5 Kid-Friendly Ski Areas You Need To Visit
Where are the top kid-friendly ski areas? Skiing in a winter wonderland is fun, whether on your own or with a group. And it’s even more exciting watching new and young skiers build their skills on the same mountain you grew to love. Bringing the whole family is a wonderful way to spend time together. You can connect with nature and share a tradition that can continue to be passed down.
Many ski resorts across the U.S. and Canada offer spaces for little ones and beginner skiers to practice and hone their abilities. These significant kid-friendly ski areas have great ski schools, instructors, and gentle slopes to provide the best experience. Even if the kids want to take a break from skiing one day, there are plenty of options, like sledding and ice skating, that everyone can enjoy. Narrow down your search by choosing one of the outstanding kid-friendly ski areas, and let the good times roll!
Sugarbush (Vermont)
The kids will talk about their adventures at Sugarbush for days afterward because this resort knows what fun looks like! You can first stop by Mt. Ellen and Lincoln Peak for skiing and riding. Eighteen percent of the 4,000+ skiable terrain is beginner-friendly. So it’s easy for younger skiers to get a handle on navigating fresh powder. Next, you can explore the Sugarbear Forest, a secluded environment with an optimal learning zone. Kids can try specially designed rails, boxes, and jumps on their own before they go to the larger parks. Families with children a little more experienced can try cross-country skiing in the Mad River Valley or at Progression Park.
While you hit the more challenging slopes, the kiddos can master their skills and head over to the Adventure Zone. They can play games, try out the bungee trampoline or have an intense ping pong match to close the day. The entire experience is uber kid-friendly. For adults and parents, the terrain offers a good mix of intermediate and advanced trails as well. Smiles all around!
Smugglers Notch (Vermont)
Named “America’s Family Resort,” Smugglers Notch has more kid-friendly fun packed into one day than Disneyland! Ok, so maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but they have some incredible amenities geared toward kids and their families having the best adventures. Off the slopes, kids can enjoy FunZone 2.0, a state-of-the-art facility featuring an assortment of indoor activities! They can try out the climbing wall, play a serious game of laser tag, or test their skills in the one-of-a-kind slot car rally races.
Daily activities are available for the whole family. Or you can mark your calendar for special events that only happen on a particular day of the week. Either way, you won’t be disappointed! When you’re on the mountain with your kids, you can enroll them in the ski school for valuable lessons. You can also check out things like Snow Sport University to connect everyone through fun, safety, and learning.
Snowshoe Mountain (West Virginia)
You’ll always find great skiing at Snowshoe Mountain, but it’s not just for adults. Families have a long list of activities they can choose from, providing them with a good mixture of skiing and off-slope events. While their backcountry and stunning views await those with a few more years of skiing under their belts, beginners and young children can explore several terrain areas just for them. Sections of the mountain, like the Gangway, Powderidge, and Camp Four, are perfect for kids to practice their awesome moves and build more confidence at the same time. Snowshoe is a kid-friendly place.
They provide generous family packages that will save on things that count the most (like lodging), so you can treat the family to a few more hot chocolates while you’re there! Thinking of ways to spend some time indoors? Then heading to The Big Top will be your best bet! Grab some goodies, and let the kids find their inner artists by trying out some arts and crafts. Or speak to their adventurous side by trying out the Eurobungy. If those things don’t appeal to them, don’t worry. There are still plenty more things to do, like going on a snowmobile ride or to the tube park.
Steamboat Springs (Colorado)
The town of Steamboat Springs is known for many things, like its relaxing hot springs options and awe-inspiring views. But it’s also known for its stellar Steamboat Resort. Large portions of the resort are reserved explicitly for kids. Plus, there’s plenty of programming options for the whole family to attend.
In addition to excellent skiing and snowboarding, there’s plenty to do off the mountain. Guests can attend an assortment of fun festivals and events like the annual Winter Carnival. Children 12 and under also get free ski and snowboard rentals. They also get free lift tickets. Which, if you ask anyone, is a great reason to keep returning to the resort. Older folks will enjoy the nice mix of groomers and glades.
Mont Tremblant (Quebec, Canada)
Whether you live in Canada or are visiting this season, you should stop at Mont Tremblant for a kid-friendly skiing experience. The renowned ski resort has an exhaustive (in a good way) list of events and excellent amenities that caters to everyone. They feature a good amount of beginner terrain (21%) for younger skiers, several magic carpets, a helpful staff, and an exceptional ski school.
When it’s time to look for some indoor fun, the Aquaclub La Source is an excellent place to take your children. It features an aquatic and fitness center with a wading pool area, free life jackets, and a quintessential Tarzan swing for kids to take the big plunge.