Ultimate Guide to Spring Break Skiing with Family

Is spring break right around the corner? This is the perfect time to plan your family's ultimate spring break ski vacation.

The spring break ski vacation is unique in many ways. There are fewer crowds at the ski resorts, but the weather can be unpredictable, from powder days to warm, bluebird skies. Add the spring festivals, concerts, pond skims, and other events, there's the unmistakable sense of the season's ending.

In this guide, you'll get a comprehensive look at what to expect from your spring break family ski vacation.

Summit and Eagle Counties

Colorado resorts, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper, Vail, and Beaver Creek, along I-70 are prime options for spring break ski vacations. With easy access from Denver International Airport (within 2 hours by car or shared shuttle) and the resorts' close proximity to each other, families can explore multiple ski resorts in a single ski vacation. 

Just over an hour from Denver lies Keystone Resort, a world-class resort with a purpose-built village. Keystone is incredibly kid-friendly with its family-orientated activities and events.

• Lodging: Under Keystone’s Kids Ski Free program, when you stay two or more nights at one of the Keystone-owned properties, children 12 and under get one day of free skiing plus an additional day for each additional night booked.
• Apres: For craft beer and sun-washed outdoor seating, go to 9280' Taphouse.
• Activities: Daily Kidtopia activities and events, two Snow Forts for kids to play, snow tubing, ice skating, and more.

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado, best for intermediate skiers but has plenty of gentle slopes for beginners. During spring, Breckenridge holds their month-long Spring Fever festival, which attracts plenty of party lovers, but the town remains family-friendly through the end of the season.

• Ski the groomers of Peak 7 at Breckenridge for the best early-morning corduroy.
• Activities: Sledding at Carter Park, Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, dog sledding, scenic cat tour, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
• Events: Games, crafts, and special events for kids, including Mountain Top Children's Museum, and the annual Easter egg hunt.

Copper Mountain remains the only resort in the area that is not run by Vail Resorts. The resort's varied terrain boasts trails for all ages and abilities, and Copper pays special attention to crafting great non-skiing experiences for little ones.

• Activities: At Critterland there are mini tubing and snow fort areas for kids under 6. 
• Events: Copper hosts the World's Largest Easter Egg Hunt at Copper, where you ski around the mountain with your kids in search of 65,000 hidden eggs and return them for prizes.
• Dining: The CB Grille at Copper has an extensive menu of American Western fare, including mac n' cheese and bison meatloaf, which the kids will love.
• Childcare: Kids' Night Out is a free 3-hour childcare service when you spend $30 at a retail shop at the resort.

Vail Ski Resort is a top destination for spring skiing with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. Vail's massive ski school offers little ones the perfect chance to improve their skills and have fun on the slopes. Most casual restaurants in the village slash prices in half the last week of the season.

• Lodging: Stay at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa for family-friendly luxury with slopeside rooms. Alternatively, you can stay at Tivoli Lodge where they offer live music, fresh cookies, hot chocolate, and warm hospitality. 
• Activities: Vail's Adventure Ridge offers tubing, mini-snowmobiling, ski biking, ice fishing, and learning opportunities at the Nature Discovery Center.
• Events: Dine with the avalanche dogs at Henry’s Hut or watch the SKI for MS Vertical Challenge.

Beaver Creek is more understated regarding late-season celebrations; book here for no-rowdy-college kids guarantee. Beaver Creek's notorious steeps are more friendly in slushy spring snow.

• Lodging: The Pines Lodge at Beaver Creek offers spacious rooms and a pool and hot tub area. The lodge is ski in ski out and has ski storage facilities, making it super convenient for the kids and yourself after a long day on the slopes.
• Activities: There is a family-friendly area located at Red Buffalo Park, where there are snow sculptures, many green runs, a kids’ adventure zone, and the Cookie Cabin. Off the slopes, there is ice skating in the village.
• Events: Beaver Creek Resort has family events like Thursday Night Lights, Fun Fest (carnival games), concerts, and performances.

Park City

With Park City's prime location and terrain, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley continue be one of the top ski destinations in the US. The resort is only 36 miles from Salt Lake City Airport and boasts two European-styled, pedestrian-friendly villages, over 9300 skiable acres, and a world-class resort experience that will leave your family feeling like they just returned to their private club.

Park City Mountain Resort is interconnected to The Canyons by a gondola, and Vail Resorts own both ski areas. These two mountains offers 7,300 acres of terrain, which means you'll never have to ski the same thing twice. Park City Mountain is more suitable for intermediates, with 42% of the terrain marked for intermediates. 

• Lodging: At Park City, lodging varies from high-end close to the bases of Park City Mountain and Deer Valley to more affordable lodgings that require a short shuttle ride to the resorts. Stay at Park City Peaks Hotel for value rooms in a family-friendly atmosphere or Hyatt Centric for easy slope access, modern rooms, and a heated outdoor pool.
• Activities: There are plenty of family activities outside of skiing including horse-drawn sleigh rides, Flying Eagle Zip Line, and Mountain Coaster.
• Events: Check out Park City's Spring Gruv festival for live music or watch the pond skimming competition. Canyons Village holds season-long events including lazer night shows and DJs.
• Dining: Enjoy apres at High West Distillery and Saloon, a ski-in/ski-out distillery located at the base of Park City Mountain, or try the award-winning Riverhorse on Main for an upscale American fine dining experience. Alternatively, you can visit Grub Steak which has a different menu for kids 14 and below.

Just roughly 3.5 miles from Park City is Deer Valley Resort, which is a skiers-only mountain. It is perfect for families seeking a luxurious ski vacation experience and customer service. Deer Valley’s kids ski school programs are renowned and the wide-open groomers that wind down most of the resort make the resort kid-friendly.

• Lodging: Stay at the Stein Eriksen Lodge for the ultimate luxury (and price tag), complete with en-suite fireplaces, jetted bathtubs in every room, and the epitome of fine service.
• Events: Take the kids to the Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley to see the Easter Bunny and take photos.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe’s abundance of sunshine days and laid-back California vibes make it a year-round destination. Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and typically receives huge amounts of snowfall in March, making it a great spring ski vacation destination. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the gateway to the resorts as it is around 1-3 hour drive or shuttle away. 

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows) is known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. Together the two mountains boast 6,000 skiable acres, an annual snowfall of 450 inches, and a free shuttle to go between resorts. These factors make Palisades Tahoe excellent late-season skiing, with plenty of coverage on intermediate and advanced terrain.

• Lodging: Stay at the Olympic Village Inn at Squaw Valley for mountain views and spacious suites or Palisades Tahoe Lodge for luxurious spa, and high-end service.
• Activities: Choose from snow tubing, disco tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and NASTAR races. 

Northstar California is a Vail-owned upscale ski resort just outside of Truckee. The resort maintains its homegrown roots and hospitality. The 3,170 acres of skiable terrain cater to intermediates, as well as your little tykes anxious to get into the parks and pipes.

• Lodging: Northstar Lodge by Vacation Club Rentals is a ski-in/ski-out lodging with bedroom residences that are equipped with a full kitchen so you can make lunch or dinner.
• Activities: Glide around a 9,000 square foot skating rink or snow tube in Northstar Village. Your family can also try candle making and watch moving at the Village Cinemas.
• Events: Northstar offers Twilight Snowshoe Tour, Friday night DJ, Saturday live music, trivia night at Wild Pine, and pond skimming.
• Dining: Head to Manzanita in the mid-mountain Ritz Carlton, they even have a "Petite Gourmet" kids menu.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is located roughly 33 miles from the bustling casino town of South Lake Tahoe. This resort is perfect for a mellow spring break ski getaway with reliable snowfall due to its location and elevation on the Pacific Crest. 

Dining: 7800 Bar & Grill is one of the two slopeside restaurants at Kirkwood. Go there for classic Western American fare and a relaxed vibe.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is the South Shore's destination for hardcore skiers and families on a budget. Three-quarters of the terrain is marked as intermediate and expert, and tree skiing is the best in the region. The resort also has plenty of kid-friendly activities.

• Apres: Corkscrew Bar at Sierra-at-Tahoe for organic spirits and hip craft brews.
• Activities: Blizzard Mountain is Sierra-at-Tahoe's destination for lift-serviced tubing and snow play. The resort also has two Kids Adventure Zones on-mountain with terrain elements.
• Lodging: Stay in South Lake Tahoe, roughly 15 miles away, for access to shopping, dining, and more accommodation options.

Vermont

Vermont ski resorts are family-friendly but are not as easily accessible compared to the other areas on the list. From New York City, mid-Vermont is just over 4 hour's drive; from Boston, just under 3 hours. Fly into Logan International Airport in Boston for the cheapest fares or Burlington International Airport if your destination is northern Vermont.

Stratton Mountain Resort is one of the closest ski resorts to New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The snow coverage is reliable, and even if the base depth is lacking, their events schedule is full of live music, free fitness classes, and camps for kids. The resort boasts 4 progressive terrain parks and otherwise intermediate-friendly terrain. It also has a hip foodies scene and high-end village shops. 

• Après: Visit the family-friendly Grizzly's at Stratton for craft beers and live music.
• Activities: Head to Stratton's Coca-Cola Tube Park located at Sun Bowl for lift-serviced, fast-paced tubing.
• Event: Don't miss 24 Hours of Stratton for the chance to ski all day and all night (or any time in between) with your family and raise funds for a good cause in March.
• Lodging: Stay in the comfort of Hearthstone Lodge at Stratton, which features slopeside rooms and décor modeled after the American West.

Okemo Mountain Resort is mid-Vermont's classic family favorite with its rolling groomers, top-notch snowmaking, and fewer crowds. As spring break approaches, you can count on Okemo to maintain extensive open acreage and lively weekend events.

• Activities: Okemo offers ice skating, snow tubing, winter mountain coaster, snowshoeing, fat biking, and snowmobiling.
• Event: Watch costume-clad skiers and riders in Okemo's annual Slush Cup.
• Dining: Indulge in farm-to-table gourmet cuisine at The Downtown Grocery.
• Lodging: The Jackson Gore Village at Okemo boasts slopeside rooms in the heart of the bustling Jackson Gore base; there's an on-site spa, fitness center, restaurant, and outdoor skating rink.

Smugglers' Notch names itself America's Family Resort, and rightfully so. Their events cater to families with kids and offer many off-slopes activities. Smugglers’ Notch offers 1,000 acres of terrain across 3 peaks including challenging lines for families looking for big-mountain style terrain. Most terrain is marked intermediate, and the learning center is prime. 

• Event: Visit the MapleFest Winter Carnival at Smugglers' Notch for games, sugar on snow, and specialty food samples showcasing Vermont maple.
• Activities: Spend a day at the FunZone Family Fun Complex at Smugglers' Notch for table games, a bouncy house, mini golf, and other indoor activities.

Stowe Mountain Resort is known for its quaint ski town and laid-back atmosphere. The town hosts a number of cultural events and concerts, as well as famous regional ski events.

• Activities: Tour the Ben & Jerry's Factory while visiting Stowe for a look into how the ice cream is made, trivia games, and delicious samples.
• Events: Watch the alpine races at Sugar Slalom held at the beginning of April. 
• Dining: Harrison's in the heart of Stowe serves hearty American fare and has rustic décor.
• Lodging: Stay at Innsbruck Inn, roughly 3 miles away, for its game room and affordable suites.

Honorable Mentions

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ends its ski season with a March events calendar full of free concerts and legendary competitions. Much of Jackson's best terrain is best skied late-season after abundant snowfall has covered natural terrain features on steep aspects. 

• Activities: You can do snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and more.
• Events: Visit during Jackson Hole’s two-day music festival, Rendezvous Spring Festival, in March.
• Dining: Eat local for quality steaks and game on the town square or grab some drinks at The Handle Bar.
• Lodging: Hotel Terra in Teton Village for prime access to village events without all the late-night noise.

Aspen Snowmass is located 55 miles off I-70 West and offers its own unique spin on the classic family ski vacation. Aspen’s terrain is excellent for intermediates and experts, and the village is pedestrian-friendly with a free shuttle service loop. 

• Lodging: Stay at the St. Moritz Lodge and condos for the best late-season deals.
• Ski: Summer Road off Ruthie's lift for a family-friendly cruiser.
• Dining: Eat at Lynn Britt Cabin on-mountain at Snowmass for a classic western scene and prime outdoor lounging; the kids can enjoy quality snow play.
• Events: Watch the annual Schneetag competition; where participants build their own watercraft to skim across a pond.

Ski Vacation Packages

If you have decided on a ski vacation to one of the above resorts, you can easily get your vacation sorted when you package lift tickets with lodging, rental equipment as well as transfers. SnowPak is a mountain travel company specializing in ski vacations and will ensure you have all the right ski products for your winter getaway. See Ski Vacation Packages for more information.