Ski season is upon us! Many resorts across the United States are already opened, while others are opening later this week to accommodate the incoming Thanksgiving crowds. As an avid skier in my youth, I now look forward to introducing my kids to this terrific sport, but with so many ski resort options out there, it’s hard to pick the right one for your family. You want great ski schools, family friendly dining options, and activities to keep busy when the kids are done skiing, but that can be a tall order. Luckily, lots of resorts offer all of that and more. Here are just a few of the best ski destinations for families of all sizes and skill levels:
Winter Park, Colorado
Breckenridge is beautiful and oh-so-popular, but Winter Park is only a short distance in the other direction, and provides a great family friendly atmosphere if you’re traveling with little ones. Family friendly perks in Winter Park, Colorado include reasonably priced ski school lessons, trails for all experience levels, and lots of family dining options. Lots of ski shops also offer a free kids rental with an adult rental. And when your done skiing for the day go bowling and watch a movie at The Foundry, tour a dog sled kennel, or take a trip out to Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
Park City, Utah
So many of my friends make the trip out to Park City every year, insisting that it’s nothing short of the BEST when it comes to family fun. Boasting sleigh rides, Park City is a great mountain resort destination for families because it offers everything from luxury lodging to budget accommodations where every resort is open to families that are interested in trying out the slopes and facilities that the others offer. In short, the interest here is keeping families satisfied and taken care of. Park City also has the advantage of being close enough to Salt Lake City that you can drive back and forth between the two quickly, but are also able to get away from the city and the crowds in with little effort.
Sun Valley, Idaho
All the way north in Idaho is the quiet ski town of Sun Valley, Idaho, where families in the know go to get away from the crowds and enjoy the most beautiful snow covered runs in the world. Ketchum is the nearby town that most folks are familiar with, and families can easily head into town to take advantage of the lively town events when you want to get away from resort activities. No matter how much snow you are determined to get in though, this destination is sure to keep you busy, because there is always a new trail, a new slope, and freshly groomed hills ready and waiting.
Lake Tahoe, California
Sure there are fancy parts to Lake Tahoe, but if you stick to South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find great lodging and restaurants at a great price. Resorts like Heavenly maybe too crowded, so consider making the trek out to Kirkwood for what’s typically a great snow base and quieter trails for all levels. If you plan to skip skiing for a day, plan a trip to the interactive KidZone Museum, go horseback riding on the snow covered trails (lots of places have pony rides for littler ones), or visit the Tahoe Tot Spot. There is so much to do in Tahoe…but I might be a little biased considering this is where I spent so many winters as a kid!
Stratton, Vermont
If you’d prefer to stay on the East Coast, the town of Stratton, Vermont is the perfect option. And with lots of activities outside of the ski resorts, families will find themselves debating whether to spend the day on the slopes or in the village. During the holiday season Stratton turns into a classic, iconic New England destination with all the trappings that families look for. Throughout winter though you are able to get away into the ski resorts for group and family led lessons, hills that fall in every skill level, and resort options that range from relaxing pools to exciting events.
What are your favorite ski destinations for families? Are there any that I missed?
