The 12 best family ski resorts in the US

Whether your child is a snowboarding teen used to shredding powder or a newbie headed to ski school for the very first time, many mountain resorts across the U.S. are perfect for a family ski trip.

Skiing can be a terrific family activity in winter, as the apres-ski scene provides just as much fun as time spent on the slopes. Many resorts also offer alternative snow-related activities — such as tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and even sleigh rides — so the whole family can enjoy the mountain experience.

Related: Best travel credit cards

The best ski resorts for families are usually the ones that offer on- and near-mountain lodging, ski schools with a variety of programs, beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain and some quality non-ski activities.

Ski and snowboard lessons can fill up well in advance, so if ski school — or even on-mountain child care — is a must-have for your vacation, double-check the options to ensure they fit your ski vacation goals. Just note that you most likely won’t be able to book ski school until the fall, at the earliest.

Once you decide on the best resort for your family, price out lift tickets and pass options ahead of time. You may be surprised at how much more affordable it is to buy ski passes in advance rather than purchase individual lift tickets — even if you are only skiing for a day or two. Buying ski passes earlier than later will ensure you get the best pricing; they will only get more expensive as the year goes on.

Some mountains also offer kids-ski-free programs, which can help keep the trip cost down. Additionally, many ski resorts have capacity limits, so you’ll want to make sure you purchase your tickets before arriving (or make advance reservations at select mountains).

With all these nuances in mind, here are some of our favorite ski resorts for the whole family.

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Why Beaver Creek is a good ski resort for families

This may be surprising for those who are only familiar with the mountain’s luxury reputation, but Colorado’s Beaver Creek perhaps offers some of the friendliest slopes for family ski trips. About a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) or 30 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Gypsum, this resort is relatively easy to reach, assuming you have good road conditions.

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Beaver Creek has been upping its already solid family ski game even more lately, thanks in part to the relatively new, 250-acre, lift-served expansion called McCoy Park. This offers even more terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders; it also elevates the mountain experience with an additional 17 groomable trails, plus two more chairlifts.

Here, you’ll also find the Beaver Creek Candy Cabin, which is a great addition to the Ice Cream Parlour at the top of the Haymeadow Express Gondola. At Red Buffalo Park’s Cookie Cabin and at the bottom of the Centennial Express and Haymeadow Lift, you’ll also be able to experience the mountain’s famous 3 p.m. cookie time.

After a long day of skiing, you can enjoy ice skating in the village. On Thursday nights, kids and adults who are at least level four skiers can participate in a glow stick ski. For a unique experience, take an open-air, snowcat-led sleigh ride to Allie’s Cabin, Zach’s Cabin or Beano’s Cabin — three different mountain-top dining options.

The mountain also ensures that teens are fully entertained. This past season, the new Hawk’s Nest Cabin opened in Beaver Creek Village, where teens can enjoy the coolest underage club. There, those between the ages of 10 and 18 enjoy craft nonalcoholic beverages, music, interactive technology, arcade and table games, a ski simulator, lounge spots and more.

Lift tickets for Beaver Creek don’t have to cost a ton if you plan in advance and lock in an Epic Pass of some sort.

Where to stay at Beaver Creek

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA

Best for: Families and couples who prioritize worry-free ski-in, ski-out access at a decadent resort for a winter getaway. The hotel is just a few steps from the beginner-friendly gondola and ski school slopes, so it truly is ski-in, ski-out for skiers and riders of all ability levels.

Why stay here: TPG loves the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek not only for its proximity to the slopes, but it is also a short walk from the main village, and there are several shops and restaurants attached to the slopeside hotel.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.

Winter rates start at $800 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, USA

Best for: Those who want a rustic-chic sojourn right on the slopes but in a quieter part of the resort where you can really unplug. And while the mountain-town vibes given off by the log cabin-style facade will have skiers feeling like they’re truly off the beaten path, the recently renovated hotel still offers the same luxuries (like a spa and fitness center) that travelers have come to expect from a Ritz-Carlton property.

Why stay here: This resort is like a fairy-tale mountain getaway, with a wonderful outdoor heated pool and a prime location steps from the chairlift. It’s a place to be pampered and to relax in front of a big fireplace when you aren’t busy with the lively apres-ski scene.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Winter rates start at $970 or 112,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Avon, Colorado, USA

Best for: Skiers who value the convenience of rooms with kitchens or kitchenettes and washers and dryers to clean all that ski gear.

Why stay here: The hotel offers near-mountain access (with a gondola to the slopes right outside) at a cheaper price than some of the slopeside lodging but still has all the comforts of a big ski resort.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy breakfast plus on-property credits, or directly with Marriott to redeem points or enjoy elite status benefits.

Winter rates start at $450 or 77,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

TPG tip: You can add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to certificates with fixed prices. Should you find any nights that cost 100,000 points or less, you can use the 85,000-point certificate awarded annually by the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card if you are willing to add some points.

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Why Keystone is a good ski resort for families

Out of all the great Colorado ski resorts (and there are plenty), Keystone is the hot spot for kids of all ages. There are the usual dog sledding, snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh ride activities, but the piece de resistance is the resort’s kids programs and accommodations.

There are plenty of fun on-mountain experiences, such as snowcat skiing and night skiing (on weekends and holidays). Tykes should also like the famous Snow Fort. In fact, this past year, the mountain even had two snow forts to pick from: one up on Dercum Mountain and one in the Mountain House base area.

Additionally, the resort offers a ton of family conveniences, such as free preferred family parking for those with kids 12 and younger, as well as red wagons to help tow skis, boards or even tired kiddos.

This past season, Keystone added another 550 acres of diverse terrain among 16 new trails, bringing the total up to 3,500 acres. With so much terrain, your family can experience a wide range of trails, including the 3.5-mile-long Schoolmarm — a timeless run for the family to work on turns.

Best of all, kids 12 and younger ski free when staying at one of the resort’s properties for two or more nights. (There are no blackout dates.)

Where to stay at Keystone

Hyatt Place Keystone

Keystone, Colorado, USA

Best for: Families who want to spend their days on the mountain and have the hotel be a clean and affordable nearby place to rest up for doing it all again the next morning. However, this property is unfortunately no longer part of Keystone resorts, which means the

Why stay here: This is the only property where you can use your hotel points, while also allowing you to stay right across the street from the mountain.

Best way to book: Book the Hyatt Place Keystone directly to get your Hyatt perks and free breakfast.

Winter rates start at $300 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This property is a great use of the Hyatt Category 1-4 certificate that’s available annually for those with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

River Run Townhomes

Keystone, Colorado, USA

Best for: Skiing families who want to combine the conveniences of a home rental with the proximity and perks of being near the mountain.

Why stay here: Keystone’s River Run Townhomes are new and have a variety of floor plans (up to four bedrooms), making them a perfect option for families who want a kitchen and more space while still getting those Keystone perks and proximity to the mountain.

Best way to book: Book directly with Keystone.

Winter rates start at $825 per night for a four-bedroom accommodation, with 20% discounts available to those with an Epic Pass.

A bit less showy than its big sister Aspen, Snowmass notably includes the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, a licensed kids club for children between 8 weeks and 4 years old. Children at least 2.5 years old can also hit the slopes, as the mountain offers many ski school options.

On top of that, Snowmass allows kids to ski free all the way through age 6, which makes it a more affordable choice for a young family than most mountains; other areas typically start charging kids by the time they turn 4. For those 7 and up, know that the mountain participates in both the Ikon and Mountain Collective ski passes.

Other kid-friendly Snowmass activities include on-mountain snow tubing, alpine coasters, ice skating, snowshoeing tours and even an indoor climbing wall. During select dates throughout winter, Snowmass will offer a nighttime winter wonderland party called Ullr Nights filled with evening activities for families. This includes a gondola ride to Elk Camp, bonfires, tubing, alpine coaster rides, snow biking, s’mores and hot chocolate.

Where to stay at Snowmass

Viewline Resort Snowmass

Aspen, Colorado, USA

Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want something steps from the slopes at an affordable price.

Why stay here: Formerly The Westin Snowmass, this Autograph Collection property built into the side of the ski slopes recently went through a renovation and a rebranding. It isn’t as glamorous as other Aspen properties, but it offers good value.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to earn and redeem points and enjoy elite status benefits.

Winter rates start at $620 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. This means you could add Marriott points to a 50,000-point free night certificate on select nights.

Viceroy Snowmass

Snowmass Village, Colorado, USA

Best for: Those who want to ski Snowmass with slopeside ease and luxurious lodgings.

Why stay here: This modern hotel with a vibrant lobby raised the bar for Snowmass hotels when it opened in 2017. With plenty of spots to eat on-site plus proximity to multiple restaurants, it’s a great base for your vacation.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy free breakfast plus on-property credits.

Winter rates start at $750 per night.

Related: Yes, you really can visit Aspen on a budget. Here’s how

In addition to skiing in what are often prime snow conditions, you’ll have the Rocky Mountain Coaster, plenty of snow tubing, ice skating on West Lake in Center Village and even daily complimentary ambassador ski tours.

Additionally, whenever there is a full moon, Copper Mountain will offer ambassador-guided Full Moon Snowshoe Tours in the evenings. For an off-mountain activity, the 19,400-square-foot Woodward Copper Barn serves as an indoor action sports facility, offering many unique activities at Copper Mountain.

For the past three years, Copper has also featured a Snow Maze, which we should see return for the 2024-2025 season as well. Near the base of the Super Bee lift in Copper’s East Village, this maze is extremely fun for kids, as it’s made entirely of snow.

This past season, visitors were able to experience the resort’s brand-new mid-mountain lodge, Aerie. This 25,000-square-foot building offers more dining options and a beautiful 270-degree view. Best of all, the gondola unloads right at the lodge’s deck.

Copper is also continuing to make improvements to its Western Territory Expansion. This area is on the far west side of the mountain and is designed to inspire beginner skiers, kids and families to connect with Copper’s history and heritage. With new trails that have debuted over the past few years (including kid-friendly tree trails), guests will be able to experience 2,538 acres of skiable terrain.

Where to stay at Copper Mountain

Hotel Cambria Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain, Colorado, USA

Best for: An opportunity to use your hotel points while enjoying perks like an on-site gear shop, hot tubs and fire pits.

Why stay here: If you want to be a snowball’s throw from Copper Mountain, the newly rebranded Hotel Cambria Copper Mountain (formerly known as Element 29) is the one to pick.

Best way to book: Book through Choice to redeem and accrue points and gain loyalty program perks.

Winter rates start at $161 per night. You can also use your Choice Privileges points to book a stay, though award pricing hasn’t yet been set for the 2024-2025 season; however, this past winter cost 35,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

Deer Valley has a fun approach to ski school that includes the Teen Escape for teens ages 13 to 17, the Adventure Club for kids ages 7 to 12, the Reindeer Club for 5- and 6-year-olds and the Bambi Club for 4-year-olds. For the younger kids, the class sizes are incredibly small, with just two to four kids in a class — depending on age.

Because Deer Valley participates in the Ikon Pass ski program, the more economical way to lock in lift tickets might be to opt for a pass instead of paying the window rates.

Where to stay at Deer Valley

The St. Regis Deer Valley

Deer Valley, Utah, USA

Best for: Those seeking a deluxe on-mountain stay at a world-class resort.

Why stay here: The St. Regis Deer Valley has it all. It’s located right on the mountain (though on an actual run and not at the ski school base), has an Elemis spa, restaurants, a ski shop and a valet, not to mention free nightly Champagne sabering, s’mores and hot chocolate to warm you up and celebrate another great day on the slopes.

Best way to book: Book the St. Regis Deer Valley through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, using your Marriott Bonvoy points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection.

Winter rates start at $1,175 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Montage Deer Valley

Park City, Utah, USA

Best for: Vacations where you’re after a traditional take on mountain luxury with unique on-property family amenities.

Why stay here: Montage Deer Valley is perfect for a classic luxury vacation, as it has heated bathroom floors, soaking tubs and more in its spacious 600-square-foot rooms.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection with your American Express Platinum Card.

Winter rates start at $1,500 per night.

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley

Park City, Utah, USA

Best for: Ski families looking for a luxury experience with a plethora of amenities.

Why stay here: If you want to use your World of Hyatt points at the skier-only resort of Deer Valley, this is an ideal property. With a kids club, game room, a heated outdoor pool and on-site ski lockers, ski families will thoroughly enjoy their stay.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Winter rates start at $900 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can kick up your feet and unwind midday while enjoying a glass of apple cider (or a glass of bubbly for the adults) with the mountain’s one-of-a-kind Tost tradition. Additionally, families can enjoy the apres-ski scene by cozying up around the fire pit or zipping around on ice skates while listening to live music. At other times, you can enjoy fireside s’mores and hot cocoa.

If cross-country skiing is your activity of choice, the Nordic Center offers nearly 22 miles of scenic trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

Where to stay at Northstar

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, California, USA

Best for: Families who want a ski-out location and luxury mountain amenities nestled directly on Northstar.

Why stay here: The national park lodge-inspired Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is located mid-mountain on Northstar, making it a true ski-out resort on an easy run.

Best way to book: Book the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, through Marriott to use your Bonvoy points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection.

Winter rates start at $685 or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee

Truckee, California, USA

Best for: A budget-friendly stay that’s still near Northstar.

Why stay here: Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee is not a ski-out hotel, but it’s also not a budget-buster. With a near-town location, reasonable rates and free breakfast and Wi-Fi for all, the family bank account can breathe a little easier when staying here.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton.

Winter rates start at $210 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

An uber kid-friendly ski resort, Smugglers’ Notch focuses on the entire family experience. This is why it’s known as “America’s Family Resort.”

Smuggs, as it’s called by those who know and love it, offers an award-winning Snow Sport University. It starts lessons with little ones as young as 3 years old. Sir Henry’s Learning and Fun Park has two “magic carpet rides” that gently guide new skiers to the top.

For those who already know how to ski and board, the mountain has everything they could want: 78 trails, eight lifts, the highest vertical drop in northern Vermont at 2,610 feet and more than 300 inches of natural snow each year. Multiple terrain parks and 1,000 acres for skiing and riding are also available.

For those staying at the resort, everything is a few steps away, and an on-demand shuttle will take you wherever you need to go.

Off the mountain, you’ll also find a plethora of activities — both during the day and night. Activities include snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, swimming, ice skating, bingo and magic shows. You can also experience the updated Fun Zone 2.0 complex, which features a “Ninja Warrior” course, laser tag, miniature golf, an arcade, large inflatable slides and more spread across 26,000 square feet of indoor space.

Where to stay at Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch Vermont

Jeffersonville, Vermont, USA

Best for: Being close to the mountain while having space for the whole family.

Why stay here: With condos in five neighborhoods ranging from studios to five bedrooms, it’s easy to be within walking distance or an on-demand shuttle ride from Smuggs.

Best way to book: Book directly with Smugglers’ Notch.

Winter rates start at $289 per night.

Stowe has a world-class ski school and plenty of long, beautiful blue trails to keep your not-yet-expert skiers and snowboarders engaged. The relatively new Adventure Zone has continued to be a big hit; these low-angle, gladed areas are appropriate for anyone in the family looking for a fun experience skiing or boarding through the trees on Mount Mansfield.

After a great family day on the slopes, enjoy a free pre-dinner skate at the Spruce Peak outdoor ice rink, embark on a guided twilight snowshoe tour through the woods or enjoy indoor rock climbing at Stowe Rocks. If you’re looking for a resort with a village atmosphere, this is one of the best you’ll find in the Northeast.

The main issue with Stowe Mountain is its ticket prices compared to many other East Coast resorts. Luckily, the Epic Pass can save your family over the walk-up lift ticket rates. You could even look at Epic’s Northeast Value Pass if you expect to only ski at East Coast mountains this winter.

Where to stay at Stowe

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Stowe, Vermont, USA

Best for: When your family wants a ski-out Stowe vacation.

Why stay here: As the only luxury ski-out resort at Stowe, this 250-room resort (now part of the Hyatt family) has rooms ranging from studios to multibedroom units.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, directly with Hyatt to use your World of Hyatt points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection if you have an American Express Platinum Card.

Winter rates start at $400 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Trapp Family Lodge

Stowe, Vermont, USA

Best for: An Austrian-inspired getaway in Vermont.

Why stay here: The Trapp Family Lodge sits on 2,500 acres and features stunning Austrian-inspired architecture, plus the largest cross-country skiing network in all of Vermont.

Best way to book: Book directly with the Trapp Family Lodge.

Winter rates start at $265 per night.

People love Jay Peak thanks to its indoor water park, which is ideal for families who want to take a day off from skiing or have something to do after morning ski school. The Jay Peak Pump House features slides, a FlowRider surf simulator and an entire kids play area. Many lodging packages include water park access, or you can purchase a daypass. (We recommend purchasing in advance.)

Aside from the water park, there are two arcades, a climbing gym, an ice skating rink and a slopeside movie theater. Not all activities are available every day, so double-check ahead of time. Aim to make advance bookings where available.

Best of all, there’s a surplus of ski-in, ski-out condo and hotel options, giving families the perfect opportunity to stay in accommodations that work best for their needs. For those with little ones — or even big ones — Jay Peak offers child care for children as young as 6 weeks old both during the day and in the evenings.

Where to stay at Jay Peak

Jay Peak Resort

Jay Peak, Vermont, USA

Best for: Easy access not only to the lifts, but all of the non-ski activities right near the mountain.

Why stay here: Jay Peak Resort has three hotel options along with various condos and single-family homes.

Best way to book: Book directly with Jay Peak Resort.

Winter rates start at $300 per night.

TPG tip: You can also check to see if you like any of the on-mountain condo options that take Wyndham points through Vacasa.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Why Bretton Woods is a good ski resort for families

Just across the Vermont border is New Hampshire’s answer to family-oriented skiing: Bretton Woods.

Home to the family-friendly Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods features fat-tire snow biking trails, a 62-mile trail network for cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snow tubing, canopy tours and an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool (just for guests). The recently built Rosewood Lodge at the top of the mountain also gives skiers and riders that top-of-the-mountain lodge and luxury dining experience that you won’t find at many other nearby mountains.

Unfortunately, unlike what you’ll find at many other mountains, Bretton Woods only offers ski school on the weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays). If ski school is a must-have, just ensure the mountain has an option that fits your needs. However, we did find ski school was much more affordable here than those at many other resorts.

From the hotel’s architecture to the incredible views of Mount Washington, it’s no surprise that the resort is a top destination for families. With many fun activities for the entire family and more than 464 acres to ski, there should be no shortage of on-mountain family fun.

Where to stay at Bretton Woods

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA

Best for: A resort stay that conjures up a taste of history (and the memory of multiple presidents who have walked the halls) while also offering the updated amenities of today.

Why stay here: Less than a mile from the Bretton Woods slopes, Omni Mount Washington has a free shuttle that’ll get you there, plus a new Presidential Wing with guest rooms and suites to go along with the property’s more than 100-year-old history.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Winter rates start at $300 per night.

While older family members explore the high peaks of Mont-Tremblant, kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy practicing their turns at ski school. Or, if you happen to be visiting during spring break, Tremblant’s Ski Week program will give you four full days with the same instructor.

Guests can explore a unique European-style pedestrian village directly at the mountain’s base. The pedestrian village allows easy access from the front step of your hotel door to the bottom of the slopes. With its colorful buildings — including more than 75 shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques — there is plenty to do in any weather.

On a non-skiing day, grab the kids and hit the snow-covered trails ripe for fat biking, dune buggy rides, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sleigh rides and even ice climbing. Families will not want to miss the Brind’O Aquaclub water park, which offers four slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, 35 interactive water games and a revamped fitness room. There is also laser tag and a virtual reality arcade.

If Mont-Tremblant is on your radar, you can save money with the Ikon Base Pass.

Where to stay at Mont-Tremblant

Fairmont Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Best for: A classic luxury resort ski-out vacation in Mont-Tremblant.

Why stay here: A full-service hotel in Tremblant, the Fairmont Tremblant offers all the hallmarks of an upscale ski resort, with heated pools, a prime ski-out location, ski valet services, a spa, a game room, gourmet on-site dining, après-ski options and even a daily family bonfire for marshmallow roasting with the kids around the igloo village.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection if you have an American Express Platinum Card.

Winter rates start at $350 per night.

Le Westin Tremblant 

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Best for: Being in the middle of the village with shops and dining at your fingertips while still just a brief walk from the lifts of Mont-Tremblant.

Why stay here: Le Westin Tremblant is in the heart of the Tremblant pedestrian village, making it a great spot for when you want to do a little more than just ski on your vacation.

Best way to book: Book Le Westin Tremblant via Marriott using your Marriott Bonvoy points or cash.

Winter rates start at $360 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Mont-Tremblant Resort

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Best for: A budget-friendly trip still within walking distance of the Tremblant lifts.

Why stay here: Homewood Suites by Hilton Mont-Tremblant is within walking distance to the Express Flying Mile ski lift and Casino Express Gondola. While it doesn’t have as many on-site amenities as a full-service hotel, it will keep more money in your pocket thanks to lower nightly rates and free hot breakfast daily.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton.

Winter rates start at $272 or 59,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

British Columbia’s Whistler is another Canadian winter ski hot spot with a family-friendly focus. Your kids will love the pint-size ski experience at the resort’s Enchanted Woods, which is usually clear of more experienced and faster skiers. Or, embark on the thrilling Bubly Tube Park.

In addition to Magic Castle and Tree Fort outdoor playlands at both Whistler and its sister mountain, Blackcomb, families will be entertained with the mountain’s free Fire & Ice performances every Sunday night (a display of ski and snowboard skills). Families can also exchange their ski boots for ice skates and skate for free in Whistler Village; the area is chock-full of shops, restaurants and things to do in the after-ski hours.

Where to stay at Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Best for: A secluded (but still close-to-it-all) modern ski-lodge-inspired mountain vacation.

Why stay here: Sometimes luxury ski hotels rest on their location laurels and don’t always have the most modern of looks or approaches to lodging. However, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler has 11 alpine suites that are just a few years old and are well worth booking.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection if you have an American Express Platinum Card.

Winter rates start at $840 per night.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Best for: Family ski trips to Whistler where you want a little bit of everything without emptying the college fund.

Why stay here: Located right at the base of Whistler just a few steps from ski school and Whistler Village, The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa is a great example of balance. While there is an on-site spa, restaurants and a heated indoor-outdoor pool, the rooms also have kitchenettes so you can manage some simple meals and snacks on your own to keep costs down.

Best way to book: Book the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, using your Marriott Bonvoy points, or via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resort Collection.

Winter rates start at $685 or 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Best for: A near-mountain family vacation.

Why stay here: Just five minutes from the lifts of Whistler, the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa has all the basics of a family mountain vacation: ski valet, heated outdoor pool, on-site spa and on-property dining.

Best way to book: Book through Hilton Honors to use your Hilton points and certificates or through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Winter rates start at $297 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Ready to plan a family ski trip? Check out the following stories for more tips on how to book your ski trip with points and miles and make the most of your family ski vacation: