Kids happy with their ski at the top of the mountain at Bromley ski resort

12 Vermont Ski Resorts For Families Recommended by parents.

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12 Vermont Ski Resorts For Families Recommended by parents.

Vermont offers some of the best family ski resorts on the east coast. located driving distances from major cities like NYC and Boston and Philadelphia, the mountainous surroundings set the right tone for a great family ski trip experiences.

The Gowhee App team selected 12 Vermont ski resorts for families that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Magic Mountain ski resort

Magic Mountain is known as southern Vermont’s most challenging mountain which offers great skiing opportunities at a lower price and fewer crowds.

This ski resort has diverse terrain, impressive hills, and a community vibe. The laid-back and friendly atmosphere is what keeps families coming back year after year.

  • Kids can enjoy the Learning Center, where there is a “Magic Carpet” lift for beginners and families.
  • There is also easy access to a snow tubing park!

 

The Black Tavern onsite offers dinner Thursday-Saturdays, with a kids menu option, and live music is also available.

For accommodation, stay at the Upper Pass Lodge, at the base of the Magic Mountain Ski Area, and within walking distance to the lifts. The Family Deluxe rooms sleep up to 6 people, with two double beds and bunk beds. The lodge includes a fireplace, restaurant, pool, and it’s pet-friendly.

2. Okemo ski resort

Okemo Mountain Resort on the 3300 ft high Ludlow Mountain is one of the most popular ski areas in New England. The massive 667 acres of skiable area offers slopes for all levels including a snowtubing area.

This location offers a ton of activities for families and a full-service ski resort.

  • Spark the fun of skiing with Group ski or snowboard lessons for your 3-14-year-old or take a private lesson.
  • Kids will especially enjoy thrilling attractions like winter rollercoasters, snow tubing, and more.


Onsite you will find 11 on-mountain restaurants/bars. We recommend the Bull Restaurant for those looking for an après ski experience. For an authentic experience of Vermont’s food scene, head in town in Ludlow and try local’s favorites like Mrs. Darcie’s famous parmesan fries.

You will find onsite accommodations at the Jackson Gore Inn which with a pool and hotel services.

 

3. Stratton Ski Resort

For a quick getaway to Stratton Mountain Resort, is located just north of mount Snow about a four-hour drive from New York City. Perfect for a ‘winter one-nighter package’ (two days and one night offer from Stratton, starting at $299).

  • For the little ones that are still too young to hit the slopes, the Black Bear Lodge onsite offers babysitting and day care.
  • From the village, you can use a short shuttle ride to the Stratton ski slopes. Then, choose one of the 99 trails from beginner to expert, or trek all the way up to the highest peak in southern Vermont.


Stratton is set up like a village, with charming boutiques and 10 delicious restaurants to choose from. For a family-friendly dining ambiance, Table 43-1 guarantees a great experience for kids and a dedicated menu.

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4. Northeast Ski resort

A Vermont ski resort guide would not be complete without a mention of the oldest continuously operated ski tow in the USA, Northeast Slopes! Although not the largest skiable area with 35 acres, this resort has a great beginner setup with a junior tow and a fun park. And with local hotels’ rates starting at $91/night, it is a great budget-friendly option too.

This ski resort may lacks of extra amenities compared to the bigger resorts, but it makes up for it, by providing:

  • A local and authentic atmosphere. 
  • The whole family can enjoy real snow and short lines.
  • And the perks of a historical resort. Like grabbing onto the original tow rope from the opening of the Northeast slopes in 1936. 

Northeast, also offers night events regularly and a must-try Nor’easter Burgers made with choice-grade beef at their local eatery.

5. Viking Cross Country Ski Resort

If your family is more of the cross country skiing type, then Viking Nordic Center is the place to visit. As one of the oldest cross country ski centers in North America, it will leave you in awe, of the beautiful 35 kilometers of trails. There is something for everyone at Viking Nordic Center. 

This cross-country ski resort offers all the amenities parents need right onsite.

  • Think beginner-friendly trails, drag cover sled for tiny ones, and rentals that accommodate kids’ sizes.
  • Some fun for the kids is the Great Cookie Hunt. Throughout the trails are various Viking helmets and each one has a different paper punch attached to it. Kids 12 and under can take part in this Viking-themed scavenger hunt for a free cookie at the Nordic Cafe.

To stay at Viking, book early because the farmhouse goes fast. Other options like this local Airbnb, accommodate families with all necessities. 

>>> GET 10% OFF your stay at the local Airbnb, with your Gowhee membership. Download Today.

6. Bromley family-friendly ski resort

Known as ‘the family-friendly ski resort by locals, Bromley has a lot to offer in that aspect.

  • There are slopes adapted to all ages, spacious lodging options such as four bedrooms condos, and ski-in/ski-out amenities.
  • Bromley has a lot of family winter activities, including ice-skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

A noteworthy experience is the 2-hour dog sledding adventure organized by Husky Works Mushing Company (for age 6+).

The resort has great snack shacks options like the Waffle Shack at the Sun Deck, with homemade silver dollar waffles and hot chocolate.

For dinner, make sure to reserve a table at the nearby luxurious restaurant Seesaw located down the road. It offers great food, a giant retro fireplace, and a kid’s playroom downstairs.

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7. Pico Mountain Resort

Pico Mountain has a wide variety of winter activities. Families can enjoy the Sleigh Rides for the little ones, Snowshoeing, and the Rutland’s Historic Paramount Theatre. This Vermont ski stop is an affordable one but still provides the same amenities as the bigger resorts. 

  • The resort has ski, snowboard lessons for all ages,
  • And an extensive program for skiers with disabilities The adaptive clinic is managed by the Vermont Ski Adaptative association. It offers ski lessons for all ability levels.


The restaurants also offer a wide variety from the food court with kid-friendly favorites and a Waffle Cabin! 

To top it off, there is the Last Run Lounge with an authentic ski lodge pub feel. Live entertainment is offered on Friday and Saturday.

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8. Jay Peak Resort

Jay Peak Resort boasts the most snow in eastern North America! It has 81 trails, slopes, and glades, and has the backcountry all the way to the supervised convenience of The Zone learning area. With 385 acres there is enough fun for everyone.

This resort has one of the most extensive offerings for families.

  • Kids will enjoy the Pump House Indoor Waterpark.
  • Parents will appreciate the two JayCare (daycare), and the Date Night Care option for an evening getaway from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Families wanting a little more than the ski experience will enjoy the many family-friendly resort features, like rock climbing, an indoor arena, arcade games, and over 18 restaurants to choose from.

9. Stowe Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort is a world-renowned ski resort on the beautiful Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. It is a large resort including 116 trails accessible by more than 18 lifts and 2 gondolas. Not only is the skiing amazing here but the Village at Spruce Peak is quite breathtaking. To be mentioned, their Free access to a full-size ski rink (except for the ice skate rental).

  • Stowe Mountain Resort has its own Snowboard school offering one-of-a-kind Signature Programs. It offers a variety of group, private, and for those needing a bit more help – adaptive lessons.
  • Families with young children will especially appreciate the cubs club, open seven days a week.

Their Après Ski experience is thoughtfully designed for families. Many kid-friendly dining options are available, like the open-fire raclette dinner. 

Nights can be filled with family-friendly shows at the spruce Peak Arts Center.

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10. Mad River Valley

Mad River Glen is one of only three areas in North America that prohibit snowboarding, due to its dedication to natural snow skiing. This resort relies almost completely upon natural snowfall, unlike most other ski resorts in New England.

There is a family-friendly atmosphere with

  • a daycare on-site for kids ages six weeks to 6 years.  The nursery’s play area is located right by the lift so parents can easily ski in for a quick visit.
  • The resort offers several children’s seasonal programs with its ski school. Ski racing is a family affair at Mad River Glen. They have a multitude of services to train future athletes like their Junior Race Program.

In the evening the whole family can hangout with great food and a fun-loving atmosphere can be found at General Stark’s Pub, with Hot chocolate available for the kids.

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11. Sugarbush Mountain

Sugarbush Resort offers 111 trails of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts spread across two mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. The two are connected with a chairlift and a shuttle bus. 

Lincoln Peak offers extensive beginner terrain and lifts.

  • Kids can enroll in some of the ski lessons offered ad enjoy days activities such as rock climbing on site.
  • One of the kids’ favorite and unique experiences to book at Sugarbush is the Sunset Groomer Ride. This fun activity happens at night, kids and adults can ride the snow groomer and enjoy a “behind-the-scenes” experience on the slopes.

Families with younger ones or non-skiers will especially enjoy the Base Cabins, available at both mountains, for rent. Each cabin is a private warming-up space for up to 8 people with ski-in-ski-out access to the slopes.

12. Smuggs Notch Resort

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is located about 50 minutes northeast of Burlington, Vermont. With the highest vertical drop in Northern Vermont and 1,000 acres for skiing and riding, Smuggs has plenty to do for the whole family. 

Lifts Ticket prices vary by season but Kids 5 and under ski or ride for FREE. The Resort also offers supervised children’s programs with full-day camps for kids to learn how to ski.

  • Families that want to enjoy the resort together, can do so with amazing winter activities for all ages. This includes Bonfire fun, a fun zone facility, Pirate Bingo, Snowshoe Adventure Dinner, and more.
  • Older kids can also partake in thrilling adventures like off-site dog sledding adventures and ice fishing tours.

The resort village accommodation includes 5 different communities to choose from, all within an easy walk or on-demand Resort Shuttle ride to all Village amenities. Village Amenities include condominiums with fully equipped kitchens, childcare facilities, and workout areas.

Did you enjoy reading about all the wonderful Vermont Ski Resorts For Families? Pay-it forward and share this article with someone looking to travel to the Green Mountain State. Select one of the option below.

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