Ski vacations are among the top types of winter getaways, but what if you’re planning a trip with loved ones who won’t be hitting the slopes? Whether you’re traveling with kids who are too young to ski or doing a multigenerational trip with older family members, you’ll need to find a destination that offers more than skiing. The following are some of the best winter ski areas that have multiple activities and amenities available for everyone in your family.
Telluride, CO
Telluride Ski Resort in the San Juan Mountains is one of the most famous ski destinations in Colorado. Skiers have over 2,000 acres of terrain and 148 trails available, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert ski trails. The resort offers many other winter activities as well, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling tours, sleigh rides, sledding, and ice skating. More daring winter activities include ice climbing and snowboarding. Visitors can also go shopping or take walking tours of the historic downtown area. Lodging options in Telluride include hotels, condos, and vacation homes, with some offering ski-in/ski-out access right near the slopes.
Gatlinburg, TN
Ober Mountain above Gatlinburg is the state’s only ski area, nestled in the hugely scenic Smoky Mountains. Skiers have 10 ski trails to explore, with a summit elevation of 3.300 feet and a vertical drop of 600 feet. For those who don’t ski, Ober Mountain has plenty of other activities. from the no-skill-required snow tubing slope to indoor ice skating and ice-bumper cars. Families can also ride the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg for a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and go shopping for souvenirs, clothing, and more. As the gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, at the foot of the area, is packed with attractions for all ages, while the hundreds of luxury Gatlinburg cabins provide entertainment and amenities with stunning views for the perfect base station to the trip.
Sun Valley, ID
Sun Valley Resort provides more than 2,400 acres and 3,400 vertical feet of terrain for skiing. While avid skiers can enjoy challenging runs on Bald Mountain, beginners can test their skills on Dollar Mountain. Family members who don’t plan on skiing can go on sleigh rides, spend time being pampered at the resort’s spa, watch movies on the big screen, go bowling, or go ice skating.
The resort also offers scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and other activities for kids. Sun Valley has a wide range of lodging options for families, including the Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Inn, condos, cottages, and townhomes.
Stowe, VT
Stowe Mountain Resort in northern Vermont offers 116 trails, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. The resort’s mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, have a total of 485 acres of skiable terrain for avid skiers and beginners to enjoy. Stowe Mountain Resort also provides several activities for non-skiers, such as the scenic Gondola SkyRide, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, maple sugar tours, and fat biking. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, shopping, and other activities and entertainment are also available in the resort. The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers ski-in/ski-out access, but many other types of lodging are available, including condos, lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and townhomes.
Park City, UT
With a summit elevation of 10,026 feet, more than 330 trails, and 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, Park City Mountain Resort is a great destination for those who love to ski. However, skiing isn’t the only activity offered at this southwestern resort. Park City has tons of other fun and exciting activities for families, such as the toboggan-style Mountain Coaster, zip lines, snowboarding for all skill levels, Snowed Inn Sleigh Rides, and snowmobile tours. Families can also explore historic Main Street and visit quaint mountain village shops. Lodging options at Park City Mountain Resort range from rustic Viking yurts to upscale hotels and cozy condos.
Taos, NM
Surrounded by picturesque Carson National Forest, Taos Ski Valley Resort offers 110 ski trails, a vertical drop of 3,131 feet, and an incredible summit elevation of 12,481 feet. About half of the trails are for experts, while the rest are a mix of beginner and intermediate trails. For family members who aren’t hitting the slopes, the resort offers ice skating, snowmobile tours, and spa services.
Other activities include cooking classes, shopping, guided tours of the area’s cultural sites, and much more. Accommodations at Taos Ski Valley Resort include luxurious penthouses and suites at The Blake, rental homes, hotels, and condos.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Northstar California Resort in Lake Tahoe provides 3,170 acres of skiable terrain, 100 trails, and three terrain parks. Beginners and the most advanced skiers alike have plenty of trails to choose from, including gate-accessed terrain in the most challenging areas. The resort also offers snowshoeing through winter wonderland terrain, fat tire snow biking, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowboarding. Other fun activities at Northstar California Resort include candle making, fire pits for making s’mores, live musical performances, and shopping at boutiques throughout the village. Lodging options include condos, vacation homes for rent, and hotels.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
