Best Family Ski Resorts - ColoradoSome of the best family ski resorts in the world are located right in the USA….in Colorado. If you’re traveling with kids remember that many of the Ski Schools in Colorado have been voted the best in the country! This makes the Rockies the ideal place for family vacations.
Even though some of the areas have become more expensive, you can still find deals online and can often find discount lift tickets or vacation packages. Many of the mountains have “combo tickets” which allow you to ski at a variety of different resorts on one ticket. This is great for a family because different mountains often have different levels of skiing.
If you’ve ever thought about taking the kids skiing in Colorado, this season is the time to do it. The weak economy hurt the area last year. This is great news for you because this year ski areas are trying to lure tourist back with some amazing deals this winter.
Taking the kids skiing and boarding in Colorado has never been cheaper (at least in recent years). Some great family resorts in Colorado include:
Aspen/Snowmass, CO Aspen has earned its reputation as one of the premier places to teach kids and their parents the skills necessary to ski the Rockies. They do cater to kids, both on the mountain and off which adds them to our list of the best family ski resorts. The Family Zone in Snowmass is home to interactive kids' trails, races and a terrain park. Down at Snowmass village, they unveiled the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center a few years and it's become a huge success. They have themed rooms that entertain all kids. On top of skiing, they also have guided snowmobile tours, ice-skating and a family Snowcat ride to a cabin where there are Western sing-alongs and barbecue. The ESPN Winter X Games will also return to Aspen from January 28 to 31, 2010. They offer everything from child care to private and group ski lessons. You can also chose a mix of both for the smaller kids ages 8 weeks - 4 years. Your child can play in the snow and start on the slopes at a young age. Also offered is a state licensed daycare facility that will care for your children during the day or in the evening Callenge Aspen is a year-round program that offers access for anyone with a physical or cognitive disability to a variety of sports, recreational and cultural activities. In the winter, the program offers recreational skiing and snowboarding for individuals ages 4 and up at all levels. Those who participant receive specialized private instruction through Challenge Aspen's PSIA-certified adaptive instructors, and adaptive equipment is provided to accommodate all needs. The best family ski resorts have programs like this one.
Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge Colorado is not only known as being one of the best family ski resorts in the country, they also have a great kids program. The Breckenridge childcare centers offers entertainment to every member of the family… including the smallest ones! While you’re skiing on the slopes, they are being provided with top of the line individualized care. Outside playtime is also a priority and they try to take each child (over 12mo.) outdoors each day (depending on weather conditions and nap schedules). Children are grouped according to age, as well as development. All staff is certified in CPR and First-Aid, have training in developmentally appropriate practices, and have prior experience in childcare. Tons of fun activities are planned such as “Music March” and “Treasure Hunt Tuesdays!” You can relax knowing that your kids are not only safe but also having a blast.
Lodging facilities range from luxury resorts to bed and breakfasts and rental homes to condos. You can find a bunch of different options including some with high end amenities like exercise facilities, hot tubs and saunas. Many of them are ski in/ski out as well. Don’t worry though, there are many reasonable priced hotels with decent amenities if you are on a budget. Skiing isn’t the only activity at Breckenridge. If you can think of it, they probably have it. Dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowboarding and tubing are just a few activities. You can even explore the Country Boy Mine! Don’t forget to check out the vacation deals in the summer. Going off-season can save you a bunch of money.
Crested Butte, CO There is a ton of extreme skiing terrain at Crested Butte. So much so, that it attracted the US Extreme Skiing Championships and the X Games. The longest run on Mount Crested Butte is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) long. Within the town of Crested Butte, you’ll find not only miles of cross country skiing trails, but also a Nordic Center which has an ice skating. Not only one of the best family ski resorts, but the kids program is equally extreme. Camp CB is a great place for kids to learn to ski and snowboard. Kids are given their own trail map to show them some awesome trails where adult skis won't even fit! At night, you can bring the kids to Camp CB to enjoy a Kids’ Night Out (actually a parents’ night out, but don’t tell the kids that!) The kids have access to the adventure park which includes, tubing, ice skating and bungee jumping. Ages 4-12 are welcome. For the smaller kids, Crested Butte has three groups broken down by age. The nursery is call Baby Bears and cares for babies as young as 2 months to 18 months. The program provides caregiver ratio of two to one ratio so they get extra special attention.
The next program is called Cuddly Bears and cares for toddlers ages 19 months to 3 years. This program is for non-skiing children and includes organized activities, arts &crafts, games, snow play (weather permitting), and quiet time. Finally, the Snowy Bears program is for toddlers aged 2.5 to 3 years who want to add a one-hour private ski lesson. Ski equipment is included during lesson time but you would need to make sure your kids are bundled up and ready to ski with a hat, goggles and mittens. There are some beautiful options for lodging right next to the mountain that include studio hotel rooms or multi-bedroom suites. You can also find rental homes, cabins, Bed & Breakfasts or Inns. You will definitely be able to find an accommodation that fits both your family’s size and budget.
Steamboat, CO One of the best family ski resorts? Steamboat has one of the top teen programs in the States. "Rough Rider" clinics are offered daily for kids ages 13 to 18. Afterward, teens can hang out at Night Owls where they can go tubing and indoor climbing. Children ages 4 to 12 have five kids-only lifts and special ski terrain around frontier-style forts. At night, the Kids Adventure Club features supervision, movies, games and snacks. Not to be left out, Steamboat also has its special week for kids. It’s called "Desperados" Ski Week and it allows kids and teens from 1 grade through 15 years to ski with the same instructor and group. This not only lets them develop awesome skills but they also make lifelong friends. They younger kids are not forgotten. Steamboat offer a daycare by experienced staff. This year, the Kids’ Vacation Center’s new slopeside entrance will add 3,000 sq. ft. to the children’s complex. Steamboat’s kids’ programs are recognized as the top kids programs in the industry. Whether your child has never seen snow or is an expert on the slopes, Steamboat provides a positive and rewarding experience.
Kids 6 months through Kindergarten are given excellent child care with age-appropriate activities. Now they can have lots of fun while you are enjoying the slopes. Best of all, you can rest easy knowing they are in good hands. Lunches are included in all-day programs for kid’s 18 months and older. Baby food, formula & diapers are not provided. You can also drag the entire family over to Steamboat Springs for a look at an authentic Wild West town. Be on the lookout for the Family Snow Festival, which usually happens during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. Last year's performers included Smash Mouth and Mitchel Musson from the Hannah Montana series. One of the best family ski resort? You bet!
Vail and Beaver Creek, CO Vail and Beaver Creek are sister properties run by Vail Resorts. They are one of the best family ski resorts for children. They have an excellent child-care center for kids of all ages…maybe the best in the west. For babies to toddlers, the nursery provides great, on mountain, care. Kids as young as 3 years old are able to take advantage of the Ski School. This can really teach your kids to ski and give them a fun day too (and give you time to ski with your spouse). Of course, it doesn’t come cheap, but you certainly pay for quality and you don't have to worry about your kids. Beaver Creek resort has all kinds of family activities and they offer them seven days a week! Small World Child Care gives not only you a vacation but also your kids. Each center is designed to suite your child’s age and development. This program meets or exceeds the standards set by the Colorado Department of Human Services for ski area childcare facilities. Just drop your kids off with disposable diapers or pull-ups, a change of clothing, shoes to wear indoors and a special sleep toy or blanket…they will take care of the rest! Not unlike other top ski resorts, Vail and Beaver Creek offer you more for your money than just skiing (but the skiing is great!) There is tubing, rail-jam, snowshoe tours, ice skating and a bungee trampoline to name a few. This month is their Tree Lighting and Gingerbread Competition on November 27th. This is the 7th annual Fantasy Gingerbread competition and the 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. A fireworks display kicks off the holiday season in Beaver Creek. Included in the festivities are a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, carolers and Santa on a Zamboni!
Lodging is no different here than at the other top notch ski resorts. You will find what you need plus what you want all in one. Prices range from very affordable to luxurious. Again, you have your choices of accommodations. Renting a vacation home can be quite affordable – especially for a large family and there are many in the area.
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