Family Ski Vacations
Your Next Family Tradition Starts Here
Whether you're continuing a cherished family tradition or embarking on a new adventure, a family ski vacation is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. It all starts with choosing a destination that suits your family's style – whether it’s family-friendly slopes, fantastic ski schools or exciting off-slopes activities.
Your choice of accommodation plays a key role in creating magic on a family ski vacation. Imagine staying in a cozy ski-in ski-out lodge, where you can step right onto the slopes each morning and wind down with hot cocoa by the fireplace in the evening. Or, opt for a hotel suite with kid-friendly games and a hot tub for relaxation after a day of skiing. Prioritize convenience by selecting a location close to ski schools, dining options and engaging activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Let Ski.com handle the details of your family ski vacation, so you can focus on the excitement ahead. Our Mountain Travel Experts are dedicated to finding the perfect lodging, airfare, transportation and equipment rentals tailored to your family's needs. With everything arranged, you can focus on what truly matters—creating unforgettable memories together on the slopes!
Featured properties
WHAT MAKES FOR A GREAT FAMILY SKI VACATION?
Choose the Best Family-Friendly Ski Resort
Look for resorts with great ski schools, childcare options and plenty of activities for kids. Ensure the resort has a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs to suit all skill levels in your family.
Accommodations
Choose accommodations that offer convenient access to the slopes, cozy amenities and kid-friendly features to ensure everyone has an unforgettable time.
Ski School and Childcare
Whether first-timers on the slopes or seasoned pros, a great ski school offers expert instruction and fun programs that cater to all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone in the family builds confidence on the slopes.
Non-Ski Activities
Even off the slopes, family ski trips offer endless fun—from ice skating and snow tubing to cozy sleigh rides and winter wonderland explorations, keeping the kids entertained when they're not skiing.
Rentals and Gear
Decide whether to rent or buy gear. Renting can save you the hassle of transporting equipment, especially if your kids are still growing. Invest in good quality, waterproof and insulated clothing to keep everyone warm and dry.
Travel and Logistics
Plan how you'll get to the resort and whether you'll need a car. Some resorts offer shuttle services from nearby airports. Make a checklist of essentials, including ski gear, clothing, snacks and entertainment for travel.
Health and Safety
Consider travel insurance that covers skiing and other winter sports. Ensure everyone is in good health and physically prepared for skiing. Don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm for protection against sun and wind.
Budget
Look for deals and packages that include lift tickets, lessons, rentals and accommodations. Factor in the cost of meals. Some accommodations offer kitchen facilities, which can help save on dining out.
Book in Advance
Popular family resorts fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so book your accommodation, ski school, and rentals well in advance. Our Mountain Travel Experts can help handle it all.
Video Inspiration
Ski.com's Mountain Travel Experts' Favorite Family Ski Resorts
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
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)
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
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)
Breckenridge, Colorado
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)
Keystone, Colorado
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)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
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)
Snowmass
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)
FAQs
Booking your ski trip in advance and working with a Mountain Travel Expert will help you stay within your budget. To get the best rates, we recommend avoiding single-day lift tickets and popular times like Christmas, New Year's, Presidents' Day Weekend, and Spring Break. Renting accommodations with a kitchen can help save on dining costs, and staying a bit further from the resort while using a shuttle or rental car can also reduce expenses. Check out more information on budget-friendly ski vacations here: https://www.ski.com/budget-ski-vacations
Many factors influence the cost of a ski vacation, such as the time of year, travel distance, accommodations, whether you rent or bring your gear, trip length, and dining choices. Fortunately, our Mountain Travel Experts can help you plan your dream ski vacation while keeping your budget in mind. Check out more information on budget-friendly ski vacations here: https://www.ski.com/budget-ski-vacations
Ready to hit the slopes with the whole family?
Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan the perfect ski getaway, tailored to your family's needs and preferences. From matching you with the ideal destination to booking accommodations, flights, transfers, lessons and more, planning your family vacation has never been easier.