Winter is a wonderful time for wandering! Whether you aim for a holiday trip or a vacation after the holiday crowds have gone home, there are plenty of family-friendly forays to inspire wanderlust. Here are top finds for family-friendly snow/ski resorts in the USA and Canada.
Alberta
Fairmont Banff Springs. Ski and enjoy the spa. Families will enjoy the Bowling Centre and kids’ activities like crafts and scavenger hunts.
British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb. Ski, tube, and skate in this mountain town. Check out the Family Apres program of daily events and entertainment in Olympic Plaza.
California
Heavenly Resort. Ski, snowboard, or take an off-road tour or gondola ride. Kids can have breakfast or pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Colorado
Keystone Resort. Skate, tube, ski, and generally have fun. Kids enjoy parades and events with Santa.
Idaho
Sun Valley Resort. Ski and take a sleigh ride in this beautiful place. There are several planned activities for kids during the holidays.
Montana
Big Sky Resort. Take a sleigh ride and try dog sledding, in addition to regular winter activities. Kids like the zip line too.
Oregon
Mt. Bachelor. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing, and skiing are all here. Check out the children’s ski programs.
Pennsylvania
Camelback Mountain. Ski and tube, then play at the indoor waterpark at Camelback Lodge.
Quebec
Tremblant Resort. Skiing and tubing are here, but also fat-tire biking, ice fishing, tubing, skating, and dog sledding. Kids enjoy the pools, too.
Virginia
Wintergreen Resort. Ski, tube, and enjoy the spa. Kids have a special winter fun park and an indoor play area.
Washington
Suncadia Resort. Showshoeing, tubing, skating, skiing, trails — everything is here. Check out the Junior Rangers program for kids.
West Virginia
Snowshoe. Not only for snowshoeing, here you’ll also get to ski, take a carriage ride, go off-roading, or romp on a snowmobile. Kids enjoy the indoor play area and heated pool.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole. Ski, snowboard, and enjoy the picturesque town of Jackson. Kids’ ski programs are fun, and there are scheduled activities and events in the Kids Ranch.
If you’re looking for other ideas on family-friendly winter vacations, check out our list of warm-weather places to go.