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Best Ski Resort for Families 2027

By Readers' Choice On 11/4/26 at 12:00 PM EST

From beginner-friendly slopes and ski lessons to on-mountain activities and family-focused amenities, ski resorts make it easy for families to enjoy a winter getaway together. Vote for your favorite by clicking below. Voting ends December 2, 2026. Winners will be announced December 16, 2026.

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Bretton Woods Ski Area - New Hampshire

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Bretton Woods Ski Area offers families a manageable introduction to skiing, with 63 trails, extensive beginner terrain and a reputation for well-groomed slopes. Its ski school offers children's programs, including introductory lessons for 4- to 6-year-olds and group instruction for children aged 4-12. Off the mountain, families can explore the White Mountains, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, go snowshoeing or enjoy the resort's indoor swimming pool. The Omni Mount Washington Resort adds dining, shopping and supervised children's activities, giving parents opportunities to enjoy some child-free time.

Brighton Resort - Utah

Brighton Resort

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Brighton Resort is a practical choice for families looking for a relaxed mountain atmosphere and terrain that accommodates different ability levels. Its ski school introduces children to skiing and snowboarding while helping more experienced young riders develop their skills. The resort's relatively compact layout makes it easier for families to coordinate lessons and meet between runs. Brighton's night skiing is another advantage, allowing families to extend their time on the mountain after the sun goes down. Nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon offers opportunities for snowshoeing and winter scenery, while Salt Lake City's restaurants, entertainment and accommodations are within driving distance.

Deer Valley Resort - Utah

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Deer Valley Resort combines attentive service with a substantial range of children's programs, making it a strong option for families with young children. Its ski school offers group lessons for ages 3 to 17, along with private instruction and specialty clinics. The state-licensed Children's Center accepts ages 2 months to 12 years, with age-specific rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, storytelling, crafts and lunch as part of full-day care. On the mountain, groomed trails and dedicated learning areas help younger skiers build confidence. Off the slopes, families can explore Park City's restaurants, shops and winter activities.

Jay Peak Resort - Vermont

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Jay Peak Resort gives families a combination of substantial snowfall, varied ski terrain and activities that continue after the lifts close. Its ski school offers instruction for children learning the basics as well as young skiers ready to explore more challenging runs. The resort's biggest family draw beyond skiing is the Pump House, an indoor water park with slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. Families can also visit the climbing center, skate at the indoor ice arena or catch a movie. The concentration of activities makes Jay Peak particularly appealing for multiday trips when children need a break from skiing.

Killington Resort - Vermont

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Killington Resort offers families a large mountain to grow into, with 155 trails and instruction options for different ages and abilities. Its ski school provides group lessons, private instruction and multiweek programs, while on-site childcare gives parents of younger children time to ski independently. Snow tubing offers an alternative way for children to enjoy the mountain without committing to a full day of skiing. The resort's extensive lift network and range of terrain make it possible for family members to pursue different challenges before meeting again. In warmer months, the Adventure Center, mountain biking, golf and hiking extend the appeal beyond winter.

Loon Mountain Resort - New Hampshire

Loon Mountain Resort

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Loon Mountain Resort makes family ski trips convenient, particularly for visitors driving from Boston and other parts of New England. Its three peaks offer a mix of beginner slopes, intermediate cruisers and more challenging terrain as children improve. The Children's Center provides a dedicated learning space, while group lessons are available for 4- to 13- year-olds. Younger children aged 2 to 3 can try short introductory private lessons. Away from the slopes, the Adventure Center offers ice skating, cross-country skiing and an indoor climbing wall. The resort's proximity to Lincoln also gives families access to restaurants, shops and local winter attractions.

Mount Snow - Vermont

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Mount Snow offers families a combination of approachable skiing, children's instruction and activities for days when everyone wants a change of pace. Its four mountain areas include beginner-friendly trails, wide cruisers and more challenging terrain for experienced family members. The Ski and Ride School provides lessons for young skiers and snowboarders, while on-site childcare caters for ages 18 months to 4 years, subject to availability and advance reservations. Families can also visit the tubing park, explore nearby southern Vermont towns or enjoy the resort's dining and lodging options. Its extensive snowmaking helps support consistent conditions throughout the season.

Northstar California - California

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Northstar California offers a family-oriented base village and terrain that makes it easier for relatives with different abilities to spend time together. More than 60% of its trails are geared toward beginner and intermediate skiers, while the ski school offers instruction for both children and adults. Families with preschoolers can approach Little Gems of the Sierra, an independent childcare provider in the village offering weekend care for children aged 2-5 years. After skiing, the village provides restaurants, shops and an outdoor ice-skating rink, creating an easy place to regroup without getting back in the car.

Schweitzer - Idaho

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Schweitzer gives families room to explore a substantial mountain while offering practical support for parents with younger children. Its KinderKamp program combines childcare and ski instruction for youngsters aged 4 to 6, with full-day and half-day options that include meals and snacks. Private lesson add-ons are also available for younger children, subject to scheduling. Older children can develop their skills across the mountain's varied terrain, while parents can take advantage of the resort's larger network of runs. Off the slopes, families can enjoy tubing, village dining and views of Lake Pend Oreille. The integrated childcare and lesson arrangements are a particular advantage.

Smugglers' Notch Resort - Vermont

Smugglers' Notch Resort

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Smugglers' Notch Resort has built its reputation around making ski vacations work for families, particularly those traveling with young children. Its three mountains offer dedicated learning areas, gentle beginner trails and more demanding terrain as young skiers gain confidence. Children's programs include lessons and adaptive instruction, while the TREASURES Child Care Center provides licensed care, indoor playrooms and an outdoor playground for younger guests. The resort also offers family activities and supervised spaces for teenagers, including the Alley Teen Center. Village accommodations, restaurants and a shuttle service help keep the experience convenient, reducing the need to drive between activities.

Snowbasin Resort - Utah

Snowbasin Resort

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Snowbasin Resort offers families a combination of beginner-friendly learning areas and terrain that can keep more experienced skiers occupied. Children can start on magic carpets and progress to easier runs, while designated family zones encourage slower-paced skiing. Its Ski and Ride School offers single-day lessons and multiweek programs, including age-specific instruction for children as young as 3. The four-week programs give young skiers an opportunity to build skills alongside familiar instructors and classmates. Off the mountain, the resort's impressive lodges provide places to relax and dine, while nearby Ogden offers additional restaurants and family activities.

Snowmass - Colorado

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Snowmass is particularly well-suited to families with children at different stages of ability. Its wide beginner runs, dedicated learning areas and children's ski school programs make it easier for younger skiers to develop confidence while more experienced family members explore the mountain. Children aged 6 years and younger can ski free across Aspen Snowmass, adding value for families. The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center provides state-licensed childcare for 1- to 4-year-olds, with separate spaces for different age groups. Off the slopes, families can enjoy snow tubing, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, ice skating and seasonal evening events at Elk Camp.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort - West Virginia

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Snowshoe Mountain Resort gives families several ways to enjoy winter beyond traditional downhill skiing. Its ski school offers group instruction for children aged 4 and older, with private lessons available for more personalized coaching. The Pre-Ski School is especially useful for parents with toddlers: Children aged 2-4 years can participate in supervised play, crafts and introductory snow activities, while parents spend time on the slopes. The Coca-Cola Tubing Hill provides another activity for families, while Split Rock Pools offers a place to unwind after skiing. The Bear's Den offers arcade games and other entertainment, adding to the resort's appeal for multigenerational trips.

Sunday River Resort - Maine

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Sunday River Resort offers families a substantial mountain with eight interconnected peaks and children's programs designed for different ages and abilities. Its SnowSports School provides group instruction for children ages 2½ to 14, while seasonal programs such as Mini Runners introduce 3- and 4-year-olds to skiing in a supportive environment. Older children can join River Runners, a season-long program focused on skill development and exploring more terrain. The South Ridge area provides beginner-friendly conveyor lifts for first turns. Families can also enjoy tubing and other resort activities, while nearby Bethel offers restaurants and a small-town setting for an evening away from the slopes.

Wolf Creek Ski Area - Colorado

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Wolf Creek Ski Area appeals to families looking for a less commercialized mountain experience, with abundant natural snowfall and terrain for a range of abilities. Its ski school offers child group lessons for ages 5-8 years and 9-12 years, with private instruction available for younger children. Full-day children's lessons include a lift ticket, and the younger group receives lunch, helping simplify the logistics of a family ski day. The mountain's beginner areas provide a place to build confidence before exploring more challenging runs. Nearby Pagosa Springs adds another dimension to a family visit, with restaurants, accommodations and natural hot springs for relaxing after skiing.

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