10 Best Family Destinations For Snowsports

In a new family vacation planning guidebook, the FTF community selects their 10 favorite snowsports destinations for a family vacation.

In the winter and spring, family ski trips can be a fun and adventurous way to bring the whole clan together.  Many resorts now provide family-friendly services and offer activities for all ages, both on and off the slopes.  In “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Best Family Destinations,” members of the FamilyTravelForum.com community share their top picks for enjoying family time in the snowy season.

      1.  Aspen-Snowmass

Set in western Colorado, Aspen’s Rocky Mountain terrain and rich cultural history invite families to explore outdoor winter sports and other pursuits. Although the area is well-known for its celebrities and nightlife, skiers and riders of all abilities will find Snowmass the most fun together.

     2.  Breckenridge

Breckenridge, Colorado is a refreshed, old mining town that still offers a lot of historical and cultural activities.  While the mountains are great for seasoned skiers and competitive riders, the resort also teaches beginners, even as young as toddlers. Families love the great village setting for apres ski.

     3.  I-70 Ski Corridor

This interstate highway will take you from Maryland to Utah, but what lies along this road is a gold-mine of ski attractions. Colorado is home to Vail, Keystone and Beaver Creek — some of the best skiing in the U.S. — and Route I-70 is the perfect way to get there.

     4.  Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a destination that offers year-round fun for the family, but it is perhaps best-known for its Wild West mountain resorts. They cater to pro and novice, as well as kids from 6 months to 18 years.  There’s plenty of powder for veteran skiers, along with old saloons, great shops, fine dining.

     5.  Park City

Park City, Utah attracts families with several great mountain resorts clustered around an exciting and fun historical town.  Just outside Salt Lake City, Park City boasts an abundance of Olympic-related activities, lodging in all price ranges, and hosts the ever hip Sundance Film Festival.

     6.  Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe region along the California – Nevada border has seven mountain resorts that offer something for the whole family and every budget.  Located close to Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco, the area draws families from all over the West for both its snow and its laid-back style.

     7.  White Mountains

The White Mountains National Forest protects 800,000 acres of pristine beauty that can be enjoyed by the family year-round.  In the winter, the unspoiled forests shelter several small, budget ski resorts that offer children’s programs and lessons for all ages and abilities.

     8.  Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia has some of the best skiing and snowsports facilities for families, a terrific pedestrian base village, and tall, vast terrain that remains open until July. Even before the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Whistler was voted the best ski resort in North America several times.

     9.  Banff

The mountain town of Banff, Alberta, Canada has natural, historical and cultural attractions that the whole family is sure to enjoy.  After a day of skiing at one of the several, more rustic resorts in the area, the youthful town provides an array of restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

     10. Mont-Tremblant

This purpose-built mountain resort in Quebec, Canada spans more than 650 acres of trails. The French-infused destination has many slopes for experts, but skiers of all ages will find something to enjoy in the pedestrian base area’s day spas, restaurants and condos; and in the surrounding Quebecoise villages.