. The mountain limits its ticket sales each day, which keeps crowds (and lift line waits) at a minimum.
If you are looking for a ski resort that can also entertain a non-skiing child, the Deer Valley Children's Center offers licensed full-day child care with many activities, as well as outdoor and indoor playgrounds. Children between 2 months and 12 years old can enjoy this facility.
Deer Valley has a fun approach to ski school that includes the Teen Escape for teens ages 13 to 17, the Adventure Club for kids ages 7 to 12, the Reindeer Club for 5- and 6-year-olds and the Bambi Club for 4-year-olds. For the younger kids, you'll find the class sizes are incredibly small, with just two to four kids in a class — depending on age.
Because Deer Valley participates in the Ikon Pass ski program, you may find that the more economical way to lock in lift tickets is to opt for a pass instead of paying the window rates.
Where to stay at Deer Valley
Winter rates start at $1,400 or 94,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Winter rates start at $1,400 per night.
Northstar California Resort, California
Why Northstar is a good ski resort for families
California's Northstar Resort, along the California-Nevada border on Lake Tahoe, is excellent for families. They can ski together in the Kids Adventure Zone, where two mountain areas have blue trails safely tucked away from bigger, faster skiers and snowboarders.
This winter, guests to the mountain (which gets an average of 350 inches of annual snowfall) will continue to enjoy Tost — one of the area's one-of-a-kind traditions. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can kick up your feet here and unwind midday while enjoying a glass of apple cider (or a glass of bubbly for the adults). Additionally, families can enjoy the après-ski scene by cozying up around the fire pit or zipping around on ice skates while listening to live music. At other times, you can enjoy fireside s'mores and hot cocoa.
If cross-country skiing is your activity of choice, the Nordic Center offers nearly 22 miles of scenic trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.
Where to stay at Northstar
Winter rates start at $800 or 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Winter rates start at $250 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont
Why Smugglers' Notch is a good ski resort for families
An uber kid-friendly ski resort, Smugglers' Notch focuses on the entire family experience, which is why it's known as "America's Family Resort."
Smuggs, as it's called by those who know and love it, offers an award-winning Snow Sport University. It starts lessons with little ones as young as 3 years old. Sir Henry's Learning and Fun Park has two "magic carpet rides" that gently guide new skiers to the top.
For those who already know how to ski and board, the mountain has everything they could want: 78 trails, eight lifts, the highest vertical drop in northern Vermont at 2,610 feet and more than 300 inches of natural snow each year. Not to mention, multiple terrain parks and 1,000 acres for skiing and riding are available.
For those staying at the resort, everything is a few steps away, and an on-demand shuttle will take you wherever you need to go.
Off the mountain, you'll also find a plethora of activities — both during the day and night. Activities include snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, swimming, ice skating, bingo and magic shows. You can also experience the updated Fun Zone 2.0, which features a Ninja Warrior course, laser tag, miniature golf, an arcade, large inflatable slides and more spread across 26,000 square feet of indoor space.
Where to stay at Smugglers' Notch
Winter rates start at $289 per night.
Stowe, Vermont
Why Stowe is a good ski resort for families
Stowe has a world-class ski school and plenty of long, beautiful blue trails to keep your not-yet-expert skiers and snowboarders engaged. The relatively new Adventure Zone has continued to be a big hit; these low-angle, gladed areas are appropriate for anyone in the family looking for a fun experience skiing or boarding through the trees on Mount Mansfield.
After a great family day on the slopes, take in a free pre-dinner skate at the Spruce Peak outdoor ice rink, embark on a guided twilight snowshoe tour through the woods or enjoy indoor rock climbing at Stowe Rocks. If you're looking for a resort with a village atmosphere, this is one of the best you'll find in the Northeast.
The total solar eclipse should be 100% visible from Stowe Mountain Resort, and the resort will be throwing a Solar Eclipse Soiree. So, not only should you be able to enjoy some spring skiing on April 8, 2024, but you can also enjoy some eclipse-specific events from Vermont's highest peak.
The main issue with Stowe Mountain is its ticket prices compared to many other East Coast resorts. Luckily, the Epic Ski Pass can potentially save your family over the walk-up lift ticket rates. You could even look at Epic's Northeast Value Pass if you expect to only ski at East Coast mountains this winter. Those with an Epic Pass will also be able to access date-specific appreciation days, featuring an on-mountain Champagne and sparking cider toast.
Where to stay at Stowe
Winter rates start at $400 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Winter rates start at $265 per night.
Related: Vail of the east: Everything you need to know about skiing at Stowe Mountain
Jay Peak, Vermont
Why Jay Peak is a good ski resort for families
People love Jay Peak thanks to its indoor water park, which is ideal for families who want to take a day off from skiing or have something to do after morning ski school. The Jay Peak Pump House features slides, a FlowRider surf simulator and an entire kids play area. Many lodging packages include water park access, or you can purchase a daypass (purchasing in advance is recommended).
Aside from the water park, there are two arcades, a climbing gym, an ice skating rink, an indoor ropes course and a slopeside movie theater. Not all activities are offered every day, so double-check ahead of time. Make advance bookings where available.
Best of all, there's a surplus of ski-in, ski-out condo and hotel options, giving families the perfect opportunity to stay in accommodations that work best for their needs. For those with little ones — or even big ones — Jay Peak offers child care for children as young as 6 weeks old both during the day and in the evenings.
Where to stay at Jay Peak
Winter rates start at $300 per night.
TPG tip: You can also check to see if you like any on-mountain condo options using your Wyndham points through Vacasa.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Why Bretton Woods is a good ski resort for families
Just across the Vermont border is New Hampshire's answer to family-oriented skiing: Bretton Woods.
Home to the family-friendly Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods features fat-tire snow biking trails, a 62-mile trail network for cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snow tubing, canopy tours and an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool (just for guests). The 3-year-old Rosewood Lodge at the top of the mountain also gives skiers and riders that top-of-the-mountain lodge and luxury dining experience, which you won't find at many other nearby mountains.
Unfortunately, unlike what you'll find at many other mountains, Bretton Woods doesn't offer full-day ski school (only half-day). Here, you'll only find two-hour group lessons limited to Fridays and Saturdays. However, if you're looking for private or semi-private lessons, those options are more readily available. They're also more affordable than what you'll find ay many other mountains. If ski school is a must, then you'll want to take their offerings into consideration.
From the hotel's architecture to the incredible views of the top of Mount Washington, it's no surprise that the resort is a top destination for families. With many fun activities for the entire family and more than 468 acres to ski, there should be no shortage of on-mountain family fun.
Where to stay at Bretton Woods
Winter rates start at $400 per night.
Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, Quebec
Why Mont-Tremblant is a good ski resort for families
In case you haven't found the perfect family ski resort for you this far into the list, we are cheating a little and including two near-to-the-U.S. family ski resort options in Canada.
At Mont-Tremblant, your family can get the feeling of skiing internationally without crossing the pond at this French-influenced getaway just a couple of hours outside Montreal. Featuring 102 slopes and usually great snow conditions, Mont-Tremblant is one of the best ski experiences in North America, with the highest peak in the Laurentians region.
While older family members explore the high peaks of Mont-Tremblant, kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy practicing their turns at ski school. Or, if you happen to be visiting during spring break, Tremblant's Ski Week program will give you four full days with the same instructor.
Guests can explore a unique European-style pedestrian village directly at the mountain's base. The pedestrian village allows easy access from the front step of your hotel door to the bottom of the slopes. With its colorful buildings — including more than 75 shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques — there is plenty to do in any weather.
On a non-skiing day, grab the kids and hit the snow-covered trails ripe for fat biking, dune buggy rides, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sleigh rides and even ice climbing. Families will not want to miss the Brind'O Aquaclub water park, which offers four slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, 35 interactive water games and a revamped fitness room. There is also laser tag and a virtual reality arcade.
If Mont-Tremblant is on your radar, you can save money with the Ikon Base Pass.
Where to stay at Mont-Tremblant
Winter rates start at $260 per night.
Winter rates start at $312 or 54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Winter rates start at $224 or 61,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: Want to ski for less? Head to Canada
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Why Whistler is a good ski resort for families
British Columbia's Whistler is another Canadian winter ski hot spot with a family-friendly focus. Your kids will love the pint-size ski experience at the resort's Enchanted Woods, which is usually clear of more experienced and faster skiers. Or, embark on the thrilling bubly Tube Park.
In addition to the return of the Magic Castle and Tree Fort outdoor playlands at both Whistler and its sister mountain, Blackcomb, families will be entertained with the mountain's free Fire and Ice performances every Sunday night (a display of ski and snowboard skills). Families can also exchange their ski boots for ice skates and skate for free in Whistler Village, which is chock-full of shops, restaurants and things to do in the after-ski hours.
Where to stay at Whistler
Winter rates start at $545 per night.
Winter rates start at $424 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Winter rates start at $369 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Best credit cards for ski travel
There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you're loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.
Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits, though.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you'll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.
Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you'll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits are:
- Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
- Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.*
- Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
- Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
- Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership.*
- A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up to $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs**(when traveling on same-day Delta flights).*
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
**Effective February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
Benefits: Cardholders get up to $300 in statement credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel. Plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage among other policies.
Annual fee: $95.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Bottom line
Though you may have to shell out a little more for a vacation on the slopes, planning a family ski trip is more than worth the effort (and added expense). Whether you're dreaming of a powder-filled getaway in Colorado or a winter sports adventure in Vermont, there's a destination (and slope-adjacent resort) made for you and your crew.
Ready to plan a family ski trip? Check out the following stories for more tips on how to book your ski trip with points and miles and make the most of your family ski vacation:
- Everything you need to know about packing for a ski trip
- 17 of the best ski towns in the US
- The right — and wrong — age for kids to start skiing
- 7 ways to make your next ski trip better than the last
- Best credit cards to use on ski trips
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.