There is something about the snow and what it unleashes between parents and their kids that is unlike any other feeling. Maybe it’s the limitless possibilities of what the world looks like covered in a sheet of white, like a blank canvas. Maybe it’s that snow typically goes hand-in-hand with some well-known Christian holidays – or ahem, Disney movies. Or maybe (and I think this is the most likely) it’s that it releases some unbelievable childlike wonder in us all – the world becomes a place for play, a literal fairytale.
This is the experience my daughter (age 5), husband, and I had in Switzerland last December. With the right gear, we just played all day long–hiking, building, rolling, sledding, skiing, climbing– and we were exhausted and all fell asleep soundly and instantly every night. My daughter made friends with a family from Dubai, doing exactly the same things as us: building snowmen, stomping around, throwing snowballs as close to each other’s faces as they could get away with. This, I thought to myself, was proof that the snow transcends cultures, language, geographies. That it can truly be a universal experience–that snow is just “play” that falls from the sky. So read on for our unique perspective on the best mountain vacations with kids.
1. Park City
Having played host to the Winter Olympics in 2002, Park City is one of the most well-known and well-serviced ski destinations in America, with lots for families and children to enjoy. Try out the snow tubing, zip lines, alpine coaster and sleigh rides, as well as winter camps or art classes at Kimball Art Center.
Check out our homes in Park City
2. Aspen
Known for its natural beauty and well-heeled crowds, Aspen is the crown-jewel of the American ski scene, with pricing and flight accessibility to match. Its demand spans the gamut year-round, with its creeks, hiking, stand up paddle-boarding and rafting. Families who don’t ski will love the funicular in town with its soaring heights, or pizza at Brunelleschi’s.
Check out our mountain-chic homes in Aspen
3. The Swiss Mountains
Traveling abroad for a mountain vacation opens up a whole new world of possibilities, where most American travelers will be in awe of the height and span of the Alps (which span Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria). Children’s equipment, ski schools, and lift tickets are, like most things, more affordable in Europe, but it probably evens out once you add your flights and transfers. Gstaad is a lovely pedestrian town to visit, with good connections and its gorgeous gingerbread-house little sister, Saanen.
Take a look at our mountain-chic homes in Switzerland
4. Chamonix
Another excellent European destination for families and kids is Chamonix, widely known for its reliable snow, and accessible resorts. As well as the world’s longest off-piste ski run, the resort also has plenty to offer in the way of apres-ski, including dozens of shops, bars and restaurants, an ice rink, dry toboggan run, an Alpine museum and a library.
Check out our snow and ski properties in The French Alps
5. The Catskills
Due to their proximity to New York City and the myriad little towns and resorts, The Catskills are probably the most accessible ski destination in the US, though die-hard skiers might groan about the snow quality. For a well-rounded holiday that includes trains, kid-friendly restaurants, hiking, and independent shops, The Catskills are the way to go.
Check out our gorgeous cabin-ready homes in The Catskills here
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/montana/the-orion-drive-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/windham/the-windham-mountain-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/chamonix/the-alaska-chalet
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/zermatt/the-castor-chalet
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/aspen/the-mountain-view-drive-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/park-city/the-red-pine-road-residence-utah
6. Stowe
Stowe Mountain Resort offers 120 trails for all abilities, terrain parks and a gondola ride to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. Stowe itself is also well worth exploring with pretty, New England-style architecture and local boutiques, craft shops, and cozy eateries.
Check out our gorgeous cabin-ready homes in Stowe here.
7. Telluride
This huge resort has a wide range of activities on offer for families and you can visit year round. Telluride Town Park transforms into a winter wonderland in the cold months, with everything from ice skating to horseback sleigh rides. In the sunnier months, hit the hot springs, swimming lakes and popular summer camps.
Check out our best ski chalets in Telluride
8. Montana
Montana has a choice of great ski and snow resorts, including Big Sky, Yellowstone and Red Lodge. Our favorite is Whitefish Mountain: in winter, there’s a daycare center (ages 6 months to 6 years) and a ski school for kids (aged 3-6), plus an ice skating rink nearby. In summer, the area has an aerial adventure park, fly-fishing trips, river rafting, horseback riding adventures, alpine slides and heaps of hiking trails.
Check out our family-friendly vacation rentals in Montana
9. Breckenridge
Colorado is often named as a popular choice for Christmas Getaways, and the jewel in the crown is Breckenridge resort. The pretty town is transformed for the holidays, with the popular Lighting of Breckenridge event, santa races for running parents and carriage rides for children.
Check out our child-friendly homes in Breckenridge
10. Bend
In the shadow of Mount Bachelor, Bend is Oregon’s premier ski resort. Try a dog sledding ride or snowshoe tour, and make sure to take a family photo with hot chocolates at Pine Marten Lodge, complete with snow-topped Cascades in the background.
Check out our best places to stay in Oregon
Book Your Family-Friendly Mountain Vacation
If you’re hankering for pure white slopes, picturesque mountain views and the cleanest, freshest air possible, discover our selection of mountain vacation homes for families.
