Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Families

For parents looking for family friendly skiing, here are my top 3 things to look for:

1. Accessibility - Access to the slopes, you don't want to lug around all the kids skis on a bus. The closer you are to the mountain, the better. Consider ski in ski out lodging. 

2. Facilities - Most resorts offer childcare, restaurants, bars, shops, and lodging. Some even offer free shuttles to town.

3. Affordability - Prices vary widely depending on where you go and what time of year you visit. But if you want to save some cash, consider booking online ahead of time and booking an all inclusive ski package. 

Colorado is home to some of the country’s finest skiing destinations for a family. Whether you’re looking for an action packed adventure or a relaxing break, we’ve got the right place for you! Here are our picks for the best places to go skiing for your family vacation. 

Keystone

• Keystone is known for its Kidtopia playground and fun activities for kids.
• Great for beginners who want to learn how to ski. The learning area is located at both the bottom and the tops of the mountain.
• With its own ski lifts, boasting one of the best terrain park in Colorado
• Crowds can be problematic when you're skiing on a holiday weekend.

Slopes at Keystone offer an abundance of fun for the entire familly. Whether you're skiing with children or adults, Keystone offers plenty of slopeside activities for everyone. With endless kids' activities such as snow-tubbing and sleigh rides, plus ample accommodation to suit every budget, it's easy to understand why Keystone is one of Colorado's premier winter destinations for families. At the top of Dercun Mountain, Keystone has a beginners' area for those just getting started. And if you're not staying at Keystone Resort, nearby communities of Dillon and Silverthornes both boast affordable lodging and delicious food.

Official site

Copper Mountain

• Copper Mountain is one among the best family friendly resorts in Colorado with plenty of kid’s activites.
• A good alternative to other Colorado ski destinations
• Fantastic variety of terrain for all abilities
• Compared to other Colorado ski towns like Breckenridge or Keystone, this one isn't too big.

Why ski Copper Mountain? Because Copper is the best mountain in Colorado for families who have the exact same skill level! The mountain naturally divides itself into three distinct areas, beginner, intermediate and expert. If you're a parent with kids, the child care is unbeatable and the Woodward Copper Barn offers an excellent indoor training facility with fun inflatable obstacles and trampolines! Then of course there's the Tubing Hill with magical carpet rides. No matter what age they are, everyone can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the hill on a tube. You won't find any lines or crowds either. Just relax and let the ride take you where it wants to go.

Known for its natural skiing conditions, Copper Mountain has been voted one of the best resorts in North America by Ski Magazine.

Steamboat Ski Resort

• An opportunity to relax in one of the many natural hot springs!
• Located in a small historic western town
• Best uncrowded skiing destination in Colorado
• Further away from Denver than other ski resorts

It's a bit farther out than most people think, but well worth it!

Why Steamboat Springs is unlike other Colorado resorts, altitude illness isn't an issue at Steamboat which can often spoil vacation plans. Although the town is located far from Denver, the "Champagne Snow" is the lightest snow I've ever experienced, and something I would highly suggest for any families. A must for every kid-friendly mountain, child care at Steamboat doesn't match those at Copper, but they still do a fantastic job. In order to feed the entire group for less, Walmart, natural grocers, City Market, wild plum, and Safeway are also here. For those staying in a hotel, it's only a short 10 to 20 minutes' ride to virtually everywhere within the city.

Steamboat Springs is known for its trademark “champagne powder”, laid-back Colorado skiing resort and natural hot springs.

If you are heading out to Colorado with your family, you should definitely consider purchasing a Colorado ski package. That way you can bundle and save.

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