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Ah, winter — the season of snowflakes, hot cocoa, and cozy fireplaces. But winter’s chill doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up inside. Why hibernate when families can have the time of their lives at some of North America’s best winter family resorts?
Whether families are snow sports fanatics or just looking for a winter wonderland getaway, these hand-picked family resorts will guarantee visitors have the ultimate winter escape. Que the snowball fights, ski slopes, and all the winter season fun, and make this family winter vacation one to remember.
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Spend your winter family vacation in the Last Frontier – Photo by Gerhard Lipold via Pexels
Alyeska Resort, Alaska: The Last Frontier for Family Fun
Get ready for an Alaskan adventure that’s perfect for the whole family. Alyeska Resort in Girdwood isn’t just a snowy escape, it’s a total family experience that highlights the untamed beauty of Alaska. As a family from Alaska, we’ve enjoyed Alyeska many times. It’s our year-round go-to spot for family bonding amid the state’s majestic wilderness.
When the winter months roll around, Alyeska Resort turns into a playground of snowy activities. San Diego families like ours (we moved) can hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skis, with options for all skill levels. And it’s not just about hitting the slopes. The resort also offers dog sledding tours, snowshoeing, and glacier hiking for families seeking a bit of adventure.
Families looking for a more laid-back activity can take the scenic tramway for amazing views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding glaciers. It’s a relaxing ride that captivates everyone, from the little ones to the adults.
But the resort isn’t the only place to find adventure. Travelers can also book flightseeing tours with companies like Rust’s to get a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s expansive landscapes. We’ve done it a few times, and let me tell you, the experience is truly unforgettable and absolutely recommended. Flying over glaciers and snow-covered mountains is breathtaking and likely to be a highlight of your trip.
Start your day off like a local with a cup of Alaska’s famous Kaladi Brothers coffee from the Tramway Cafe, or sit down for an elevated breakfast experience at Forte. My personal favorite is the Sunrise sandwich, featuring Alaskan Salmon.
The Sitzmark Bar & Grill, Forte, and Sakura are great options for family dinners. Parents looking for a fine dining experience can head to Seven Glaciers. I recommend ordering the kiddo’s room service and making this a date night.
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Take the family out for a fun sleigh ride together! – Photo by Andrea Stark via Unsplash
Montage Deer Valley, Utah: A Luxury Alpine Adventure
Montage Deer Valley in Utah is a testament to what family-friendly ski resorts can be. Located near some of Utah’s most famous national parks and in one of the most revered ski destinations in the United States, this luxury resort elevates the concept of winter fun.
For ski enthusiasts, the resort rolls out a white carpet of meticulously groomed slopes reminiscent of powdered sugar, suitable for everyone from snow bunnies to black-diamond pros. Check out the in-house ski school where kids and adults can get one-on-one instruction before carving paths on the mountainside slopes.
Beyond the slopes, winter here never gets monotonous. The resort’s easy access to a variety of activities, like snowmobiling through trails flanked by forest pines and tubing with the kids down hills, fill the crisp air with the sound of children’s laughter. Families can also enjoy an enchanting experience of horse-drawn sleigh rides under a blanket of twinkling stars that give off some serious Chronicles of Narnia vibes.
Dining is another luxurious experience at Montage Deer Valley. Imagine sinking into plush chairs in warm, wood-paneled restaurants where the aroma of sizzling gourmet dishes fills the air. From fireside s’mores to elegant five-course meals, there’s a culinary adventure for everyone in the family.
Keystone Resort, Colorado: A Winter Playground for Families
High in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Keystone Resort unfurls a tapestry of snow and adventure that keeps families returning winter after winter. Known for its kid-friendly vibe, this resort is an ideal spot for family gatherings that want to blend excitement with a touch of Rocky Mountain serenity.
The Keystone Resort elevates the family ski vacation to an art form. With runs suitable for all skill levels, even the littlest ones can feel the rush of gliding down the gentle slopes. Advanced skiers can take the resort’s backcountry, where craggy peaks look like sentinels over powder-covered trails.
For those seeking winter sports activities beyond the ski lifts, Keystone has a ton of options available. Book a family snowcat tour, where guests can marvel at the splendor of the Rockies while snuggling in a heated cabin on treads.
Families can hit the ice skating rink for twirls (and probably a few falls) surrounded by a panorama of snow-covered pines and mountain peaks. Kids will love Kidtopia, where they can play in giant snow forts, attend a movie matinee, inhale a boatload of cookies, or go snowshoeing with family.
Families can stay at the Keystone Lodge & Spa, where they’ll have access to all the fun at the Keystone Resort and on-site activities. Getting to the slopes is easy with Keystone Lodge & Spa’s express gondola shuttle. Parents can take advantage of the relaxing spa services, including a steam room, heated indoor/outdoor hot tubs, and a heated pool. In warmer weather, guests can hit the golf courses or hop in the lake for an afternoon of paddle boarding.
At Keystone, dining is far from ordinary and becomes an unforgettable family adventure. Guests ride a gondola up to a secluded mountainside cabin, where they can savor a warm, cozy dinner. All the while, a backdrop of gently falling snow adds an extra layer of magic. Whether enjoying hearty apres-ski fare or indulging in gourmet meals, Keystone makes each dining experience memorable.
Camelback Lodge, PA: An All-in-One Winter Wonderland
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark turns winter into a snowy playground where kids and parents can embrace their inner child. Located about 2 hours northwest of New York City, the resort’s terrain caters to every level of skier and snowboarder, from the beginners on bunny hills to the seasoned experts craving a thrilling downhill rush. Guests who’d rather spend time indoors can head to the resort’s easily accessed waterpark, Aquatopia. The water park is a great place to stay warm in the hot tub and indoor pool, splash around, zoom down the waterslides, and have a great time.
Camelback is also home to the biggest snow tubing park in the U.S., so families can slide down the mountains for hours.
After all that play, everyone can refuel and grub at one of the resort’s many family-friendly dining options. For those with a hankering for comfort food after a long day of skiing, the resort’s signature tavern, Trails End Pub & Grille, has an enticing menu filled with classics like burgers, mac’ n’ cheese, and “grandma’s classic” chicken & waffles.
Tucker out the lil’ rippers with a day of slicing through powder – Photo by Glad Optics via Unsplash
Crystal Peak Lodge, CO: Mountain Majesty and Lux Family Condos
Tucked into the scenic landscapes of Breckenridge, CO, Crystal Peak Lodge is a slice of alpine luxury. The Lodge combines a rustic aesthetic with modern amenities. Here, families are treated to spacious condos with full kitchens, cozy fireplaces, and balconies holding panoramic views of the mountains.
Crystal Peak Lodge has a wealth of options catering to thrill-seekers and those searching for relaxation. Ski lifts are just steps away from the lodge, taking visitors straight to Breckenridge’s world-class slopes. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t on the to-do list, families can enjoy snowshoeing and scenic sleigh rides through the snow.
The lodge boasts an array of dining venues that take mountain cuisine to a new level. A family-friendly restaurant, Ski Hill Grill, located at the base of Peak 8, serves delicious breakfast and lunch plates and quick bites. Guests will find a large selection of dining experiences available at the lodge that are sure to impress, whether it’s an apres or a more traditional meal.
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The Gaylord Texan Resort, TX: A Texas-Sized Winter Resort
In the heart of Grapevine, TX (near Dallas), the Gaylord Texan Resort introduces a unique twist to the winter wonderland theme with its annual ‘So. Much. Christmas.’ event. The resort combines traditional activities like snow tubing and ice skating with the unique attraction of ‘ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’. Here, visitors can enjoy brightly colored ice sculptures and exciting ice slides. It’s like stepping into a festive snow globe but with the charm of Southern hospitality.
When guests arrive at the Gaylord Texan Resort, they’re greeted by a soaring atrium adorned with twinkling lights and larger-than-life holiday season decorations. The accommodations provide elegance and comfort, featuring suites with beautiful views overlooking the atrium or Lake Grapevine.
Families can enjoy the sprawling indoor waterpark, complete with slides, a lazy river, and a surf ride. Then there’s the seasonal ice exhibit, an incredible display of highly technical ice carving crafted by skilled artisans. Families will feel like they’ve stepped into Elsa’s ice kingdom from Disney’s Frozen. Kids can also take advantage of the other resort activities, like escape rooms, scavenger hunts, an outdoor pool, and the art studio.
Parents can work off some of those extra calories at the resort’s fitness center and spa, where they can sweat and relax away from the kids. The Gaylord Texan Resort is the perfect place for families to enjoy winter activities together. And for families who love their theme parks, Six Flags Over Texas, located in Arlington, is only a 26-minute drive south of the resort.
After a day of adventure, guests can grab a bite to eat at the resort’s family-friendly dining options. Whether famous Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex, or Italian is calling your name, the Gaylord Texan Resort has something for even the pickiest pallets. For a more upscale experience, the Old Hickory Steakhouse plates up fine dining with a Texas twist.
Omni Mount Washington Resort, NH: A Classic New England Winter Resort
Perched in the midst of the scenic White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Omni Mount Washington Resort is a blend of history, elegance, and outdoor excitement. This grand hotel, with its distinctive red roof and expansive veranda, is an architectural marvel that dates back to the golden age of mountain resorts and is one of the best places for a winter family vacation.
Guests are treated to cozy, well-appointed rooms with amenities designed for both parents and kids. The atmosphere inside is as warm and inviting as a cup of hot cocoa after a day of playing out in the snow. Even from the interior, the sweeping mountain views are a constant reminder of the resort’s exquisite setting.
Family members who enjoy skiing will appreciate Bretton Woods, New Hampire’s largest ski area, located a short shuttle ride away from the hotel. Guests can also try snowshoeing adventures or venture out on a dog-sledding ride. Other activities include cross-country skiing, gondola rides, and snow tubing.
Dining at the resort is an event in itself. The resort has options for every meal and mood, from the casual fare at Stickney’s Steak & Chop Pub to the Dining Room with its lavish menu and historic charm.
Whether it’s soaring over Alaskan glaciers, relishing the luxuries of Deer Valley, or zipping down the slides at Camelback, these resorts are full of unforgettable experiences for families of all sizes and ages.
Just as no two snowflakes are alike, the same can be said of these seven resorts. Each brings its own flavor of fun, luxury, and adventure. So bundle up, grab those mittens, and get ready for a winter escapade that’s sure to make Frosty the Snowman jealous!
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