By Shiromi Nassreen
The Best Family Ski Resorts in Colorado
When looking for ski
resorts geared toward the whole family, consider resorts that are affordable for families on a budget. Also look for resorts that have excellent kids programs, particularly teaching kids to ski and resorts that have plenty of family-related activities for when you're not on the slopes.
Winter Park
Winter Park is just a short drive for most people living in Denver and a popular ski resort for families. Unlike some of the more expensive resorts this one is geared towards families, and is priced very competitively. Winter Park has learning to ski programs for children as young as three. They also have lessons for both parents and kids together. Off the slopes, the resort has sleigh rides and snow shoeing.
Winter Park
85 Parsenn
Winter Park, CO, 80482
Telephone: (303-892-0961)
Ski Cooper
Ski Cooper is another affordable family resort in Colorado. While Ski Cooper has no lodging available it does offer some nice easy "bunny" slopes, and has a "Panda" children's program. One involves a two-hour lesson for children as young as 4 years old called the Panda cubs. The lesson includes equipment rental, lift tickets and even lunch. Then they have the Panda Patrol which is for children ages 5 to 12. It is an all-day program.
Ski Cooper
1101 Poplar St
Leadville, CO, 80461
Telephone: (719-486-2277)
Aspen
Aspen is an excellent resort simply because it offers variety. With four different mountains (Ajax, Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk) there is typically something for everyone at Aspen. Snowmass is particularly great for families, due to its wide, groomed trails. Children taking skiing lessons at Snowmass have access to the Treehouse Adventure Center which features a climbing wall and other interactive games. Older kids may better enjoy Buttermilk which is another mountain for beginners and is the site of the ESPN Winter-X games.
Aspen
425 Rio Grande Place
Aspen, CO 81611
Telephone: (970-925-9000)
Beaver Creek
The instructors at Beaver Creek have an excellent learning to ski program for kids which includes a very gentle slope to learn to ski, and a tow lift called the Magic Carpet Ride. Entertainment in the evening includes storytelling and even roasting smores at the outdoor fire pits. Beaver Creek is also the location for the Cookie Kids Fest in March.
Beaver Creek
210 Offerson Road
Vail, CO, 81658
Telephone: (970-845-9090)
Keystone
With three mountains, Keystone offers skiing for the whole family, from beginner all the way to expert. In addition to the skiing Keystone also offers sleigh rides through Soda Creek, snow shoeing and mountain top snowcat tours for visitors. Keystone also has a Children's Center which offers seasonal childcare and daycare programs. The village at Keystone has plenty of restaurants, stores and entertainment for the whole family.
Keystone
US Highway 6
Dillon, CO 80435
Telephone: (970-496-2316)
About the Author:
Shiromi Nassreen is a British writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama and has been writing professionally for three years. She writes primarily travel and outdoor articles on Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in Dysfunkshion Magazine as well as Illusion Television and Matador Travel.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Dan Benbennick
