Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the Rocky Mountains

When it comes to skiing and riding in North America, it’s tough to beat the Rocky Mountains. Colorado and Utah offer easy flights from just about anywhere in the U.S. Even better, they are home to some of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the world.

While a vacation to any resort in the Rocky Mountain region offers incredible skiing and riding, they also offer other mountainside activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and sleigh rides. With so many fun activities at your fingertips, it’s no surprise that the Rocky Mountains are a favorite for ski and ride families around the globe.

Snowboard School in Beaver Creek, CO.

Which Rocky Mountain Ski Resort is Best for My Family?

The Rocky Mountains offer endless skiing and riding in some of the finest terrains in the world. Pass holders can enjoy world-class amenities in resorts like Beaver Creek, or soak up the mountain town vibes in Crested Butte and Breckenridge.

Vail

Boasting over 5,000 acres of terrain for skiing and riding, Vail is the premier ski resort in Colorado. Vail compliments this incredible terrain with 3 unique villages at its base area. Whether it be ice skating or shopping for delicious sweets, Vail Village has something for kids of all ages.

Epic Pass holders enjoy skiing and riding the legendary back bowls, which have earned Vail the title “like nothing on earth.” Your kids will also have a blast with all the family activities at Adventure Ridge.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is celebrated as an intimate ski and ride experience that does not short on exceptional service. Less busy than most other resorts, Beaver Creek has a European-style base area that speaks to luxury, as well as attention to detail. While adults revel in Beaver Creek’s “not exactly roughing it” approach, it also makes a great experience for the kids.

One of the most unique features at Beaver Creek is the Beaver Creek Nordic Center, available to Epic Pass holders at no additional cost. With 32km of snowshoeing, cross-country, and telemark terrain, you can get the whole family out on the trail. Beaver Creek also just opened a new beginner ski and ride area named McCoy Park for the 2021-2022 season.

Breckenridge

The name Breckenridge has grown synonymous with incredible Rocky Mountain skiing and riding. Just 90 minutes from Denver, Breck is an easily accessible ski resort with a rich mining history and quaint mountain vibe. Even better, the lifts and gondolas at Breck run right into town, offering unparalleled access for independent, older children.

With historic buildings lining the streets, Breck provides a casual ski experience that doesn’t fall short on comfort. The ski area at Breck is spread out, so your kids can spend their days exploring this incredible high alpine terrain. Who knows, more adventurous kids might even ride the highest lift in North America - the Imperial Express SuperChair that unloads at heart-pumping 12,840 ft.

Keystone

Keystone is the ideal resort for families with young children. Importantly, Keystone provides 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. When the family isn’t skiing and riding at Keystone, be sure to check out the ice skating rink, explore the snow tubing hill, or experience a scenic sleigh ride.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is one of the most unique skiing and riding experiences in Colorado. This resort is located deep in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and features some of the most extreme skiing anywhere. Due to its remote location, Crested Butte is a quieter ski area than you would see in places like Summit County.

While Crested Butte has long been celebrated for its steep runs, it is also extremely family-friendly. In recent years, the resort has poured serious resources into developing its ski and ride school, as well as expansive beginner areas. Boasting a good number of green and blue runs, Crested Butte offers the perfect place for your kids to advance their ski and ride skills.

Park City

Park City is a resort renowned for its infinite open space and open-hearted mentality. Coming in at an incredible 7,300 acres, Park City is the largest ski area in the United States. Whether it be gentle beginner slopes or harrowing advanced runs, Park City has something for every level of ski and ride enthusiast.

Park City offers near-endless family activities. The resort is directly connected to iconic Main Street, where you can get world-class food and visit historic sites. On resort, High Meadow Park offers the perfect place for ski and ride lessons. First opened in 2018, this learning area boasts exciting Adventure Alley trails for the kids and a detachable 4-person chair lift for easy loading and unloading.

Family and friends enjoy the Sleigh Ride Dinner experience in Keystone, CO.

Kid-Friendly Activities

If you are interested in kid-friendly activities aside from skiing and riding, Rocky Mountain resorts don’t disappoint.

Each resort in the Rocky Mountain region has first-class ski and ride schools that cater specifically 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 is a quick breakdown of important kid-friendly activities at Rocky Mountain region resorts:

  • Snow tubing: Vail, Keystone
  • Snowmobiling: Park City
  • Snowshoeing: Beaver Creek
  • Ice skating: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone
  • Sleigh rides: Park City, Keystone
  • Firepits: All resorts
  • Scenic gondola: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Park City
  • Ski school: All resorts

Epic Pass Benefits

Purchasing an Epic Pass ensures your family will have a great time in the Rocky Mountains. Not only will an Epic Pass make your trip more affordable, but it also comes with free Epic Coverage. With the uncertainties of COVID-19, peace of mind is more important than ever when planning your next ski and ride vacation.

Additional epic pass benefits include:

  • Epic coverage
  • Discounts on lodging, food, rentals
  • Ski with a friend
  • Buddy passes
  • World-class ski and ride destinations
  • Unparalleled flexibility

One of the best things about an Epic Pass is its flexibility. Especially in a region like Vail and Summit County, CO, this flexibility allows you to choose from several different resorts during your stay. Some people opt to explore every Epic Pass resort they can, while others pick and choose based on the best snow conditions.

Do keep in mind that Epic Pass rates do increase as the season progresses, and may not be available for the entire season. Visit Epic Pass for more information on pass benefits and dates.