Whether you’re new to the slopes or a seasoned veteran, there’s no activity like skiing to bring about the Christmas vibes. Hats, gloves, and snow-capped peaks under blue skies are unrivaled memory makers when it comes to a Christmas vacation for the whole family.
Family vacation experts from Family Destinations Guide have compiled a list of the best resorts for skiing and festivities, for all ages, over this holiday season.
#1 – Smugglers’ Notch – Vermont
This family resort in North Jefferson is one of the most child-friendly destinations in New England while still offering something for all ages.
With eight lifts set between three different mountains, Smugglers’ Notch has trails for everyone from beginners to experts. With dedicated childcare staff for children of any age, it is easy for any group to find the perfect skiing-to-family time ratio.
For those less fond of the slopes, there are activities like ice skating, tubing, and snowmobiles onsite. The indoor complex with mini-golf, climbing walls, and laser tag provides some great indoor alternatives for getting out of the cold.
#2 – Stowe Mountain Resort – Vermont
Stowe Mountain is one of the best ski resorts for children in America, and with 116 trains and a vertical rise of 2,360 feet, it has plenty of skiing for adults too.
Considered the birthplace of skiing in Vermont, the resort offers luxury stay options, including large, four-bedroom suites that give the entire family enough space to stretch out.
As well as the skiing, Stowe has its own adventure center and climbing center, which offer activities tailored to the little ones to maximize their learning and enjoyment.
#3 – Deer Valley Resort – Utah
There is no shortage of U.S. family ski resorts, but few offer the type of luxury of Deer Valley.
With daily tickets for the trails limited and snowboarders excluded from the property, this is really the place to go if you want to hit the slopes with optimum freedom. Kids programs across the property and Deer Park’s fantastic ski school make this all possible for the biggest skiing enthusiasts.
Just over half an hour from Salt Lake City, this resort offers a range of activities for the whole family including; dog sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and more.
#4 – Keystone – Colorado
Keystone is considered the destination for some of the top family ski vacations, and with a mindblowing array of varied terrain for all levels of skier, it is easy to see why.
Home to the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort and an array of mazes and slides, there are plenty of non-skiing goings on for the children. Meanwhile, the Lakeside Activities Village offers ice-skating, hockey rentals, and food and drink for more evening entertainment.
As well as the abundance of trails and accommodation options, children under 12 stay and ski at no extra cost, making Keystone an incredible offer for the entire family.
#5 – Steamboat Ski Resort – Colorado
Steamboat Colorado is another extremely popular name when it comes to family skiing in the USA. The vast expanse of this spectacular resort offers everything you would require from a classic ski lodge.
With scenic gondola rides, snowmobiling tours, horseback riding, ice skating, and its proximity to Steamboat Springs, there are plenty of extracurricular activities for all at this resort. If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping action aside from the skiing trails, this resort is also home to the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, one of the longest mountain coasters on the continent.
Steamboat boasts a childcare center where children can learn, grow, and build a love for the outdoors, as well as the option for children’s ski lessons which can give the adults the time for those extra activities.
#6 – Okemo Mountain Resort – Vermont
Okemo is another resort that one can turn to without a second thought when planning a vacation for the family. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just learned the basics or you’re an advanced skier looking to progress, this resort has the terrain for you.
Here you will find everything from swimming pools and water slides to spectacular saunas and hot tubs. If you’re looking for some non-skiing exercise, there are options for yoga, Zumba classes, and even racquetball.
With slopeside daycare for ages 3+ and the Kids Night Out offers a range of activities, the parents can take some time off and explore the resort’s exquisite dining options.
#7 – The Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods – New Hampshire
Known as New Hampshire’s premier ski area, Bretton Woods covers a vast area of 464 acres, with 62 trails and three separate parks.
Extras like the snowmobile park, scenic gondola rides, spa, and the longest zip line canopy tour in New England make this resort one of the best-known for family vacations on the East Coast.
Music shows, storytellers, clowns, and even an après ski party for the children ensures Mount Washington Resort is friendliest towards children while providing a great time for the whole family.
#8 – Park City Mountain Resort – Utah
Known for being an Olympic venue in the past, Park City consists of two separate mountains, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. With each mountain offering a slightly different terrain, there is something for every skier or snowboarder.
With various accommodation options, including plenty for larger groups, and a great ski school in the resort, the whole family will be catered for on the slopes. The Little Adventure Children’s Center also means that parents can comfortably take time out to ski alone while children under six are looked after.
#9 – Diamond Peak – Nevada
A ski resort that doubles up to offer views of Lake Tahoe? On this front, Diamond Peak is a rarity. The resort is also suited very well to beginners looking to spend a good amount of time on the slopes, so many families will find this checks several boxes.
Suppose you have young children who are enthusiastic about learning how to ski. In that case, you can get their lessons at the Child Ski Center, which has its own learning area, lift, and an impressive instructor-to-child ratio of 1:5. In case you have children under four who are excited to learn, private lessons can be arranged.
#10 – Heavenly Mountain Resort – California
This South Lake Tahoe resort offers a range of activities to keep the entire family happy. With over 97 trails across thousands of park acres, there is more than enough skiing for all skiers of every level and lessons for children over four.
With snow tubing and UTV tours available at the end of a scenic gondola ride, there are non-skiing outdoor activities. Meanwhile, plenty of shops, dining facilities, and a multiplex close by provide for those looking to unwind.
A spokesperson for Family Destinations Guide commented on the study, saying, “We’re lucky to have so many great ski resorts here in America, and they play a huge part in making Christmas special for so many. The resorts in this list have all the right facilities and go the extra mile to be family-friendly, and that goes a long way, especially over the holidays”.
Family Vacations Guide are family holiday experts providing recommendations, reviews, and ideas, helping create family memories that last a lifetime.
