The Best Ski Resorts for Families in USA
Planning a family ski trip can be daunting, but our community of skiers and snowboarders has done the hard work for you. This ranking showcases the most family-friendly resorts across the USA, based entirely on authentic feedback from Snomad users who've hit the slopes with their little ones in tow. We've filtered out resorts with insufficient ratings to ensure you're getting reliable insights about everything from beginner-friendly terrain to childcare facilities. Been skiing with your family recently? Share your experience and help other parents by leaving a review.
Looking for more ways to plan your perfect family ski holiday? Check out our other USA resort rankings for Beginners, Ski School Quality, and Value for Money to complete your research.
Best Ski Resort for Families in USA: Waterville Valley - Family Friendliness Rating
Waterville Valley shines as a family-friendly destination according to our users. One Snomad community member liked that all trails lead to a single base area, making it easy to keep track of everyone. The mountain offers excellent beginner and intermediate options with trails like 'The Pasture' and 'Valley Run'. Our reviewers mention that the ski school and lessons receive high praise for helping newcomers develop their skills. Even a UK visitor with family in tow found it a "cracking US resort" worth trying. The friendly atmosphere, short lift lines, and variety of terrain suitable for different abilities make it an ideal family choice.
#2 Snowshoe Mountain - Family Friendliness Rating
Snowshoe Mountain excels as a family destination with diverse skiing options for all ability levels. The resort offers excellent amenities like inner tubing at Silver Creek, which our users specifically highlight as "great for the whole family." With clean, comfortable accommodation and well-maintained slopes, it's ideal for family ski trips. A Snomad community member who visited with friends mentioned it's one of the best low-cost resorts in the US. The unique "reverse mountain" setup means you can walk straight from your condo to the slopes - a convenience many parents will appreciate when managing ski gear for the whole family.
#3 Sunday River - Family Friendliness Rating
Sunday River shines as a family-friendly destination, with users consistently highlighting its appeal for skiers of all ages. The ski school receives particular praise, with Eleni noting that her 4-year-old was confidently tackling blue runs after just three lessons. The resort offers plenty of green and blue trails for beginners, while the "goat path" provides a gentle introduction to tree skiing for youngsters ready to advance. The wide layout across eight peaks means families can easily find quieter areas away from the crowds, making it an ideal spot for groups with varying ability levels.
