Winter is an excellent season to enjoy a family trip; school breaks and extended weekends provide possibilities to go together and build great memories. There are various winter places to select, whether you want to treat your family to a luxurious holiday or take advantage of a special deal.
The people you travel with are a big part of what makes a winter vacation memorable. When the whole family is on board, catering to every age and interest is usually necessary. Finding a place that can meet these requirements may be difficult, but there are many fantastic, family-friendly mountain towns and ski resorts to choose from. Here is a list of the best snow vacations for families:
Estes Park, Colorado
Approximately an hour and a half from Denver, Colorado, lies the picturesque alpine town of Estes Park. Snowy vistas in the winter provide a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop to outdoor activities.
Every family visiting Estes Park should see Rocky Mountain National Park. Witnessing wild elk, moose, and mule deer in their native environments is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Also, a park ranger may lead you on a winter ecology walk, a guided nature walk across Rocky Mountain National Park’s more than 350 miles of scenic hiking trails. Views of frost-covered trees and shimmering alpine scenery will leave you in awe. You may join the adventure without prior snowshoe experience, but you must make a reservation.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler can take your family on winter activities you never thought possible. The Whistler Kids Snow School, the Magic Castle, the enchanting Tree Fort, and the family-friendly zones on the mountain will surely be a hit with visitors of all ages. After a day on the slopes, take a leisurely walk around the pedestrian town, home to lovely eateries and stores. For those families seeking even more excitement, You can also find the free outdoor skating rink at Olympic Plaza and the spectacular Fire & Ice Show. Whistler offers many types of places to stay that are suitable for families. Hotels, condominiums, and private residences in Whistler are ski-in/ski-out, perfect for families.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains region is an ideal fun destination for the entire family. The area is famous for its long list of winter activities. When the snow covers the terrain with a thick bed, you can experience winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. When it is time to head for skiing, you can find many options in the Pocono Mountains area, which offers numerous resorts with large ski runs and slopes.
This area has fun activities, such as snow tubing, which is ideal for kids. You can enjoy snow tubing in many spots, from fast-paced lanes to simple, family-friendly tracks. Check out sleigh riding and ice skating for family-friendly winter activities that can engage every family member. You can schedule a visit at the Daisy Farm Field for horse-drawn sleigh rides. For an ice skating adventure, you can find famous state parks, including the Hickory Run and Tobyhanna Park.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe has plenty of winter family activities. This traditional New England ski town has charm, winter sports, and appeal to accommodate any visitor. Some of the most fabulous family-friendly activities in the region include skiing and riding at Stowe Mountain Resort, snowshoeing routes, indoor and outdoor skating rinks, and sleigh rides.
Wiessner Woods is an excellent place to take the entire family; this gorgeous, forested area is charming and makes a great stop if you want to stroll about and appreciate the vista. This region has many easy-to-follow routes that connect, and it’s an incredible location for trying out snowshoeing.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
With its lovely city and surrounding mountains, Steamboat Springs has long been considered the perfect winter getaway for families. The town has many beautiful snowy paths waiting to be discovered on an exciting snowmobile adventure. Guided snowmobile trips across hundreds of acres are available for half-day or full-day rentals, a perfect opportunity for families.
Hot-air balloon rides are another fantastic family-friendly activity in the region; they operate all year and provide exhilarating winter aerial experiences. Flights begin in the morning, when the air temperature is lower, allowing for a smoother take-off and flight. Each trip lasts two to two and a half hours, giving you and your loved ones plenty of time to enjoy the scenery of Steamboat Springs.
Families visiting this lovely town may enjoy a relaxing winter getaway at one of the many high-quality lodgings in Steamboat Springs. You can choose from luxury vacation rentals to four-star hotels and downtown condos.
Park City, Utah
This is one of the largest areas of skiable terrain in the United States. During the ski season, Park City is a great place to take the kids because of the well-maintained slopes and the availability of expert instructors.
You can spend the day at Park City Ski Resort or Deer Valley Ski Resort, two magnificent options that this area has. At Park City Ski Resort, you can practice snowboarding, skiing, and night skiing, and at Deer Valley, only skiing is available.
You can book your stay at The Caledonian, a place with ski-in/ski-out access to Park City Mountain Resort, where you will have the entire town at your fingertips. In addition, you can find the Montage Deer Valley, a resort in Utah ideal for younger guests that offers a Paintbox Kids Club, a snow bowl for tubing, and a bowling alley.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is a magnificent winter paradise filled with unforgettable experiences. You and your family will have incredible activities, such as reindeer sledding and seeing the northern lights for the first time. In addition, outdoor jacuzzis, ice plunges, and saunas await parents and older kids to relax. A midnight guided snowmobile tour is also available for those searching for even more thrills. Finally, after a day full of Arctic activities, cozy up in a glass igloo surrounded by icy scenery.
Telluride, Colorado
Colorado is famous for its mountain communities that come alive during the winter, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. There is no shortage of excitement for families visiting Telluride during the winter, especially with the abundance of après activities and world-class skiing and snowboarding. Because of its closeness to many airports, Telluride is one of the more accessible winter sports destinations, which means easier flights and less time spent traveling with kids.
