Luxe scout travel’s favorite us ski destinations for families
By: Lisa Jonsson
Growing up in Orange County, we often went to Mammoth (and loved it), but we always went somewhere new once a year. So, over the years, I’ve skied a lot of places. As a family, we need a resort that offers a lot –lessons and childcare for our kids, challenging terrain for my husband, and lively après-ski options for me; plus, we need plenty of off-slope activities for non-skiing grandparents. Here are a few of my favorite places that check all the boxes:
Beaver Creek (Colorado) is a resort that is as chic as it is family-friendly. In 2022, it added McCoy Park with 250 new acres of skiable terrain. It offers a renowned Ski School with a dedicated learning area and beginner gondola. Advance skiers/snowboarders have no problems finding plenty of terrain, with 32% of mountains dedicated to advanced and expert runs. It is considered one of the top resorts in North America for expert terrain. This season, the Hawk's Nest Cabin opens its doors to the underage crowd (10-18 years welcome) with craft non-alcoholic beverages, music, and an arcade.
Big Sky (Montana) - This should be at the top of your list if you're looking for big thrills and breathtaking views. Its uncrowded runs are a thing of joy. Big sky terrain includes 50% beginner-intermediate runs and 50% advanced. The resort offers a unique Teen Mountain Experience that blends a group lesson and a guided experience for skiers/boarders ages 13-17. Big Sky also offers 5 terrain parks of varying difficulty. Did I mention chairlifts with heated seats?! Don’t miss the Enchanted Forest, which has over 10,000 lights illuminating your way along a kilometer-long path, creating an immersive experience. With Yellow Stone National Park only a free shuttle ride away, there is plenty of exploring to do off the slopes.
Snowmass (Colorado) - A fantastic option for families seeking snowy adventures. With its wide-open runs and excellent ski school programs, it's an ideal place for kids and teens to hone their skills while having a blast. Its proximity to Aspen and Buttermilk (connected by free shuttle) expands the terrain options for those who get bored easily. Snowmass has a charming village atmosphere, après-ski options galore, and 95% of its accommodation is slope slide. It has one of the few ski programs that take kids who are not potty trained.
Deer Valley/Park City (Utah) - No list would be complete without Deer Valley and Park City. With direct 2-hour flights from Orange County to Salt Lake City and an easy 45-minute drive to the resort, you can be in Park City quicker than you can drive to Mammoth. Deer Valley caters to families looking for chic slope-side accommodation. While their names seem synonymous, you can’t ski both mountains on one lift ticket. So, which to choose? The choice may be easy if you’re a season pass holder. Deer Valley is on the Ikon pass, while Park City is on the Epic pass. Additionally, if you have snow borders in your group, you’ll need to ski in Park City as Deer Valley is ski-only. Don’t miss a glass of bubbly in the slope-side Veuve Clicquot Yurt!
Keystone (Colorado) - While not talked about as much as the other ski destinations, I believe this should be on every family’s list. Its slopes are as inviting as a warm cup of hot cocoa (with a shot of rum). Keystone offers plenty of challenging terrain along with kid-centric fun. Keystone is host to the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort. It is also home to one of North America’s best terrain parks, A51. Keystone is one of the closest resorts to Denver, making it easily accessible. Embarking on a journey to explore new ski destinations with your family is not just about chasing fresh powder or seeking pristine slopes – it's about adventuring together. The bond created during family ski vacations is genuinely unique. Sharing laughter, conquering challenges together, and creating lifelong memories will strengthen your family ties like no other activity really can. Each new destination becomes a chapter in the story of your family's winter adventures.
Here's to an epic ski season this year!
Your Neighbor, Lisa Jonsson
Lisa Jonsson is a Newport Beach resident and Expert Worldwide Travel Planner.
For help with your next trip, visit: www.luxescouttravel.com