Seasonal ski trips are one of the best memories a family can make with each other. Hitting the slopes together, whether it’s by shredding black diamonds or hitting the bunny slopes as first-time skiers, families can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Although it allows for a memorable experience, skiing with kids isn’t always the easiest of feats. The following ski resorts have upped the ante to cater to everything from off-slope activities, childcare services, and perfectly groomed terrain for all levels to ensure families are getting the most out of their ski vacation.
Check out our top 10 best family ski resorts in the United States and Canada below.
Top Family-Friendly Ski Destinations in the United States
With 60% of its trails marked for beginner and intermediate level skiers, Park City is one of the best family- ski resorts in the United States. For families who want to hit the slopes together, Park City is conveniently located only 30 minutes away from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Besides having a ski school for all ages, families can enjoy Park City’s Victorian downtown area with colorful pedestrian street shops and restaurants. Want more ice adventures? Take the whole family down to Park City’s very own Ice Castles (https://icecastles.com/utah), an award-winning winter attraction.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Park City: Waldorf Astoria
If you’re looking for a good mix of luxury meets family-friendly accommodations then look no further than the Waldorf Astoria Park City, rated by Condé Nast Traveler as a “Top Resort in the West” three years in a row. Here you can find full in-room kitchens, a ski valet and dedicated ski gondola making it easy for families to hit the slopes.
Although there are a plethora of top-notch ski resorts to choose from within a 2.5-hour drive from Denver, Winter Park takes the award for one of the most family-friendly ski destinations to navigate in the area. Helping out families on a budget, accommodations and lift tickets tend to be cheaper here than elsewhere in the region.
Winter Park’s extensive ski school tailor their lessons to each skier with programs for adults and children of all ages. The resort also offers lesson packs, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Off the slopes, you’ll find a charming town where you can check out the Coca-Cola Tube Park with the family that features three individual tubing lanes, specialty hot cocoa, and freshly baked cookies.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Winter Park: Fraser Crossing/Foundation Pointe
One of the best hotels for families in Winter Park is Fraser Crossing/Foundation Pointe. The resort is steps away from the Winter Park Ski Resort and Trestle Bike Park. Fraser Crossing/Foundation Pointe is an ideal place for those traveling in large groups or families featuring condos that can sleep up to eight guests. Each room or condo comes with its cozy fireplace and some with their own washer/dryer.
Voted as North America’s #1 Ski Resort by USA Today, Telluride not only features some of the best ski terrains in the country but also a perfect family-friendly atmosphere. Almost a quarter of the trails are devoted to beginner skiers, ensuring family members of all skiing levels will have their own place on the slopes.
With smaller crowds and more relaxed accommodations, Telluride also offers sledding down Town Park, snowshoe trails, a gondola lift, and ice skating nearby. Families can also check out the annual Telluride Fire Festival that takes place at the beginning of December with fire art performances, music, and other interactive performances.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Telluride: Mountain Lodge at Telluride
Although the atmosphere is more relaxed at Telluride than other ski resort destinations, don’t think that means you’ll be giving up on luxury accommodations. Mountain Lodge at Telluride is the perfect balance of ultimate luxury and ski-in, ski-out convenience, perfect for families. You’ll also find gorgeous sprawling views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, family dining options, and an outdoor heated pool.
What was once a relatively unknown ski destination, Big Sky is now home to one of the best ski destinations in the country for families. The resort has grown to now feature over 5,800 acres of reliable fresh powder. Because of this, you’ll find smaller crowds at Big Sky and easy to navigate, well-groomed trails for all levels.
For beginner level families, you’ll find a whole section at Moonlight Basin dedicated to those just starting on skis or snowboards. Even though Big Sky features ample ski areas for first-timers, you won’t find a better ski resort in the West for intermediate level skiers. 60% of the terrain is groomed for those with a bit more experience on the slopes. For families with children under the age of 6, their lift ticket is free!
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Big Sky: The Lodge at Big Sky
Want to make the most out of your ski vacation at Big Sky? Check out The Lodge at Big Sky, where you can easily hit the slopes via their free shuttle service to the ski lifts. After hitting the trails for the day, families can unwind in the indoor swimming pool, multiple indoor and outdoor hot tubs, or keep the activity going in their fitness center.
With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Keystone provides another fantastic family-friendly ski destination option close to Denver, Colorado.
While in Keystone, be sure to check out Kidtopia Snow Fort – North America’s largest snow fort featuring a series of tunnels and slides for all ages to explore. Keystone’s family programs at Kidtopia also include daily fresh baked cookies, milkshake socials, winter science activities, face painting, movie nights, and more.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Keystone: Keystone Lodge & Spa
With picturesque views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, Keystone Lodge & Spa is the perfect accommodation for families traveling to Keystone on their ski vacation. Just steps away from the Keystone Lake Ice Skating Rink, the lodge also offers a complimentary shuttle service taking you right to the slopes, gondola, and nearby River Run Village.
Top Family-Friendly Ski Destinations in Canada
For a little European flair in your North American family ski trip, check out Mont Tremblant. With its convenient location near multiple East coast city hubs, Mont Tremblant makes it easy for families anywhere to access. At Mont Tremblant, you’ll find beginner-level trails on prime mountain real estate, making certain that even first-time skiers will be in awe of the surrounding winter beauty.
Off the mountain, families will find a plethora of activities in the vibrant town of Tremblant. One new attraction perfect for kids of all ages is the Brind’O Aquaclub with indoor water rides, slides, and other fun, interactive water games.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Mont Tremblant: Le Westin Resort & Spa
Perfectly located within steps from the ski slopes, Le Westin Resort offers cozy rooms and great amenities for family trips. The hotel features a full-service spa for relaxing after the slopes, as well as a heated outdoor saltwater pool, in-house restaurant, and fitness center. Babysitting services are also offered to parents looking for a little time on their own during their family ski vacation.
With over 8,000 acres of trails, Whistler Blackcomb is home to the most skiable terrain in North America. With all that terrain, you’ll be sure to find trails perfect for every level of skier in the family.
It is continually ranked as one of the best ski destinations on the continent by Ski Magazine, Whistler features kid-friendly slopes, a variety of others terrain, world-class ski school, and other fun mountainside activities.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Whistler: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
With beautiful mountain views in many of their spacious rooms, the Four Season Resort in Whistler is an excellent getaway for family ski trips. Before arriving at the property, the resort asks families to fill out an Adventure Profile to ensure you’re receiving the exact care, amenities, and activities you’re looking for out of your ski vacation.
Voted as Canada’s best ski resort in 2019 by the World Ski Awards, Lake Louise offers families the amenities they need with incredible views of Banff National Park. At high altitudes, visitors to Lake Louise are presented each season with the reliable, dry, powdered snow that the Canadian Rockies are known for.
Unique to Lake Louise is that skiers of every level can ski from each lift, this is perfect for families who may ski or snowboard on different levels but don’t want to split up the whole day.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Mountaineer Lodge
Located at the center of downtown Lake Louise, the Mountaineer Lodge offers family-sized suites and complimentary breakfast for guests. Conveniently located next to many shopping and restaurant options and only 5 minutes from the ski slopes, Mountaineer Lodge also offers amenities such as an indoor hot tub and steam room, laundry facilities, a complimentary ski shuttle, and free parking.
With an annual snowfall rate of 37 feet, you’ll find some of the best powder and bowls in North America at Fernie located in British Columbia. With it’s laid back and welcoming atmosphere, families will feel right at home in Fernie.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Fernie: Lizard Creek Lodge
Although on the lesser-known side of Canada’s premier ski destinations, Panorama should not be overlooked as the perfect location for your family’s ski vacation. With stunning views of the surrounding Purcell Mountains within the Canadian Rockies, you’ll find a relaxed and intimate environment with trails for all levels at Panorama. Be sure to check out the slope-side hot spring baths for a little fun off the skies!
Although on the lesser-known side of Canada’s premier ski destinations, Panorama should not be overlooked as the perfect location for your family’s ski vacation. With stunning views of the surrounding Purcell Mountains within the Canadian Rockies, you’ll find a relaxed and intimate environment with trails for all levels at Panorama. Be sure to check out the slope-side hot spring baths for a little fun off the skies!
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Panorama: Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge
Located adjacent to a golf course with ski-in, ski-out access to the Panorama Mountain ski slopes, Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge is the perfect condominium resort for your family’s next ski holiday. Relax at the end of the day in one of the two outdoor swimming pools, multiple dining establishments, or make use of their babysitting services for some time away from the kids.