Top 10 Most Family-Friendly Resorts in the East (2024)
This article originally appeared on Ski Mag
What’s better than teaching your kids to love winter and the outdoors through skiing? Taking ski trips as a whole family is one of the best bonding activities out there, and bonus, it’s pretty hard to be glued to your phone while skiing.
See the Full Rankings: Top 20 Resorts in the East
All ski resorts are welcoming to families, but the following list has been voted as the best of the best for catering to your whole clan. From nearby lodging and affordable dining to top-rated ski schools, families come first at these 10 resorts, according to the results of the 2024 Reader Resort Survey.
Top 10 Most Family-Friendly Resorts in the East
No. 10: Loon Mountain, N.H.
Score: 8.11
Other Strengths: Guest Service, Value
Weaknesses: Grooming, Lifts
What Readers Say
“It’s a great family mountain because it’s large enough but not too large, great lifts and great snowmaking.”
“Great for families with varied skill level skiers.”
No. 9: Mont Tremblant, Que.
Score: 8.37
Other Strengths: Dining, Apres
Weaknesses: Value, Parking
What Readers Say
“Overall, I would highly recommend this resort because of my most recent visit to friends and family and anyone else should I be approached for my opinion.”
“I think anyone can enjoy Tremblant, whether it’s families, beginners or hard-chargers.”
No. 8: Gore Mountain, N.Y.
Score: 8.38
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Value
Weaknesses: Lifts, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Gore is a good overhaul mountain with trails to suit all levels of skiers. Gore is also a very family-friendly mountain.”
“[Reccomended for] Families and those looking for an East Coast experience without the cost and crowds.”
No. 7: Okemo Mountain Resort, Vt.
Score: 8.39
Other Strengths: Dining, Lodging
Weaknesses: Terrain Variety, Challenge
What Readers Say
“I would recommend this resort to families and intermediate-advanced skiers because there are a lot of long blue runs to practice carving your turns on a slightly steeper pitch. Also, there are usually multiple difficulties of trails off of a single lift, so everyone in a family could choose their favorite/comfortable slope and then meet back at the bottom of the said lift.”
“Love Okemo for its family vibe and varied terrain.”
No. 6: Sugarbush Resort, Vt.
Score: 8.45
Other Strengths: Challenge, Nightlife
Weaknesses: Snow, Value
What Readers Say
“Great combination of a big-time resort with a family-friendly feel. ”
“When skiing with family it is so important to have varied beginner terrain as well as many stepped challenges to keep your ability growing and Sugarbush is perfect for this.”
No. 5: Bretton Woods, N.H.
Score: 8.95
Other Strengths: Snow, Lifts
Weaknesses: Nightlife, Challenge
What Readers Say
“Family friendly. Great beginner mountain.”
“My family loves the relaxed, comfortable vibe! Staff are helpful and cheerful!”
No. 4: Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Mass.
Score: 9.05
Other Strengths: Snow, Access
Weaknesses: Challenge, Lodging
What Readers Say
“I highly recommend this resort to family beginners, etc., and offers outstanding value.”
“Wachusett Mountain is 1 hour or less from Greater Boston with great beginner to expert terrain and night skiing for all, especially families.”
No. 3: Holiday Valley, N.Y.
Score: 9.08
Other Strengths: Lifts, Dining
Weaknesses: Snow, Terrain Variety
What Readers Say
“Highly recommended for families given the historic and ongoing family-based foundations of the resort. They even provide electric outlets in one of their base lodges for guests to plug in their own crackpots.”
“Definitely family friendly. Fun for couples too. So much to do in town after a day of skiing. It’s the Aspen of the East, in my humble opinion!”
No. 2: Mad River Glen, Vt.
Score: 9.36
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Challenge
Weaknesses: Grooming, Lodging
What Readers Say
“Family oriented. Locals preferred Trails are Extremely interesting.”
“Great for families good ski school, good terrain for all skiers.”
No. 1: Smugglers’ Notch, Vt.
Score: 9.70
Other Strengths: Terrain Variety, Value
Weaknesses: Lifts, Apres
What Readers Say
“Best ski school/instructors; fantastic family vibe; lots of activities for the family to enjoy.”
“Great family-centered resort. Has all the amenities needed to feel a home away from home.”
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