When it comes to skiing and riding in North America, it’s tough to beat Colorado. The state offers easy flights from just about anywhere in the U.S. Even better, there are plenty of family and kid-friendly resorts to explore here.
Colorado ski vacations for families to any of the resorts listed here offer incredible skiing and riding, but also many more mountainside activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and incredible amenities. With so many family things to do in Colorado in the winter, it’s no wonder this state is a top destination for people worldwide.
Four of the Top Family Ski Resorts in Colorado
While the top resorts in Colorado are great for skiers of all kinds, the best kid-friendly resorts here have special events, activities, and amenities that cater to little snow lovers. That makes them fantastic winter vacation destinations for the entire family, no matter what everyone’s ability level or interest in the snow is.
Vail
Boasting over 5,000 acres of terrain for skiing and riding, Vail is the premier ski resort in Colorado. Complimenting all this incredible terrain is three unique villages at its base area. Whether ice skating or shopping for delicious sweets, Vail's Village has something for kids of all ages.
Guests always enjoy the legendary Back Bowls, which have earned Vail the title “Like Nothing on Earth.” Your kids will also have a blast with the family at Trail’s End Treats at Golden Peak.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is celebrated as an intimate ski and ride experience that is not short on exceptional service. Less busy than most other resorts in Colorado, Beaver Creek has a European-style base area that speaks to luxury and attention to detail. While adults revel in the resort’s legendary attention to detail approach, it also makes a great experience for kids.
Every afternoon at 3 o’clock is every kid’s favorite time at Beaver Creek as chefs serve up trays of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies for well-warn skiers and riders to gobble up. The Candy Cabin, located at the top of Strawberry Park Express Lift, has more treats at any time of day. McCoy Park also offers terrific beginner-friendly terrain that’s perfect for taking a lap or two with the entire family.
Keystone
Keystone is the ideal resort for families. This is because the resorts provide the perfect balance of affordability and resort access–all powered by a highly kid-centric mentality.
With exceptional slope-side accommodations at River Run Village, the whole family can enjoy the slopes at their own pace. When done with ski and ride lessons, your younger kids can easily head back to the room for a nap. You can also ride the Gondola to play at the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort and grab a bite to eat at one of the excellent on-mountain dining outlets. Snow Tubing and ice skating are also easily accessible at Keystone, so there’s plenty of action for everyone.
Breckenridge
The name Breckenridge has grown synonymous with incredible Rocky Mountain skiing and riding over the decades. Just 90 minutes from Denver, Breck is an easily accessible ski resort with a rich mining history and true mountain town vibe that has lots to offer beginners . Even better, the lifts and gondolas at Breck run right into town, offering unparalleled access for after-ski family outings.
With historic buildings lining the streets, Breck provides a casual ski experience that doesn’t fall short on comfort. The ski area here is spread out, so your kids can spend their days exploring different types of incredible high alpine terrain. Each of the Five Peaks offers unique terrain so there's always something new to try with options for all levels. Who knows, more adventurous kids might even ride the highest lift in North America - the Imperial Express SuperChair that unloads at a heart-pumping 12,840 ft.
Family Things To Do in Colorado in Winter
Skiing and riding are definitely among the best options for family things to do in Colorado in winter, but there are plenty of other activities to explore together as well. If your snow-filled kid and family-friendly interests are off the slopes, Colorado won’t disappoint.
Each resort shown above has first-class ski and ride schools catering to children. Ski and ride lessons do more than help your kids sharpen their skills - they give parents a nice break to explore the mountain at their own pace.
Here’s a quick breakdown of important kid-friendly activities at the best family resorts in Colorado:
- Snow Tubing: Keystone
- Ice Skating: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone
- Sleigh Rides: Keystone
- Scenic Gondola: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone
- Ski School: All resorts
Epic Pass Benefits
Purchasing Epic Passes for the family ensures everyone will have a great time in Colorado. Not only will an Epic Pass make your trip more affordable, but it also affords some added benefits kids and the family can benefit from.
Some added Epic Pass benefits include:
- Savings on food, lodging, group lessons, rentals, and more with Epic Mountain Rewards
- Discounted tickets for friends or family (with select passes)
- Unparalleled flexibility
- Savings over lift tickets
One of the best family-friendly features of the Epic Pass is its flexibility. Especially in Colorado, this allows you to choose from several different resorts during your stay. You can explore a couple of resorts to find out which one the family likes best. Some people opt to visit every Epic Pass resort they can, while others pick and choose based on the best snow conditions.
No matter which of these fantastic family resorts you choose to visit this winter, you’re in for an incredible trip. Take advantage of the kid-friendly activities, ski and ride schools, and comfortable amenities to make memories that will last a lifetime.