Top 10 US Ski Resorts Recommendations Perfect for Family Trip

From kids working on their pizza wedge to tweens honing their advanced skills, ski resorts are becoming more family-friendly across the U.S. These kid-friendly ski resorts have recognized the importance of catering to families and are helping kids progress their skills and enjoy their time on and off the mountain like never before.

1. Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington

In the summer, Washington’s largest ski area transforms into the perfect summer playground. Crystal Mountain Resort lies on the sunny side of Mt Rainier, just six miles from the Northeast entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and the popular Sunrise area of the park. Nestled amid stunning forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and pure Washington wilderness, Crystal Mountain is a fun and relaxing escape any time of the year.

2. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado

Breckenridge boasts four peaks for skiers and riders to explore in addition to the two lift-serviced summits that access terrain normally found only in the backcountry. With the greatest vertical drop in Summit County at 3,398 feet, there are equal options for skiers who are just learning to stand, and those who are learning to fly.

3. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

At 4,300 acres, the resort is also one of the largest in the United States, offering varied terrain within the hemlocks and pines. Since it opened in 1958, the resort has been known for its light and dry snow, and spectacular scenery.

4. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

As New Hampshire’s largest ski area, Bretton Woods offers skiers and riders long groomed trails combined with spectacular views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. The ski resort is consistently ranked as one of the best resorts in the east.

5. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers acclaimed programs for families and seasonal activities including alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing; enjoyment of 8 pools and 4 waterslides; guided hiking; children's programs and a zip line canopy tour.

6. Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky Montana is ….. big! Actually it’s massive! The skiable terrain of the Big Sky Ski Resort is one of the largest in North America, and the vertical drop is also one of the biggest in North America.

7. Northstar California, California

Northstar California, previously known as Northstar-at-Tahoe, is located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its laidback atmosphere coupled with high-end luxury accommodations, shopping and dining.

8. Deer Valley, Utah

As one of Utah’s most popular luxury mountain resorts (in the summer, too), Deer Valley Resort goes out of its way to ensure the best skiing experience possible. Some would argue it is impossible to have a bad day at Deer Valley thanks to their customer service and consistently excellent skiing terrain.

9. Sun Valley, Idaho

There are a lot of great ski resorts in the United States, but none can match Sun Valley’s rich winter sports history - this was literally the nation’s first destination ski resort, with the world’s first chairlifts, where the very idea of the American ski vacation was born.