1/10 Park City, Utah
It’s hard to imagine a place more geared toward families than Park City Mountain Resort. Ski through tree-lined Adventure Alleys on a Snowbug Treasure Hunt or enroll the kids in I Ride Park City freestyle camps.
Activities: Alpine coaster, zip line and sleigh ride to Viking Yurt for a cowboy dinner
Need more? The resort has its own family blog, where Snowmamas answer your questions.
Book: parkcitymountain.com
2/10 Tahoe, California
Has your child been dreaming of “shreddin’ the gnar” (translation: Snowboarding)? There’s no better place to learn than Northstar. Overlooking Lake Tahoe, the resort boasts 97 trails, seven terrain parks and Burton Snowboard Academy.
Activities: Bungee trampolining, cross-country skiing, ice skating and moonlight snowshoeing.
Where to stay: For ski-in/ski-out convenience, stay at Ritz Carlton or Constellation Residences.
Book: northstarcalifornia.com
3/10 Crested Butte, Colorado
Calling itself Colorado’s ‘Last Great Ski Town’, Crested Butte is a fantastic destination for active young families. You can ski to the front door of Trailhead Children’s Museum, and kids aged six and under ski free.
Activities: Bungee trampolining, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and tubing.
Where to stay: Consider The Lodge at Mountaineer Square as your home base.
Book: skicb.com
4/10 Vail, Colorado
With world-class restaurants and shopping, Vail Village is perfect for a family stroll down its pedestrian-only, heated streets. On the slopes, enjoy Adventure Zones specially-designed runs for kids.
Activities: Kid snowmobiling, ski bikes, trampolining and tubing
Where to stay: Trivoli Lodge provides cozy luxury with its ski valets, outdoor hot tubs, and complimentary cookies.
Book: vail.com
5/10 Copper Mountain, Colorado
At Copper Mountain Resort, kids practice freestyle at outdoor terrain parks and an indoor training facility with ramps, spring floors and trampolines. In the evening, there’s free child care (as long as you spend $30 at the resort that night).
Activities: Free snowcat rides, free snowshoe tours and free ice skating.
Where to stay: Splurge on a ski-in/ski-out condo and take advantage of all the nearby restaurants.
Book: coppercolorado.com
6/10 Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Known for being steep and deep, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an advanced skier’s rodeo, but there are a few long groomers where inexperienced skiers can learn. And anyone can ride the aerial tram to the summit for fresh waffles.
Activities: Dogsledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, snow kite boarding, tubing and sleigh rides through National Elk Refuge
Where to stay: For an authentic western feel, stay at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa.
Book: jacksonhole.com
7/10 Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat provides little red wagons to help families with small children and all their kit. Just load ’em up and head on out to the western-themed ski school with kids-only lifts and terrain parks.
Activities: Bungee trampolining, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sleigh rides.
Where to stay: For luxury, consider Steamboat Grand; for ski-in/ski-out access, try Sheraton Steamboat Resort; for value, book Hampton Inn & Suites.
Book: steamboat.com
8/10 Beaver Creek, Colorado
While everyone is welcome at ski school, girls can enroll in Ski Girls Rock, a program designed by Olympic and World Alpine Champion Lindsey Vonn. After a day on the slopes, follow your nose to the base of Centennial Chairlift for free, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. Child care is available for non-skiers.
Activities: Bowling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, trampolining and tubing
Where to stay: The Osprey is steps from Strawberry Park Express Lift and village shopping.
Book: beavercreek.com
9/10 Winter Park, Colorado
Keep tabs on your kids in Winter Park Resort’s ski school with nifty GPS-tracking devices. In the evening, you can enjoy a romantic night out while the kids have their own night out at Children’s Center, complete with dinner, games, sledding and movies.
Activities: On the village rink, you’ll find free skate lessons, broomball, skating, tubing and fireside s’mores.
Where to stay: Choose a condominium at Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe.
Book: winterparkresort.com
10/10 Big Sky, Montana
With over 5,706 skiable acres, Big Sky Resort is the largest ski area in America and there’s an extensive network of beginner and intermediate trails. Families can enjoy small town hospitality with no crowds.
Activities: Bungee trampolining, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and tubing.
Need more? Big Sky is 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Plan to spend a day watching wildlife, free from summer crowds.