Family Friendly Ski Resorts in North America
What does it take to be a top family ski resort? It takes a dedication to forming learning programs that cater to different age groups and ability levels. It takes instructors that have years of experience teaching children the ins and outs of skiing and riding. Resorts that cater to families take pride in what they do; they supply the slopes with the next generation of adventure-seekers. Family-friendly resorts also have a variety of other activities to take part in on vacation such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, hockey rinks, ice climbing, night skiing and tubing. The following five resorts believe that providing a family friendly atmosphere and slope conditions is the best way to bring families together for some winter fun.
1. Apex Mountain Resort
PO Box 1060
Penticton, BC V2A6J9
Apex Mountain Resort is located on Beaconsfield Mountain in British Columbia and receives extremely light and powdery snow, attracting skiers from near and far. In addition to their ski slopes, Apex has a tube park, hockey rink, skating loop, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing. For large groups of vacationers, the park will arrange a private bonfire with hot dogs, marshmallow and hot chocolate!
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 5,200 feet
Summit Elevation: 7,200 feet
Vertical Drop: 2000 feet
Trails: 67
Average Annual Snowfall: 240 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Apex Mountain Inn
1000 Strayhorse Road
Hedley, BC V0X 1K0, Canada
(250) 292-8126
http://www.apexmountaininn.com/
Stay here for: western décor, private fireplaces, private kitchens, free wireless internet, hot tubs on outdoor patio, on-site restaurant and spa
Apex Mountain Resort Accommodations
1000 Strayhorse Road
Hedley, BC V0X 1K0, Canada
(250) 292-8256
http://www.stayatapex.com
Stay here for: choice of properties including condos, townhouses, vacation homes, executive homes. Website has photographs of all available vacation rentals on their website
Apex Double Diamond Hostel
360 Strayhorse Road
Apex Mountain, BC, V2A 8L8, Canada
(250) 292-8256
http://www.pacifichostels.com/hostels/british-columbia/apex-mountain/double-diamond-hostel
Stay here for: proximity to mountain, communal kitchen, patio, restaurant, private rooms, meeting facilities, games room, dorm rooms, fireplace/woodstove, group discounts, internet access, laundry, library, lockers, pet friendly
2. Bretton Woods
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(603) 278-1000
Ticket Prices for 2009/2010 Peak Season:
Adult (16-64): $74 full day
Senior (65+): $56 full day
Teen (13-17): $45 full day
Junior (5-12): $35 full day
Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is New Hampshire’s largest ski area, with 434 acres of skiing and snowboarding and 101 trails. The family friendly resort offers the Hobbit Ski Program for skiers ages 4 to 12, and the Snowboard Programs from riders ages 6 to 12. This school teaches children the proper techniques and skills needed to ski or snowboard, while in a fun group atmosphere. For less adventure-seeking children, the resort offers a childcare program called Babes in the Woods Nursery for children between ages 2 and 5. Other winter fun activities for the whole family include 100 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, dog sledding rides, sleigh rides, tubing, ice-skating, snowshoeing and high-alpine eco tours (with snowshoes).
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 1,600 feet
Summit Elevation: 3,100 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,500 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 434
Average Annual Snowfall: 200+ inches
Lodging Nearby:
The Lodge, Mount Washington Resort
2653 Route 302 East
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(603) 278-4000
http://www.brettonwoods.com/lodging/the_lodge/overview
Stay here for: easy access to Bretton Woods, private balcony, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Hearthside Lounge, on-site restaurant, fitness center
Omni Bretton Arms Inn
173 Mount Washington Road
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(603) 278-3000
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsBrettonArmsatMountWashington.aspx
Stay here for: bed and breakfast accommodations, private baths, televisions, high-speed internet access, country breakfast, cozy fireplace, indoor and outdoor pool
3. Copper Mountain Resort
230 10 Mile Circle
Frisco, CO 80443
(970) 968-2882
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season:
Adult (13+): $79 full day
Child (6-12)): $48 full day
Copper Mountain is a perfect mountain for skiers and riders because of its geographic makeup. The mountain was formed and is groomed such that novice skiers and boarders remain on one section of the mountain, while intermediate skiers are centered on the trails, and experts remain on the east side of the mountain at Copper Peak. Because of the natural separation, Copper Mountain is an excellent place for beginner and intermediate skiers or families with small children learning to sky. Experts remain in expert territory and beginners do not have to worry about crossing paths with someone flying down the mountain at warp speed. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Copper Mountain offers tubing, dinner sleigh rides, snowmobiling, winter fly-fishing, paragliding and mountaineering.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 9,712 feet
Summit Elevation: 12,313 feet
Vertical Drop: 2,601 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 2,450
Average Annual Snowfall: 282 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Center Village
760B Copper Road, PO Box 3868
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
(866) 538-0187
Stay here for: condominium rentals, slope side, studios, 1-, 2- and 3- bedrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, parking, athletic club
Copper Springs
105A Wheeler Circle
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
(866) 538-0187
Stay here for: condominium rentals, slope side, studios, 1-, 2- and 3- bedrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, parking, athletic club
Ten Mile Haus
108 Guller Road
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
http://www.ten-mile-haus.com/?gclid=CKaKvtmT66MCFZJ95QodrCBt3w
Stay here for: condominium rentals, slope side, studios, 1-, 2- and 3- bedrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, parking, athletic club
4. Smuggler’s Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464
(802) 644-8851
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Peak Season:
Adults (19-64): $64 full day
Youth (6-18): $48 full day
Youth (5 & under): $free
Senior (65-69)): $48 full day
Senior (70+): $free
Smugglers’ Notch has long been known as a family friendly ski resort. They opened their first summer children’s camp in 1976 and have been expanding on the idea ever since. The trails on the mountain all lead to one centralized base area, which allows parents control over where their children are on the mountain. For non-skiers and riders, the Notch provides nurseries and an indoor playland. The resort gives lessons to skiers and riders of all ages, in different programs such as the Adventure Rangers, Discovery Dynamos, The Notch Squad and the Mountain Explorers. These programs teach skiing and riding to all ages and ability levels in small groups, a great way to spend the day on the slopes.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 1,030 feet
Summit Elevation: 3,640 feet
Vertical Drop: 2,610 feet
Trails: 78
Average Annual Snowfall: 288 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Smugglers’ Notch Inn and Village Tavern
55 Church Street
Jeffersonville, VT
(802) 644-6607
http://www.smuggsinn.com/
Stay here for: historic inn accommodations, original home built in 1790, on-site restaurant, fireplace in lounge, Village Tavern, Village Bakery
Sterling Ridge Log Cabin Resort
155 Sterling Ridge Drive
Jeffersonville, VT 05464
(800) 347-8266
http://www.sterlingridgeresort.com/
Stay here for: private cabins, choice of 1- or 2-bedroom, wood burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis, full kitchens and living rooms, central lodge, pet-friendly
Nye’s Green Valley Farm Bed and Breakfast
8976 Vermont Route 15
Jeffersonville, VT 05464
(802) 644-1984
http://www.nyesgreenvalleyfarm.com/
Stay here for: centuries-old accommodations (has been a destination for travelers since early 1800s), three guest rooms, piano room, full breakfast menu, relaxing stay, very reasonable rates
5. Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge Road
Ludlow, VT 05149
(866) 706-5366
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Peak Season: Call For Pricing
Okemo Mountain is a family owned business that has been going out of their way to cater to families since the resort was opened. With 119 trails, skiers of all abilities will find something in their range, however intermediate skiers, and children picking up the sport will find a large offering of trails for their varying ability levels. For non-skiers, the resort offers kids’ programs, day care and ski school.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 1,144 feet
Summit Elevation: 3,344 feet
Vertical Drop: 2,200 ft
Trails: 119
Total Skiable Acreage: 624
Lodging Nearby:
Henry Farm Inn
2205 Green Mountain Turnpike
Chester, VT 05143
(802) 875-2674
http://www.henryfarminn.com/
Stay here for: spacious sunny bedrooms, private baths, country dining room, guest parlor with fireplaces, family-friendly, friendly and casual hosts
The Paw House Inn
1376 Clarendon Avenue
West Rutland, VT 05777
(802) 438-2738
http://www.pawhouseinn.com/
Stay here if: you are a dog lover. The Paw House Inn does not allow or tolerate dogs, but rather CATER to dog owners. Bring your dog, dogs or dogsled team, they LOVE dogs
The Inn at Weathersfield
1342 Route 106
Perkinsville, VT 05151
(802) 263-9217
http://www.weathersfieldinn.com/
Stay here for: “green hotel” with environmental approach, rooms with fireplaces, whirlpool baths, spa showers, top quality linens, bathrobes, DVDs, WiFi, dining room, tavern and private wine cellar, full hot breakfast
Other Ski and Mountain Guides
New Hampshire Ski and Mountain Guide
Vermont Ski and Mountain Guide
Utah Ski and Mountain Guide
Washington Ski and Mountain Guide
Colorado Ski and Mountain Guide
Wyoming Ski and Mountain Guide
New York Ski and Mountain Guide
Best US Ski Resorts for Beginner Skiers
Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Ski Resorts and Mountains in Europe
Best Ski Resorts and Mountain in France
Best Ski Resorts in Austria
Avalanche Resources
Avalanche: Measurement, US Deaths, and Resources
Understanding Avalanches: How to Assess Avalanche Threat and Factors that Contribute to Avalanches
Related Research For Teachers, Students, and Kids
Colorado’s northern neighbor, Wyoming, is home to world famous Jackson Hole, the resort town and th...
The United States has a range of different terrains and climates from its Pacific to Atlantic Coast...
Vermont is home to the Green Mountain Range, which provides visitors and residents with ample skiin...
With the White Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire has a lot to offer those seeking ...
Washington state is home to the Cascade Range and the Olympic Ranges of mountains. The two ranges o...
Follow and Socialize The Free Resource
