Snowmass Family Ski Vacation

Renowned by ski magazines as one of the best family friendly ski resorts in North America; it’s no surprise that providing the perfect family ski vacation is a Snowmass specialty. Families flock to Snowmass because of the endless array of on- and off-mountain things to do with kids, ski in ski out condos and hotels that make getting kids out the door in the morning a snap, affordable and kid-friendly dining options, and a world-class ski school.

Ski.com's favorite family-friendly Snowmass accommodations

• Family friendly condominiums—like the Crestwood Condominiums—line the base of Snowmass, and ski in ski out condos are a perfect option for families looking to spend time together on the slopes. Most Snowmass condos have a hot tub and/or pool, which the kids love.
• The whole family is sure to relish skiing to and from Top of the Village, which is located just where you’d think: at the top of the Snowmass Village Mall. The heated outdoor pool and two outdoor hot tubs will have kids and parents alike on cloud nine after a fun filled day on the slopes.
• The Pokolodi Lodge is one of the best family accommodations in Snowmass. Kids love the outdoor swimming pool, plus the lodge’s convenient location—less than 250 yards from the chairlifts—make schlepping gear and getting everyone out the door in the morning a cinch.

On-mountain family experiences at Snowmass

The Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center in the Snowmass Base Village is designed solely with young kids in mind (there are even signs that say “No Parents Allowed”). The 25,000-square-foot facility was built by the same design studio that dreamed up Universal Studios, Sea World, and numerous children’s museums. The Treehouse in Snowmass is a one-stop-spot for kids, and you won’t find anything like it at any other resort. It includes a playground, rental shop with gear for children, ski school for kids, ticket office, cafeteria and Colorado-state licensed daycare for children ages eight weeks to four years old. Interactive rooms include The Bear Den, where daily puppet shows take the stage, and the forest-themed Beaver Lodge playroom, where skiing and science lessons are wrapped up into one fun experience for kids.

The new Elk Camp Gondola station at the top of the mountain is a perfect spot for families to take a break while skiing Snowmass. Every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the winter months, Ullr Nights transforms the Elk Camp area into a family hotspot. The s’mores and hot chocolates by the bonfire, ice skating on the pond, and sledding hill lure families up. Ullr Nights at Elk Camp only costs $10 for adults and $5 for children age four to 12 (kids ages 3 and under are free). And don’t forget it’s always free for kids six and under to ski at Snowmass and the other three Aspen/Snowmass mountains.

Families love skiing at Snowmass because there are tons of trails tailored to kids. Keep an eye out for the marked tree trails—like Skateboard Alley, Prospector Trail and Hidden Highway. Kids love lapping Snowmass’ tree trails, which are meant to give kids (and parents) a feeling like a roller coaster ride and the sense of exploring the wilderness.

For those interested in going fast, the Children’s Race Arena and NASTAR race course are awesome setups. An announcer calls out the times and allows kids to feel like Lindsey Vonn or Bode Miller. Parents can watch from the sidelines or are welcome to hop in the starting gate and race too. The Race Arena is located between Dawdler and Scooper, two runs the entire family will love. And, the beginner half pipe and mini-terrain park is the spot where aspiring park skiers and boarders can get a feel for hitting small jumps and sliding on safe park features.

Snowmass family restaurants

A lot of the Snowmass family restaurants are located at the Base Village and Snowmass Mall, and like the runs on the mountain these eating joints are fun for the whole family. Slice, a pizza joint, and the Snowmass Bakery share the rustic red barn in the Base Village and are two great options for a family meal. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the Snowmass Mall is the spot to snag a treat after a great day of skiing Snowmass.