With the days getting shorter and nights getting colder, we think it’s about time for a winter getaway. From California to Vermont, from beginner bunny trails to adrenaline-junkie black diamond rides, these ski-resorts have it all. Not only are the amenities worth bundling up for, their kid-friendly activities make them the perfect family-friendly holiday destination.
Photo credit: Vail Resorts
Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
Overlooking the cool blue waters of Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder they named this resort Heavenly. With over 34 miles of trails to ski in both Nevada and California, a kid-friendly zip line and ropes course, Heavenly is more like an outdoor adventure park than a ski resort. Did we mention they have a mountain coaster too? They offer ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of experience, child development teams and even a nursery and day care if your little ones are tuckered out after a day on the slopes. With several properties and types of rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find a match made in heaven.
Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Park City is a family-friendly fantasy with their new $50 million investment project debuting this year. Teach your kids in comfort at High Meadow Park, or enjoy a meal on the ridgeline at Cloud Dine with this sustainability-committed resort. Park City offers childcare, youth ski programs and sleigh rides through the town center for a truly immersive kid-friendly winter wonderland. For a parent’s night out, Utah boasts a vibrant nightlife with several bars, restaurants and wine tastings a short walk from the mountain. Pulled a muscle on the slopes? Stop by the RockResorts Spa for a hot stone massage. Park City is only a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, so strap on your snow boots and get skiing.
Bridger Bowl, Montana
Bridger Bowl is perfect for an adventure on a budget. With ski passes $63 a day for adults and $25 for kids 7-12 years old, there’s no excuse for missing out on a snow day. Bridger Bowl is home to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 75 trails and comfortable lodging with low rates even during the busiest seasons. They also offer youth ski and snowboard programs, guided ridge terrain tours and a playcare nap room at the ski lodge. Plan your trip for December or January for plenty of local, fun family-friendly events. No need to worry about long lines at Bridger Bowl, just take a moment to enjoy all of what nature has to offer.
Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts
Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
It wouldn’t be a ski list without Colorado, and Beaver Creek is a real winter gem. Explore 1,800 acres of terrain with three base camps at the only mountain in the US to regularly host the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by for the daily Cookie Time ritual or one of their four award-winning restaurants on the mountain. Warm up next to the campfire, rest your feet on the heated sidewalks and see a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center – all with a view of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Beaver Creek also offers childcare services, but you may be able to buy some patience at the famous Candy Cabin.
Photo credit: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
Leave no trail unexplored at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. With winter storms from the East and North dumping snow in this little town, you’re sure to get the powder you’re after. Teach your kids at the Ski and Ride School, get your snow legs on trails designed for all abilities or hit the 6-story Tubing Hill for a family-friendly adrenaline rush. When it’s time to hang up the skis, take a sleigh ride through the mountains or stop by the bouncy house/climbing wall/movie room for a cost effective break from the cold. With 11,000 acres to roam in the Appalachian Mountain Range, your family can get the perfect Christmas-card worthy photo in this vast national forest.
Photo credit: Rob Bossi / Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont
Get ready for an activity-packed weekend at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. This location redefines family-friendly with their popular Kids Night, an indoor pool and their year-round Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Enjoy a bike trip through the snowy Jackson Gore, take a ride in the Snowtubing Park or watch your kids explore in their very own snowmobile tour. With plenty of events planned through the winter season, you’ll never run out of things to do. For an extra-spectacular Holiday getaway, plan for the end of December to meet Santa and see a torchlight parade and firework show on the slopes.
