9 Best Spring Break Skiing Destinations in the US for Families

You’ll find endless resort options in the United States that offer incredible deals and complete amenities. Whether you’re traveling with your family, partner, or group of friends, there are ski resorts perfect for all types of travelers and budgets.

However, families may have more specific needs in mind when considering a ski resort. Parents may want activities to occupy family members who don’t ski, slopes that are suitable for both younger children and seasoned teens, and perhaps even affordable lessons available to kick-start a newbie’s skiing experience. We’ve curated a list of the 9 best ski destinations for your family so that you can begin planning your next vacation with ease.

Table of Contents

1. Northstar California, California

Overview

Located in North Lake Tahoe in Martis Valley, Northstar California is a perfect spring break getaway with friends, kids, and loved ones. The resort is packed with countless activities and unique experiences including top-notch facilities and superb dining. Get all the information you need with the resort’s Emma, the first digital mountain assistant in the world.

The ski resort is situated on an extinct volcano, Mount Pluto, with an elevation of 6,300ft at the base, 6,800ft at mid-mountain, and 8,610ft at the summit. Choose from 100 trails available with varying levels, where 13% of the trails are for beginners, 60% for intermediate, and 27% for advanced. Moreover, it has an average annual snowfall of 9m, making your chances for excellent ski conditions that much higher.

Tickets

Northstar California offers two tickets: Summer Lift Tickets and Winter Lift Tickets. You can also get passes that are more affordable than individual tickets such as Bike Park Season Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, Tahoe Value Pass, and Epic Day Pass. Buy online so you don’t have to line up to get tickets.

Things to Do

If you want to learn how to ski or snowboard, there is a wide selection of lessons to enroll in including child or adult group ski lessons, private ski lessons, child or adult snowboard lessons, and private snowboard lessons. And if skiing isn’t your thing, you can also ride around the Bike Park in the summer, play golf on the mountain golf course, go hiking, and gaze under the clear night sky at The Dark Skies Cosmoarium.

Keep yourself fueled and going by dining on the mountain in a variety of restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get the best views of Lake Tahoe from Summit Lodge, indulge in organic food from Copper Lane Cafe, or grab a slice of pizza at Rubicon Pizza Company. Before leaving the mountain, don’t forget to visit The Village for dining, roller skating, and lots of shopping.

Hotels

If you’re staying for a few days on spring break, you can book at the Constellation Residences at Northstar to get the best access to the ski resort. Check out the resort’s special offers to get better savings and longer stays. If you book early, at least 30 days in advance, you’ll have the chance to get a 10% discount.

2. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Overview

Spanning more than 7,300 acres, Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the US. It comprises 348 trails, 41 lifts, and eight parks. More than 115 trails are groomed every night to clean paths for the next day’s skiers.

The mountain has a base elevation of 6,800ft, a summit elevation of 10,026, and a vertical rise of more than 3,000ft. The average snowfall is over 300in and 8% of the terrain is suitable for beginners, while 42% and 50% are for intermediate and advanced skiers, respectively.

Tickets

Tickets and passes are available via the resort’s website. The tickets are Summer Bike Haul, Summer Scenic Lift, and Winter Lift. Should you decide to get passes such as the Epic Local Pass, you’ll have access to a wide selection of resorts across the United States. For children ages 5 to 12, Park City Youth Pass is the best pass to use at this resort.

Things to Do

There are various activities for all ages to enjoy. Go on lift rides to get the best views, slide down the Alpine Slide for a fun way to see the mountain, and ride the Mountain Coaster for a thrilling experience. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the park offers areas for biking, hiking, and golfing.

Learn about Park City’s history with Gem Panning, an interactive activity where you are allowed to keep the gems. The park also has a variety of seasonal events to enjoy. In spring, visit the Farmers Market event located at Silver King Parking for fresh food and souvenir shopping from local businesses. Other events to look forward to include Canyons Village Summer Concert Series and Park City Wine Festival.

Hotels

We recommend booking your accommodation early to get a 10% discount. Moreover, you’ll get a 15% discount if you make a reservation for a three-night stay or more. For a more luxurious treat, choose from the park’s signature properties including Grand Summit Hotel, Apex Residences, and Lift Park City.

No deposit is required when you make a reservation with them. Plus, cancellation is free as long as you cancel 2 days before the intended date. These private homes are packed with top-notch amenities for a luxurious stay.

3. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Overview

Located on the south of River Run and north of Warm Springs, Bald Mountain has an incredible ski area of more than 2,000 acres, 12 lifts, 100 runs, and the Roundhouse Gondola. The mountain has four areas full of slopes that vary according to ski level: River Run, Seattle Ridge, The Bowls, and Warm Springs. Another mountain in the park is Dollar Mountain, a suitable mountain for beginners and little ones.

This mountain has a Family Cross Course, three parks, and 76 new rails. Located south of Sun Valley Lodge, Dollar Mountain is the perfect place for beginners looking to learn the basics of skiing, which they can choose to learn from Snowsports School right on the slopes. The mountain offers a 628ft vertical rise, 10 runs, and two high-speed quads.

Tickets

Sun Valley Resort sells Lift Tickets, Season Passes, Epic Passes, and gift cards. Check out their specials and packages to get the best deals to help you save more. For instance, you can book early at a required specific date and get a discount of up to 30% off. If you book an Epic Pass and Season Pass early, you’ll get a 25% discount. They have a variety of passes to choose from such as Challenger Pass for adults, young adults, and children, College Pass, 15 Day Plus Pass, and Freedom Found Pass.

Things to Do

The mountain offers a variety of fun activities for all ages and in any season. Check out their events calendar to match your holidays with once-in-a-lifetime events and more unique experiences, including biking around the mountain’s 400-mile track, ice skating, or horseback riding.

If you can’t get enough of the ice, they have a world-class skating rink used by Olympians that is open to the public and ice shows featuring impressive skating skills and routines. You might discover a new-found hobby like sport shooting, fly fishing, hiking, or bowling. If you are a thrill-seeker, you’ll enjoy exploring the mountain with paragliding, assisted by professionals of course.

Hotels

Sun Valley has many lodging options available for every budget, including cottages, inns, and condos. All types of lodging have access to the resort’s shopping center, restaurants, and other facilities. The resort itself has six types of lodging: Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Inn, cottages, deluxe condos, townhomes, and village condos.

If you prefer more privacy, check out Sun Valley Club and Trail Creek Cabin, their deluxe townhomes are the best option for those traveling with families or a big group of friends as their cottages are spacious with all the amenities of a house.

4. Beaver Creek, Colorado

Overview

Beaver Creek resort has great accessibility; it’s only 28 miles from Eagle County Airport and reachable from Denver International Airport by taking the Colorado Mountain Express or renting your own car. The mountain also boasts 49 miles of biking trails and 62 miles of hiking trails.

For skiing, it has a base elevation of 8,100ft, a summit elevation of 11,440ft, and a vertical rise of 3,340ft. The mountain includes 150 trails, 23 lifts, and an average snowfall of 325in. It also has three parks: Haymeadow Park, Red Buffalo Park, and McCoy Park.

Each park is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and getting around the resort is easy with their convenient and on-demand shuttle buses. The real-time information of scheduled shuttles is conveniently available via their Village Connect app.

Tickets

Tickets available are Summer Lift and Winter Lift tickets, and when you buy seven days or more in advance you are eligible for a 20% discount. With their Epic Day Pass, you’ll have 2-day access to the mountain for only $171. Other passes that are purchasable are the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass.

When you are in a Pass Holder loyalty program, you’ll get Epic Mountain Rewards, which guarantee 20% savings on accommodation, lessons, restaurants, rentals, and more. The points are redeemable at the time of booking accommodation or when spending a total of $150 a day on food.

Things to Do

You’ll never run out of things to do when you spend your spring break here. Go hiking and witness the stunning scenery of the mountain or have a glass of wine with the resort’s Wine Excursions. Explore the mountain via 4×4 Mountain Tours, a perfect activity for families and those of all ages.

Guests have the opportunity to go mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. The Village also has live music events on the rink, as well as good food and drinks to go with it. If you’re a beginner, join their ski and snowboard schools that’ll teach you how to conquer steep or gentle slopes.

Hotels

Get a 15% discount if you stay at Beaver Creek for at least five days. Otherwise, choose from a variety of accommodations including condos, private homes, and cabins. Have an extraordinary trip with one of their signature properties including The Osprey, The Pines Lodge, and Trapper’s Cabin.

For more variety, check out other types of lodging such as Arrowhead Village condos and private homes, Bachelor Gulch condos, Chapel Square condos, Elkhorn Lodge, Horizon Pass Lodge, Hummingbird Lodge, and Lodge at Brookside. If you prefer privacy and spacious accommodations, opt for Meadows Townhomes and Ridge Point Townhomes. Saddleridge is also a spacious lodging choice that offers three and four-bedroom villas.

5. Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico

Overview

Established in 1966, Angel Fire Resort is a four-season resort tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. The resort is reachable via three airports: The Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ), Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF), and Angel Fire Airport (KAXX). It has three convenient parking areas and shuttles that are all free to use by guests.

The mountain has more than 30 bike trails and six zipline courses. It has a base elevation of 8,600ft, a summit elevation of 10,677ft, and a vertical drop of 2,077ft. For skiing, choose from 81 trails, of which 21% are for beginners, 56% are for intermediate, and 23% are for advanced skiers.

Tickets

The resort offers lift tickets for adults, teens, and juniors. They have special prices for seniors between 70 and 74, children 6 years and under, 5th graders, seniors 75 and above, and military adults, teens, and juniors. Moreover, prices are different when you order online and at the resort.

Plus, don’t forget to take advantage their packages to get more freebies. For instance, you’ll get a free $100 activities credit if you book at least three nights. The credits can be used for activities like Zipline Adventure Tour, Bike Park, Monte Verde Lake, and more.

If you’re staying at The Lodge, you’ll get a $10 discount on 18 holes of golf at the Angel Fire Country Club. Additionally, if you have a Bike Park Gravity Pass or a 4-pack holder, you’ll save 20% if you decide to book at The Lodge.

Things to Do

To help you get started with skiing, book a private or group lesson for either children or adults. Should you decide to ski at night, you’ll have more than 50 acres of trails to enjoy. Night skiing ticket costs $30 for adults, teens, and juniors, and only $10 for seniors and children.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, other snow activities to try are snowshoeing, kids’ sledding, and tubing. If you want to enjoy the scenic views, hop onto chairlift rides or check out the Zipline Adventure Tour. Other activities depend on which are of the resort you are in, whether that be Angel Fire Bike Park, Monte Verde Lake, Summit Disc Golf, or Angel Fire Resort Tennis Center.

Let’s not forget the shopping and dining options at the resort. Have a delicious steak at Elements, a cup of coffee at The Lift Café, or a tasty plate of tacos at El Jefe. If you need ski wear, head over to the Lift Café or Slopeside Sports.

Hotels

Angel Fire Resorts has several condos and home rentals for big groups and families. Choose from one, two, three, or four-bedroom rentals, depending on your needs. For hotel rooms and suites, book at The Lodge, which is located at the foot of the mountain and near the Chile Express Chairlift. It is the most convenient location since it is near restaurants, shopping centers, and the village. If you plan on bringing your pet, you’ll be glad to know The Lodge has pet-friendly rooms to accommodate your furry family members.

6. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Overview

Big Sky Resort has 5,850 skiable acres, 38 lifts, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop. It is called the Biggest Skiing in America because of its expansive terrain for all types of skiers. The trails of the mountain are 15% for beginners, 25% for intermediate, 42% for advanced, and 18% for experts. Here the average annual snowfall is more than 400in, which means you’ll have plenty of fresh powder to enjoy.

Guests also have access to the Mountain Village amenities like dining, shopping, and rentals. To get to Big Sky Resort, you can either fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or drive via Montana Highway 191.

Tickets

Purchase Season Passes and Lift Tickets in advance to get the best deals. Get a Gold Season Pass for unlimited skiing and unlimited tram days, or a Double Black Season Pass for an all-access mountain pass with access to trams for 10 days. Other passes include the Blue Season Pass, Green Season Pass, Flex 5+ Pass, and Flex 3+ Pass.

If you book your accommodation via Big Sky Central Reservation, you’ll save 10% on lift tickets. You’ll be able to claim the discount by entering the confirmation code from your confirmation email.

Things to Do

It’s not just all about skiing, you’ll also enjoy the snow via sno-go bikes, the zipline, snowshoes, dog sledding, snowmobiles, and sleigh rides. Other activities that don’t involve the snow are horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. If you have more time, try The Innocents Escape Room and The Search for Creature X Outdoor Escape Room.

To get the most of nature, head over to Yellowstone National Park or simply wait for bighorn sheep or bull elk at the entrance of the resort.

Hotels

When you book with Big Sky Resort, you’ll get great discounts on lessons, rentals, and various activities. The resort has four hotels and several vacation rentals available for all budgets. Choose a cabin for bigger groups or families, a condo for couples, or private homes for complete privacy.

For a luxurious stay, book from the resort’s Signature Collection, which has complete amenities including guided check-in, daily housekeeping, personal concierge, luxurious robes, fireplaces, and more.

7. Keystone Resort, Colorado

Overview

Nestled in Summit County, Colorado, Keystone Resort is a year-round vacation spot with various activities that all ages will enjoy. The resort’s area is an impressive seven miles long and stretches over three mountains. It has 3,148 acres of terrain, a base elevation of 9,280ft, and a summit elevation of 12,408ft.

There are 128 trails, 20 lifts, and three villages for shopping and dining here as well, so whether or not you are interested in skiing, you’ll find enjoyable ways to pass the time. The resort is 90 miles west of Denver International Airport and near Interstate 70.

Tickets

The prices for all passes are now 20% off. If you purchase an Epic Day Pass, you’ll get two days’ access to the mountain for $132 and up to a 65% discount. You can save even more when you book seven days or more in advance.

If you have Epic Mountain Rewards, you’ll get 20% off on restaurants, ski lessons, and hotels. You’ll also get discounts on rentals at Keystone Sports, lessons at Ski and Ride School, and when you book a ride with Epic Mountain Express.

Things to Do

Fill up with dining options fit for every preference. Have dinner at Keystone Ranch, brunch at Tenderfoot Lounge, or a hearty breakfast at Edgewater Cafe and Lakeside Deli. After a long, tiring ski day, relax at Keystone Spa and have a detoxifying scrub and massage or take a yoga class. Children can participate at Camp Keystone to learn how to ski and will love zooming down the tubing hill as an alternative way to getting down the mountain.

Hotels

If you’re going on spring break, book your accommodation at Keystone for at least three nights to get a 15% discount. Golf enthusiasts can benefit from an additional 10% discount on lodging for Stay and Play offers when you book a golfing session and lodging together. If you have Epic Mountain Rewards as Pass Holders, you’ll get an additional 20% off on hotel accommodations.

Choose a wide selection of lodgings such as River Run Condominiums, Lakeside Village Condos, Gateway Mountain Lodge, Clear Water Lofts, and more. If you’re traveling with your family, book a private home to have more space, privacy, and to get the most breathtaking views. These private homes are packed with top-notch amenities for the ultimate experience.

8. Vail Resort, Colorado

Overview

Vail Resort has 5,317 skiable acres, which include Mid Mountain, Golden Peak, Northwoods Bowl, Game Creek Bowl, China Bowl, Sun Up & Sun Down Bowl, Siberia & Mongolia Bowl, and Blue Sky Basin. The resort has two terrain parks: Golden Peak Park and Avanti Park. These parks are suitable for all skiing abilities, from beginners to pros.

Other key features of the mountain are its 166-mile hiking trails, 343-mile biking trails, and 86-mile river. You’ll also have access to Vail’s three villages filled with stores, restaurants, and events. Getting around the town of Vail is made easy with free shuttle buses or simply by going on foot. You can also ride a bike as an alternative way to explore what the town has to offer.

Tickets

Tickets on sale include the Scenic Gondola Ride, Bike Haul Ticket, and Lift Tickets. One of the most popular passes is the Adventure Pass, which features all-day access to tons of activities such as the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Little Eagle Kids Zipline, Bungee Trampoline, Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, and Mini Golf. All of Vail’s passes have a 20% discount, just make sure to check their terms and conditions.

Vail Resort also utilizes Epic Mountain Rewards, which is used to get 20% savings on accommodations, ski lessons, restaurants, and more. For more discounts, don’t forget to book your tickets at least seven days in advance. These tickets are refundable, so you don’t have to worry if you need to cancel them.

Things to Do

The best way to get a glimpse of the mountain is through the spectacular gondola rides. If you want to explore the mountain with more physical effort, go hiking or biking through the trails. Admire nature with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in America, which is situated 8,250ft above sea level.

While you’re enjoying the great outdoors, go shopping and dining on the mountain and explore different tastes and sights. If you want to relax your body, get a spa and massage at RockResorts Spa at The Lodge at Vail, and other more options such as Sonnenalp Spa, Vail Mountain Lodge Spa, Four Season Spa, and Bloom Spa.

Hotels

The best spring break trip is the one with good deals. Get 10% off when you make a booking for at least five nights. Choose from various options including mountainside lodging, condos, and private homes. If you’re into golf, check out their Stay & Play Golf Package to get a 10% discount on lodging.

For the ultimate luxury vacation, stay at their Signature Properties and book directly with them to get the best rates. If you’re a Pass Holder, you’ll have an extra 20% discount on lodging with your Epic Mountain Rewards. Ski right from your doorstep when you choose to stay at Game Creek Chalet or get the most privacy with Gore Creek Townhomes.

9. Purgatory Resort, Colorado

Overview

A year-round vacation spot in southwest Colorado, Purgatory Resort is your spring break go-to in the San Juan Mountains. It has 1,600 skiable acres with an annual 260in snow, and you’ll find more than 100 trails and over 10 lifts in this stunning area.

This mountain has a 2,029ft vertical drop, 8,793ft base elevation, and 10,822ft summit elevation. It was named by TripAdvisor as North America’s Best Ski Value.

Guests can get to the resort via car or plane, and it’s just 35 minutes from Downtown Durango and an hour from Durango-La Plata County Airport. If you need transportation from the airport going to the resort, use Purgatory Resort’s shuttle services for a hassle-free commute.

Tickets

Lift Tickets should be purchased online and not at the resort’s ticketing office if you want to get the best deals. These are purchased in advance with the use of a Purgatory Card through your mobile device. Additionally, Season Passes are available for purchase including the Power Pass, Power Pass Select, Power Kids Pass, Weekday Pass, Active-Duty Military Pass, Parent Share Pass, and Super Senior Purgatory Pass.

If you are a Passholder, you’ll enjoy several perks and discounts such as unlimited access to Power Pass mountains, free lift tickets, discount lift tickets, 10% discount on-mountain dining, 10% discount ski school lessons and rentals, and 10% discount on shops.

Things to Do

Kids and adults alike should explore and try the diverse activities this resort has to offer. Feel the breeze with Inferno Mountain Coaster, speed down the mountain with Alpine Slide, and pan for gemstones with Treasure Panning while immersing yourself in Old West history. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, add paddle boarding and boat rides to your vacation checklist.

Go around town with jeep rentals and tours and discover what the mountain has in store. Don’t miss out on their featured events such as Mountain Marmot Trail Run, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking to get the most of nature. If you wish to learn to ski or improve your skiing skills, join Purgatory Ski & Snowboard School and take a group or private lesson.

Hotels

Whether you’re going during spring break or any other season, there’s always lodging available for all types of budgets. Simply book online or contact their reservation specialist via phone call. If you book early, you can get away with a good deal with rooms less than $100.

Staying at the resort is the best decision you’ll ever make as it is the most convenient location. It is near chairlifts and villages that are packed with restaurants, shopping stores, and more. These accommodations have top-notch amenities like outdoor pools, fitness centers, and spas, to name a few.