Family ski vacations make great winter getaways, from little ones on the bunny slopes to snowboarding teens. Here are some of the top family ski vacation destinations.
A key criteria for choosing the ski vacation resorts and destinations is the family-friendly programs and amenities.
Utah Family Ski Vacations
There are several ski resorts within a short drive of Salt Lake City's airport, making this a wonderful family ski vacation destination. A great resource is Ski Utah, which features the slogan, "The Greatest Snow on Earth" and details about all 13 ski resorts in the state.
Alta resort features childcare and children's ski schools. Snowbird features childcare, lessons as young as age 3, and some cool nighttime programs for kids like in-room babysitting and Kids Night Out programs.
California Family Ski Vacations
California features a great diversity and selection of ski vacations, and some provide a close proximity to warmer climates making for a great mix of skiing and sunshine on vacation. There are also several ski resorts here that cater to families.
Sierra-at-Tahoe resort, for instance, has a whole section of "info for moms and dads." The resort offers both childcare and kids' ski lessons.
The resort also has cool amenities like family private ski lessons for everyone to learn, a Parent Predicament Lift Ticket (which allows parents to take turns going on the lift while one parent stays with kids, all on one lift ticket), and the Parent Zone bleachers to allow mom and dad to watch kids taking lessons.
North Carolina Family Ski Vacations
The nice thing about a family ski vacation in North Carolina is the climate is mild when you go a short distance lower in elevation, but you can hit the highest peaks for some great skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
Cataloochee Ski Area features a Kids Ski Free program, as well as lessons for children ages 4 to 12. Kids will also enjoy TubeWorld located there. Nearby, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort features a tube run with a "magic carpet" ride back to the top. Children age 5 and up can take lessons, or they can have fun in the snow with the Wolf Cub Day Watch program.
Vermont Family Ski Vacations
Vermont is not only a popular ski destination, but it also features one of the ski resorts best known for its impressive family amenities and programs.
Smuggler's Notch features a dizzying array of services, and actually has programs for babies as well as older children. One wonderful feature is that it has a program for children and adults with special needs for one-on-one lessons and providing adaptive equipment if needed.
Smuggler's Notch also features childcare, and programs ranging from the age of 6 weeks to 17 years for kids. There are also two teen centers, one for kids aged 13 to 15 and one for teens age 16 and up.
