5 U.S. ski resorts for families

We’ve all heard that the family who plays together stays together. Even if a clan contains all types —from shredders to spa-lovers — the slopes can offer wintry entertainment for varying activities, skill levels, and tastes. The following resorts across the country have a reputation for being especially kind to kin. Not only will kids of all ages find happiness at these spots, there’s plenty for parents to enjoy, too.

BEAVER CREEK RESORT
Where: Beaver Creek, CO
The promise of hot chocolate on the mountaintop in the morning and a warm chocolate chip cookie break each afternoon awaits at this picturesque resort. In addition to seemingly endless entertainment options from sleigh riding to shopping to a skating rink, Beaver Creek has been recognized by the National Ski Area Association with an award for overall safety.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Where: Stowe, VT
This New England ski area is home to one of the most well-known families in the world: the Von Trapps of Sound of Music fame settled in Stowe after they fled Europe. The family continues to run a lodge in town, the Trapp Family Lodge, where families can enjoy miles of cross-country skiing on property, along with activities such as baking classes and yoga. Mount Mansfield lies just minutes down the road. And the famous Ben & Jerry’s factory offers tours, and tastings, in nearby Waterbury.

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA RESORT
Where: Lake Tahoe, CA
The Tahoe Value Pass allows access to three resorts — Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar — so there’s little risk of becoming bored in Tahoe. Families especially enjoy Northstar for its tubing hill, bungee trampoline, moonlight snowshoe tours, and après-ski activities such as “build-your-own-smores” cookouts right in the village at an outdoor firepit.

KEYSTONE RESORT
Where: Keystone, CO
While the snow fort “Kidtopia” — with its tunnels and climbable exterior — will enchant the little ones, weekend fireworks, parades, and mountain lightshows entertain any age at the snowy western respite of Keystone. Snowbiking, snowcat tours, and a horse-drawn wagon to dinner in a rustic cabin amp up the usual seasonal fun.

DEER VALLEY
Where: Park City, UT
Who wouldn’t be impressed by slopes where you can ski side-by-side with an Olympian? Live the dream at Deer Valley. Be sure to give Heidi Voelker, who will be on the premises all winter, a wave when she swishes by (or maybe ask her for a tip or two). NASTAR onsite ski racing provides another great reason to rub elbows with the athletes.

For even more family-friendly and gorgeous ski resorts, including Big Sky Resort where skiers can watch dogs sledding and Taos Ski Valley, which boasts a state-of-the-art children’s centet, go toFodors.com.