Best US Mountain Resorts to Ski with Children

When it comes to family adventures, a skiing holiday has to feature at the top of the list; however, planning a ski getaway with little ones can feel a bit daunting.  Between choosing a beginner-friendly resort, packing all the correct winter gear, and working out transfer times, the holiday magic can get a little…lost.

That’s where we come in. From our Destination Specialists who will match you up with the dream chalet for your trip to our local concierge team who will take care of all the pesky details, we’re here to make planning a skiing holiday with children as effortless as can be. From the best beginner-friendly resorts in the Rocky Mountains to a wealth of fun family activities for when you’re not skiing, here’s our guide to hitting the slopes with the family.

PLANNING A FAMILY SKI TRIP

First things first: planning.

Before you jet off on your family ski holiday, you'll need to do some pre-planning. From making sure every member of the family has the right winter equipment to hiring skis and boots for the whole gang, here are some of our top tips to help you plan the perfect getaway:

• Pick the right time of year for your trip - if you want to enjoy a festive atmosphere, then during the Christmas and New Year period is the time to go. If you want the slopes to be quieter, then opt for a trip in January. Or, if you’re worried about the kids getting cold, you could wait for milder temperatures and sunny skies later on in the season.
• Choose a resort with plenty of activities on offer outside of skiing so everyone is kept happy and entertained.
• Children who are just learning to ski don’t need to go to a resort with lots of steep, scary black runs. Instead, opt for a resort with good nursery slopes and a choice of easy green runs for them to practice their newly learned skills on.
• Opt for a resort with less than 2 hours transfer time from the airport to ensure the little ones don’t start the trip grumpy and tired.
• Think about whether you want to buy or hire gear - with children growing so quickly, it can make sense to hire gear rather than buy it new every year. That way, you have less packing to do, too.
• Make sure to purchase your lift tickets in advance to avoid queuing.

BEST FAMILY SKI RESORTS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing a resort for your family ski vacation. The type of terrain and variety of the runs, the quality of ski lessons, the transfer time from the airport and the range of restaurants available all come into play. Ideally, the resort should have a little something for every member of the family. Here are a few of the best resorts for skiing with kids in the Rocky Mountains.

TRAVEL TIPS

What do I need to know before travelling to the Rocky Mountains?

You'll need to check whether your children need their own passports and visas or if they can be included on a parent's documentation.

Make sure you have the right type of car rental according to where you’re staying - some of our chalets in the Rocky Mountains can only be accessed by 4x4s during the winter months.

The Rocky Mountains are home to an incredible wealth of wildlife. Telling your children stories about all the animals they might be able to spot is a sure way to get them excited and engaged before the trip starts. If you have older children, educating them about how they should behave in the Great Outdoors and what to do should they come across a bear or a moose in the wild, is also a good idea.

What do I need to pack for a ski holiday with kids?

• Plenty of warm clothes
• Their favourite toys or teddies
• Some family games for the evening time
• A day pack to put all spare changes of clothes in when you’re out on the slopes

How can we involve the children in the vacation planning process?

Making the whole family feel part of the planning process is important. It gets everyone invested in and excited for the holiday long before it starts, and makes the kids feel like their opinions, wants, and needs are considered, too.

Ask the children for suggestions about what they’d like to do in addition to skiing. Walk them through the different options available and listen to their opinion on what they’d like best. Including one activity choice from every member of the family in the itinerary is a surefire way to keep everyone happy.

What should I bring with me for a family day on the slopes?

The weather in the mountains can change in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to plan for all eventualities. Dress the family in layers that can be added or taken off as needed. Pack a neckgaiter, suncream, extra gloves and an additional layer into your backpack and leave the rest of the extra gear in the lockers that can be found at the base areas. It only takes a few minutes to ski down to the lockers and will save you having to return to your chalet in the middle of the day.

Are there any events or activities in the Rocky Mountains that children would enjoy?

A winter getaway to the Rocky Mountains isn’t just about skiing: there are endless fun events for families during the winter months. From ice sculpting championships in Breckenridge to the renowned Sundance Film Festival in Park City, each mountain resort is bursting with a wealth of things to do and see, and the festive ambience over the winter months is hard to beat.