Skiing (and boarding) is enjoyed by many, from kids who haven’t even been walking long to cautious moms to extreme sport junkies. It pays to select a family-friendly ski resort. It is important for both enjoyment and safety. However, if you also want to save big, it is a little tricky.
Listed below are top ski resorts across the United States and Canada. These snowy slopes feature runs for all levels of skiers and boarders, boast ski schools with excellent kids’ programs, offer family-friendly accommodation and restaurants, and plenty of après-ski activities.
For beginners and families with small kids
CRESTED BUTTE
Beginner: 23% Intermediate: 57% Advanced/Expert: 20%
Features: set in the heart of Colorado, easily accessible from all directions
Easily accessible from all directions, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is set in the heart of Colorado. Its 121 runs spread over 1,167 acres (472 ha) cater to all skill levels. A designed for kids terrain park, one superpipe. The ski and ride school programs cover children from three to 12 years old, a teen program and Kids’ Night Out activities are also available.
You can find romantic places for on-mountain dining or take about six-minute shuttle ride from the mountain to town of Crested Butte for a deluge of restaurants, lodgings, bars and shops.
Saving Tips:Find great deals at Crested Butte resorts at Expedia.com!
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Beginner: 20% Intermediate: 55% Advanced/Expert: 25%
Features: world famous ski destination; long ski season (until mid-June)
World famous Whistler Blackcomb located approximately 115 km (72 mi) north of Vancouver, British Columbia. Two magnificent mountains together offer more than 8,100 acres (3,278 ha) of skiable terrain and a long ski season (until mid-June). Connected by a peak to peak gondola, the slopes feature over 200 runs and eight terrain parks and pipes; it is good for all skill levels. The Whistler Kids programs at the ski school provide young children with a fun and full experience that includes age-appropriate lessons, mountain adventures and social activities.
There is also a bounty of off-mountain and après-ski activities including horse-drawn sleigh rides and evening entertainment.
At the foot of the mountains, the friendly and energetic ski town of Whistler boasts an extensive range of accommodation and dining options for all budgets,
Tips: Save up to 30% on hotels in BC, home to your next great ski adventure!
Expedia.ca: Save up to 30% on hotels in BC, home to your next great ski adventure! – Expires 2/29/12
SUNSHINE VILLAGE
Beginner: 20% Intermediate: 55% Advanced/Expert: 25%
Features: wide open runs for beginners; kid campus
This is perfect for beginners and families have small kids. Wide open runs at Sunshine are perfect for beginners and the mountain also boasts a huge 12-acre terrain park. The excellent ski and snowboard school offers innovative programs for all ages and skill levels, including the Tiny Tigers Ski & Play program for three to six year olds and Kids Kampus for ages up to 12.
Sunshine Village spreads across three mountains in beautiful Banff National Park, Alberta. The expansive 3,300 acres (1,335 ha) of skiable terrain can be reached via a short 15-minute drive or shuttle ride from the bustling town of Banff.
Visitors can sleep on the mountain at the family-friendly ski-in, ski-out Sunshine Mountain Lodge, and can access on-mountain shops, rentals, and restaurants during the day. After the skiing day is done, there is a full range of amenities, restaurants, activities and accommodation in Banff.
HEAVENLY LAKE TAHOE
Beginner: 20% Intermediate: 45% Advanced/Expert: 35%
Features: best scenic beauty; highest elevation and longest vertical drop
Few ski resorts match Heavenly’s scenic beauty and expansive network of lifts, terrain, trails, and snowmaking. Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is the region’s largest mountain resort, featuring the highest elevation and longest vertical drop.
The views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra mountain range are magnificent. The snowfall tops 20 feet virtually every year and you can slide over 4,800 skiable acres. This resort spans two states (California and Nevada)
Family friendly and many activities
Tips: after Christmas holiday, the lift lines are shorter and price is lower
For intermediate to advance level and families with Teens
BIG WHITE
Beginner: 18% Intermediate: 54% Advanced/Expert: 28%
Features: ski-in, ski-out, teen program
If you enjoy ski-in, ski-out style or if you would like your teen to build more confidence, this is a good choice. Located near Kelowna, British Columbia, Big White boasts the largest ski-in, ski-out village in Canada. Staking claim to 118 runs, a terrain park, tubing park, a skating rink and snowmobile trails on more than 2,765 acres, this popular resort offers something for everyone.
The ski and board school provides specially tailored teen programs, and kids up to 12 years old can get their confidence up on the slopes at the Big White Kids Centre. Daytime and après-ski activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, live entertainment, bonfires and fireworks displays, while 18 on-mountain restaurants provide for a convenient break between runs or wind-down at the end of the day. Regular shuttles access the ski resort directly from Kelowna Airport.
STEAMBOAT SKI TOWN
Beginner: 14% Intermediate: 42% Advanced/Expert: 44%
Features: kid’s only lifts and terrain and Kids’ Vacation Center
Colorado is known as a prime US snow sports destination and Steamboat Ski Town is known for its accessibility to families. The ski and snowboard school offers children’s programs. The mountain has areas with kid’s only lifts and terrain. The resort also features a Kids’ Vacation Center, which offers day care and a Kids’ Night Out with snacks, movies and activities to keep kids happy. Its terrain park is kitted out with an outdoor sound system and diverse trails cater to all levels.
With the small ranching community of Steamboat Springs based at the foot of the mountain, the whole family will enjoy the resort’s unique western flavour and themed events.
MONT TREMBLANT
Beginner: 17% Intermediate: 33% Advanced/Expert: 50%
Features: European-style village; a smaller ski area covering 631 acres (255 ha)—making it easier to keep track of the rest of the family!
Quebec’s Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a four seasons resort. You can find its beautify in every season, especially if you like European style. The Snow School ensures results, safety and fun for all ages and levels with small group lessons, and the Kids Club offers daycare for non-skiing children aged one to six years old.
A wide variety of ski-in, ski-out accommodation is available in the charming European-style pedestrian village, which is also packed with shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and loads of family activities. Guests staying at the resort are treated to free nightly entertainment, and other family fun activities include winter horseback riding, paintball, an aerial forest adventure and much more.
