USA’s best family ski resorts 2019

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

While the mountains of Snowmass and Buttermilk cater best to beginners, our judges also rate the picture-perfect village of Aspen and the impressive array of off-the-slopes fun for all ages at this four-mountain family favourite. At Snowmass don’t miss Ullr Nights, a Friday night celebration with s’mores, tubing, snow biking and kids’ activities.

2Park City
UTAH

With plans underway to enhance the already family-friendly ski resort, Park City will be seeing a new high-speed lift as part of the creation of its High Meadow Family Fun Zone – an area dedicated to beginners, children and families. With plenty of gentle slopes and snowfall, children and family lessons and childcare available, the resort is a haven for shredders of all ages.

=3Jackson Hole
WYOMING

Cowboy country on snow: that’s how kids describe Wyoming’s best-loved ski resort. While it is known for its adrenaline-fuelled advanced terrain, there is plenty of terrain for beginners to learn on and progress to. The brand new Solitude Station is the place for kids seven and over to get their rental gear and start their lessons, with kids three to six based at The Kids Ranch at the base. Once kids get their ski-legs, they can explore further afield up the Teewinot, Teton, Casper and Apres Vous lifts. Advanced skiers and riders will head for the Bridger Gondola and the famous Jackson Hole Tram to tackle the runs on Rendezvous Mountain. Off the slopes, explore the town of Jackson, visit the National Elk Refuge and for a wonderful day out, do a tour of Yellowstone National Park.

=3Telluride
COLORADO

The former Victorian mining town is known for its quaint shops and incredible ski terrain. With as many activities to do off the snow as there are on the snow and easy access to the towns directly from the resort, Telluride is a charming resort for all ages.

4Mammoth Mountain
CALIFORNIA

Freestylers can’t get enough of Mammoth, with this aptly-named resort and its Unbound Terrain Parks, catering for riders from beginners to Olympians. Mammoth is mammoth, with 28 lifts opening the door to 1,416 hectares of skiable terrain. Kids, beginners and experts are all looked after here, and the town of Mammoth Lakes dishes up a swathe of great restaurants and things to do when the lifts – or little legs – aren’t turning. 

Expert Picks

Best for beginners

1. Aspen Snowmass (Snowmass & Buttermilk), Colorado

2. Deer Valley, Utah

3. Mammoth, California

Best for advanced families

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2. Telluride, Colorado

3. Vail, Colorado

Best village

=1. Aspen, Colorado + Telluride, Colorado

2. Park City, Utah

3. Vail, Colorado

Best for all-round family activities

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2. Telluride, Colorado

3. Vail, Colorado

Best freestyle resort

1. Mammoth Mountain, California

=2. Park City, Utah + Breckenridge, Colorado

3. Squaw Valley, California

Readers’ picks

1. Aspen Snowmass

=2. Keystone + Vail

= 3. Mammoth + Breckenridge + Telluride

Our experts’ 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 2019 World’s Best Family Ski Resorts Awards will point you in the direction of a perfect snow holiday.

Click here to vote in the 2020 awards