The Best Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada
Families who hit the slopes together are always looking for a few things when it comes to the best family ski resorts: Beginner terrain, fun programming for kids, quality ski lessons, and easy ski-in ski-out accommodations. But as skiing and riding keep gaining popularity (just look at how many families now plan ski trips for spring break verses the usual beach vacation), and ski resorts respond with expanded offerings, there’s a lot more to consider.
For starters, is there space to spread out on runs? What about a variety of terrain to please the whole crew—even opportunities to progress, for those ready to take things up a notch? How about a home rental for a multi-generational gathering? And if you’re really doing it right on your quest to raise a kid that loves to ski, choosing a great ski resort for the family goes beyond slopes and chairlifts. When the fam needs a day off, you might be looking for an interesting or action-packed town for shopping and dining—or opportunities to soak in some local culture—and perhaps the chance to try non-skiing outdoors adventures, like sleigh rides and snowmobiling.
With these questions in mind, we took stock of the top mountains across North America, paying attention to the ages each ski area best caters to. Vetted and life tested, here are the 12 best family ski resorts for your next pow adventure.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
GettyWhistler Blackcomb: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Best for: Older teens and college kids
Why we love it: For your older and more advanced skiers and riders, a trip out of the country to famously challenging Whistler Blackcomb is just the ticket to epic ski vacation bragging rights. There’s also the chance to catch impressive competitions, like the World Ski and Snowboard Festival and the Whistler Cup. Since you’re in Canada, you can also buy a beer for your favorite 19-plus year old and properly introduce them to a world-class après scene at Dusty’s or Garibaldi Lift Co.
Where to stay: Opt for residential-style suites with multiple bedrooms at the resort’s First Tracks Lodge, steps from the gondola in Creekside Village. For something majestic and iconic, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers grand-scale luxury plus ski-in ski-out access at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
M Raust/GettyNorthstar California Resort: North Lake Tahoe, California
Best for: Ages 8 to 14, and families who like to keep it simple
Why we love it: Of Lake Tahoe’s numerous ski resorts, Northstar is one of the most family friendly for its range of great terrain, both for beginners and broods looking to progress together. Hit up Northstar’s long green and blue runs, including the 1.4-mile Logger Loop, and let the kids loose on one of the largest terrain parks in the country. Northstar’s cozy mountain village packs a winning punch, too, with its ice skating rink and fire pits, movie theater, and excellent dining options (start with donuts at White Rabbit). For family retail therapy, nearby Truckee offers a score of boutique shops.
Where to stay: Big groups can spread out in one of Northstar’s affordable private rental homes right off the resort’s shuttle route (making it easy for older kids to have some independence). For something luxurious, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers a custom s’mores making experience, private residences, and a dreamy spa, all mid mountain just off the intermountain gondola.
Tomas Cohen/Big Sky ResortBig Sky Resort: Big Sky, Montana
Best for: Ages 8 to 16 and families who want big uncrowded adventures
Why we love it: Big Sky lives up to the hype in more ways than one, with over an acre per skier on average (that’s about as big as a football field to yourself) and more than 2,300 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain—which is bigger than many ski resorts in total acreage. That means spectacular, uncrowded runs and a variety of approachable options for all ages, including playful escapes through the forest and cruise-y groomers for days. For the advanced skiers in your crew, nothing compares to the chutes and bowls off Lone Peak, or the chance to crank up the heat at Steeps Camps with legendary skier Dan Egan. Top that with winter adventures at nearby Lone Mountain Ranch (do the horse-drawn sleigh ride dinner) and Yellowstone National Park—the park’s geothermal features are arguably at their most stunning in winter.
Where to stay: Set at the edge of the resort, Montage Big Sky is the mountain’s most luxurious ski-in ski-out option with top-notch amenities for families, like an onsite bowling alley and arcade, outdoor pool, and its own ski center with lockers. That all said, the refreshed Summit Hotel wins for a slopeside location in Mountain Village, right at the doorstep of Big Sky’s food hall and main lifts.
Courtesy Deer ValleyDeer Valley Resort: Park City, Utah
Best for: First-time skiers and families craving luxury
Why we love it: A 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport, superbly groomed and relatively uncrowded ski-only slopes plus a robust ski school make Deer Valley a dream come true for that first family ski trip out west. Park City is loaded with fun things to do, so plan a day or two off the slopes, if only to shop and explore Main Street—get a custom-made hat at Burns Cowboy Shop, check out the fascinating Park City Museum, and treat the gang to a nice dinner at Handle. There’s also the Utah Olympic Park for a thrilling bobsled ride.
Where to stay: Families can do no better than the ski-in ski-out luxury accommodations at the St. Regis Deer Valley, where high-tech video game suites, onsite ski valet service, and a new chairlift right to Deer Valley’s expanded beginner area are among the perks. Just steps from the base and five minutes by shuttle to downtown Park City, Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection is another ideal option for its stylish residential suites with fully outfitted chef’s kitchens and a rooftop pool.
Courtesy CMH Purcell Heli-SkiingCMH Purcell Heli-Skiing: Purcell Range, British Columbia, Canada
Best for: Advanced skiers ages 15 and up, and first-time heli-skiers
Why we love it: Do you dream of heli-skiing as a family but have no idea where to start? We don't blame you. Newly on offer with renowned heli-skiing operator Canadian Mountain Holidays, Purcell is the answer, and an excellent way to introduce the gang to the extreme sport. Designed for good-to-expert skiers ages 15 and up, it’s CMH’s only destination offering 1- to 3-day trips (versus its usual 4-plus day trips) and the only experience designed for 2 small groups of up to 8 guests each, one of which could be arranged privately for just your family. This pans out to a nice taste of well-guided heli-skiing in untracked powder across 495,000 acres of terrain in the Purcell Mountains, scoring some of the best runs of your lives.
Where to stay: Overnight accommodations are not available in Purcell, but you’ll find options just a few minutes from the heli base in Golden, including a luxury bed and breakfast at the Home Lodge. For a cozy new hotel, check out the timber-framed Basecamp Lodge Golden, also on the shuttle route to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Courtesy SteamboatSteamboat Ski Resort: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Best for: Kids ages 5 to 12
Why we love it: With large chunks of the resort reserved just for kids and beginners (including a terrain park and a new beginner area), great family programming, plus free lifts and ski and snowboard rentals for kids 12 and under, it’s no wonder Steamboat is a big draw for families. In town, check out snow tubing on Howelsen Hill and the annual Winter Carnival—the oldest continuing carnival this side of the Mississippi, where the skiing high school band parade, skijoring, and nighttime shows are a big draw. The charming locals, who know how to make visitors feel right at home, don't hurt, either.
Where to stay: Keep it unstuffy and fresh at the new ski-in, ski-out Gravity Haus, located at the base of the Steamboat Gondola with a heated outdoor pool, gear rental, and fun loft rooms for the fam.
Courtesy Stowe MountainStowe Mountain Resort: Stowe, Vermont
Best for: Ages 5 to 10
Why we love it: Dreaming of a charmed New England ski town experience? Stowe Mountain is just the place—and the offerings are only getting better for beginner skiers and riders this year thanks, to a new high-speed six-passenger chair, amid plenty of easy green and blue runs. Beginners can also venture out to slopeside learning terrain with lessons from Stowe’s 29,000-square-foot Adventure Center, a massive play hub with a theater, arcade, and three-story indoor climbing wall.
Where to stay: The luxury Lodge at Spruce Peak is ski-in ski-out and right in the middle of the base village (there are also ski valets who unload your gear upon arrival, and a spa for kids ages six and up).
Courtesy Whitefish MountainWhitefish Mountain Resort: Whitefish, Montana
Best for: Ages 8 to 12 and families with a penchant for nature
Why we love it: Young nature and wildlife enthusiasts strike gold at Whitefish, where mostly intermediate and advanced trails, now accessible by a new high-speed six pack lift, unfold like a fascinating science lesson. Here, dip into cloud inversions, past snow ghost trees caked in snowy ice, and through a grizzly habitat (which closes in April to let the hibernating bears wake peacefully). On the elevated Inspiration run, take in dizzying views of neighboring Glacier National Park—which you can also explore by snowshoe.
Where to stay: For a magical, unique mid-mountain stay, ski-in, ski-out Snow Bear Chalets deliver on smart luxuries, like a hot tub and fireplace, and dreamy treehouse vibes (kids love to climb and sleep in the turret). It isn’t slopeside but the Firebrand Hotel boasts a prime location in the heart of charming downtown Whitefish, a go-to for shopping, dining, and live cultural events (check out readings with The Whitefish Review).
Courtesy Crystal MountainCrystal Mountain: Thompsonville, Michigan
Best for: Ages 3 to 8, and families wanting a Midwest option
Why we love it: Want to get the kids pumped for skiing and riding? Interesting terrain that is still easy to manage—like playful runs through the woods, zippy racing courses, and fast chairlifts for easy repeats—plus a sprinkle of challenging routes, like the new Ridge Glade, define the fun at Crystal Mountain.
Where to stay: Luxury home rentals like the Cottages at Water's Edge and Bungalows at Crystal Glen score major points with full kitchens and fireplaces in a lively location at the base of the slopes, but all of the accommodations at Crystal Mountain do a great job of upscaling a Midwestern ski trip with the kind of vibes you'd catch out west. Smaller families do well at the Hamlet Hotel, also at the base and smack in the middle of the action.
Courtesy TellurideTelluride Ski Resort: Telluride, Colorado
Best for: Ages 5 to 14, and parents in need of adult time
Why we love it: This adventurous high-altitude ski mountain boasts mostly intermediate and advanced runs (including the off-piste style Revelation Bowl), but don’t let that fool you into thinking Telluride isn’t for kids. Families are fans of the beginner terrain and group lessons for ages 3 to 14, but it’s super cool non-ski offerings just for kids (hello parental free time) that have us singing Telluride’s praises, like the adventure-packed snow camp, snowbike training, and kids après nights. Other family adventures not to miss: a gondola ride to the storied downtown where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank and snowmobile tours with Telluride Outfitters to a ghost mining camp.
Where to stay: Conveniently tucked into its own corner of the mountain village, the Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is ideal for residential-stye lodging, an onsite evening kids camp, and the ice rink outside its front doors.
Courtesy Keystone ResortKeystone Resort: Keystone, Colorado
Best for: Ages 4 to 9 and frugal families who want it all
Why we love it: One of the closest resorts to Denver, Keystone is packed with perks designed for families, everything from free parking to free skiing for kids 12 and under all season long after a two-night stay. Skiing and riding spans three peaks, plus night skiing is an option. There's also plenty more action off the slopes, including ice skating on a five-acre lake, legit mountaintop tubing, and two incredible snow forts to explore, one of which claims to be the largest in the world.
Where to stay: Book a night walking distance to Keystone’s base area at the recently remodeled Hyatt Place Keystone. Or opt for Keystone Lodge & Spa for its convenient location next to Lakeside Village, ski storage, and spa, plus complimentary s’mores kits, kid-friendly après drinks, and a heated outdoor pool.
Courtesy Wilmot MountainWilmot Mountain Ski Resort: Wilmot, Wisconsin
Best for: Newbies of all ages and Midwesterners wanting to maximize those Epic Passes
Why we love it: Just over an hour from Chicago, Wilmot Mountain sits on a small ski hill with 25 gentle runs and a few terrain parks, making it a great option for families attempting first forays in skiing that are high-quality, convenient, and road-trip worthy. It’s also ideal for Epic Pass holders who want to brush up before big trips out West, and perhaps take some group lessons at a reduced rate.
Where to stay: There’s no on-mountain lodging and visitors from the Chicago area keep visits to day trips. For those who want to make a weekend of a trip to Wilmot, drive 30 minutes to Lake Geneva for waterfront home rentals and the chance to ski another small ski hill at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
