Get Your Snow On at the 20 Best Family Ski Resorts

Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts

Every year, Ski magazine surveys its readers to determine the best ski resorts in North America in various categories, ranking the best for service, off-hill activities, grooming, challenge, dining, and so on.

By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

Best Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts in the West

 

Sun Valley Ski Resort Sun Valley

1

Sun Valley Ski Resort
Sun Valley, Idaho
What makes this place number one? Ski readers love the short lift lines, variety of well-manicured slopes, and friendly staff.

Big White Ski Resort

2
Big White Ski Resort
Kelowna, British Columbia
Boasting six lifts, 118 runs and BC's world-famous champagne powder, this resort has a laid-back, family-friendly vibe where kids can be kids.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

3
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
Whistler, British Columbia
​This goliath resort manages to deliver a just-right-sized ski vacation for families, making it easy for kids to get their snow on. 

Deer Valley Ski Resort

4

Deer Valley Ski Resort
Park City, Utah
Terrific daycare, well-groomed slopes, good food, and top-notch service make this a top pick in the West for Ski readers.

Steamboat Resort

5

Steamboat Resort
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The readers of Ski love the super kids’ program, powdery snow, great variety of terrain, and the town itself, which has character in spades.

Sun Peaks Ski Resort

6
Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Sun Peaks, British Columbia
This large ski resort near Vancouver gets high marks for kid-friendliness among Ski magazine readers.

Keystone Resort

7

Keystone Resort
Keystone, Colorado
This resort gets raves for its all-budgets approach, wonderful daycare for little ones, and plethora of kid-friendly activities, from Camp Keystone to The Schoolyard, a dedicated family trail with adventure zones.

Park City Mountain Resort

8

Park City Mountain Resort
Park City, Utah
Ski readers cite the excellent learn-to-ski programs, great terrain for all ages, and a ton of fun things to do at the resort and in town.

Snowmass Ski Resort

9
Snowmass Ski Resort
Snowmass Village, Colorado
Ski readers fawn over this family-centric sister to Aspen, citing the kids’ learn-to-ski program, excellent terrain, and great lift system.

Brundage Mountain Resort

10
Brundage Mountain Resort
McCall, Idaho
This lesser-known resort in the Payette National Forest gets high marks for its kid-friendly vibe and long cruiser runs.

Best Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts in the East

 

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

1
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Jeffersonville, Vermont
Year after year, Ski readers vote Smuggs number one for families in the East, citing the best ski program in the industry, plentiful number of on-mountain condos, diverse terrain, top-notch daycare, and few crowds.

Holiday Valley Resort

2
Holiday Valley Resort
Ellicottville, New York
Good value, a variety of slopes for everyone in the family, and a town that has charm in spades are what stand out for Ski readers here.

Mount Sunapee Ski Resort

3
Mount Sunapee Ski Resort
Newbury, New Hampshire
Great grooming and snowmaking, plus a kid-friendly vibe, makes Sunapee a perennial favorite for families. 

Okemo Ski Resort

4

Okemo Ski Resort

Ludlow, Vermont
This resort gets high marks with Ski readers for its variety of excellent terrain, ultra-family-friendly atmosphere, and slopeside condos with wood-burning fireplaces.

 

Jay Peak Resort

5  ​
Jay Peak Resort
Jay, Vermont
Ski readers note that this classic New England mountain has some fabulous off-mountain options, such as the massive Pump House indoor waterpark.

Bretton Woods Ski Area

6    
Bretton Woods Ski Area
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Gorgeous scenery, excellent lodging, a good ski school, and lots of varied terrain make this resort a favorite among Ski readers. There's also a two-story climbing wall in the lodge and kiddie-size 60cc Polaris snowmobiles to take out for a spin.

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort

7    
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Great on-mountain dining, lots of family activities, and runs for every age and ability are just some of what Ski readers love most about Tremblant. When you're not on the slopes, you'll have a hard time dragging your kids out of La Source. the huge indoor waterpark.

Waterville Valley Resort

8    
Waterville Valley Resort 

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Along with easy access off the I-93 and short lift lines, families love the slew of kid-friendly activities, including nordic trails, terrain parks, and a tubing hill.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

9    
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Within reach of DC, West Virginia's largest ski resort offers a great ski school and tons of facilities for families.

Attitash Mountain Ski Resort

 10  
Attitash Mountain Ski Resort
Bartlett, New Hampshire
The White Mountains resort is a great place for families with many nearby lodging options, say Ski magazine readers.