The Best Family Ski Resort For Every Family

Looking for the best family ski resort before making a decision? Family skiing sounds like loads of fun, but what do you do when the little one wets her pants on the lift up the mountain? Or, what if they are too small to go anywhere near a lift? What about teenagers who don't want you to drop them off at school, let alone hang by their side for an entire weekend? Oh, and what about the toddler who doesn't like that wet, cold stuff half as much as the rest of the family?

These are problems my family has experienced over the years, but luckily we have always found solutions so that everyone enjoyed each family skiing trip to the fullest. In our experience, it really comes down to picking the best family ski resorts and considering the small details.

Be Prepared!

Your best family ski resort will offer suitable slopes for the skill level of every skier in the family, as well as some off-slope activities for those in the family who may not enjoy skiing as much.

It’s also important to find out what the trip from the ski resort to the airport is like. Some resorts are far away from the airport which could mean a pricey trip by cab or steamboat back and forth. If a flight requires connections from main airports into smaller airports those extra expenses can add up!

Finally, look into the climate of the state the ski resort is located in. Some areas of the country get extremely cold in December and January and may be too cold for smaller children to really enjoy the trip.

The Best Options

The following is a quick rundown of what many families have found to be a "best family ski resort".

Grand Targhee, Idaho-- You will not find the bars, lodges, and party atmosphere that many popular resorts have today. It is more of a quiet, laid back atmosphere where families can just be together and enjoy the snow. Just keep in mind that also means you won't have as many options for dining out or shopping. They also don't have a lot of off-snow activities, so it is more suitable to families who really enjoy skiing as the main event.

Breckenridge, Colorado--This is the solution to the toddler who screams when you put her in the pretty pink snowsuit and the teenager skiing for the first time ever. As one of the best family ski resorts, Breckenridge offers a variety of child-focused amenities such as two nurseries for babies and toddlers, ski lessons just for children, and a pond for ice skating. It is also economical for larger families since you can purchase one ski pass and gain access to three different mountains with close to 150 trails of varying skill levels!

SilverStar, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada This resort is a top choice for our family in the category of " best family ski resort "! Nestled high in the mountains, Silver Star is reminiscent of ski villages in Europe. The resort if a little village in itself complete with horse drawn sleigh rides, night skiing, quaint restaurants, outdoor pools and hot tubs. Apres ski, adults can try some wine tasting featuring locally grown vintages. Don't know how to ski? There are group and private lessons - for all ages from small child to teens to adults. There are runs for all levels of skier and challenge and fun enough for everyone. This laid back ski resort is made for families who want to enjoy the outdoors during the day and relax in a quiet village at night. Shop in the quaint boutiques, and enjoy quiet pubs, bars and places to eat right on the hill. Excellent menu choices and family friendly restaurants are right here on the hill. Accommodation choices include hotel rooms, condos, or if you prefer rent a villa or house on the hill. Ski-in / ski-out accomodations are available so you can spend your time skiing - not traveling to the hill!

Copper Mountain, Colorado--If your interests go beyond just family skiing, try Copper Mountain. You can go snowmobiling, tubing, ride a sleigh, or just enjoy the snow skate park. If you have a brooding teenager or pre-teen who doesn't like skiing, they will find alternative entertainment here! The ski slopes are also designed so that beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers are in different areas of the resort. There is never a mistaken slope that could lead to danger! They also provide a special where kids can ski for free.

Northstar At Tahoe--If you are after gentle but fun slopes and something unusual that none of your friends have likely tried before, Northstar could be the place for you. Many expert skiers and danger seekers may write this resort off as being for babies, but that ease in slopes is what many families enjoy! Not only are the slopes smoother to sail down, but this is a great place to try snowbiking or snowscooting! There is also a lot of tubing going on at this resort.

Sunshine Village, Banff, Alberta, Canada--If your family loves skiing this is the place to go! And if some of your family doesn't like to ski - come here anyway. The nearby town of Banff has enough shopping and activities to keep them busy and happy! Accommodation options include staying on the hill (recommended only if your whole family likes to ski) or in the town of Banff which is 20 minutes away. This family oriented ski hill has all natural snow, runs from total beginner to extreme expert and includes terrain parks for the snow boarder. Banff is located in Banff National Park and is a historic town with quaint boutiques, and many restaurant and hotel choices. Magnificent mountains tower around you and elk are frequent visitors to the town site.

Smuggler's Notch, Vermont--This is one of the best family ski resorts simply because it addresses many of the safety concerns parents have about family skiing. If your kids don't want to be on a leash, you can relax knowing every ski slope leads directly to one central location. They have top notch nurseries for the smaller family members and an indoor playland as well. They also have camps and lessons for kids to become more confident on the snowy trails.

There are many other really great family ski resorts, so get out there and explore! Check out more family ski resorts in Colorado, New England and Pennsylvania. You will find family skiing adventures everyone can enjoy.