Over the years, I have skied both the East and West coasts. Myself, I prefer West Coast snow. The higher altitude keeps the snow dry and fluffy. East coast snow tends to be a bit icy. In any case, I went in search of the top ten resorts in the USA that are family and kid-friendly.
We will countdown from the number 10 spot to number one. Some resorts deserved an honorable mention and they are:
Heavenly in Lake Tahoe area, California – The whole family can ski together, with a kids’ instructor tagging along to help the kids.
Killington, Vermont – also has the Nickelodeon Family Winter Festivals. You can save up to 30% booking a ski & lodging package. Kids 12 and under ski free.
Whistler-Blackcomb – one of the best ski resorts anywhere. Did not make the top ten because this is a USA top ten list, and Whistler is in Canada.
Okemo, Vermont
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Check out KidznSnow, a website devoted solely to what else, kids and snow.
If you have a particular ski resort you and your family love, let us know. Maybe I’ll make a top 20 list someday! Here are my choices for the top ten:
10. BRECKENRIDGE near Denver, Colorado
If you or your kids are snowboarders, you are going to love Breckenridge. They have five awesome terrain parks with half-pipes, rails, and more.
Although Breckenridge is very popular, even a bit crowded at times, they have met that challenge with 16 ski lifts and four high-speed quads. Lodging options are ski-in ski-out hotel rooms, condos and even private homes. The town of Breckenridge is an authentic mining town and offers quite a variety of shopping and nightlife.
The Kids’ Castle offers daycare programs for children including beginners’ ski lessons, a waterslide, and a climbing wall.
Don’t miss the Spring Massive Festival, which runs from April 1 – 22, with events scheduled every day. April 7-8 is SnowActive Kids’ weekend and includes free family fun activities, an Easter egg hunt, and Easter brunch.
9. ATTITASH & BEAR PEAK, New Hampshire
Family vacationers feel right at home at Attitash & Bear Peaks. In fact, they have a “Family Fun Zone” where the slopes are gentle and your whole family can ski together at its own pace.
The two peaks come together as one at the bottom, making a perfect meeting area for your more adventuresome teens. Special Programs are available for kids 4 to 12. At the Attitash Adventure Center beginning skiers and snowboarders take lessons and then hit the slopes!
Attitash is running a special until March 29. You can stay at the Attitash Grand Summit Resort Hotel mid-week for only $99 per person per night. Book early to take advantage of this one!
8. BRIGHTON Ski Resort
Not only has Brighton been voted the #1 Best Value in Utah, but it was also voted the #1 Child and Family-Friendly terrain.
They must like children here, because kids under 6 ski free. Ages 7-10 get discounted tickets.
Kids are grouped by age and ability in the ski and snowboard lessons. Lessons start at age 4. There are even lessons for seniors over 50! Not that being 50 means being a senior. But what the heck, it’s specialized and in my book, that counts.
Teens and snowboarders also flock to Brighton. The terrain parks are well known among boarders. The more adventuresome skiers and boarders will likely want to try night skiing.
Brighton Lodge is slopeside, but reserve your room early – they only have 20 rooms.
Next: The Countdown Continues…