The Best Ski and Snow Family Vacations

With snow in the forecast, our annual guide to the best ski and snow family vacation guarantees a fun time for all ages. This season, the top family mountain resorts are touting everything from new lifts to hotel renovations to more off the slope activities for everyone, including the non-skiers and riders in the crowd.

STRETCH YOUR FAMILY SKI & SNOW RESORT BUDGET

Plan now and you might even be able to grab some of the season’s top deals. 

Save on Transport: Score a Flight Deal or Stay Local and Save

If snow sports are your happy place, it’s time to discover fabulous Park City, Utah. Fly to Salt Lake City and score a $400 Delta flight credit voucher as long as you book a minimum 3-night stay at a participating Park City lodging company by June 30, 2025. (Some blackout dates apply.)    

Or, drive rather than fly to your family snow sports holiday. Stay regional and save on airfare. Families with beginners often prefer the smaller slopes which also have cheaper lift tickets.

Save on Lodging : Budget Watchers’ Tips for Ski and Snow Family Vacations

There are many lodging options in condos and houses with kitchens and room to spread out. Inquire about resort deals, especially if you opt to stay longer.

Look for a hotel that offers community. Gravity Haus, in locations throughout ski country, offers kid and pet friendly hotels, curated experiences, as well as equipment rentals, complimentary hotel nights and even more for those who opt for Gravity Haus membership. 

Invest in De-Stressing the Whole Travel Experience

Family ski trips can be the most magical of winter vacations, but with the required gear and travel, they can seem more like a mountain of stress vs a carefree getaway. Enter ShipSkis — the company will pick up your family’s ski gear and luggage at your home and seamlessly deliver it to your destination. No waiting at the airport baggage carousel with cranky travelers, no surprise overweight bag fees from the airline, and best of all, peace of mind knowing your gear is waiting for you at the resort. Learn more about ShipSkis snow sports gear shipping services here.

Go Big this Winter Safe and Secure

Go snowmobiling, snowboarding, or snowshoeing on local trails. Have fun in the snow on a tubing run, watch wildlife at a national park like Yellowstone, dogsled or ice fish. Families can easily choose from a ski and snow family vacation at one of North America’s top mountain resorts or a snow fun getaway at a smaller local one.

Wherever you go, consider getting travel insurance. Allianz Travel offers the  OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans, which cover kids aged 17 and under  for free* when  traveling with a parent or grandparent (excluding Pennsylvania residents). Having Allianz Travel Insurance for your ski trip is like having your own ski patrol. Their  OneTrip Prime Plan includes24/7 travel assistance, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss/damage protection, trip cancellation or  interruption coverage, and more — providing you with peace of mind. Ski trips can be costly, so it’s essential to protect your investment.

Time Your Family Snow Break Carefully to Save

Timing makes champions. Save big by avoiding the major holiday weekends, the most crowded and expensive times. Book non-holiday and midweek. January is always a bargain except for Martin Luther King weekend. Explore remote work and school options so you aren’t as tied to traditional school vacation weeks. If you can, let the snow be your guide!

Thanks to our partnership with TakingtheKids and Little Family Adventure, we present our brand new annual guide to “Fun in the Snow” at our favorite mountain resorts. Read on for news and resort reviews, organized by region for easy planning. We’ve covered California, Colorado, the Eastern states, Utah and Western resorts.

TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF SNOWSPORTS

There’s a lot new for the 2024-2025 season. We’ve had October openings at Wolf Creek and Keystone in Colorado. Check on planned November openings at several Western and Eastern resorts.

Think Big, Ski Local At Family Ski And Snow Resorts

Smaller resorts — those in the Midwest and Pennsylvania, for example —continue to attract families who prefer to stay closer to home. Smaller, cheaper but higher altitude mountain resorts in the West also are gaining in popularity. Check out affordable options with programs such as the Colorado Gems (below) and kids ski free and special kids passports around the country.

Ski and Snow Family Resort Passes, Lift Tickets, Tips

Several kid-friendly places offer early and late lodging discounts. Some include kids’ lift tickets deals and even meal plans to make skiing and snowboarding as affordable as non-Alpine mountain sports.

The majority of big resorts have affiliated themselves with either Vail Resorts or the Alterra Mountain Company. Their passes are the only way to go this season for the best value. Some Tips!

1. To ski or snowboard one day or a week, get an Epic Day Pass (Vail) or and IKON Pass (Alterra).
2. For those who want to ski some of the most iconic slopes, The Mountain Collective gives you two days at each resort and unlimited half-price days after that from Alta to Aspen to Jackson Hole, Revelstoke in Canada and Chamonix in France.
3. If you plan a ski and snow vacation regionally, a pass such as the Northeast Value Pass offers access to all eight Vail resorts in the Northeast including Stowe, Okemo, Mt. Snow and Hunter. The best deal, of course, is a season pass (bought early) for just one resort. These passes also offer deals on food, lodging and gear.

Kids Free Passes Or Nearly Free Expand

At most mountain resorts, kids under 6 years ski free. Plus, many states including California, Utah, New Hampshire, Maine and New York have kids’ ski free deals to promote a lifelong love of the sport. Each is slightly different but most cover two school years between grades 3 and 6. You need to apply in advance and rates range from free to about $65 per season.

More Fun in the Snow Off the Traditional Slopes

Why not head to Yellowstone to snowshoe or snowmobile? An alternative is one of America’s snowiest cities, Marquette, Michigan – the perfect place to try fat tire snow biking. Visit a dude ranch like Vista Verde in Colorado and ride horses in the snow. Backcountry ski the YMCA of the Rockies and snowshoe or dog sled.

Everyone’s Included in Family Ski and Snow Vacations

Include every family member on your ski and snow vacation. Many ski areas around the country offer special adaptive programs for those with physical and mental challenges. Check out adaptive programs and equipment with discounted pricing in Vermont, Colorado, Utah, and California.

FAVORITE CALIFORNIA FAMILY MOUNTAIN RESORTS FOR FUN IN THE SNOW

California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains provide some of the best snow conditions, weather and resort facilities. Plus, nothing anywhere beats the views of emerald-green Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe area resorts straddle the California and Nevada borders. They offer some relative bargains too, compared with Colorado and Utah’s top destinations. Check them out, bring your sunblock and revel in introducing kids to the new sport on those glorious, soft powder spring skiing days.

HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Heavenly tops the Sierra Nevada, straddling the California / Nevada border and providing iconic views of Lake Tahoe’s sapphire-blue water. With nearly 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 97 trails ranging from groomers to chutes, you won’t get bored exploring the mountain.Make time to explore restaurants, casinos, nightlife and shops in Heavenly Village and South Lake Tahoe.

KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT

Kirkwood is an affordable Lake Tahoe area resort for adrenaline seekers where the steep and deep produces hair-raising cliff drops, bumps and open bowls. The skiing and riding in the Timber Creek base area offers an ideal place to progress your skills and enjoy perfect groomers, moderately pitched tree runs, and small gullies.ur skills and enjoy perfect groomers, moderately-pitched tree runs, and small gullies.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

It’s California’s highest resort, topping out at just over 11,000 feet, with more than 150 trails and 3,100 vertical feet. Use the Ikon Pass to combine a stay with play at Palisades Tahoe and Big Bear Mountain Resort; do it midweek at 20% off and weekends take 15% off. Mammoth has dedicated learning centers for kids and myriad off-slope activities including tubing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. At Woolly’s Adventure Summit, families with young kids can build a snowman, hit the six lift-accessed, groomed tubing lanes, and try out the all-new mountain coaster.

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

Northstar at Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for exploratory cruising with its moderate pitch, captivating views of Lake Tahoe and wide-open runs. With more than 3,000 acres, families progress together in family-designated learning zones, the Kids’ Adventure Zones, progressive terrain parks off Vista, or over 400 acres of advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain and the Backside. Northstar is the place for the passionate family snowboarder.

PALISADES TAHOE

Palisades is Lake Tahoe’s largest premier resort destination spanning 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks. Hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics and home mountain to esteemed Olympic and World Cup athletes, the 75-year-old resort enjoys an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, offering Lake Tahoe’s longest winter season. It boasts beautiful views of the lake, a tremendous spring skiing season and more perks that families love.es Tahoe like never before with the Ikon Pass, granting access to 50+ top destinations worldwide.

SOME FAVORITE FAMILY SKI AND SNOW RESORTS & VACATIONS IN COLORADO

Colorado is a favorite destination for snow lovers of all interests. As the country’s first ski bum destination more than 70 years ago, the pool of ski and snowboard instructors is broad and deep. Denver is a great hub served by most major airlines so airfares are always reasonable. Dozens of mountain towns near the major resorts have bargain rental equipment shops and vacation rentals. The only drawback is that most resorts are a hefty drive from the airport.

ASPEN SNOWMASS

At Aspen Snowmass, take your pick of four mountains  and 5,700+ acres where  kids ages 7 to 12 ski free with lodging (valid Jan. 1-April 20, 2025.) Get  a complimentary child lift ticket for every day of Four Mountain Sports equipment rentals when you book with at least 2 nights of participating lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass. Ullr Nights at Snowmass offer the chance for rides on the Alpine Coaster, snowbiking and s’mores at the bonfire.

BEAVER CREEK

This premier Vail Resort offers unparalleled service, gourmet cuisine, a terrific ski school, and experiences geared towards families. The McCoy Park offers  beginner and intermediate adventurers several natural, groomed and gladed runs. The beloved Cookie Time is a decades-old tradition in the base village. Join the Thursday night glow-stic k ski procession followed by fireworks.  Consider a stay at the Westin Riverfront Resort, that has just refreshed all of its guest rooms and also has condos, a good bet with or without kids.

BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT

Mountain and hometown are affectionately known as ‘Breck’ to locals and visitors alike. Breck serves up big mountain views and 3,000 skiable acres of terrain. From its Five Peaks to the charming Western Main Street, this vintage village is practically ski-in, ski-out. Hit Breck’s vibrant après scene or one of the numerous community events and festivals including Ullr Fest, the Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championships and much more. Spring skiing is one of the best times of the year and Breck plans to operate into May.

COLORADO GEMS – ALL BARGAIN FAMILY SKI AND SNOW RESORTS

Looking to save? These 11 smaller Colorado snow resorts are less expensive and less crowded than the big resorts and, for younger families, easier to navigate. At one of them, Sunlight in Glenwood Springs, enjoy the world’s biggest hot springs pool. For just $48, the GEMS Card provides your choice of either two 2-for-1 lift tickets or two 30% off lift tickets. There are also multi-mountain passes ($67) for kids that include rentals; a teen pass for those 12-17 for $199 with 22 days of skiing and riding and a Gems Parents Pass for $325.

CRESTED BUTTE

A longtime favorite of our family, challenges skiers and riders with untouched powder, towering peaks, heart-pounding terrain and a vibrant town with a mountain culture all its own. With 561 acres of double-black-diamond terrain, CBMR is known as the North American birthplace of inbounds extreme skiing and riding. That doesn’t mean it’s not for beginners. The resort has trails especially for kids including one that winds through the trees , through a cave and more.

KEYSTONE RESORT

Vail’s prime family vacation resort has over 3,000 Colorado acres of skiable terrain. Explore their three peaks, five above-tree-line bowls, night skiing and, over 550 acres of lift-serviced high alpine terrain with the addition of the Bergman Express. Families love the mountaintop Snow Fort along with non-stop activities. Look for packages including high-speed snow tubing, scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides and unparalleled ice-skating on Keystone Lake. Book two or more nights and kids 12 and under get a day of free skiing (an additional day for each room night booked.) We love the complimentary red wagons that help parents tote gear (and excited kiddos) to and from the slopes.

MONARCH MOUNTAIN

Monarch is near the “College Range,” perched atop the Continental Divide on Scenic Highway 50. The ski area, part of the Colorado GEMS collection, is our favorite of these hidden gems with diverse terrain to accommodate skiers and boards of all levels.

SKI COOPER

Cooper is an authentic, non-profit Colorado ski resort with uncrowded slopes and some ofthe state’s most affordable day passes. Just outside of high-altitude Leadville, the base is at 10,500 feet; the summit at 11,700 feet blanketed with soft powder and freshly groomed slopes. Expert skiers can try out the steep tree skiing of the Tennessee Creek Basin area. Cooper has a rich history as this is where the 10th Mountain Division trained during World War II.

STEAMBOAT

Entering 61 years in Colorado, look for a reimagined base area with better crowd flow and a second gondola to a new learning facility on mountain. Kids 12 and younger ski and ride free for the same number of days as a parent, grandparent or legal guardian when they purchase a 5 or more day adult lift ticket. Kids can also get free rentals for the same number of days. But you must purchase before the start of ski season. Alternatively, relax, ride horses, go snowshoeing or X-country skiing – plus dine on great food — check out nearby Vista Verde Ranch. Read about Taking the Kids’ visit here.

TELLURIDE

This southwestern Colorado mountain town is a favorite family snow sports destination. Go for its century-old architecture, free pedestrian-friendly gondola between resort and town, and striking mountain views in every direction. More than 60% of the terrain is for beginners and intermediates, with at least one blue run from every lift, making it a perfect mountain for groups with different abilities. Backcountry fans love Black Iron Bowl, a hike-to playground set against the dramatic backdrop of Palmyra Peak.

VAIL

This is the flagship Colorado mountain of a snow sports empire. The original Vail Resort has more than 5,300 skiable acres including the seven legendary Back Bowls spanning 7 miles. Add high-touch service to a terrific ski school, a new massive snowmaking upgrade and expansion project, intermediate and expert moguls, tree skiing and even some cliffs, to see how quality rules. Vail offers a variety of complimentary mountain tours, the multi-lane tubing hill at Adventure Ridge and more. Families can try the 50-foot-long, ski-through Coyote’s Den cave, checkout the teepee in Sherwood Forest and join the Nature Discovery Center at Eagle’s Nest for frequent nature walks, snowshoe tours and programs led by local naturalists. Opt in for family Private Lessons to learn and experience the mountain together.

WINTER PARK

It’s one of Colorado’s closest large ski areas to Denver. Even better, they offer mass transit access via the Winter Park Express, a partnership between Amtrak and Winter Park Resort. The train leaves Denver’s Union Station early in the morning and chugs through the scenic foothills to the doorstep of the ski resort on weekends. Winter Park is also home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled with many programs for those with physical and mental challenges

YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

YMCA of the Rockies comprises two year-round mountain resorts and family camps. Estes Park Center is located on more than 850 acres in the super popular mountain town of Estes Park. Explore dozens of restaurants, coffee bars and shops. Stop in at famous Estes Park hotels like The Stanley, filming site for Stephen King’s terrifying novel, “The Shining.” Enjoy easy access to adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park and dozens of on-site family friendly winter activities.

The other YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch, is near Winter Park Ski Resort. It’s larger and quieter than Estes Park. Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center is the place to explore more than 120 kms of award-winning, groomed trails. Go cross country skiing, snowshoeing and try other adventures. Snow Mountain Ranch has an amazing mountain coaster (minimal fee.) It’s dog-friendly, too, so the whole family can join in on the fun.

EASTERN SKI AND SNOW MOUNTAIN VACATIONS FOR FAMILIES

Eastern ski and snow family mountains deserve their reputation for being expensive, crowded and icy most of the winter. Nonetheless, a lot of families live in Canada, New England and the mid-Atlantic states who enjoy fun in the snow. For them, we present our regional favorite, kid-friendly ski and snow destinations.

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB, MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE

AMC in the White Mountains of New Hampshire provides hundreds of miles of trails to hike or snowshoe. Book ahead for free (or cheap) guided custom adventures at Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch and Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch. The AMC’s 100-square-mile wilderness in Maine can be toured via groomed, backcountry ski trails on day trips. Many families enjoy trying to ski between rustic lodges and private cabins, where home-cooked meals are served to overnight guests.

ATTITASH MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Discover 68 trails across two mountain peaks in the heart of the White Mountains. Attitash is known for steep and winding trails that deliver beautiful views of Mount Washington and the neighboring Presidential Mountain Range. Discover lodging and gear-shopping bargains in North Conway, New Hampshire.

CLUB MED QUÉBEC, QUEBEC PROVINCE, CANADA

This is Club Med’s first resort in Canada. Take a stress-free, all-inclusive, familly ski and snow sports vacation while also experiencing Canadian culture. There is Unlimited ski-in/ski-out access, lift tickets and group ski and snowboard lessons at no added cost. Sample the apres-ski including a spa and day and night entertainment including kids’ clubs for children ages 4-17. Don’t forget to allow time to visit the magical capital of Quebec Province. Here’s a great roundup of winter things to do in Quebec City.

HOLIDAY VALLEY, NEW YORK

Holiday Valley provides one of the best value family ski and snow sports vacations in tiny Ellicottville, New York. Since 1938, it has drawn crowds from Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. On mountain, there are friendly instructors and cool trails marked with “treasures” from the local Seneca Nation that highlight the history of Native Americans in the region.

HUNTER MOUNTAIN, NEW YORK

Hunter is just a 2.5-hour drive through the northern Catskills from Manhattan and appeals to metro area travelers. Its history since 1960 is marked by wild downhill racers and weekend party-goers. The resort (now Vail owned) has matured with a state-of-the-art learning center, consistent snowmaking and grooming, and dedicated children’s areas. 

LOON MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Expect improved snowmaking, grooming, lifts, and lodging, thanks to extensive capital investment across the state. At this homey resort in Lincoln, experience a quicker ride than ever on the Kancamagus 8 chairlift and 30 additional acres of varied terrain. Meanwhile, the mountain continues growing its summer mountain bike park and adaptive ski and snow sports programs.

MONTREAL EN LUMIÈRE

Montreal en Lumiere celebrates snow, ice, all things winter. We know that residents of Montreal and Quebec province have long embraced their winter season. At the Montréal en Lumière Festival (Feb. 27-Mar. 9, 2025), more than 600,000 bundled up visitors celebrate all things winter across the city. There are many free outdoor activities, including skating on the Place des Festivals in downtown Montreal, just a short walk away from the Old Port!  For more information on programming, hotel deals and entertainment schedules, visit montrealenlumiere.com 

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE | FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 9, 2025 | GASTRONOMIC PROGRAMMING STARTING FEBRUARY 20

MOUNT SNOW, VERMONT

It’s Vermont’s closest destination ski resort to Boston and New York City. Easy access to its massive terrain park, efficient modern lifts, and powerful snowmaking make Mount Snow very popular. Note that the Carinthia terrain park boasts more than 100 acres of features providing a virtually endless playground of progression and adventure. Expect fine dining options, upscale lodging and plenty of off-mountain attractions and activities for families.

MOUNT SUNAPEE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

MS is one of Boston’s closest, most accessible and most affordable mountains with the  South Peak  offering terrific learning terrain. Check out the ski-through lighthouse, inspired by Lake Sunapee’s three iconic lighthouses. Interactive signage creates an Instagrammable moment.

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT, VERMONT

This southern Vermont mountain resort with easy access from Boston, New York, and other East Coast points, relies on advanced, energy-efficient, tower-gun technology and a fleet of modern snow groomers to ensure quick snow-surface recovery. It’s a small mountain with 122 trails and glades. Two express lifts access the summit and are outfitted with retractable, transparent domes to keep passengers comfortable and protected from the elements. Read how it compares to Stowe here.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, VERMONT

Smuggs, in northern Vermont, is Ski Magazine’s top pick for families in the Northeast. Smuggs has a licensed nursery, zip line canopy tour, snowshoeing, nightly hot cocoa by the fire, tubing, and glow tubing. The Fun Zone 2.0 is open day and night with laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, a Ninja Warrior Course, large inflatables, an arcade, and a separate place for younger ones to safely play. Check out the value Club Smugglers’ ski and stay packages including lift tickets, lodging, indoor pool, hot tubs and many other extras.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Stowe has a one-of-a-kind, world class appeal and postcard-perfect village that make it a truly unique Vermont fun in the snow destination. Discover experiences both on and off Mount Mansfield that range from carving alpine turns and ice skating to enjoying a cross-country outing through pristine forest. The Sunrise is the first-ever six-passenger chairlift for Stowe in its 87-year history. This upgrade directly services the Adventure Zones, which are becoming more and more popular as an introduction to tree skiing. Read how it compares to Okemo here.

SUGARBUSH, VERMONT

There’s nothing prettier than a Vermont winter to show off Sugarbush resort and its scenic, small town base village in the Mad River Valley. Beyond skiing, there are several snowshoe trails, Cabin Cat Adventures like candlelit dinners, first tracks experiences and sunset rides. This resort focuses on culinary, with locally sourced meats, dairy, breads, and vegetables featured on menus.

SUGARLOAF, MAINE

Sugarloaf, one of the East’s largest and most challenging mountains, is expanding. With two peaks, the iconic Sugarload and Burnt Mountains, it’s a favorite destination for reunions of multigenerational, die-hard skiers and snowboarders. This year, find 120 more acres of family-friendly trails to welcome beginners.

SUNDAY RIVER, MAINE

Sunday River is located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village in western Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains. A Boyne resort on the IKON Pass, it has 12-hour skiing and riding Fridays, Saturdays and select holidays, a tubing park, fireworks most weekends and holidays, and family-friendly entertainment for the little ones.

NORTHWEST TOP SNOW AND SKI FAMILY MOUNTAIN RESORTS

BIG SKY RESORT, MONTANA

The “Biggest Skiing in America” offers 5,850 skiable acres, 300 acres of skiing off Lone Peak, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop. There’s rarely another skier in sight. Teens love the giant swing, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, guided snowshoes tours, and two zipline tours. Take a day off to snowmobile or snow coach through Yellowstone National Park (read about Yellowstone in Winter). Families also test their skills at winter fly fishing or rock and ice climbing throughout the Gallatin Valley.

GRAND TARGHEE, WYOMING

Discover Targhee in Alta, only 50 miles from Jackson Hole, but worlds away in style and ease of access. Families love the moderate rates, friendly staff, and tender childcare for infants and toddlers 2 months to 5 years. It’s hard to get lost in the compact base village no matter your age. Not so small, Targhee boasts 2,602 acres of fine terrain and a whopping 500” annually of fresh powder. Note that under-5s always ski free and they sell half and full-day lift tickets. See our review of Grand Targhee Resort.

HOODOO SKI AREA, OREGON

Hoodoo’s night skiing has 23 runs with lights with custom filters so you can ski and ride from 4-9 pm  Wednesday to Saturday. Gear up and hit the slopes at Hoodoo Ski.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Operating for more than 50 years in Wyoming, this place is more popular than ever. There’s non-stop airlift from major cities, and special family deals including a $1600 airfare credit for a family of four as long as you book by end of November. The slopes and 3,000 acres of backcountry offer groomers, deep fresh powder and four Burton Stash Parks. Families love the authentically cowboy town of Jackson. Hotels such as the Gravity Haus Jackson Hole at Wild Pine are dog and kid friendly, with great eats, coffee, fitness center and heated, outdoor pool. National Elk Refuge, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks nearby, which offer unparalleled opportunities to see wildlife in the winter. Snow King is Jackson’s hometown hill just blocks from Town Square – and a great bet with fewer people, value rates, a new planetarium and a tubing park .

MOUNT BACHELOR, OREGON  

With over 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, Mount Bachelor is the the largest family ski and snow vacation resort in the Pacific Northwest. Go for light dry snow, diverse terrain, family-friendly facilties and one of the longest seasons in the country. Some advance purchase lift tickets allow kids 12 and under to ski free (one kids’ ticket per paying adult.) It’s located just 20 minutes west of the thriving town of Bend, Oregon. Explore many of the country’s top craft breweries, tax-free shopping, and great après-adventure entertainment for all ages. Read more about Bend Oregon here.

STEVENS PASS, WASHINGTON

Full-time, part-time, and first-time winter crusaders say it’s the place to enjoy the very best of the Cascades in Washington State. Discover numerous bowls, glades, faces and extensive lighted terrain for skiing and riding well into the evening. Locals love the annual snowfall averaging 460″ each year and 1,125 acres of diverse skiable terrain.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Sun Valley is the crowning jewel of Idaho resorts since 1936. Expect a highly regarded ski and snowboard instruction (ski classes begin at age 4, snowboarding at age 6) and posh, jetset amenities.  Learn more about Ketchum and Sun Valley from Family Travel Forum’s recent visit.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Whistler welcomes powder hounds, glade lovers and groomer aficionados who won’t want to miss the unmatched variety of terrain at North America’s largest ski resort. An instructor from its world-class snow school can help with tips and tweaks for your turns. Plus, they’re guides to the best powder stashes among the 16 alpine bowls and 200+ runs of these dual mountains. Whistler is growing its offering of ski and ride camps for kids and adults this season, while Extremely Canadian’s ski and snowboard clinics maximize what the Coast Mountains have to offer including Steeps Clinics, avalanche skills training and more

TOP FAMILY SKI AND SNOW VACATION RESORTS IN UTAH

Utah, with its enviable “greatest snow on earth,” is another of the country’s top winter resort destinations. In addition to a large variety of budget lodging and small resort options, families love that they can stay in Salt Lake City and commute in a green way to several mountains. Check out Salt Lake’s Ski City Super Pass (valid at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude) for this year’s discounted lift tickets, gear rentals and free bus or light rail transportation. Also note that Ski Utah features other resorts where kids, especially those under 6 ski free.

ALTA SKI AREA

Alta is celebrating its 86th season and the vibe is a little more natural than at neighboring Snowbird. Go and discover that the experience offered is all about skiing (no snowboarding at Alta) and community.  The semi-inclusive Alta Lodge offers yoga to start your day, a complimentary kids-club, kid escorts to and from the slopes, breakfast, and dinner daily so kids can eat early with their pals. Taking the Kids visited in 2021.

BRIAN HEAD SKI RESORT

This family and college-kid mountain resort is closest to Las Vegas in Cedar City. They ensure that the newest skiers and snowboarders on their slopes have the ultimate introduction. Sign up for a “Free On-Snow Experience” for those 13 and older. The step-by-step, self-guided clinic better prepares first-timers on their big day. Kids 12 and under ski free with a Power Kids pass good at any Power Pass Mountain. Gladed terrain underneath the Wildflower Lift and around the Shotgun Trail (cleared as fire breaks) boasts enjoyable tree skiing.

BRIGHTON RESORT

Brighton boasts the Crest6 Chairlift while the terrain parks cater to beginners up to pros. It’s not as fancy or expensive as some neighboring family ski and snow vacation resorts, and you can base the family in affordable Salt Lake City.

PARK CITY

The historic town of Park City is only 25 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Take a shuttle rather than a rental car for a cheaper and more sustainable getaway. Park City is one of the best Western ski areas with several mountain resorts in close proximity. Vail’s 7,300-skiable-acre wonderland, Park City Mountain, has six terrain parks with all your riders and free skiers could want. Parents love its two dedicated beginner learning areas at both base areas and the family-friendly Red Tail Grill at the Canyons base area. Deer Valley is considered by many to be the best of the best in Park City, renowned for its exceptional terrain, ski valets, top-tier service, and gourmet dining. Go now before it doubles in size next season. Those with special challenges will find adaptive recreation programming each season at the National Ability Center.

POWDER MOUNTAIN 

Powder is for folks who might not be looking to ski or snowboard. Try the network of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Explore the backcountry terrain via a guided experience. You can alternatively hike to James Peak on the designated boot-pack track for some of the steepest black and double black diamond terrain.

SNOWBIRD

Alta’s neighbor, Snowbird, offers a Kids Freeloader Pass. Anyone under the age of 18 will qualify for a FREE Snowbird season pass when linked to an Adult, Military, Senior Snowbird Summit Pass or ALTA-biRD PASS. Families and support systems come in all forms, so the Kids Freeloader Pass is meant to be inclusive while fostering the future generations of skiers and shredders.

WOODWARD PARK CITY

Woodward boasts a 66,000-square-foot Adventure Hub and its outdoor wonderland of jumps, rails, halfpipes, and progressive features. Tubing guests will enjoy an improved lighting system under the night sky. Visit Woodward’s website to learn about various Winter Camp training opportunities that include training with US Ski & Snowboard team athletes as guest coaches. There are also Woodward locations  in Pennsylvania, California, Snowbird, UT, Eldora and Copper CO and Mt. Bachelor, OR.

WESTERN AND MIDWESTERN FAMILY SKI AND SNOW VACATION RESORTS

TAOS SKI VALLEY, NEW MEXICO

Taos is home to one of North America’s highest lifts. It’s the best known among New Mexico’s ski areas and gets 300” of snow each season. There’s a very upscale, stylish hotel The Blake, at the base area, with larger family-sized condos in the adjacent building. Take advantage of a snowcat-pulled sleighride to dine at The Bavarian. The only B Corp ski resort in the world, Taos is certified Carbon Neutral, andon track to be net zero by 2030.

WILMOT MOUNTAIN, WISCONSIN

Wilmot, just a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee, offers affordability but less vertical. The smaller footprint quickly build confidence, one of the benefits of visiting smaller ski hills. Additionally, the resort caters to newbies so you can learn to ski yourself or give your kids a gift that will last a lifetime.