The National Ski Vacations Areas Association recognizes 472 ski areas in 37 American states, but families that value snow quality and beauty may also discover top-tier – and often surprisingly cheap – mountain resorts featuring winter activities both in the United States and beyond. To assist families select where to ski this winter, U.S. News compiled a list of 17 well-kept resorts that provide amenities like as expert teaching and child care facilities and guarantee family enjoyment both on and off the slopes.
Aspen Snowmass: Aspen, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass is one of America’s most sophisticated ski retreats, attracting an elite, international clientele because to its excellent ski schools, fine eating options, and proximity to the stylish mining town of Aspen. The largest of the resort’s four sister mountains, family-friendly Snowmass has a treehouse-themed child care center, roomy housing, and an action-packed pedestrian base village. Teens will like the four-mountain pass and free shuttle service, which provide some independence and the opportunity to ski Buttermilk (the location of the annual X Games Aspen).
Baqueira-Beret: Lérida, Spain
When not shredding powder, visitors to Baqueira-Beret, a popular ski resort approximately 170 miles northwest of Barcelona, Spain, may indulge in traditional Catalan cuisine and explore the area’s lovely villages. Families with diverse skill sets will appreciate how Baqueira’s three peaks are designed to accommodate varied abilities. Furthermore, Atlantic-facing mountains provide consistent snowfall and enough sunshine. Save time to visit 1800 Baqueira Children’s Park, which offers magnificent landscape for children aged 2 to 7.
Crystal Mountain: Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Mountain, located less than 14 miles east of Lake Michigan and approximately 125 miles north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of the Midwest’s premier alpine resorts. It has cross-country skiing, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage excursions, over 80 acres of snowshoeing, a spa, and a charming hamlet with a variety of hotel options. On the mountain, tourists will find 58 routes with varying topography, as well as eight lifts that provide access to at least one green run for novices. Families may also ski at night and participate in evening events for children, such as campfires and movie screenings.
Deer Valley Resort: Park City, Utah
Deer Valley Resort is routinely regarded as one of the world’s best ski resorts due to its personalized service, outstanding kids activities (such as lessons and a child care facility), a variety of food options, and 2,026 acres of crowd-free skiing. Stay on the mountain and receive a seventh night free (blackout dates apply), or spend at the rustic yet elegant Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley. In September 2018, the facility finished a $14 million extension, which included a family-friendly pool, a 3,500-square-foot gaming room, a huge ski locker room, a screening room, and an outside area with fire pits for s’mores. The resort also refurbished its ultra-luxury holiday houses, which include ski-in/ski-out access.
Club Med: France
For a stress-free ski trip where your only obligations are getting up, dressing up, and hitting the slopes, visit one of Club Med’s 15 all-inclusive mountain destinations in France. Most Club Med resorts in the nation provide supervised kids programs and ski instruction for children aged four to seventeen in their lodging prices. Additionally, equipment rentals and baby child care may be scheduled and paid for online. The new Club Med Les Arcs Panorama resort in Paradiski, France, is one of the brand’s most spectacular properties. The ski resort has three slopes and 139 ski lifts that connect to routes and terrain parks suitable for all skill levels.
Liftverbund Feldberg: Feldberg, Germany
A 4,593-foot summit will not excite frequent Rockies visitors, but families with children will love visiting southwestern Germany’s Black Forest region for family winter activities. Liftverbund Feldberg’s well-kept slopes are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowkiting. Sleep at the on-mountain Familotel Feldberger Hof, where lodging choices include double rooms and multibedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Rates include access to a well equipped leisure center with a pool and a kids splash area, supervised activities for children aged 6 months to 11 years old, all meals, lift tickets, and more.
Grand Targhee Resort: Alta, Wyoming
Despite the appeal of more than 500 inches of fresh snow every year, Grand Targhee Resort is reasonably priced and less congested than other ski destinations in the United States. Grand Targhee is smaller than the well-known Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which is located approximately 45 miles southeast, but it has lots of snowcat-served terrain. Families like the small base and friendly personnel, who oversee infants aged 2 months to 5 years in the child care center and teach adapted programs and lessons for children aged 3 to 14. Children aged 5 and under ski for free, while lift tickets for older children and adults are up to 25% cheaper when purchased online.
Holiday Valley: Ellicottville, New York
Holiday Valley, located just 185 miles from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, New York, attracts families with its enormous snowmaking, responsive personnel, and reasonably priced amenities. From February 3 to March 14, 2019, four-person family lift tickets and midweek accommodations begin at $549 for a two-night stay. Don’t miss the mountain coaster, snow tubing (the Little Tubers course is a must for children aged 6 and under), and the Seneca Clan Rock scavenger hunt. For a change of scenery, head a mile southeast to downtown Ellicottville, where visitors of all ages may explore a variety of stores and eateries.
Jay Peak Resort: Jay, Vermont
Rugged Jay Peak Resort is well renowned for gathering the most snowfall in eastern North America each year. Though the location has fewer on-site facilities than other rivals, tourists will nevertheless enjoy the resort’s exhilarating glade skiing, indoor water park, and low-cost accommodation prices. Beginners aged 13 and above are eligible for Ski Vermont’s $129 Take three coupons, which include three lessons, loaner gear, and lift tickets. Furthermore, the resort’s bilingual staff and Quebecoise mountain cuisine lend a French twist to this upstate Vermont destination.
Keystone Resort: Keystone, Colorado
Keystone Resort’s three mountains, located roughly 75 miles west of Denver, surpass all family expectations by providing introductory lessons with Vail Resorts-trained instructors as well as guided snowcat skiing for specialists. Off the slopes, guests may enjoy free daily kids club programs, parades, and carts to transport gear to and from designated family parking areas. Book on-mountain housing for two or more evenings through the resort’s website and receive complimentary lift tickets for children aged 12 and under, as well as free night skiing upon arrival, ice skating, yoga lessons, and more.