Are you planning a family ski vacation? Thinking of going to Vermont for skiing? We asked local families who ski all the time to give us their recommendations on where to go skiing in Vermont. Here are the best family ski resorts in Vermont. Featured Photo Credit: Spruce Peak
Methodology: We asked locals to give us their recommendations on where to go skiing with the family. This is not a sponsored post. We hope you find this information valuable. After all, the best recommendations are unbiased recommendations from locals!
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Family Ski Resorts in Vermont
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort at 5 Village Lodge Road, Stratton, VT
Stratton Mountain Resort is a favorite family friendly Vermont resort. It’s home to the highest peak in Southern Vermont with over 99 trails, 9 chairlifts, 1 gondola and a magic carpet. Families rave about the ski school at Stratton. First, they take kids as young as 3 years old (as long as they are potty trained) which is a big plus for families with toddlers. And the ski school has a wide array of programs from half day to full day programs to season long programs (for those families who go to Stratton every weekend).
Aside from skiing, there are other family friendly activities at Stratton. Kids can go night tubing at Stratton’s tube park which has 4 lanes, lift and a warming hut. There is also an outdoor ice rink in the middle of the commons just across the street from the Village. Families can also go on snowmobile rides (imagine your kids on child-size snowmobiles!)
Families also like Stratton because the layout is easy to navigate. The central Village with shops and restaurants are located at the base of the mountain. Ski school drop off and lifts are right near the Village, there is no need to cross any streets. There are also a lot of lodging on the mountain so it’s easy for families to get around.
How Far is Stratton Mountain from NYC and Boston?
Stratton is a 4 hour drive from New York City (Manhattan). While Stratton is only 3 hours from Boston.
Where to Get Stratton Discount Lift Tickets
Don’t pay full price on lift tickets to Stratton! You can save money by getting discounted tickets from Liftopia or REI. Lift tickets from Liftopia are released in limited quantities so you should keep checking for availability. Your best bet for discounted Stratton lift tickets is from REI. I’ve included both links below for you to get discounted Stratton lift tickets.
- Stratton Mountain (VT) Lift Tickets from $29 (Save 63%)
- Stratton Mountain Adult Lift Tickets from REI* at 34% discount
Family Friendly Hotels at Stratton
Long Trail House at Stratton Mountain Resort
Long Trail House is a family friendly condo hotel at Stratton. It’s an easy option for families looking for convenience and space. Located just across the street from the Village and lifts, it’s ideal for families looking for a condo hotel near the lifts. It’s so conveniently located that your kids can even go back to your condo unit for lunch! No driving needed, just walk across the street back to your condo hotel! The units at Long Trail House are condo-style with a full kitchen. You can book a studio, 1 bedroom units, sometimes the larger units are also available. There is a pool at Long Trail House and the outdoor ice skating rink is just steps away at the commons.
Black Bear Lodge at Stratton Mountain Resort
Black Bear Lodge is another family friendly hotel at Stratton. It is located a little further from the lifts when compared to Long Trail House. Although still walkable to the Village and lifts, know that it is a long walk to the lifts especially with kids! You will most likely be taking the free shuttle. The rooms at Black Bear Lodge are your typical hotel rooms- not luxurious but comfortable and clean. It is more budget-friendly than Long Trail House. Plus you can’t beat the free breakfast!
Bromley Mountain
Bromley Mountain at 3984 Vermont Rt. 11, Peru, Vermont
Bromley Mountain is another family friendly ski resort in Vermont. For families looking for a mountain that is easy to navigate, then Bromley Mountain is a great choice. Families rave about the layout at Bromley, they like that the trails end up at a central base area. There are 47 trails and 9 lifts at Bromley with the longest trail at 2.5 miles. Bromley is also known for its Southern Facing exposure- that is a big plus when skiing with kids during cold, winter days!
Bromley has a good ski school. Parents appreciate the special program at Bromley for kids 3-5 years old that is separate from their KidsRule Mountain Camps for older kids 6-12 years. There are also group lessons and private lessons for teens and adults (13 years old and up).
Bromley is also conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Manchester. There are outlet shops, restaurants and even a big Orvis store in downtown Manchester. Bromley is great for families who want to venture out of the ski resort to explore Vermont!
How Far is Bromley from NYC and Boston?
Bromley is a 3.75 hour drive from New York City (Manhattan). While and Bromley is only 3 hours from Boston.
Do you have a 5th Grader? 5th Graders can ski free in Vermont! Find out how, read our article on Where to Get Free and Discounted Lift Tickets.
Family Friendly Hotels at Bromley
The Lodge at Bromley
The Lodge at Bromley is a family friendly hotel located right on Bromley mountain. There are rooms at The Lodge at Bromley that are ski in/ski out so it’s really convenient for families looking to cut down on the walking! The rooms at The Lodge at Bromley are your standard hotel rooms, nothing fancy and not luxurious but you can’t beat the location and the free breakfast! Ask for a room with views of the mountain.
The Equinox Golf Resort and Hotel
The Equinox Golf Resort and Hotel is a family friendly, luxury hotel in downtown Manchester. Located just 15 minutes away from Bromley, it’s a convenient alternative if you want to be close to the shops and restaurants of Manchester. There is a large indoor pool at The Equinox which is great after a day skiing. There is also a full service spa at The Equinox so parents can be pampered. There are several dining options at the hotel from New England pub to Fine Dining. Don’t forget to try the famous Cider Donuts during breakfast!
Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler’s Notch at 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT
Smuggler’s Notch is another family friendly Vermont ski resort. It’s a big resort with 3 interconnected mountains, 78 trails and the only Triple Black Diamond in the east. Smuggler’s Notch is not upscale like nearby Stowe but it’s still a family favorite with families going back to ski year after year.
Smuggler’s Notch has an excellent ski school and they take kids as young as 2.5 years old and they have ski school programming for teens as old as 20 years old! Parents of toddlers appreciate that they start kids really young! There is a ski program for everyone.
Staying at Smuggler’s Notch feels like staying at a vacation resort with daily family programming. There is so much to do- from Bingo to Tubing to Family Game Shows to Family Gaga Ball. There is also ice skating and a 26,000 square feet Fun Zone. At night there are family shows (Magic shows). There is also a weekly fireworks display.
Smuggler’s Notch is a big ski resort with a lot of on-site lodging. Some lodging options are ski in/ski out while others will require you to take the free shuttle. Either way, it’s a small ski resort village with everything on site. You probably won’t leave the resort during your entire stay!
How Far is Smuggler’s Notch from NYC and Boston?
Smuggler’s Notch is a 6 hour drive from New York City (Manhattan). While Smuggler’s Notch is only 3.75 hours from Boston.
Do you have a 5th Grader? 5th Graders can ski free in Vermont! Find out how, read our article on Where to Get Free and Discounted Lift Tickets.
Family Friendly Hotels at Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler’s Notch Resort
If you go to Smuggler’s Notch, it’s best to stay at the on-site lodging at the Smuggler’s Notch resort. It’s easier to get around since there is a free shuttle. Or you can try to get a ski-in/ski-out unit. Most of the units at Smuggler’s Notch are condo-style with full kitchen and a washer and dryer. It’s perfect for the entire family because you get the space and convenience of being on site. There is a country store and restaurants so you don’t have to leave Smuggler’s Notch.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort at 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
Stowe is another family friendly ski resort in Vermont. It is located on the other side of the mountain, just across the notch from Smuggler’s Notch. Stowe is a more upscale ski resort compared to Smuggler’s Notch. It’s also a bigger resort with 116 trails and 12 lifts.
Stowe has an excellent ski school for kids. The ski school at Stowe starts at 3 years old. There are half day and full day programs for 3-4 years old, 5-6 years old and 7-14 years old. After skiing, you can enjoy apres ski at The Village at Spruce Peak where there is a large outdoor ice skating rink in the middle of the courtyard. There are also a lot of restaurants and shops located right at the The Village at Spruce Peak.
How Far is Stowe from NYC and Boston?
Stowe is 6 hours from New York City (Manhattan). While Stowe is only 3 hours and 20 minutes from Boston.
Where to Get Stowe Discount Lift Tickets
Don’t pay full price for lift tickets to Stowe! You can save money on lift tickets and get discounted tickets from Liftopia. Lift tickets from Liftopia are released in limited quantities so you should keep checking back for availability.
- Stowe (VT) 2-day Lift Ticket + Rental from $117/day (save 14%)
- Stowe (VT) Lift Tickets from $86 (save 12%)
Do you have a 5th Grader? 5th Graders can ski free in Vermont! Find out how, read our article on Where to Get Free and Discounted Lift Tickets.
Family Friendly Hotels at Stowe
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a family friendly, luxury resort at Stowe. Soak in the breathtaking views of the mountain and pamper yourself at the spa- you will feel like you are on a luxury ski vacation! Conveniently located right near the lifts and the village, you don’t have to venture far if you stay at The Lodge at Spruce peak. Book a regular hotel room or spread out in a suite with a kitchen, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is perfect for families looking for a luxury ski vacation.
Trapp Family Lodge
Trapp Family Lodge is another family friendly hotel at Stowe. It’s an off-site property that is conveniently located just a 15 minute drive from Stowe Mountain. The Trapp Family Lodge is a beautiful, Austrian-inspired alpine resort owned by the von Trapp family (Sound of Music). There are a lot of family friendly activities at the Trapp Family Lodge- from horse drawn sleigh rides to cross country skiing. Don’t forget to make a reservation at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant for authentic, Austrian inspired beer garden fare.
Okemo
Okemo at 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT
Okemo is a family friendly Vermont ski resort. It’s a popular ski resort with families returning to ski at Okemo year after year. There are 122 trails and 20 lifts at Okemo- something for everyone.
The ski school at Okemo is excellent. There are full day ski or snowboard programs for children ages 3-4 years old, 5-6 years old and 7-14 years. Parents with toddlers appreciate the fact that the ski school take kids as young as 3 years old! There is also childcare at Okemo for kids 6 months old to 4 years old and a Kids Night Out program if you want to squeeze in a date night during your trip.
Aside from skiing, there are many family friendly activities at Okemo. There is a mountain coaster, tubing and ice skating. Okemo is definitely a family friendly ski resort in Vermont.
How Far is Okemo from NYC and Boston?
Okemo is 4 hours and 30 minutes from New York City (Manhattan). While Okemo is only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Boston.
Do you have a 5th Grader? 5th Graders can ski free in Vermont! Find out how, read our article on Where to Get Free and Discounted Lift Tickets.
Family Friendly Hotels at Okemo
Jackson Gore Village
Jackson Gore Village is a family friendly hotel right on Okemo Mountain. It’s a great place to stay for families looking to be near the lifts. Stay at the main building if you will be using the pool. Jackson Gore Village is ideal for families at Okemo Mountain.
Killington
Killington at 3861 Killington Rd, Killington, VT
Killington is another family friendly resort in Vermont. It’s a big mountain spread out over 7 mountain areas, 155 trails and 21 lifts. It is definitely a good ski resort for families with different ski levels.
The ski school at Killington will take kids starting at 4 years old and the childcare center at Killington will take infants as young as 12 weeks old! After skiing or if you need a break from skiing, there are a lot of non-ski family friendly activities at Killington. Go tubing at the tubing park- it’s a multi-lane, lift serviced tube park. Treat the kids to snowmobile rides, they will get a thrill riding the child-size snowmobiles! For a relaxing activity with the little one, go on a scenic gondola ride up the mountain. Kids 6 years old and under ride the gondola for free (just stop at the ticket window to pick up your child’s complimentary ticket). Killington is a good choice if you are looking for a family friendly ski resort in Vermont.
How Far is Killington from NYC and Boston?
Killington is 4 hours and 40 minutes from New York City (Manhattan). While Killington is only 2 hours and 45 minutes from Boston.
Where to Get Killington Discount Lift Tickets
Don’t pay full price on lift tickets to Killington! You can save money by getting discounted tickets from Liftopia or REI. Lift tickets from Liftopia are released in limited quantities so you should keep checking for availability. Your best bet for discounted Killington lift tickets is from REI. I’ve included both links below for you to get discounted Killington lift tickets.
- Killington Lift Tickets save up to 33%
- Killington Adult Lift Tickets from REI* at 29% discount or Killington Kids Ski Lift Tickets from REI* at 32% discount.
Family Friendly Hotels at Killington
Killington Grand Hotel
Killington Grand Hotel is a family friendly hotel located right at the mountain. It’s conveniently located within walking distance to the lifts and the learn to ski areas. It’s also a short walk to the tubing park. For families looking for convenience, the Killington Grand Hotel is ideal.
Other Family Friendly Ski Resorts
Family Friendly Vermont Ski Resorts
Below is a list of other family friendly ski resorts in Vermont. These are also popular Vermont ski resorts that families go to year after year.
| Vermont Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Jay Peak | Jay Peak Resort is a family friendly ski in/ski out resort with water park on Jay Peak. |
| Mount Snow | Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort is a family friendly ski in/ski out accommodation on Mount Snow. The Lodge at Mount Snow is another accommodation option on Mount Snow. |
Family Friendly Massachusetts Ski Resorts
Below are popular family friendly ski resorts in Massachusetts. These are ski resorts that families go to year after year. Check out our Complete Guide to Jiminy Peak.
| Massachusetts Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Jiminy Peak | Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort and Wyndham Bentley Brook are family friendly, ski in/ski out condo-style accommodations on Jiminy Peak. Vacation Village Berkshires are condo-style accommodations near Jiminy Peak. |
| Ski Butternut | Fairfield Inn and Suites is a family friendly hotel near Butternut. |
Family Friendly New York Ski Resorts
Here are family friendly New York Ski Resorts. Check out our article: Best Family Ski Resorts in New York (according to locals)
| New York Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Whiteface Mountain | Whiteface Lodge and Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa are family friendly hotels near Whiteface Mountain |
| Greek Peak | Hope Lake Lodge is a family friendly hotel with an indoor water park located across from Greek Peak. |
Family Friendly Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
Below you will find our favorite family friendly ski resort in Pennsylvania.
| Pennsylvania Ski Resort | Hotels near Pennsylvania Ski Resort |
|---|---|
| Camelback Mountain | Camelback Lodge is a family friendly ski in/ski out resort with an indoor waterpark on Camelback Mountain. |
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- Do you need a good laugh? Do you know we have a column that takes a lighter look at suburban life? Sam takes us through her love hate relationship with skiing. Seriously, Sam? Mountain Mama
- Want to know the best places to ski within driving distance from NYC? Top 5 Family Ski Destinations near NYC
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- Check out our tips on How to Find the Perfect Ski Resort
- We also have a Ski Resort Finder with user-friendly search filters. For example: Looking for a Nut-Free Ski School for your 3 year old? Find it using our Ski Resort Finder!
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