So, you've decided you want to go on a skiing holiday with your family. For sure, everyone's already excited and can't wait to go, and you're probably thinking of what to wear, and which gear to pack. However, before you are caught up with all the excitement, there's one major decision you need to make; you need to find the best ski resort to ensure you all have the best possible experience.
The world is brimming with amazing skiing destinations, however if you live in the US and are planning a staycation, you may find it tricky to choose the best ski resort, and don’t know where to start your research.
Feet Do Travel can help you with our guide to choosing the best family ski resort in the USA.
The world is brimming with amazing skiing destinations, however if you live in the US and are planning a staycation, you may find it tricky to choose the best ski resort, and don’t know where to start your research.
Feet Do Travel can help you with our guide to choosing the best family ski resort in the USA.
Choosing your destination
Before you get to the nitty-gritty part of packing and shopping for essentials, choosing a destination comes first. If it's your first time going skiing with your kids, you need to be extra careful when selecting the location, and you want to ensure its family friendly.
If you are choosing a staycation and live in America, search for the best ski resorts in the United States. Check what they offer, how much the rates are, what facilities they have for adults and for your children, it’s a family holiday after all!
There are several good ski towns and locations in the US. Sun Valley in Idaho is the perfect location for skiers of all levels and abilities, and you will find two ski mountains to choose from in this town, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Other US ski destinations you can pick from are:
The destination you choose could simply be your preference of location, if the ski resorts offer similar facilities. If you don't want to take a domestic flight, choose an area that's close to your city or state. You could plan a road trip with the family to make the holiday more fun and exciting, stopping at a few Cities en route. However, if you're from a sunny state like Texas or Florida, flying is the fastest most practical option, so book early to ensure you get the cheapest airfares.
Before you get to the nitty-gritty part of packing and shopping for essentials, choosing a destination comes first. If it's your first time going skiing with your kids, you need to be extra careful when selecting the location, and you want to ensure its family friendly.
If you are choosing a staycation and live in America, search for the best ski resorts in the United States. Check what they offer, how much the rates are, what facilities they have for adults and for your children, it’s a family holiday after all!
There are several good ski towns and locations in the US. Sun Valley in Idaho is the perfect location for skiers of all levels and abilities, and you will find two ski mountains to choose from in this town, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Other US ski destinations you can pick from are:
- Park City, UT
- Aspen, CO
- Lake Tahoe Region of CA
- Telluride, CO
- Big Sky, MT
- Vail, CO
- Stowe, VT
The destination you choose could simply be your preference of location, if the ski resorts offer similar facilities. If you don't want to take a domestic flight, choose an area that's close to your city or state. You could plan a road trip with the family to make the holiday more fun and exciting, stopping at a few Cities en route. However, if you're from a sunny state like Texas or Florida, flying is the fastest most practical option, so book early to ensure you get the cheapest airfares.
Get to know your lodging options
When you've narrowed down the location or state that you want, next you need to find a lodging to suit your preference and budget.
The most common accommodation you'll find in ski resorts is condos. Most people find these slope-side rentals to be more convenient because there's no commute to the ski mountain. If you have kids or elderly family members who tire easily, they can head back to the condominium to take a break or a rest. Also, condos often come fully equipped with housekeeping services and kitchens, which is a plus if you plan to bring ready-to-cook food for your meals.
Another lodging option is cabin rentals, which are usually preferred by large families or companies. If you're a big family and want to have a certain level of privacy and solitude, cabin rentals might work for you, and are cheaper than hotels. If you don't plan to cook on your break and want to be in full-on vacation mode, then a hotel will suit you best.
When you've narrowed down the location or state that you want, next you need to find a lodging to suit your preference and budget.
The most common accommodation you'll find in ski resorts is condos. Most people find these slope-side rentals to be more convenient because there's no commute to the ski mountain. If you have kids or elderly family members who tire easily, they can head back to the condominium to take a break or a rest. Also, condos often come fully equipped with housekeeping services and kitchens, which is a plus if you plan to bring ready-to-cook food for your meals.
Another lodging option is cabin rentals, which are usually preferred by large families or companies. If you're a big family and want to have a certain level of privacy and solitude, cabin rentals might work for you, and are cheaper than hotels. If you don't plan to cook on your break and want to be in full-on vacation mode, then a hotel will suit you best.
Amenities and features to look for
Aside from the lodging options available, you also need to consider the amenities and features of the ski resort you're want to book, and consider your families’ needs and preferences, particularly the kids. Are there gentle ski slopes which are ideal for children or beginner skiers? What about the terrain? There should be enough blue or green runs for a more gentle fell landscape.
Another important feature to check is the ski school the resort offers. Most ski destinations have good programming for families and groups, but there are definitely some which stand out from the rest. To find out more about their ski school, check the resort's website and see if it has a list of their ski-level criteria to identify if they have the right fit for your children's age and skills. Pick a resort that offers family lessons so your kids won't need to go on their own.
Aside from the lodging options available, you also need to consider the amenities and features of the ski resort you're want to book, and consider your families’ needs and preferences, particularly the kids. Are there gentle ski slopes which are ideal for children or beginner skiers? What about the terrain? There should be enough blue or green runs for a more gentle fell landscape.
Another important feature to check is the ski school the resort offers. Most ski destinations have good programming for families and groups, but there are definitely some which stand out from the rest. To find out more about their ski school, check the resort's website and see if it has a list of their ski-level criteria to identify if they have the right fit for your children's age and skills. Pick a resort that offers family lessons so your kids won't need to go on their own.
Apart from the slopes and ski lessons, think of off-slopes activities that you can take advantage of during your vacation. Are there other exciting pursuits that you and the kids could enjoy when taking a break from your snowboards? You can't discount the possibility that not everyone in your group will be obsessed with skiing, so there should also be enough entertainment to keep them busy and happy. To give you an idea, here are some activities that you could try (and see if the resort offers):
The key is to research well and feel free to contact the resort beforehand with any questions or concerns. Some family-friendly ski resorts have dress-up parties and fireworks displays for kids.
- Sledding
- Tubing
- Snowshoeing
- Mini snowmobiling
- Fat tire biking
- Ice skating
The key is to research well and feel free to contact the resort beforehand with any questions or concerns. Some family-friendly ski resorts have dress-up parties and fireworks displays for kids.
Final Words
Choosing the best ski resort for the family isn't an easy task. You need to consider several factors and ask the right questions to determine which suits you best. With enough research, you should be able to narrow down your options, and have an amazing trip.
Choosing the best ski resort for the family isn't an easy task. You need to consider several factors and ask the right questions to determine which suits you best. With enough research, you should be able to narrow down your options, and have an amazing trip.
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