Best Ski Areas and Resorts For Families

Skiing is a unique adventure that families can enjoy together for decades. Beyond the thrill of racing down the slopes, skiing fosters lasting family bonds and helps kids develop essential skills. Family-friendly ski and snowboard resorts offer the comforts of cozy lodges, group and individual lessons, well-trained ski patrol, and impeccably groomed trails with clear signage. This means everyone, from little ones just learning to glide to seasoned pros, can have a safe and memorable experience.

We know that skiing can sometimes feel like a splurge—think gear, lift tickets, and those delicious hot chocolates—but don’t worry. With a few savvy strategies, you can keep costs manageable and still have an incredible time. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time, our expert tips will help you maximize the fun without breaking the bank.

Think about your group. Does it include beginners, intermediates, experts or even non-skiers? If everyone is a budding pro, maybe the steeps of Jackson, Mammoth, or Whistler are for you. But beginning and intermediate skiers are going to have more fun at a smaller area where they can focus on their skills, rather than dodging wanna-be racers and crushers training for the next Freeride World Tour. You don’t need or want thousands of feet of vertical relief if you’re just learning; pick a ski area with mostly blue and green runs.

Lift tickets are getting more expensive every year. The key to a good family-friendly ski area is that it is budget-friendly. Many areas will have cheaper tickets mid-week, or deals where you get one kid’s pass for every adult ticket you buy. Check to see if they have a “learn to ski” program where beginners get a low-cost package that includes the lift ticket, rental gear and a lesson. Or if kids under the age of 12 can ski free. Many areas offer a free or low-cost “beginner” lift where you work on your pizza-pie turns and hockey stops. Also, don’t forget that there are many discounts for veterans and individuals experiencing disabilities.

• In Utah, 4th, 5th and 6th graders can get a Student Ski Passport; for $69, every student gets 3-free days at each of the 15 participating resorts.
• In Colorado, skiers from grades 3 to 6 can get a CSCUSA Ski passport for $67 that provides no-cost access to 20 of the state’s top ski resorts; you also get 2 free Junior daily rentals from Christy Sports. If travel is in your plans, consider an Epic Pass which gives access to 39 ski resorts around the world, or the Ikon pass, with its 50-plus destinations. Both offer student discounts, as well as entry level deals for beginners.
• In Idaho, you can buy a $29 Youth Pass for 5th and 6th grade kids; they ski free at 17 resorts across the state.
• In Canada, you can get a Snowstart Kidz Pass for $40 that gives children ages 6-12 three days of free skiing at each of the participating ski areas.
• Skiing in Europe is much more affordable for families than in the US. Lift tickets, even in the scenic, historic Alps, cost a fraction of what they cost at many US resorts. And food and lodging is much cheaper.
• There are also great discounts available for veterans and their families. At the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, a new  Mountain Veterans Program  covers all costs to participating veterans and their families, including transportation, lodging, meals and activities, as well as referrals from four U.S. military hospitals. Adaptive ski lessons through the Sundance ski school will make it possible for veterans to hone new skills on the slopes as well. 

Night skiing is magic for kids and adults alike. And it costs a lot less than a full-day ticket. Just remember to bundle up skiing at night can get colder than when the sun is shining.

US ski areas are notorious for expensive food. Smart skiers bring their own snacks, lunch and even après ski treats. A good family ski area will also provide a spot where you can eat your own food; some even provide a microwave so you can heat up soup and water for hot chocolate.

Ski resort parking lots seem to get bigger and bigger. This makes it tough when you’re skiing with small children and juggling all their gear from the car to the lodge and back. Smaller ski areas mean smaller parking lots and less walking. Some ski areas reserve parking near the beginner lifts for families. Check individual web sites for individual parking accommodations for families.

If you are lucky, you’ll have a local ski area you can visit on a regular basis; that way you can take advantage of good weather, mid-week specials, and get to know the mountain like your own backyard. But if you are embarking on a multi-day family friendly ski holiday, here are other things to consider.

• Does your hotel have deals on lift tickets? Some hotels provide deeply discounted or even free lift tickets if you stay with them.
• Are there ski-in/ski-options where you don’t have to drive during your stay? Sometimes these lodges cost a bit more than an off-site hotel, but for families, they can be a big energy and time saver.
• Are there other activities that you can enjoy in addition to skiing: think ice skating, dog sled rides, and sleigh rides.
• Does the area offer a vacation package that includes family-friendly benefits? Sometimes if you book early, you can access deep discounts.
• Some resorts partner with airlines and provide a free day of skiing with your plane ticket. Check with both resorts and airlines.

You’ll have more fun in a ski area that provides a more intimate experience for novices and experts alike. These “Ma and Pa” areas are often family-owned and operated. Sure, the big resorts are fun, but why battle the crowds, wait in long lift lines, and dodge all the expert skiers when you can enjoy a quiet mountain experience? There are dozens of these smaller resorts in North America.

The following “hidden gems” are top choices for a relaxed and budget-friendly experience. They are spots that everyone from toddlers mastering their first turns to grandparents enjoying the slopes well into their 80s or 90s can stay active, connected, and enjoy the outdoors while not breaking the bank.

Beech Mountain Resort, in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, is a family-friendly destination with great slopes and charming hospitality at budget-friendly prices. It’s the highest ski area in the eastern U.S., with a base elevation of 4,675 feet, a summit of 5,506 feet, and an 830-foot vertical drop. Families can enjoy seven lifts and ski-in/ski-out lodging. Deals include Tuesday Student Nights when students of all ages ski for $15. On snow days, kids and teachers get $15 lift tickets for the day and $10 equipment rentals.

Whaleback has been a family-friendly institution since 1965. It’s a classic New England ski hill with about 85 acres of terrain, 30 trails, a chairlift, T-Bar, rope tow and magic carpet. There are plenty of gentle beginner runs. Skiing in the Learning Area is just $15 per day. You can also get a $22 ticket the last two hours of the day. Night skiing is epic at Whaleback and the après ski scene vibrant with a bustling lodge and fire pits. On discounted Tuesdays, families can enjoy a ski pass, burger, and beer for just $30.

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Purgatory is a great family-friendly destination. A variable pricing system for lift tickets results in prices starting as low as $9--yes, really-- early and late-season. On average, tickets are around $40; buy them early for the best pricing. Kid’s aged 12 and under get a free "Power Kids" season pass. If it is your first day of skiing, you get a free lift ticket and 45-minute lesson. With tubing, snowcat skiing, and snowshoe tours, there’s plenty to do on your rest days.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in eastern Oregon, has some of the best powder skiing in the Northwest. Surrounded by the remote Elkhorn Mountains with a summit elevation of nearly 8,000 feet and a 900 foot vertical drop, the ski area offers 1,100 acres of skiing and snowboarding accessed by a single chair lift and T-bar tow. Lift tickets are just $50 per day for both adults and kids; there’s also a snowcat—and guide—groups can rent. The lodge has a cozy fireplace; and for the adults in the crowd, the Starbottle Saloon is a must for its boutique brew selection and live music.

Lutsen Mountains was built for family skiing. The resort has a daily skier capacity limit, which means you don’t have to worry about crowded slopes. Just remember to buy your tickets early, especially on holidays and weekends. The resort features four peaks connected by seven lifts, including a gondola, and offers over 60 trails and a nearly 900-foot vertical drop. The best deal is the Ski 2 Days Midweek and Stay Free where you get two nights of free lodging when you buy two days of lift tickets.

Set in south-central Washington, Badger Mountain claims the title for the lowest lift ticket price in North America—just $15 for an entire day of skiing. This charming, volunteer-operated ski area features two rope tows and a T-bar that access three main runs. The cozy lodge and community fire pit create a welcoming atmosphere for families to relax and connect after a day on the slopes. And don’t worry about packing a lunch; for $8 you get a burger, chips and a soda.

If you’re tired of crowded parking lots and long lift lines at Oregon’s larger ski areas, Hoodoo is fun and affordable. Nestled in the Oregon Cascades, this old-school ski area offers a friendly, welcoming vibe, five lifts, 800 skiable acres, and over 1,000 feet of vertical drop. With an average of 450 inches of snow each season, there are plenty of powder days. Beginners can use the Easy Rider Lift for just $29 per day, and kids 10 and under ski free. Plus, you ski for only $33 dollars on Thrifty Thursdays.

Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, near Wenatchee, WA, is like stepping back in ski time. Nestled on the east side of the Washington Cascades, the area has a charming old-school vibe with cozy wooden lodges and zero lift lines. With 2,000 skiable acres and 2,250 feet of vertical drop, there’s a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, from gentle groomers for beginners to exciting chutes for more adventurous skiers. A free ski bus runs from Wenatchee, so you save gas by not driving from town. Lift tickets are just $9 for kids under 7. There’s excellent night skiing too.

Bogus Basin is the ultimate family friendly spot. On its website, the not-for-profit resort advertises that is exists to “serve generations of Idahoans, ages 2 to 102.” With 10 lifts serving 90 runs across 2,600 acres and a vertical drop of 1,800 feet, there’s terrain suitable for every skill level. Night skiing from 6pm to close is just $34 for adults. If you fly into Boise on Alaska Airlines, you can hit the slopes for free on the day you arrive. There are condos for ski-in/ski-out ease of access, or treat your family to a stay at the historic Avery Hotel in downtown Boise, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and Tiner’s Alley, an old-school British-style pub.

Montana is a skier’s paradise, and while mega-resorts like Big Sky have their charm, Lost Trail is perfect for families. Open Thursday through Sunday, this welcoming ski area features five lifts and three rope tows, offering access to 1,800 vertical feet and 60 trails suited for all skill levels. With a full day pass priced at just $63 for adults, you can enjoy the impressive 325 inches of snow the resort gets annually. The late founder Bill Grasser envisioned Lost Trail as a small, safe, family-oriented mountain, and that spirit is alive and well today.

White Pass Ski Area, tucked into the slopes of Gifford Pinchot National Park, just a dozen miles from Mt. Rainier National Park, boasts over 350 inches of snow each year. With stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the beautiful Washington Cascades, you’ll find plenty of room to roam with minimal lift lines. With 1,400 acres of skiable terrain and a generous 2,000 vertical feet from summit to base, there’s something for everyone. For $99 a day, beginners get rental gear, a lesson, and ski pass. The program is designed so you can ski independently by day 3.

Mt. Ashland is one of Oregon’s best kept secrets. While the 240-acre resort might seem small on paper, its summit elevation of 7,533 feet ensures a real mountain ski experience. And, if you buy a lift ticket and aren’t completely satisfied within the first 45 minutes, you can turn it in for a voucher for another day. With five lifts, 44 runs, and an impressive 265 inches of snowfall each year, there’s plenty of variety to keep everyone happy. There’s a designated beginner area that’s separate from the rest of the slopes so new skiers to practice turns without the pressure of faster skiers.

If you're looking for an affordable family ski getaway, Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, should be on your radar. Home to North America's longest gondola, this privately owned mountain boasts some of the best powder in the Idaho Panhandle. You can get family packages that include skiing, lodging and entry into the Silver Mountain Waterpark.

With over 75 ski resorts, Québec is a terrific family friendly ski destination. From charming local hills to the luxurious slopes of Tremblant, there's something for everyone. You can stay in vibrant Québec City, just a half hour away from several ski areas, or cozy up in a ski-in/ski-out resort or rental cottage. The affordable ski pass gives you access to multiple resorts. Whether you're exploring the picturesque Charlevoix-Québec region or enjoying the family-friendly slopes of the Laurentians near Montréal, including the award-winning Tremblant, you're in for a treat. Don't forget to check out the stunning Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean for breathtaking views and the Eastern Townships for fun après-ski activities at local breweries and cozy restaurants.

British Columbia is hard to beat for affordable family ski vacations. With its stunning landscapes, and abundant snow, BC has excellent skiing. The Powder Highway is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise, featuring resorts like Panorama, RED, Whitewater, Fernie, Revelstoke, Kimberley, and Kicking Horse, all boasting impressive verticals and deep powder. For families seeking fun runs and activities for all ages, BC’s interior is a welcoming haven. Resorts like Big White, Sun Peaks, Apex, and SilverStar offer “champagne powder,” organized family activities, and that friendly Canadian vibe that makes everyone feel at home. And don’t miss the unique coastal ski experiences. There’s magical night skiing with breathtaking views of Vancouver's city lights at Grouse, Seymour, or Cypress. You can also venture to Vancouver Island to ski at Mount Washington, known for being one of the snowiest resorts in BC. Whistler Blackcomb, a favorite among professional skiers, has plenty of green runs and exciting adventures for little ones, including the enchanting on-mountain Magic Castle and Tree Fort.

Ski Big 3 in Banff National Park is hard to beat. With diverse terrain catering to all skill levels—from gentle beginner slopes to challenging runs for the more adventurous—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each resort offers excellent family-oriented amenities, including ski schools with specialized lessons for kids and childcare facilities. A single pass gives you access to all three areas, so you can follow the snow and weather conditions. The magnificent landscapes of the Canadian Rockies provide a stunning backdrop for your adventures, with opportunities for wildlife spotting adding to the magic.