9 Best 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 everyone, with varying activities and skill levels . At these resorts, there’s plenty to enjoy for kids of all ages and their parents, too.

Beaver Creek Resort

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

Stowe Mountain Resort

This Vermont 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 intown, theTrapp Family Lodge, where families can enjoy miles of cross-country skiing on property, along with activities such as baking classes and yoga.Mount Mansfieldlies just minutes down the road. And the famousBen & Jerry’s factoryoffers tours, and tastings, in nearby Waterbury.

Northstar California Resort

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

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Keystone Resort

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 ofKeystonein Colorado. Snowbiking, snowcat tours and a horse-drawn wagon to dinner in a rustic cabin amp up the usual seasonal fun.

For the rest of the best family ski resorts, including all kinds of dog-centric fun in Montana, visit Fodor’s.