Here’s the thing about family ski vacations: they’re never just trips. They become the stories you tell for years—the chairlift jokes that resurface every holiday, the photo of your kid’s first wobbly turns, the memory of everyone piling into the hot tub as snowflakes fall. Ski trips have a special way of pulling families together.
After decades of planning family ski trips, we’ve learned the best resorts aren’t just the ones boasting the most acreage or the best ski schools. They're the places where your 7-year-old discovers they actually love skiing, where your teenager willingly hangs out without their phone (for hours!), and where you spend more time enjoying the mountain than negotiating bribes of hot cocoa or managing meltdowns. These are the resorts where you hear, “Can we come back next year?” from your kids before you've even packed to leave.
That’s because the family-friendly ski resorts on this list have figured out something crucial: families need more than just a bunny hill. They need beginner terrain that doesn't feel boring, teenagers' spaces that actually feel cool, and enough variety so everyone in your group can find their perfect snow day. Our Mountain Travel Experts have been sending families to these mountains for over50 years, and these are the places parents rave about long after the trip is over.
Ski lessons for the whole family at Beaver Creek (free chocolate chip cookies included!). l Image: © Vail Resorts / Daniel MilchevGo for: Fresh-baked cookies served daily at 3 pm (drool), a beginner area at 11,440 feet with Gore Range views, and village escalators that eliminate the “my legs are tired” complaints
Beaver Creek truly stands out from the pack with its dedicated learning area, Red Buffalo Park, located at the resort's summit. Instead of relegating beginners to the base (like most ski resorts), your kids learn to ski at 11,440 feet with panoramic views of the Gore Range, not staring at a parking lot. The 13 designated learning trails connect to their own high-speed lift, and 3 Kids' Adventure Zones turn "let's practice your pizza turns" into actual adventures: Jack Rabbit Alley winds through trees from the summit, Wild West Trail lets them ski through a covered Conestoga wagon and explore inside a teepee, while Mystic Maze slips in local wildlife facts while they work on their technique. Down at the base, Haymeadow Park handles classic bunny hill needs with magic carpets, gentle terrain, and on-mountain dining at The Parlour (complete with sweet treats for the kids).
The daily 3 pm Cookie Time is legitimately worth planning your trip around. Chefs in white hats and ski pants hand out fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies at the bottom of the chairlift every single day, and ski school students get access to the Cookie Cabin, a mountaintop refuge serving the same famous cookies all day long. For off-mountain family activities, the Walking Mountains Science Center offers outdoor programs for toddlers and families, as well as winter walks and guided snowshoe tours, all designed to spark curiosity through play. Or you can ice skate, catch a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, or just wander through the village (all those escalators in town make moving around with kids easy).
After dark, Beaver Creek Wonder transforms the village into a winter wonderland with its art installations of giant frost flowers, glowing snow globes, and whimsical sculptures scattered throughout the streets. Thursday nights feature the free Thursday Night Lights event, where intermediate skiers create a glow-stick trail down the mountain at dusk, ending with music and fireworks. If your kids aren’t ready to participate, even watching with hot chocolate feels like a fun family outing. And Beaver Creek didn’t forget the teens: for teenagers who've aged out of “kids' stuff” but aren't old enough for adult après, Hawk's Nest Cabin is the place to be. This underage hangout (ages 10-18) serves craft mocktails; has a ski simulator; plus arcade games, interactive technology, and lounge spots with charging stations – it’s a place they'll actually want to hang out.
Expert Tip: These toddler ski programs fill up fast, especially during holidays. Our Mountain Travel Experts can get your lessons booked early and arrange licensed childcare for little ones so parents can sneak in a few runs together. We can also point you toward which village restaurants have the best kids' menus (beyond chicken fingers).
Yes, Kidtopia (and the World's Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort) is as cool as it sounds. l Image: © Vail Resorts / Branden SmithGo for: The World's Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort (with a free tubing hill running through it), daily Kidtopia activities, and the nearby Ice Castles
Keystone makes learning fun with their dynamic designated practice area, The Schoolyard, a wide open, gentle slope perfect for working on turns, with features like the Rockin' Rollers and changing terrain in Tornado Alley. When newbies feel ready to graduate from practice mode, they can flow directly into Schoolmarm, the resort's most popular green trail that winds 3.5 miles from top to bottom. Keystone's biggest claim to fame is its ice castle, the World's Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort, perched on top of Dercum Mountain. This snow and ice structure sprawls across the summit with sculptures, caves, and a free tubing hill that cuts right through the middle – substantial enough that you'll want to budget real time up there instead of treating it like a quick photo stop. You can get up to the snow with a scenic gondola ticket, a tubing ticket, or simply by using your ski ticket or pass.
Keystone's real secret weapon, though, is the daily Kidtopia programming that makes every day something to look forward to. Giant snowball launches. Scavenger hunts. Meet-and-greets with avalanche rescue dogs. Arts and crafts, parades, fireworks, a Kidtopia Culinary Festival, and even a Kidtopia Music Experience. There's almost always something happening, and it's the kind of kids’ events that actually keep the whole family engaged instead of just killing time.
The tubing hill at Adventure Point launches from the mountain's main peak with 8 lanes (perfect for family races), and a conveyor belt hauls you back to the top, so there's no trudging back up the hill with your tube. At night, it shifts into disco tubing with music and lights. Down in River Run Village, Miners Park Playground gives kids a place to burn off energy, and you can ice skate at 2 dreamy locations: Dercum Rink in River Run or the sprawling 5-acre Keystone Lake. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through Soda Creek Valley come with historic tales, a cozy homestead dinner, and starlit mountain views. The Ice Castles in Dillon (just 10 minutes away) create an ice playground with crawl spaces, slides, sculptures, and fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets for the ice castles sell out fast, so book ahead (and wear your ski gear to fully enjoy everything).
Expert Tip: Ask our Mountain Travel Experts about the free skiing for kids 12 and under when you book specific lodging packages!
Related Reading: Ski Resorts Where Kids Ski Free
Family snow day overlooking Lake Brienz, Switzerland. l Image: Interlaken Tourism / Mike KaufmannGo for: Access to multiple beginner-friendly Swiss ski areas from one base, epic family-friendly sledding runs, followed by mountain-hut fondue and the Funky Chocolate Club (not your average factory tour)
Interlaken is less a single resort and more a launchpad for unforgettable family adventures. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Alps, the town immerses visitors in Switzerland’s quintessential mountain charm. From here, the Jungfrau Ski Area is just a short ride away, with wide, gentle slopes and dedicated beginner zones that make learning to ski or snowboard stress-free for little ones. And what really sets Interlaken apart is the endless array of family-friendly activities beyond the lifts.
The region is known as the land of sledding, with over 70 kilometers (43 miles) of groomed runs that look straight out of a fairytale. The Wiriehorn run drops 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Nüegg summit station through a magical fir forest, with a fast track for adrenaline seekers. Youngest family members can enjoy gentle bobsleigh terrain, while the Diemtigtal Nature Park features a snow playground next to the Grimmialp children’s lift. On Friday nights, families can sled under the stars—book dinner at Berghotel Wiriehorn for a classic fondue meal before your illuminated descent.
In town, the fun continues with experiences that are just as magical off the slopes. The Funky Chocolate Club lets kids and adults craft their own Swiss chocolate creations, while the Ice Magic Centre’s outdoor rink lets the whole family glide against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Explore the St. Beatus Caves, hike easy snowshoe trails around the lakes, or try gentle cross-country skiing in scenic locations. Adventure options extend beyond snow: families can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along Lake Thun, enjoy indoor climbing at the AdventurePark Interlaken, or even go on a family-friendly winter paragliding flight for those who want an unforgettable aerial view of the Alps.
Interlaken’s location makes exploring effortless. Switzerland’s world-class train system allows families to hop to Lucerne, Lugano, or charming alpine villages without long drives or complicated planning. And with so many activities just a short ride from town, every day can be perfectly tailored to the ages, interests, and energy levels of your family.
Expert Tip: Experiences like night sledging with fondue fill up quickly during peak weeks. Our Mountain Travel Experts can book these activities in advance and weave them into your itinerary so you're not scrambling for availability after you arrive or missing out on what makes Interlaken so one-of-a-kind.
Go for: Free beginner lift rides, Europe's highest Ferris wheel, and truly rare off-mountain activities
Perched high in the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez is a sun-soaked playground for families seeking big mountains and even bigger smiles. Known as the “Island in the Sun” for its exceptional winter sunshine, the resort offers wide, gentle slopes perfect for beginners and intermediates, plus dedicated children’s areas where little skiers can learn in a safe, fun environment. From nursery slopes to expansive blue runs, every family member can find terrain that matches their skill and confidence, while ski schools cater to all ages with expert instruction and playful learning techniques.
Alpe d’Huez is all about making skiing stress-free and accessible for families. Children under 5 ski for free, three beginner lifts are free for everyone, and protected learning zones near the Bergers shopping mall and Rond-Point des Pistes give first-timers the perfect start. The mountain’s progressive layout builds confidence without pressure, and three themed fun zones—Chez Roger, Jacques le Bûcheron, and Marcel’s Farm—turn practice runs into playful adventures.
Where Alpe d’Huez truly shines for families is its sheer variety of winter experiences beyond skiing. The mountain coaster stretches across a kilometer of illuminated rails with turns, jumps, waves, and tunnels, plus there’s an option to descend wearing a virtual reality mask (!!). Different sledding areas across the resort accommodate all ages and abilities (helmets are required but not provided, so bring your own). Then there's the Mountain Kart – racing down snow-covered slopes in specially designed karts that handle like nothing else you've tried. And AgorAlp, the sports and convention center, packs in an indoor pool, climbing walls, racquet sports, and an adventure course. Climbing lessons and archery are open to kids starting at age 8, football tournaments run for 8-12 year olds and the adventure-style jungle gym keeps younger kids entertained when they need a break from the cold.
Off the mountain, the open-air ice rink offers curling, skating and LOL evenings created specifically for the 12-15 age group (finally, something for the awkward middle school years). A traditional merry-go-round sits in front of the rink for little ones who'd rather ride horses than skate circles. The Alpe d'Huez Ferris wheel (Europe's highest at 1,850 meters altitude) climbs 40 meters (131 feet) into the sky for relaxed alpine views. Dog sledding tours deliver Nordic excursions with professional mushers, and ski joëring lets you ski behind horses for something completely different. Don't miss the Alpe d'Huez ice grotto at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet), where 30 snow and ice sculptures follow this year's African Safari theme. This spectacular cave has been creating winter magic for 3 decades, with 120 meters (394 feet) of galleries and igloos to explore.
Expert Tip: Many activities like dog sledding require reservations 15 days in advance, and popular experiences book up during high season. Our Mountain Travel Experts can coordinate all these bookings and make sure nothing falls through the cracks so you can focus on your vacation instead of playing calendar Tetris.
Father and son hunting for grouse on Grouse's Nest run at Sun Peaks. l Image: Sun Peaks ResortGo for: Every chairlift connects to a green run, 4 animal-themed Kids Adventure Zones with hidden characters to discover, and a beginner terrain park for your braver kids ready to crush their first jumps
Sun Peaks designed their three mountains as a welcoming mat for first-timers: every single chairlift connects to a green run. Your family can split up based on ability, each person skiing what they want, then easily reconnect at the bottom without anyone feeling stranded or stressed about terrain that's too difficult. Our favorite kid-friendly trails are Sunbeam, 5 Mile, The Sticks, and Lone Fir Glades, which all offer variety without getting out of your comfort zone, and the Platter Park near the village rotates terrain park features that work for all sizes and skill levels.
The 4 Kids Adventure Zones each have distinct personalities and wildlife themes, creating exciting runs for kids to explore. Bears' Lair on Sundance Mountain hides 3 winter-sports-loving bears among the glades behind a secret entrance. Grouse's Nest on Mt. Morrisey features a banked slalom-style trail perfect for friendly family races while you search for grouse. Foxes' Den on Orient Mountain challenges kids to count foxes as they ski. And Moose's Cabin on Mt. Tod winds through playful trails to a log cabin on a hill where you can actually step inside and find a moose nestled with forest friends. For littles that would rather play games than go to ski school, the Sundance Kids Centre provides full daycare for ages 3-5 so the parents can duck out for a few runs.
The off-mountain family fun menu includes picturesque horse-drawn sleigh rides that wind through snow-covered trails with resort views, and dog sledding tours with professional mushers that navigate magical frosty forest trails. The open-air ice rink serves up gorgeous mountain scenery, rental skates, and family-friendly sessions. For families with older kids, snowmobile tours head into backcountry terrain (some including campfire cookouts). And snowshoeing trails like the scenic Morrisey Ridge Trail and gentle Valley Interpretive Trail let families explore at their own pace.
Expert Tip: Sun Peaks' ski-in ski-out hotels make a substantial difference when you're managing gear and tired kids. Our Mountain Travel Experts know which properties offer the best lift access and can match you with accommodations that fit your family's specific needs, whether that's connecting rooms, kitchenettes, or proximity to childcare.
Go for: Kids under 6 ski free, tree trails with wooden forts, and the famous Ullr Nights
Aspen Snowmass transformed its green-level runs into legit adventures. The legendary tree trails near Lizard Lodge and Dawdler don't just teach kids to ski; they invite them on treasure hunts through snow-dusted aspen groves where wooden forts, tunnels, and bridges hide characters waiting to be discovered. Educational signage sneaks in learning while kids are having too much fun to notice they're absorbing anything. The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center handles interactive play and childcare for ages 1-3 when parents want to get in some challenging runs, and Lowdown Park gives braver beginners their first taste of terrain park features without the intimidation factor.
Elk Camp serves as family fun headquarters, concentrating everything in one accessible spot: snow tubing, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, and kid-friendly dining that doesn't involve bribing anyone to eat. Ullr Nights takes this setup and dials it up with an evening gondola ride bringing families up to Elk Camp after dark for night tubing, coaster rides, s'mores, and hot chocolate by the bonfire, all paired with an à la carte culinary celebration. It's the kind of evening that turns into the trip highlight kids talk about for months.
Beyond the slopes, Snowmass keeps delivering. Over 60 miles of groomed Nordic trails wind through meadows and forests for cross-country expeditions. Dog sledding tours explore backcountry terrain. Play areas near One Snowmass West and Sundae let kids climb, explore, and slide. Every day at 3:30 p.m., free s'mores carts appear in Base Village and on Snowmass Mall – a delicious daily tradition. The ice rink in Base Village Plaza offers free rentals and pickup hockey games. The Limelight Hotel's 5-story climbing wall challenges older kids, while the Kids Room stocks everything from toys to books to games for younger ones. Snowmass Lanes and Lounge bowling alley entertains when legs need a break from skiing. The free Ice Age Discovery Center teaches kids about fossil finds and mammoths through interactive exhibits that make paleontology genuinely engaging. And the Anderson Ranch Arts Center runs children's art workshops throughout winter, perfect for those inevitable cold or rainy days when you need a solid indoor backup plan.
Expert Tip: Ullr Nights fill up and are honestly worth scheduling your entire trip around. Our Mountain Travel Experts can coordinate reservations and build your itinerary so you're not missing the experiences that make Snowmass special.
Related Reading: 5 Days in Snowmass: A Family Ski Vacation Guide
Go for: A dedicated "learn to ski" zone right at the base, the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, and torchlight parades where kids can participate with glow sticks (or watch with hot cocoa)
Okemo has nailed their terrain distribution: 32% for beginners, 37% for intermediates, and enough steeps, moguls, and trees to keep advanced skiers entertained. The learning zone at the base area provides ideal first-timer conditions with magic carpets and gentle runs. Once ready, green runs radiate from nearly every chairlift summit – some extremely flat and short, others longer and mid-mountain, all designed to help newbies succeed. The “Little Dippers” and other age-grouped lessons make dropping off younger kids with qualified instructors a no-brainer.
The Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster at Jackson Gore rivals anything at major theme parks, and snow tubing offers another active outdoor break from skiing. Multiple torchlight parades happen throughout the season, including kids' ski parades with music and fireworks. You can participate or watch from below; both options deliver. The covered ice skating rink at Jackson Gore means the weather won't derail your plans, while snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides cover the scenic winter options. Mini snowmobiles at Stratton Adventures let kids as young as 6 (up to 100 pounds) take guided tours.
The Spring House at Jackson Gore features indoor and outdoor heated pools, a hot tub, and a splash area with a frog slide for little ones (bonus: hotel guests often receive s'mores kits at check-in). The Vermont Country Store stocks old-fashioned candy and vintage toys that feel nostalgic, and the Viking Nordic Center runs cookie hunts. The region's maple syrup farms and sugar makers welcome visitors year-round – a quintessential Vermont experience.
Expert Tip: Our Mountain Travel Experts can package your Okemo trip with lessons, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lodging at ski-in ski-out Jackson Gore Village (or other family-friendly properties) to simplify your ski trip planning and score the best deals.
The resort you choose can make or break your family ski trip. These destinations truly get families, and our Mountain Travel Experts know them inside and out. We’ll match you with the mountain that fits your crew perfectly, so all you have to do is help your kids fall in love with skiing and become your future ski buddies for life.
From the best ski schools to which activities need advance bookings, our Experts know every insider detail. Need childcare? Night sledging with fondue? Help with coordinating lift tickets and rentals? We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.
Ready to find your family’s perfect mountain? Connect with a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert today.
Cover Image: © Vail Resorts / Branden SmithTAGGED: family-friendly, family ski vacation
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