USA’s Best Family Ski Resorts 2020

The USA is absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to ski resorts and it can be tricky to figure out which resort is best for you and your junior crew. Colorado, Utah and California have a swag of incredible resorts, or you can choose excellent places in Wyoming, Montana or Idaho. Here are the picks from our panel of experts to help you decide.

Best family ski resort

1Aspen Snowmass
COLORADO

Aspen and Australian snow lovers go together like peas and carrots and it is no wonder that when the northern winter arrives, Aussies head for this legendary place. There are four mountains to ski on: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass, which is bigger than the other three combined and has a lot of ski-in, ski-out family-friendly accommodation. Aspen is number one for a reason.

=2Jackson Hole
WYOMING

Want world-class skiing with moose, bison and elk thrown in along with real Western panache? That is Jackson Hole. While known for its steep terrain, accessed by the famous red tram, giant strides have been made in the offerings for beginners and intermediates. And another thing Jackson Hole has? You can tie in a visit to Yellowstone National Park.

=2Telluride
COLORADO

Arguably the most beautiful ski town in the world, Telluride is the perfect mix of history, great terrain, excellent food, great facilities and a plethora of things to do. Stay in the Victorian-era old town in the canyon, or in the modern Mountain Village where the ski resort base is located, up above.

=3Park City
UTAH

Part of the Vail Resorts stable, Park City is one of the biggest ski resorts in the USA with 2,954 hectares of skiable terrain in two linked areas – Park City and Canyons. Park City is an old silver mining town and its historic main street is well worth a visit. Close to Salt Lake City and with a whole stack of fun family activities, it is hard to beat.

=3Steamboat
COLORADO

The western town of Steamboat is named after one of the many hot springs found in the area and its ski resort is seriously good for snow lovers with 1,200 hectares of terrain over six peaks. Ski and snowboard to your heart’s content, go horse riding in the snow on a real Western ranch and enjoy a host of other family-friendly activities.

Best USA snow hotel

1Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley
UTAH

Situated on a mountain amid the alpine serenity of Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge is utterly picturesque. The European-style resort effortlessly blends contemporary sophistication with a touch of nostalgia with features like oversized leather chairs, crackling fireplaces, a games room and movie theatre and a welcoming ambience. You can access the slopes from right outside the ski valet and return to award-winning dining, indulgent spa treatments, and entertaining après.

=2Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe
NEVADA

=2Montage Deer Valley
UTAH

=3Fairmont Franz Klammer Lodge, Telluride
COLORADO

=3Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley
IDAHO

Expert picks

Best for beginners

1. Aspen Snowmass (Snowmass & Buttermilk), Colorado

2. Deer Valley, Utah

=3. Sun Valley, Idaho

=3. Northstar Tahoe, California

Best for advanced families

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2. Telluride, Colorado

3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Best village

1. Aspen, Colorado

2. Telluride, Colorado

=3. Vail, Colorado

=3. Ketchum, Idaho

Best for all-round family activities

=1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

=1. Steamboat, Colorado

=2. Park City, Utah

=2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

3. Telluride, Colorado

Best freestyle resort

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

2. Mammoth Mountain, California

3. Park City, Utah

Readers’ picks

1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

2. Breckenridge, Colorado

3. Telluride, Colorado

4. Vail, Colorado

5. Beaver Creek, Colorado

Our expert picks are complemented by your favourite resorts in the Readers’ Choice category for the ultimate guide to kid-friendly snow adventures. Whether you’re a powderhound heading overseas or getting your ski legs in Australasia, our Best Family Ski Resorts 2020 will point you in the direction of a perfect snow holiday.

Click here to vote in the 2021 awards