These top family ski resorts across the U.S. and Canada offer great slopes, cozy stays, and activities for all ages. Plan your perfect winter getaway.
Winter getaways hit differently when the whole family is involved—snow-filled mornings, warm cabin nights, and a mountain backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard. The best family ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada combine reliable snow, kid-friendly terrain, walkable villages, and accommodations that keep everyone warm, fed, and happily worn out by the end of the day.
From powder-rich Rockies to cozy Canadian alpine towns, these 10 spots deliver unforgettable winter experiences built for every age and skill level.
1. Big White, British Columbia – Canada’s Snow Globe Village
Few family ski resorts feel as perfectly winter-wonderland as Big White . Its ski-in/ski-out village sits beneath endless Monashee Mountain snowfall—an average of 24+ feet each season. Kids love the tubing park, skating rink, and family-friendly Happy Valley, while parents appreciate how easily everything connects without a car.
Mountain Highlights:
- 119 trails, mostly intermediate
- Massive beginner-friendly terrain
- Canada’s largest totally ski-in/ski-out village
2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia – North America’s Giant
Whistler remains one of the most iconic family ski resorts anywhere on the continent. Its sheer size—over 8,000 acres—means kids, teens, and seasoned skiers will never run out of runs. Off the slopes, the pedestrian-only Whistler Village keeps restaurants, shops, and après-ski treats steps from every accommodation.
Mountain Highlights:
- 200+ marked runs, 37 lifts
- Snowshoe trails, ziplining, tubing
- Endless dining, spas, and shops
3. SilverStar Mountain Resort, BC – Colorful, Cozy, and Made for Families
With its pastel-toned Victorian-style village, SilverStar is one of the most charming family ski resorts in Canada. The mountain balances downhill skiing with world-class Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, fat biking, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps families returning every year.
Mountain Highlights:
- 132 trails, 3,269 acres
- Night skiing, sleigh rides, mini-snowmobiles
- Excellent ski schools and learning terrain
4. Breckenridge, Colorado – Five Peaks of Pure Fun
“Breck” remains one of the most beloved family ski resorts in the U.S. thanks to its approachable slopes, historic Main Street, and activity-packed winter calendar. Between the 5 interconnected peaks, there’s terrain for every ability—from the easy greens on Peak 9 to the high-alpine bowls for teens looking to level up.
Mountain Highlights:
- 187 runs, 34 lifts
- Gold Rush history tours & dog sledding
- Great ski school programs
5. Sun Peaks, British Columbia – Canada’s Hidden Alpine Gem
Sun Peaks is the kind of “once you go, you return every winter” place. As one of the largest family ski resorts in Canada, it offers an uncrowded ski-through village, gentle learning areas, and long cruisers the whole family can enjoy together.
Mountain Highlights:
- 137 trails across 3 mountains
- Terrain parks, Nordic center, tubing
- Tons of ski-in/ski-out accommodations
6. Park City Mountain, Utah – The Accessible Family Favorite
Park City is one of the most approachable family ski resorts in the U.S., thanks to its location just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport. Its gentle groomers help kids build confidence, while the historic downtown adds charm, shops, and family-friendly restaurants for après-ski evenings.
Mountain Highlights:
- 330+ trails, 41 lifts
- Dog sledding, alpine coasters, sleigh rides
- Exceptional ski school
7. Vail, Colorado – America’s Premier Ski Playground
Vail blends upscale amenities with wide-open bowls and meticulously groomed runs that make skiing feel effortless. Families love the Bavarian-inspired Vail Village, fun food options, and an impressive range of ski terrain suitable for every level.
Mountain Highlights:
- 195 trails, 5,317 acres
- Adventure zones for kids
- Lively village with endless activities
8. Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia – Powder, Scenery, and Small-Town Charm
Fernie is one of the snowiest family ski resorts on this list, with deep powder and stunning Rocky Mountain views. The nearby historic downtown adds restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques for slower-paced afternoons.
Mountain Highlights:
- 142 runs, 2,500+ acres
- Excellent tree skiing and bowls
- Great mix of beginner-to-expert terrain
9. Panorama Mountain Resort, BC – Vertical Drops and Relaxed Vibes
Panorama strikes the perfect middle ground for families: huge vertical, scenic glades, and a quiet alpine village built for easy-going winter days. It’s one of the most relaxing family ski resorts, with hot pools, Nordic trails, and cozy lodging within steps of the lifts.
Mountain Highlights:
- 129 runs, 2,975 acres
- Night skiing, snowshoe tours, Nordic center
- Nearby Invermere for extra dining and shops
10. Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Home of “Champagne Powder”
Steamboat’s signature dry, fluffy snow draws families from across the U.S. Its Western-style town, hot springs, and friendly ski school make it one of the most welcoming family ski resorts for first-timers and returning guests alike.
Mountain Highlights:
- 169 trails, 2,965 acres
- Hot springs, sleigh dinners, tubing
- Excellent beginner and intermediate terrain
Every Mountain Offers a Different Winter Story
Whether you’re craving mellow groomers, deep powder, a ski-in/ski-out village, or a mountain-town experience, these family ski resorts deliver unforgettable winter escapes across the U.S. and Canada.
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