The 10 Most Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the West (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
It’s fair to say that you can take a family to any ski hill in North America--mega-resort or mom-and-pop--and have a nice day on the slopes. After all, kids don’t need anything more than adults do when it comes to sliding down a mountain on snow. That said, some ski resorts just put more thought into the family experience than others, and it shows. From wagons to help tote tired kids back to the lodge to weekly programming with crafts, sweets, and character parades, some resorts really roll out the red carpet for families.
See the Full Rankings: The Top 3o Resorts in the West for 2024
If that sounds like the type of experience you’re seeking this winter, start with these 10 Western resorts that put their money where their mouths are when it comes to keeping little shredders in good spirits.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts in the West
No. 10: Park City Resort, Utah
Score: 8.35
Other Strengths: Access, Lodging
Weaknesses: Parking, Guest Service
What Readers Say
“Definitely a family resort but with enough steeps and trees for even an hardcore expert with a lot of years under their belt.”
“This resort is great for everyone in the family. There is plenty of steep and deep terrain. There are also parks and good beginner areas. There is so much terrain that you can always ski away from the crowds.”
No. 9: Keystone Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.42
Other Strengths: Parking, Access
Weaknesses: Snow, Local Flavor
What Readers Say
“So great for families, beginners, and intermediates. There are so many runs on the three peaks. Something for everyone! I love the greens for skiing with my young grandkids who are just learning and cruising the blues with my sons! I love Schoolmarm, the Family Ski Trail!”
“This has been my favorite resort for 30-plus years. I taught my sons to ski here and I am now teaching my grandkids to ski here. I absolutely love Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon for this purpose. The very place for kids to learn to ski! I love this resort!!”
No. 8: Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Score: 8.43
Other Strengths: Grooming, Lifts
Weaknesses: Access Value
What Readers Say
“There are options for the whole family and all ages with regards to skiing, apres-ski, and non-skiers.”
“There is such variety of terrain that it’s great for everyone. Families with young kids can go to Snowmass and families with older kids can let them take the free buses by themselves, to Aspen--they’ll love being able to wander the town on their own.”
No. 7: Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Score: 8.47
Other Strengths: Value, Access
Weaknesses: Lodging, Nightlife
What Readers Say
“Family friendly. Love the annual Easter Egg hunt. Both kids learned to ski at Loveland. Easy to access and decent runs.”
“Great for beginners. Plenty of green/blue trails and the Valley area is specifically for beginners. Also great for families, given the affordable price point.”
No. 6: Snowbasin Resort, Utah
Score: 8.50
Other Strengths: Access, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Lodging, Access
What Readers Say
“I brought my family up this year and they loved it. They were all beginners. The best part was when we got to the intermediate level and could see see more of the mountain.”
“There is something for everyone here. From the tiniest family member to the oldest. And any level. The Learn and Earn program is the best!”
No. 5: Lake Louise, Alb.
Score: 8.63
Other Strengths: Local Flavor, Parking
Weaknesses: Snow, Grooming
What Readers Say
“This is a great destination for families with intermediate skiers who really want a lot of acreage to explore. There are some really fun parts of the resort that advanced beginners to upper-intermediate skiers would love, some of it might challenge them but it’ll also make them better skiers.”
“Lake Louise is the whole package for a family vacation. The slopes are perfect for intermediate cruisers and there’s also some great expert terrain to level up on. The town of Banff is amazing, so much to do, places to eat, and great hotels. And the two Fairmont hotels are like fairy tale castles. Can’t beat them for amazing family accommodations with plenty of off-slope activities.”
No. 4: Sun Valley, Idaho
Score: 8.72
Other Strengths: Grooming, Local Flavor
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Access
What Readers Say
“Learn to ski on Dollar with your family or hit the steep slopes of Baldy for a challenge. It really has something for everyone and progression for all groups.”
“Sun Valley combines history, charm, wilderness, and great skiing all into a wonderful family experience”
No. 3: Beaver Creek Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.76
Other Strengths: Lodging, Grooming
Weaknesses: Value, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Great terrain, McCoy Park is amazing for kids, and Grouse Mountain is good for experts. The Arrowhead groomers are awesome.”
“Great for families, and also very challenging. Almost never a lift line. Free cookies at 3 p.m.!”
No. 2: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Score: 8.89
Other Strengths: Access, Guest Service
Weaknesses: Challenge, Parking
What Readers Say
“This is a great family resort. World-class ski school that knows how to keep the little ones having fun and learning to sk. Beginners and hard chargers both would have fun.”
“Great for families, with the best ski school experience we have had.”
No. 1: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Score: 8.90
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Dining
Weaknesses: Access, Challenge
What Readers Say
“We ski at Steamboat over the Christmas holiday every year. It never fails to deliver on a spectacular time. There are plenty of options for families, which has served us well as our kids have grown into young adults who are now in college.”
“Steamboat was a very family-friendly ski resort. My daughter loved the ski school lessons and cannot wait to return.”
For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.
