The Best Destinations for a Ski Vacation with Teens
You can’t beat a ski vacation with teens. All too often, we’re scrambling to think of a destination that will entertain our older kids. There are so many touristy spots seem to cater to couples or young kids. But not ski resorts. These places are absolute playgrounds for teenagers.
There’s nothing like seeing your teenage children glow with the thrill of an outdoor adventure. It’s a place you can enjoy as a family, even if you’re at different levels and skills.
But you need to find a ski resort that’s right for your family – whether you’re looking for endless routes, backcountry adventures, or sleek après ski options. Ahead are some of our favorite places to hit the slopes.
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A US Ski Vacation with Teens
Colorado
Aspen
Aspen is the ultimate postcard-worthy Colorado mountain town, complete with snow-covered roofs, looming white mountains, and a chic ambiance. Planning your own trip to this amazing place? Aspen is actually comprised of four unique ski resorts, each with its own draws.
Families will likely want to spend their time at Buttermilk or Snowmass resorts, which have lots of good beginner and intermediate runs. They’re a great place for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Advanced skiers can take on Aspen Mountain, which has 76 steep runs, none of which are beginner-friendly.
Many Aspen locals prefer the area’s fourth ski resort, Aspen Highlands. Here, you’ll find over 100 runs, including some beginner terrain. Its Highland Bowl is a bucket list adventure for big mountain skiers and a great bonding experience if you and your teen are both advanced or expert-level skiers.
Aspen has more than skiing. There are hot springs, ice climbing adventures, fat bike tours on the snow, and snowmobile excursions.
Of course you can easily shop ‘til you drop in Aspen. There is an assortment of high-end boutiques and local shops that your teen will love checking out.
If you want to enjoy the most of Aspen’s many ski resorts and amenities, stay right in the heart of Aspen. The Little Nell is the town’s most famous luxury resort, and its ski-in/ski-out access is perfect for families who are in Aspen for its slopes.
For something more casual and spacious, The Gant is a condominium property with resort amenities, and you’ll love its central location.
Snowmass
Although Snowmass is within Aspen, it still deserves its own spot on our list of top places for a ski vacation with teens. This is a favorite ski resort for many families thanks to its size, amenities, and scenery.
Snowmass is larger than Aspen’s three other ski resorts combined, but don’t worry – beginners won’t get overwhelmed here. There are top-notch ski schools for all levels and ages and friendly staff members to help get you started.
Older teens and experienced skiers are sure to have a lot of fun. There are 98 runs and great opportunities for cross-country skiing.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Snowmass Village has a range of activities that younger and older children will love. Check out its heated outdoor pools, free ice skating, snow tubing, and alpine coaster. Plus, you’ll be near the fantastic shopping and dining of downtown Aspen.
Viceroy Snowmass is a luxury ski-in/ski-out resort in Snowmass that gives you the full upscale feel of the area. If your family needs a little more space, Villas At Snowmass Club offers multi-room suites with easy access to a scenic recreation center.
Telluride
Telluride is mainly known for its advanced routes, but this is still an excellent resort for your entire family. With 19 lifts and 148 runs, there’s something for everyone in this Colorado town.
Beginners can join one of its group lessons and enjoy a vacation full of skiing (a fifth of Telluride’s runs are beginner-friendly). Experienced skiers can enjoy its more advanced trails, and there are also guided backcountry tours for anyone wanting a true adventure.
Telluride’s slew of non-skiing offerings make this a great place for a family holiday. Kick back on one of the town’s sleigh rides, get adventurous during an ice climb, or relax in natural hot springs. Younger kids can join Snow Camp, a supervised club full of winter activities.
The Madeline Hotel & Residences offers luxury ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Telluride. It’s great for families and serves as the perfect base camp for an adventurous vacation.
Vail
Vail, Colorado, is a vast and luxurious ski resort that is great for families with teens. Its 195 trails have a nice mix of beginner and intermediate terrain, but this place is most loved by advanced skiers.
If you and your teen are both experienced skiers, a day at Vail’s Back Bowls can’t be beat. These 3,000 acres offer a range of routes that are a lot of fun for parents and older kids. You can expect freestyle terrain, exciting jumps, and steep ski slopes.
Back on the front side of the mountain, you’ll be able to learn the sport of Nordic skiing, a form of cross-country skiing that’s a bit slower and more athletic.
Vail’s non-skiing amenities make for a well-rounded vacation for any family. Spend time in Vail Village, have a spa day with your teen, or go snowmobiling around the pristine terrain.
We recommend staying in the The Arabelle at Vail Square, a ski-in, ski-out luxury resort at the base of Vail Mountain. Its central location and onsite amenities allow you to make the most of your time off the slopes as well. If you’re looking for more space, consider renting a condo at Antlers at Vail.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a cozy community with a modern Alpine village – just the kind of winter vacation you dream of. But what will your teen think of skiing here?
Beaver Creek ski resort boasts 150 runs, nearly half of which are ranked as intermediate. This sets it apart from other Colorado destinations that seem to cater to more experienced skiers. Steep, groomed terrains make for fun rides.
Plus, Beaver Creek never seems to get as crowded as Vail and other Colorado ski resorts.
If you have kids of all ages, you’ll love the off-slope adventures in Beaver Creek. There’s a children’s museum, an ice rink, dog sled excursions, and winter paragliding.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort And Spa has five hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, a complimentary area shuttle, and (most importantly) ski-in/ski-out access.
California
Northstar
This Lake Tahoe ski resort is a favorite among families, especially those traveling with teens. The variety of terrain options makes this a fun spot to try skiing for the first or hundredth time. There are 97 trails, and 60% of them are for intermediate skiers.
The mountain village is quaint and walkable, with live music and fun activities, and there’s lots to do if you’re not much into skiing. Opt for an adventure like snowshoeing or relax at a Northstar Spa.
Hyatt Vacation Club At Northstar Lodge is a ski-in ski-out resort with an outdoor pool and spacious units. Families also love Northstar California Resort for its kids camp, onsite ice skating, and guided hikes.
Heavenly
Heavenly is the largest ski resort by Lake Tahoe and also one of the most scenic. There are 97 runs here, including a 5.5-mile-long Olympic trail. There are dozens of intermediate routes, so this is perfect for teens who have a little experience or are quick learners.
Adult beginners may be disappointed by the low-altitude beginner routes, but you’ll probably still enjoy the snowy, lakeside scenery in Heavenly.
Take a gondola ride to a scenic overlook, go snowtubing or ice skating, or cozy up at one of Heavenly Village’s great restaurants. There are plenty of winter activities in Lake Tahoe.
Marriott Grand Residence Club in Heavenly is a five-minute walk to the village’s gondola and is right next to the ice skating rink. Onsite amenities include hot tubs, an outdoor pool, and a range of room sizes for all families.
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe claims to be the birthplace of extreme skiing, and it definitely draws a host of freestyle athletes. But less experienced (or less adventurous) skiers can still have a great time at this California ski resort.
Its two mountains have a total of 270 runs, with a good balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes. Palisades Mountain features plunging chutes and wide open terrain. Alpine Mountain is known for its hike-to back bowls that are perfect for a day out with your teen.
The Village At Palisades Tahoe is teeming with cozy shops and restaurants. For a more active nonskiing adventure, take a snowshoeing or sledding tour. Disco Tubing was tailor-made for a ski vacation with teens.
The incredibly scenic Everline Resort and Spa has a ski lift, a golf course, heated pools, and a fantastic kids club.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth, California, has the longest ski season in the country. In fact, some ski seasons here stretch into July. With 150 trails and endless outdoor experiences, this is the ultimate destination for family vacations.
Mammoth’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place for beginner skiing, though there are a range of fast, steep, and backcountry routes as well.
There is also a range of off-slope activities, including snow bikes, snowshoes, snowcats, and ice climbing. You’ll love the hot springs at Mammoth and the chance to go dog sledding.
The Village Lodge Mammoth is a cozy condominium with a year-round outdoor pool, complimentary area shuttle, and spacious accommodations.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole
We like Jackson Hole for its unique Wyoming location. Your whole family can immerse themselves in western cowboy culture while enjoying a classic ski vacation. You’ll find 130 trails here, with 40 percent of them labeled as intermediate level.
Jackson Hole Ski Resort is known for its longest continuous vertical rise of any ski area in the country (over 4,000 feet) and for its great backcountry options.
Though this Wyoming ski resort can feel crowded during peak times, it’s got a really fun atmosphere that most teens will love. Plus, you can go dog sledding, look for wildlife, try fat biking, or dine in one of the area’s great restaurants.
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa has ski-in access, great proximity to Grand Teton National Park, a rooftop hot tub, and a rustic onsite restaurant.
Utah
Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain is the place to go for terrain parks. There is a myriad of pipes, jumps, and freestyle terrain for nearly all levels. Head over to Little Kings at Park City Base if this is your first time trying a pipe, or choose one of their high-flying parks for more experienced athletes.
Park City Mountain has 330 trails. And while only 8 percent of them are beginner-friendly, you’ll have over half the park to enjoy once you’re at intermediate status. Plus, you’ll be right next to Deer Valley if you want to do even more skiing.
While here, you can visit Utah Olympic Park, stroll along historic Main Street, or try dog sledding.
The Pendry Park City offers easy lift access, in-room fireplaces, and a heated outdoor pool in Canyons Village.
Deer Valley
Deer Valley Resort in Utah is a ski-only resort, so your teen can’t do any snowboarding here. But that could add to the charm of your stay here. This is one of the country’s oldest ski resorts, but it maintains its status as a premiere destination.
There are 103 runs here, with almost ⅓ being beginner-friendly green runs. If this is your first family ski trip, Deer Valley could be the perfect place to go. Experienced skiers will appreciate Olympic-style clinics and camps.
Beyond the slopes, you can visit nearby Utah Olympic Park, do a little onsite shopping, or explore Park City.
The Chateaux Deer Valley is a casual place to stay during a family ski vacation with teens. You’ll be a couple minutes away from the ski lift and can also enjoy its outdoor heated pool and onsite restaurant.
Vermont
Killington
Vermont’s Killington Resort aims to put its rival western ski towns to shame. This impressive destination has New England’s largest vertical drop (3,050 feet) and a fun ski atmosphere that you’ll be surprised to find on the East Coast.
There are 155 trails in Killington Resort, along with a terrain park that’s perfect for active teens. We love how they offer easy-to-book ski lessons perfect for any skill level, whether your teen is a first-time skier or ready to advance to a new level of adventure.
You’ll also find a tubing park, snowmobile tours, unique dining spots, a world-class spa, and an impressive lineup of live music in the village.
Killington Grand Resort Hotel offers ski bridge access and a heated outdoor pool in a scenic mountainside setting.
Best Places to Ski in Canada with Teens
Whistler Blackcomb
Older teens and young adults seem to really love their time in Whistler Blackcomb, a dual-mountain ski resort in British Columbia. There are 200 runs within the resort, offering miles of routes for all levels.
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. Its 8,000-plus acres are home to three glaciers (yes, you can ski on a glacier here), 16 alpine bowls, and Olympic routes.
The village between the mountains aims for a youthful and vibrant vibe, making it a great place to hang out between ski sessions. For more Olympic-inspired thrills, take a slide on the Passenger Bobsleigh Experience or the Public Skeleton Experience. Whistler Blackcomb also hosts several special events and shows featuring talented Olympic athletes.
For a more relaxed getaway, visit Scandinave Spa, an outdoor thermal spa set among Whistler’s quiet mountainside.
Older teens will especially love staying in the heart of the village. Fairmont Château Whistler is a ski-in/ski-out resort with spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course, and an onsite spa.
Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a sleek, family-friendly ski resort in Quebec. It may be one of the best places to ski in eastern North America, as it’s got 102 impressive runs for all levels.
Half of Mont Tremblant’s routes are friendly for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while experts will love the varied terrain and fast thrills.
Other outdoor winter activities include alpine touring, dogsledding, ATV tours, paintball, and ice fishing. And when you’re ready to slow down, the pedestrian village offers excellent shopping, dining, and play areas for the young children in your group.
Fairmont Tremblant has a chic, modern vibe that blends seamlessly into its surrounding mountain setting. Enjoy its ski-in/ski-out access, along with its onsite restaurants, multiple pools, and spacious rooms.
While we have covered our favorite ski destinations in the US and Canada, there are also some amazing places to ski in Europe and even ski resorts in the Midwest. No matter which ski resort you choose, your teen is sure to thank you.
