Looking for a winter getaway? These family-friendly ski resorts offer fun on and off the slopes for skiers of all ages and skill levels.
With amenities ranging from indoor waterparks to the world’s largest snow fort, “glow tubing” to sleigh rides, they offer more than just lessons, lifts, and hot cocoa — they offer a chance for an unforgettable family adventure.
But what makes a ski resort “family-friendly”? What are the best U.S. and European ski resorts for families on a budget? And seriously, where is the world’s largest snow fort?
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What Makes a Ski Resort Family-Friendly?
Unlike movies, ski resorts don’t get ratings to suggest how family-friendly they are. Big Sky, Montana doesn’t get a “PG” while Jackson Hole gets a “PG-13.”
Instead, you have to look for more subtle signs. Do the resorts have programs tailored for children? Is there a safe outdoor play area, totally isolated from the faster slopes?
Here are some of the key signs that a ski resort is family-friendly (or, perhaps not so much):
- Ski schools and lessons for all ages: The best family-friendly ski resorts will have plenty of lesson options (half-day, full-day, bunny slope) for beginners of all ages.
- Safe and gentle slopes: Look for resorts with wide green runs, bunny slopes, and even dedicated children’s areas.
- Non-ski activities: If your kids get pooped on the slopes you’ll want ample fun backup activities like children’s museums, indoor water parks, and snow forts.
- Easy access: Ideally, a family ski destination will have affordable accommodations near the slopes, a robust shuttle system, or both.
- Allows snowboarding: If someone in your family wants to try snowboarding, you should know that Alta, Mad River Glen, and Deer Valley do not allow snowboarders.
READ MORE: Best Family-Friendly Destinations for 2025
Top Ski Resorts for Families in the U.S.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Located 100 miles southwest of Denver, Breckenridge almost seems tailor-made for family ski trips.
The resort and surrounding town feature dozens of things for families to do, including the Children’s Museum, numerous parks for sledding and snowball fights, and a massive indoor pool inside the Breckenridge Recreation Center.
The resort itself offers ski and snowboard lessons to children as young as 3, and you can stick together as a group in a private lesson if you’d like.
Once the little ones are ready to graduate from the bunny slope, you can all head up the mountain to enjoy one of Breckenridge’s numerous green runs together, which are famously wide, safe, and photogenic.
Park City Mountain, Utah
For something a bit smaller and more intimate than busy Breckenridge, consider Park City, Utah for your family ski adventure.
Located just 35 miles east of Salt Lake City, the resort offers public and private lessons for all age groups, and for kids who aren’t quite ready for the slopes, Little Adventures Children’s Center welcomes children aged 6 weeks to 6 years old at half-day or full-day rates.
Park City also features a nice variety of green, blue, and black runs that all converge in the same small lift area — convenient for families with varying skill levels.
Finally, when it’s time to turn in your skis for the day, you and the fam can enjoy activities like a sleigh ride, ice skating, or an art class at Kimball Art Center.
Smugglers' Notch, Vermont
If you’re looking for an East Coast option, consider Smugglers’ Notch. Located about 40 miles northeast of Burlington, the lesser-known ski retreat offers a dedicated beginners’ area, a robust shuttle system, and a surprising amount of kid-friendly activities for a resort of its size.
There’s nighttime glow tubing, game show nights featuring “The Price is Close,” science demonstrations, and more.
Smuggler’s Notch also offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages, private family lessons, and numerous affordable vacation rentals on Vrbo (just be sure to book early!).
International Ski Resorts for Families
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Are we at all surprised that our northern neighbors have excellent, family-friendly ski options?
One such option is Whistler Blackcomb, which was named the No. 1 Ski Resort in North America in 2024 by Condé Nast Traveller for its expansive terrain, good value, and world-class dedication to service and safety.
It’s also objectively the biggest ski resort on the continent with over 200 trails, 40 of which are beginner-friendly green runs.
The little ones are also sure to enjoy navigating the Magic Castle and Tree Fort, sliding down bubly™ Tube Park, and exploring the area’s heritage at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
La Plagne, France
Nestled in the French Alps by the Swiss border, La Plagne is best known for its family-centric package deals, beginner-friendly slopes, and being positively drenched in French culture.
You and the family can enjoy French cuisine and decadent cheeses, and perhaps the teenagers can even have their first sip of wine.
La Plagne also has robust childcare services for little ones and nice wide lifts to keep families together. Your child can even ride a pony through the snow at Le Chalet des Vignobles.
Niseko, Japan
If the thought of sipping hot ramen with your family at the base of Mt. Fuji appeals to you, look no further than the massively underrated ski resort of Niseko, Japan.
Located in the north near Sapporo, Niseko offers all the amenities you could ask for from a top ski resort. There are lessons for all ages, plenty of docile green runs, and tons of family-friendly activities ranging from sleigh rides to the Galaxy Kids activity center.
The resort’s EdVenture Kids Camp can also keep your little ones occupied while you and your partner enjoy a traditional onsen hot springs bath.
Budget-Friendly Ski Resorts for Families
Keystone Resort, Colorado
Located just northeast of Breckenridge, Keystone Resort offers many of the same wide runs and family-friendly activities as its larger, more popular neighbor. But what makes Keystone stand out — especially for families — is that children under 12 ski free.
Specifically, book two or more nights and your pre-teens will ski free for your total qualifying nights minus one (so book three nights and kids ski free for two days). That could add up quickly, considering how child ski passes can easily cost $150+ per child per day at similar resorts.
Toss in free access to both kid-friendly tubing and The World’s Largest Mountain Snow Fort, and you have a value-packed family ski adventure.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor offers free kids lift tickets with the purchase of adult lift tickets, which could save a family with two kids nearly $1,000 on a four-day trip. In addition, season pass-holders get eight Friends & Family vouchers that knock up to 35% off the regular rate for a single-day lift pass.
The resort also offers lodging deals from $199 a night, daycare options for children aged 6 weeks to 10 years, and dog-sledding adventures for an experience your kids will never forget.
And while local amenities may be light, nearby Bend is full of activities and affordable Vrbos.
Åre, Sweden
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable ski destination in Europe, Åre (pronounced “airy”) might be a fit.
Located a short plane ride (or a breathtaking seven-hour train ride) from Stockholm, Åre is Scandinavia’s largest ski resort with 42 lifts, 89 slopes, and five dedicated kids areas.
Åre’s lengthy ski season typically lasts from late November to late April, meaning there are plenty of dates and opportunities to find great deals on lodging.
The resort also offers generous vacation packages, affordable dining options, and countless ways to entertain the family — from hot chocolate and waffle tastings at Våffelkåtan to a dip in Holiday Club’s Swim World.
Tips for Planning a Family Ski Vacation
As you start planning your family ski adventure, here are some general money- and stress-saving tips to keep in mind:
- Book accommodation close to the slopes. This can save huge amounts of energy, time, and shuttle money.
- Rent equipment instead of bringing your own. Many resorts offer discounted rentals to families.
- Choose the right time to travel. Picking mid-week or off-peak dates can mean saving $1,000+ and 30 minutes at every lift line.
- Scan trail maps for family-friendly terrain. Breckenridge, for example, has plenty of beginner-friendly green runs that end up in the same area. Jackson Hole, by contrast, mostly comprises difficult blues.
- Consider travel insurance. Online marketplaces like VisitorsCoverage and SquareMouth can provide you with multiple plan options to protect your trip from unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical expenses — like ski accidents.
READ MORE: Family Travel Planning Tips for Unforgettable Vacations
FAQs About Ski Resorts for Families
Are there ski resorts that offer childcare services?
Yes. Many ski resorts like Park City and La Plagne offer daycare and children’s activities.
How can I find ski resorts with affordable family packages?
Start by searching for ski resorts with “family lift passes,” “family lodging deals,” or “kids ski free” promotions.
Are there all-inclusive ski resorts for families?
For whatever reason, all-inclusive ski resorts aren’t nearly as common as all-inclusive beach resorts. Club Med offers a few all-inclusive winter vacation packages, but for the most part, you’ll be building your ski vacation à la carte.
Bottom Line
Ski vacations are a great way for families to bond and enjoy outdoor adventures.
Choose family-friendly resorts with amenities and activities for all ages, like beginners’ areas, children’s programs, and sites to see off the slopes. And plan ahead — research runs, buy travel insurance, and book nearby accommodations for both safety and savings.
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