Are you considering taking the family skiing and not sure which resorts are best? Catering to the little ones and the family is something that many resorts do very well! Here are my top four when it comes to keeping everyone happy and ensuring a memorable vacation all around!
Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass Base Village has the perfect layout for a super convenient family ski vacation. It is a perfectly designed village – easy to navigate and not get lost while keeping an eye on the kids. Whether you’ve opted for a luxurious hotel stay or a slope-side multiple bedroom condominium, you’ll have easy access to the slopes, pools, restaurants, and the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. The Treehouse is the perfect basecamp for all ages, providing childcare, programmed activities daily, lunches, hot chocolate breaks and of course, ski and snowboard rentals. The kids will have loads of fun and playtime at the Treehouse.
Ski terrain on Snowmass mountain is also of great appeal to families. A diverse blend of beginner, intermediate and expert runs makes this mountain the perfect place for a large family of all skill levels to enjoy their vacation. Towards the end of the ski day, everyone in the group can head up the Elk Camp Gondola together for snow tubing, snow biking and fun on the new coaster for some family Winter fun! Also, not to be missed is the Ice Age Discovery Center in Snowmass Village, where your family can learn all about the fossils and discoveries found during the excavation of Ziegler Reservoir in 2010.
Steamboat, Colorado
With easy-to-navigate ski slopes, a convenient base village, and fun-for-the-whole-family hot springs, Steamboat is one of the best destinations to consider this year. A world-class ski school has made Steamboat one of the most appealing resorts to visit to learn at any level. With multiple programs to choose from including special ski weeks for rapid ski development and a unique high-touch program with only five students per instructor, Steamboat ranks among the best when it comes to accelerating ski and snowboard skills.
Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs both offer additional fun, and unique relaxing soak-time, which is something different for the whole family. Slides and pools at the Old Town Hot Springs are a bonus to any ski vacation adding a fun alternative to the cold Wintery slopes. Downtown Steamboat is a perfect place to stroll and shop together after enjoying a family dinner at any one of the many fantastic restaurants to choose from.
Park City, Utah
Family vacations are fun and easy in Park City! Activities include zip lines, an alpine coaster, dog sledding, along with winter camps or art classes at Kimball Art Center. Plus, miles and miles of amazing ski terrain. The mountain boasts 50% of the slopes designated for beginners and intermediate skiers including a 3.5-mile beginner trail all the way to downtown Park City. With 7 terrain parks and 2 halfpipes, it’s a great place for the little ripper in the family to hone their skills. Park City is the largest ski destination in the US with over 7,300 skiable acres of terrain which truly assures that every skier and rider will be satisfied.
Choices for lodging are equally diverse spanning from sharable condominiums with lots of bedrooms to luxury hotels with all the amenities. Pools, restaurants, spas, and top-level service are all available for the discerning traveler. Getting around is super easy as most properties offer complimentary transportation, and the town of Park City is very walkable. It’s a winter wonderland for kids and adults alike.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is known for its children’s programs on the mountain. Their goal is to build self-esteem and a lifelong passion for winter sports very early! All while providing a safe and fun learning environment for the kids. The Pathfinder Ski Adventure Program is where your 3-to-4-year-old skiers will spend their time with experts in early childhood education. This program includes a full-day group lesson, lunch, snacks, and fun. If they’re a bit older, they’ll join the Trailblazer Ski Adventure Program where they will be accompanied by professional instructors who will coach accordingly. This is available for skiers or snowboarders. The Mountaineer Ski Adventure Program is where the 7-to-12-year-olds meet up, where they can progress at their own pace. Group and private lessons are also available.
Stowe also offers ice skating for the whole family steps from the Spruce Camp Base Lodge. Skating is complimentary and you can either bring your own skates or rent from them. If you’re looking for child-care, Stowe has the Cubs Child Care area in the Adventure Center at Spruce Peak. Playtime, songs, games, outdoor play and rest time will all be on the daily schedule. For the teens, Stowe is packed with fun activities like year-round zip tours, TreeTop Adventures, indoor rock-climbing center, and of course world-class skiing and snowboarding. Plenty of options for accommodations from large condominiums to slope-side hotel rooms with all the amenities. Stowe is a fairytale, must-visit family destination.
Get out the calendar and mark the dates for your family ski vacation to one of these fun, snowy destinations!
