Where Are the Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: The U.S. is a gold mine for people seeking snow adventures. There are a variety of fantastic ski resorts across the U.S. that cater to the highly experienced rider, the regular Joe, and the beginner skier – as well as the kids (and perhaps their parents) who are learning how to ski or snowboard.
Plan Your Family Ski Journey.
You already know that you want to go on a ski trip. Check. But where to go? Before deciding on the ski resort, we recommend that you consider the ski level of each person in your family. Think about how young your kids are, whether they are adventurous or not, and how experienced they are with snow sports. Use this information as a guide when you evaluate ski resorts, including their terrain, slopes, and ski school availability.
Secondly, think about whether your partner is keen on the snow or if you’re expecting them to check out the off-mountain activities instead. Consider accommodations, nearby restaurants, and non-snow activities for both grown-ups and kids. Finally, as with any other family getaway, you need to consider costs and budgets. Boring, we know, but necessary.
Not sure what to bring on your trip? Find our tips to the ultimate packing list for family ski trips.
What Is a Great Family Ski Resort?
A good family ski resort should fit the following requirements:
- Range: There should be a range of terrain that suits different experience levels, from beginner (young or older) to experienced (accompanying parents, grandparents, or siblings).
- Amenities after the last lift: Shopping and dining options, as well as off-mountain activities such as snowshoeing, indoor swimming, or bowling.
- Ski schools: Instructors available and tailored programs for the youngest adventurer that are possible to level up as everyone’s skills develop.
Luckily for you, we’ve handpicked our preferred ski resorts for family ski trips in this guide. For each destination, you get an overview of the price, whether there is a ski school or lessons available, as well as suggestions for off-mountain activities.
Sun Valley, Idaho.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $10–$128 (ages 5-12), $197–$253 (ages 13+)
Off-mountain activities: The Roadhouse offers panoramic views and a cozy environment.
Why? Gentle slopes on Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain.
Spanning Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley ski resort serves families well. Here you get access to a tubing lane that is open daily and includes access to lift, safety gear and a warming hut. Beyond this, you and your ski protégés get access to a learning area where there are options for group and private lessons as well. When you’re feeling ready for it, you can explore the seven terrain parks in Sun Valley. Fun for the whole family!
Purgatory, Colorado.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: They start at $9, and kids under 12 ski for free.
Off-mountain activities: The Den has a supervised indoor play area for kids.
Why? Because it’s the most affordable ski resort in the U.S.
Purgatory is extremely popular due to its many and various learning zones and tubing lanes across the ski resort. Whether you’re teaching your kid how to ski or snowboard, or you want professional help from one of the instructors at the ski school, you can facilitate an easy and safe learning environment for your aspiring skier.
Colorado is a mecca for winter escapes: Read our guide to skiing in Colorado
Jay Peak, Vermont.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $97–$112 (ages 6-18), $119–$135 (ages 19+)
Off-mountain activities: Year round access to indoor waterpark, ice arena, and climbing gym.
Why? Because it offers the best place for powder snow in the East.
One of the few Eastern American ski resorts on the list, Jay Peak is located close to the Canadian border and boasts two tubing lanes, three terrain parks, and a dedicated learning area known as The Zone.
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $49–$99 (ages 6-18), $65–$125 (ages 19+), and kids under 5 ski for free.
Off-mountain activities: Swimming pool, pickleball facilities, and a weekly farmers’ market.
Why? It’s both kid-friendly and senior-friendly – ideal for inter-generational quality time.
Grandparents and grandchildren unite at Smugglers’ Notch. The slopes are easy and smooth, perfect for those who are hitting the slopes for the first time and those who are rusty but want to reignite their love for snow sports. As we say, it’s never too late to enjoy the slopes. Go to Smugglers’ Notch if you want to bring the whole family together – or if you want a kid-free weekend and leave them with their grandparents.
Park City, Utah.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $126–$220 (ages 5-12), $194–$350 (ages 13+)
Off-mountain activities: Snowshoeing, dog sledding, and shopping and dining.
Why? Vibrant town life combined with options for all ski levels.
Park City is located in the Wasatch Mountains and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It boasts several family benefits including learning zones, tubing lanes, and designated areas for young skiers to explore the snow freestyle. The slopes are wide and gentle, making it an ideal destination for families or a mixed-group.
Deer Valley, Utah.
Ski school? Yes (one of the largest in the U.S.)
One-day lift ticket price: $126–$220 (ages 5-12), $194–$350 (ages 13+)
Off-mountain activities: Outdoor pool and hot tubs, snowshoeing, and dining.
Why? Four different kids adventure zones that consist of short trails through the woods and designed for small skis.
Deer Valley is a ski-only resort that is located close to Park City in the Wasatch Range. Its skiable terrain is tailored predominantly to beginners or intermediate skiers, making it an ideal place to bring your kids. Actually, it boasts one of the largest ski schools in the U.S., where over 600 experts are ready to teach essential ski skills to your children.
Big Sky, Montana.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $31–$168 (ages 7-14), $58–$258 (ages 15+), and kids under 6 get access for $1.
Off-mountain activities: Snowmobiling, dog blessing, and snowshoeing.
Why? The beginner terrain is entirely accessible via lifts.
With 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, Big Sky offers a great place for beginners to develop their skills and for children to learn how to ski or snowboard. It’s hard not to fall madly in love with skiing or snowboarding if you start in Big Sky. Its raw nature and incredible terrain are a proven, great introduction to future skiers.
Steamboat, Colorado.
Ski school? Yes.
One-day lift ticket price: $115–$224 (ages 5-12), $135–$263 (ages 13+), and for kids under 5 it’s $15.
Off-mountain activities: Horseback riding tours at Saddleback Ranch.
Why? Kids-only terrain with surface lift, teepees, and playhouse.
In addition to being renowned for its premium, signature Champagne PowderⓇ snow, Steamboat ski resort is a perfect destination for three reasons: There is a kids-only terrain known as the Rough Rider Basin, there are sprawling possibilities for dining, and fun off-slope activities. And it must be said, the terrain (in peak seasons) is covered in the most delightful, light and fluffy powder snow. Heaven!
Explore European Family-Friendly Ski Resorts.
Are you traveling overseas and want to find equally good – or better – skiing and snowboarding destinations? Get inspired for the journey by checking out our list of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Europe.
Your Questions Answered.
Family Ski Resorts.
What are the best ski resorts on the East Coast?
The best ski resorts on the East Coast are Jay Peak and Smugglers’ Notch, both located in Vermont. They boast ideal snow conditions as well as ski terrain that fits beginner and experienced skiers. Killington and Stowe ski resorts in Vermont are also good contenders.
Where should I go for a ski vacation on a budget?
The Keystone and Winter Park ski resorts in Colorado are great affordable options, as well as Purgatory ski resort. If you want to go on a ski trip on a budget, you should be flexible with dates, plan the trip in advance, and look for great deals on lift tickets, activities, and accommodations.
What is the best age for a child to start skiing?
Generally, most ski schools recommend that children start skiing between the ages of 3 and 5.
When is it most affordable to go on a ski trip?
If you want to bring your family, the most affordable time to go skiing is outside of the school holidays, as well as early and late season. Early December and mid-January, as well as March/April are good times to go on a family ski trip.
