By Christie Leman
Colorado is one of the top ski
resort destinations in the country due to its Rocky Mountain landscape, abundant snowfall and many ski slopes that vary widely in difficulty and altitude. The state, while home to many extreme skiing opportunities for the adventurous, is also home to many ski resort options for families with young kids. The best Colorado ski
resorts for families generally offer kids' programs, beginners' slopes and family-friendly accommodations.
Steamboat Springs Ski Resort
As one of the best Colorado ski resorts for families, Steamboat Springs is generally less crowded and considered less trendy than hot spots like Aspen and Vail. While this might make Steamboat Springs unappealing to some skiers, it makes the resort quite attractive to families looking for a calm, relaxing, family-friendly environment. Family-friendly features at Steamboat include Kids Fly Free, Kids Rent Free and Kids Ski Free deals, kids-only terrain and lifts, childcare, "Kids Night Out" programs, ski and snowboard camps, and a superpipe and terrain park.
steamboat.com
Aspen/Snowmass Ski Resort
While part of the glitzy Aspen ski resort, Snowmass focuses on kids and families and earns a spot on the list of the best Colorado ski resorts for families. Snowmass has both beginner and intermediate ski areas appropriate for kids depending on age and experience, plus family-friendly features like an expansive childcare and adventure center, kids' ski and snowboard programs and camps, teen-specific programs and private kids' lessons.
aspensnowmass.com
Winter Park Ski Resort
Nestled in the mountains northwest of Denver, Winter Park is great for families wanting to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of the glitzier ski resorts. As one of the best Colorado ski resorts for families, Winter Park offers kids ski free programs, Kids' Ski and Ride Programs, daily lessons, childcare, the separate Rendezvous Flats slopes with family-friendly terrain and programs, and plenty of affordable lodging nearby.
skiwinterpark.com
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Set in a quaint Victorian-themed town, Breckenridge offers many kid- and family-friendly amenities that help to make it one of the best Colorado ski resorts for families. Breckenridge features that attract thousands of families each year include ski and snowboard school, childcare for all ages, the Peak Adventure Series of ski-related challenges for all experience levels, Park and Pipe programs, several terrain parks and outdoor ice skating.
breckenridge.snow.com
Crested Butte Ski Resort
Better known for its areas with the most extreme skiing in the state, Crested Butte also offers many features that make it one of the best Colorado ski resorts for families. Family-friendly aspects of the ski resort include kids ski free and free lift ticket options, kids' lessons, kid-friendly trail maps, a kids' terrain park, tubing hill with kids-night-out programs, polar bear mascots and Kids' World, which features childcare and daily programs for kids.
skicb.com
About the Author:
Christie Leman is a public educator who has been writing informative articles on a variety of topics for five years. Her articles have appeared on several websites, including eHow, Associated Content and Examiner.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and history from Texas A&M University and is a certified Texas teacher.
