The snow-loving experts at FamilySkiHub.com honor their Top 20 Family Ski Resorts of 2010 so you can plan a winter or spring getaway for 2011.
One of our partners in promoting happy family travels, FamilySkiHub.com announces its 4th annual list of the Top 20 Family Ski Resorts. First introduced in 2007, the “Family Ski Hub Top 20 Family Resorts” list recognizes those resorts who promise a complete and memorable family skiing experience for families of all skill levels.
This year’s Top 20 list includes resorts from 10 states — those that are known for their great ski and snowbaording mountains, as well as smaller Eastern resorts and a family favorite in Minnesota.
FamilySkiHub’s Top 20 List is reviewed prior to each ski season by a panel of ski writers and skiing parents. Criteria include variety of ski terrain, quality and abundance of family and children’s programming, ski school reputation, activities for non-skiers, and positive personal reviews from families. Attention is also paid to provide geographical balance on the list in order to recognize great family resorts that are accessible to many skiers across the nation.
Top 20 Family Ski Resorts
Steamboat Springs, Colorado – “Wonderful mountain, ski School is fantastic, the resort has less traffic, and there is lots of blue terrain.”
Big Sky, Montana – “Excellent Ski School and after-hours kids club. Massive ski terrain to choose from…”
Deer Valley, Utah – “Ski only (no snowboards), excellent groomed terrain, great powder quality.”
Grand Targhee, Idaho – “Few crowds, great snowfall and powder quality, excellent instructor-to-student ratios in the schools, family-friendly activities.”
Snowmass, Aspen – Colorado – “Excellent kids programs, ski school start at toddler level, outstanding dining options.”
Taos, New Mexico – “Legendary ski school, Teen Center, cultural activities in addition to skiing.”
Solitude, Utah – “Close proximity to a major airport, well-thought-out ski programs, other great resorts in close proximity for day-trips.”
Lutsen, Minnesota – “Best in the Midwest. Good variety of runs, several ski-in accommodations.”
Vail, Colorado – “Huge terrain. Unlimited amount of skiing for each skill level. Well established ski school and kids programs.”
Winter Park, Colorado – “Plenty of green and blue terrain, a forgiving mountain with area for the experts.”
Northstar at Tahoe, Nevada – “Most forgiving and enjoyable of the Tahoe resorts; more and more amenities each year due to recent investments.”
Smugglers Notch, Vermont – “Very family focused. Easy access from Boston or NYC. Quaint feel.”
Killington, Vermont – “Great instructor-teacher ratio in kids programs. Lots of terrain (1,200+ acres) for an Eastern resort. “
Sun Valley, Idaho – “Wild west setting. Town of Ketcham offers good lodging and dining and plenty of activities for non skiers.”
The Canyons, Utah – “Brilliantly laid out. Recent renovations provide great lodging options and amenities.”
Breckenridge, Colorado – “Relatively close to Denver and Denver airport. Great, authentic town feel.”
Whitefish Mountain, Montana – “One of the underrated US resorts. 3,000 acres of terrain, 70% intermediate or beginner, and no crowds.”
Okemo, Vermont – “Plenty of terrain accessible to beginners. Diverse lodging options.”
Sugarloaf, Maine – “True “village” feel. Everything you need is right at the resort.”
Keystone, Colorado – “Large mountain with plenty of skiing for all abilities. Backside gives experts some extra terrain.”
“Many ski resorts across the country are great destinations for skiing families, and we think these twenty create a skiing experience that is a cut above,” notes Paul Johnson, editor of FamilySkiHub. “Despite the uncertain economic climate during the past two years, we are happy to see the top resorts continue to invest in facilities and programs that improve the family experience.”
For skiiing and riding tips, and the complete FamilySkiHub review that notes the pro’s and con’s of each of the top famly ski resorts, check out their site.
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