Some surprises here, at least for long-time ski writers in New England. Okemo and Stowe were mentioned and, long time family resort champ, Smugglers’ Notch that makes its focus children and families was not.
Of course, Okemo is a great family resort with lots of ski-in/ski-out. Stowe has a split mountain and inconvenient lodging, especially with kids? It is surprising that Smugglers’ was not on the list with its stellar programs.
Out west, my favorites, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Crested Butte, Snowmass and Steamboat all made the Forbes list. Deer Valley doesn’t allow snowboarding, so many families just won’t go there; kids love to snowboard even more than ski.
Here’s the Forbes list alphabetical order with some of their main family-friendly points.
Forbes 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families:
Beaver Creek, CO
Attractions:Village Skating Rink, Sleigh Rides, Kids Gondola
Crested Butte, CO
Attractions: Adventure Park, Nursery, Kids Night Out
Deer Valley, UT
Attractions: Ski-Only Mountain, Ski-In/Out Hotels, Fireside Dining
Northstar-at-Tahoe, CA
Attractions: Pedestrian Village, Parent Predicament Ticket, Star Park Terrain Park
Okemo, VT
Attractions: Family-Owned, Slopeside Lodging, Mountain Coaster, Young Adult Discounts
Mt. Tremblant, Quebec
Attractions: Free Skating and Tubing, Mother Nature Camp, Indoor Water Park
Snowmass, CO
Attractions: Buttermilk/Panda Peak Learning Areas, Treehouse Complex, Family-Friendly Condos
Steamboat, CO
Attractions: Kids’ Vacation and Children’s Center, Mountain Watch (GPS), Steamboat Springs
Stowe, VT
Attractions: Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Chillax Kids Spa, Pet-Friendly Hotel
Vail, CO
Attractions: Legendary Ski School, Adventure Ridge, Movie Theater, “Kids Fly Free” Airfare Deals
Photo Courtesy of Dan Davis/Vail Resorts.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
