Family Ski Vacations

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Whistler Blackcomb is a family paradise with endless activities both on and off the slopes. The kids' ski school is top-notch, and there are plenty of beginner and intermediate runs for family-friendly skiing. 

The pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that cater to families. Enjoy casual dining, family-focused events, and a lively atmosphere that keeps everyone entertained after a day on the slopes.

Highlights: Family-certified program, indoor climbing walls, and the Coca-Cola Tube Park.

Closest airport: Vancouver International Airport - 85 miles (2 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Banff and Lake Louise strike that rare balance between epic scenery and approachable family fun. With the SkiBig3 lift ticket unlocking terrain at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay, families can mix and match their days—think powdery glades for the teens, magic carpets for the little ones, and cruisers everyone can enjoy together. Our Experts especially love how easy it is to hop between resorts and wind down in two of the most picturesque alpine towns in North America.

Off the mountain, it’s just as magical. Families can unwind with a soak in the Banff Hot Springs, tube under the stars at Norquay, or skate on a frozen Lake Louise framed by castle-like peaks. It's a National Park-meets-ski vacation that feels like something out of a snow globe.

Highlights: SkiBig3 access, Mt. Norquay Tube Park, Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Closest airport: Calgary International Airport – 120 miles (2 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Big White is built for families—literally. Everything is ski-in, ski-out, so there’s no schlepping gear across town, and the layout makes it easy to keep tabs on the whole crew. The resort’s “It’s the Snow” motto holds up: the dry, fluffy Okanagan powder is ideal for beginners and intermediates learning to link turns or level up with confidence. Our Experts rave about the resort’s well-structured ski school, welcoming village atmosphere, and its remarkable ability to anticipate everything families need for a smooth and enjoyable ski vacation.

Off the slopes, there’s tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and even a mini snowmobile track for kids—plus après options that are welcoming to both grown-ups and pint-sized powderhounds. It’s a no-stress, all-smiles kind of place.

Highlights: Canada’s largest night skiing area, Happy Valley Adventure Park, and a busy and thriving ski-in ski-out village.

Closest airport: Kelowna International Airport – 38 miles (45 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Mont Tremblant brings European charm without the transatlantic flight. Set in the heart of Quebec’s Laurentians, this vibrant resort is a family favorite thanks to its compact, pedestrian-only village where everything—from the lifts to the crêperie—is just a few snowy steps away. The ski school is excellent, especially for little ones, and the terrain is just right for families looking for a variety of green and blue runs with stunning views over Lake Tremblant. Our Experts love how easy it is to get around and how the whole resort feels like a postcard-perfect winter wonderland.

Off the mountain, families can ice skate under twinkle lights, zip down the tubing hill, or catch a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. With French-inspired dining, fun winter festivals, and plenty of cozy spots to warm up, Tremblant is a magical mix of adventure and culture.

Highlights: Charming pedestrian village, ski school for all levels, tubing hill, and sleigh rides.

Closest airport: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – 80 miles (1.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it:  Easy access, a variety of activities and a welcoming atmosphere ensure an unforgettable vacation for families of all ages. Park City Mountain Resort offers kid-friendly terrain parks and ski areas designed for children to enjoy while learning to ski or snowboard.

The Epic SchoolKids program provides free ski passes and lessons for kids, making it an affordable option for families. Off the slopes, Gorgoza Park offers tubing fun, mini-snowmobiles and Fort Frosty for younger children. Historic Main Street features family-friendly dining, shopping, and entertainment options, while the unique Town Lift allows skiers to access the slopes directly from the town.

Highlights: Kid-friendly terrain, Gorgoza Park, historic main street 

Closest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport - 35 miles (45 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Known for its rugged beauty, Jackson Hole offers an exciting family ski experience with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain. The nearby town of Jackson adds to the appeal. Families can take a thrilling wildlife safari in the nearby Grand Teton National Park, glide across the ice at the town's skating rink or enjoy snow tubing.

A scenic sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge offers a magical experience, providing close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. For younger children, the resort’s Kids Ranch program offers engaging activities and childcare, allowing parents some well-deserved time on the mountain.

Highlights: Wildlife tours, National Museum of Wildlife Art and snow tubing.

Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport - 21 miles (35 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Northstar is a family-favorite gem tucked into the laid-back side of Lake Tahoe. With wide, mellow trails, excellent grooming, and a stellar ski school, it’s the kind of place where kids build confidence fast and parents can actually relax. Our Experts love the seamless experience—from the easy-to-navigate base area to the mid-mountain lodge that's perfect for hot cocoa pit stops and meetups with the crew.

But Northstar isn’t just about smooth skiing. The après scene is made for families, with cozy fire pits, nightly s’mores, and a vibrant village full of shops, casual dining, and even an ice skating rink. It’s everything you want in a Tahoe ski trip, minus the stress.

Highlights: Family-friendly village, world-class ski school, fire pit s’mores and village ice skating.

Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport – 42 miles (1 hour)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Okemo is a crowd-pleaser for families looking for classic New England charm with modern, family-first amenities. The terrain is perfect for parents and kids to cruise together—lots of long, gentle groomers, wide-open learning areas, and one of the best ski schools in the East. Our Experts love how easy it is to get around, with multiple base areas, efficient lifts, and plenty of slopeside lodging options that make it simple to ski right out the door.

Off the slopes, Okemo offers endless fun with activities like tubing, indoor swimming, and a thrilling mountain coaster loved by both kids and adults. It’s the kind of place where multi-generational ski trips thrive and families return year after year.

Highlights: Award-winning ski school, Jackson Gore tubing hill, Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster.

Closest airport: Hartford Bradley International Airport – 95 miles (2 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Killington isn’t just the biggest resort in the East—it’s one of the smartest choices for families who want a bit of everything. Our Experts always point families toward the Ramshead base area, where the vibe is mellow, the lift lines are manageable, and the learning terrain is just right for building confidence. Plus, the ski school crew here? Top-tier. They know how to make even the shyest first-timer feel like a future Olympian.

What really seals the deal for us is how much there is to do beyond the slopes. From the thrills of the tubing park to the climbing walls and ropes course at the Adventure Center, Killington turns a ski day into a full-blown winter adventure. And for parents? Cozy fireside spots and Vermont craft beer aren’t hard to find.

Highlights: Ramshead Family Zone, tubing park and indoor adventure center, one of the longest seasons in the East.

Closest airport: Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport – 23 miles (35 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Breckenridge is a family paradise nestled in the Colorado Rockies. This charming resort combines world-class skiing with an array of family-friendly activities. The resort offers a variety of gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas, making it an excellent place for kids to learn and improve their skiing or snowboarding skills. The renowned Breckenridge Ski & Ride School provides personalized lessons for children of all ages, ensuring a fun and supportive learning environment.

After a day on the slopes, families can head to downtown Breckenridge where they'll find a range of kid-friendly eateries, arcades, a movie theatre and more.

Highlights: Gold Runner Coaster, snowshoeing tours, and ice skating.

Closest airport:  Denver International Airport - 104 miles (2 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Keystone's diverse terrain makes it a top choice for families, offering something for every skill level. The resort's renowned Ski & Ride School provides personalized lessons for kids and adults, ensuring a fun and supportive environment to build confidence on the slopes. Keystone also features family-friendly zones like Schoolmarm and Kidtopia, perfect for beginners and young skiers to safely enjoy the mountain. Off the slopes, Kidtopia shines with daily activities like snow fort building, parades and scavenger hunts. Families can also enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and the lively, pedestrian-friendly village filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Highlights: Kidtopia, family ski zones and night skiing. 

Closest airport: Denver International Airport - 90 miles (1.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Beaver Creek feels like it was designed with families in mind, because it pretty much was. Our Experts love how everything is seamless here: ski school drop-offs are stress-free, beginner areas are thoughtfully placed, and the village is as polished as it gets. The terrain progression is ideal for building confidence, with wide groomers and dedicated family zones like Red Buffalo Park that make skiing with kids a total joy.

But what really wins us over? The legendary warm chocolate chip cookies are handed out at the base every afternoon. It’s a small touch, but it says everything about Beaver Creek’s commitment to making your ski day feel extra special. Add in luxe, family-friendly lodging, top-tier service, and a quiet, upscale vibe, and you’ve got the perfect playground for families who like their powder served with a side of pampering.

Highlights: Red Buffalo Park family zone, world-class ski school, daily cookie time in the village.

Closest airport: Eagle County Regional Airport – 28 miles (35 minutes)
Alternative: Denver International Airport – 130 miles (2.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: At the heart of Snowmass is its vibrant base village, filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes. This laid-back destination is perfect for families and friends to relax after a day on the slopes. With its convenient layout, Snowmass Village offers easy access to accommodations, dining, and activities, making it a top choice for skiers. 

Snowmass is a skier’s paradise, with over 3,300 acres of terrain, ranking among the largest in North America. From beginner-friendly greens to challenging double-black diamonds, it has something for every skier or snowboarder. The highlight? The Long Shot—a legendary 5.3-mile trail showcasing the resort’s vastness. Freestyle fans will love top-tier terrain parks like the renowned Makaha Park.

Snowmass offers unforgettable winter activities off the slopes, including snowcat dinners, Alpine Coaster rides, and snow tubing. No wonder our Ski.com Mountain Travel Experts can’t stop raving about this winter wonderland!

Highlights: Exceptional skiing for all levels and one of the longest ski runs in the United States at 5.3 miles. Renowned for its family-friendly amenities, Snowmass is part of the Aspen Snowmass complex, granting access to four unique and diverse mountains.

Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) - 6 miles (15 minutes)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Arosa Lenzerheide is one of Switzerland’s best-kept family ski secrets—a picture-perfect alpine escape that blends big-mountain skiing with small-town warmth. Our Experts love recommending it to families because it’s uncrowded, incredibly scenic, and packed with thoughtful touches for traveling with kids. The ski area is massive, but super accessible, with wide-open cruisers, dedicated family slopes, and one of the best beginner zones in the Alps.

What really stands out is how the villages themselves cater to families. Arosa is known for its laid-back charm, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and sunny kids’ parks, while Lenzerheide has a playful side with fun slopes, toboggan runs, and even night skiing. Plus, there’s the added wow factor of crossing between the two via a scenic gondola ride—an adventure in itself for little ones (and let’s be honest, grown-ups too).

Highlights: Dedicated kids' learning areas, family fun slopes, sleigh rides, and the Arosa Bear Sanctuary.

Closest airport: Zurich International Airport – 90 miles (2.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Zell am See is the kind of storybook Austrian ski town that makes families fall in love with the Alps. Nestled beside a sparkling lake and surrounded by snowy peaks, it offers that perfect blend of alpine charm and convenience. Our Experts love how the ski terrain is approachable and scenic, with gentle tree-lined runs, well-marked family zones, and access to the larger Ski ALPIN CARD area—including glacier skiing on the nearby Kitzsteinhorn for a bit of adventure.

It’s not just about the skiing here—Zell am See truly shines off the slopes. Families can skate on the lake, explore town by horse-drawn carriage, or hop into one of the best indoor pools and wellness centers in the region. The pedestrian-friendly village makes it easy for parents to relax while kids explore safely. It’s a full-on alpine experience wrapped in warm hospitality.

Highlights: Family slopes and fun slopes, access to glacier skiing, lakeside village charm, Tauern Spa waterpark.

Closest airport: Salzburg Airport – 50 miles (1.5 hours)
Alternative: Munich International Airport – 130 miles (2.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Méribel is a French Alps classic, with that perfect mix of high-altitude skiing, cozy alpine charm, and family-friendly infrastructure that keeps everyone happy. Tucked right in the heart of the massive Three Valleys, it gives families access to the world’s largest interconnected ski area, but without the overwhelming feel. Our Experts love how Méribel’s villages are purpose-built yet still ooze chalet-style charm, and how easy it is to find slopes that suit every age and ability, especially in the Altiport area, which is ideal for beginners and little ones.

Méribel also goes the extra mile for families off the slopes. From sledding zones and indoor play centers to themed ski trails and scenic gondola rides, there’s always something to keep kids entertained. And for parents? Think cozy mountain restaurants, panoramic après spots, and the kind of French cuisine that makes everyone forget it’s a "family" trip.

Highlights: Altiport beginner zone, access to Three Valleys terrain, sledding trails and themed kids' runs.

Closest airport: Geneva International Airport – 85 miles (2.5 hours)

Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Avoriaz resembles a scene lifted from a snow globe, perfectly crafted with families in mind. Perched high above the Morzine Valley and entirely ski-in ski-out, this car-free village is one of our Experts’ favorite picks for parents traveling with kids. No traffic, no stress. Just horse-drawn sleighs, wide pedestrian paths, and slopes that start right outside your door.

The skiing here is incredibly accessible, with gentle beginner areas, well-marked family zones, and seamless access to the massive Portes du Soleil ski area for when the crew is ready to explore. Off the slopes, Avoriaz keeps the good times rolling with Aquariaz—an alpine-themed indoor water park—plus sledding hills, snow parks, and even ski-in/ski-out childcare options. It’s pure, high-altitude magic.

Highlights: Fully pedestrianized village, ski-in ski-out lodging, Aquariaz indoor water park, access to Portes du Soleil.

Closest airport: Geneva International Airport – 60 miles (2 hours)