The 8 Best Ski Resorts for Spring Break

For many families, spring break means one last chance to hit the slopes before ski season comes to a close. With help from our vetted travel partners, a team of global ski and adventure specialists, we’ve curated a list of the best ski resorts for spring break, all within the U.S. Not only do these properties offer abundant late-season snow, but they score high on ease of access, layout and kid-friendly amenities. Each of these resorts also has engaging and entertaining options for all ages on and off the slopes, making for a memorable holiday for parents and kids alike.

Best Ski Resorts for Spring Break: 8 Great Getaways in the U.S.

Utah

Park City

World-class Park City is a quick 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport. The mountain features three base areas and is full of blue runs, making it ideal for families. Novice skiers will feel at home in the dedicated learning area of High Meadow Park, while more adventurous skiers and riders will be drawn to the extensive park and pipe setups of the six terrain parks. As one of the biggest ski resorts in the country, Park City offers excellent options for dining, entertainment and shopping, as well as childcare and a spa.

TIP: Park City is part of the Epic Pass network, which offers unlimited, unrestricted access to select mountain resorts across the U.S. Other participating ski areas listed below include Breckenridge and Northstar.

Deer Valley

For the epitome of luxury family skiing, Deer Valley is the clear choice. You’ll feel as if you’ve been invited to someone’s private ski area at this exclusive enclave, which recently added almost 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. Deer Valley Ski Ambassadors are on hand to show your family appropriate runs, and they limit the number of people on the mountain to maintain the ambiance. Off-slope activities include top-notch dining, shopping, crafts and cooking lessons. You may even have the chance to ski with an Olympic athlete. Or, for the luxury of a lifetime, book “First Tracks” to enjoy the privilege of a private family ski session an hour before the slopes open.

TIP: Deer Valley is a ski-only resort, so if you have snowboarders in your family, consider another destination.

Colorado

Breckenridge

Breck, as it is familiarly called, is a large resort with three base areas and five peaks. Just a couple of hours’ drive from the Denver airport, it is lauded for its family-friendly nature due to the overall layout of the property and the large number of gentle runs. It also has a charming mountain town ambiance that keeps families coming back. In addition, Breckenridge is known for its focus on creative arts — make time to visit the Arts District, featuring galleries and performances as well as painting and pottery classes.

Copper Mountain

Also easy to reach from Denver, Copper Mountain is easy to navigate and has great skiing, lessons, tubing, a snow coaster and a snow maze for the little ones. But the biggest differentiator here is Woodward Barn — a heated 20,000-square-foot indoor space created with multiple skate/scooter and BMX zones, as well as Indoor ParkSki and Burton ParkBoard training. From snowboarders to tumble and cheer athletes, everyone will enjoy this refreshing change of pace from the slopes.

Aspen Snowmass

With four mountains and an incredible children’s center, Aspen Snowmass has something to please every level of skier. The owners truly built the property with ease of skiing in mind, and there are tons of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options. The property has a well-documented European feel as well as an amazing cultural vibe with extensive shopping and dining in town. Cap it off with plenty of winter fun for those who don’t ski, such as tubing and even a snow roller coaster, and you have a winner.

TIP: If you rent gear anywhere on the property, they will transport the equipment to another mountain for you, making it a breeze to ski new areas each day. Families rave about Buttermilk, where the X Games are held (you may even spy some Olympians training)!

Montana

Big Sky

For a down-home Montana vibe that feels like skiing at a dude ranch, you can’t do better than Big Sky. The property has amazing snow and an extensive history of providing great ski holidays — they are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. What was originally a private mountain has been expanded and combined with neighboring Moonlight for extensive skiing between both. Plus, there’s an engaging children’s center with plenty of options for bonding – s’mores around the campfire, anyone?

California

Palisades Tahoe

Formerly known as Squaw Valley, Palisades Tahoe is a gem in North Lake Tahoe. This resort is known for amazing snow as well as its great “easy in/easy out” base villages. Its location, only an hour from Reno, makes it easily accessible from anywhere around the country. The Palisades staff has thought of everything, with enticing family options ranging from disco night tubing to scenic gondola rides, sunset happy hour, sledding and even a yoga studio.

Northstar

Half an hour from Palisades lies Northstar, which was purpose-built for families. There is a distinct California vibe here, down to the lift attendants wearing Hawaiian shirts. Extensive family programs will keep everyone in your crew happy, with activities from ice skating to snow biking; options for dining and après-ski culture abound also.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for family-friendly ski vacations on Ciao Bambino

From toddlers to teens: Best family ski resorts for every age

How to choose the perfect family ski resort

Skiing east to west with the Epic Pass: Okemo and Park City

5 reasons we love skiing in Colorado with kids

Uncrowded ski slopes and unique family experiences at Montana’s Big Sky Resort

Best family ski resorts in the U.S. for year-round fun

10 tips for a successful ski vacation with teens