Best Family Resorts for a Vermont Ski Vacation
With its picturesque landscapes and winter wonders, Vermont stands as a quintessential destination for families searching for a memorable ski vacation. And some of the best family resorts in Vermont are easily within reach of nearby major city centers like Boston, Albany, or Burlington. This makes for quick access from the airport or a doable road trip getaway from NYC. Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow each offer an inviting blend of family-friendly experiences, cozy towns, and diverse ski terrain that make them all well worth exploring.
Stowe: Winter’s Wonder on Every Corner
Stowe Mountain Resort, with its iconic Mt. Mansfield backdrop, is a top destination for families looking to find all of winter’s wonder. Boasting an extensive trail network, Stowe provides the perfect mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes to match the skill levels of any skier. The dedicated family zones, like Spruce Peak, cater to young skiers and riders and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Stowe Town Experiences
The town of Stowe, voted one of the Top 10 Small Towns in America, has a historic charm that beams authenticity and offers families a delightful apres-ski atmosphere. Explore the Stowe Recreation Path for a scenic winter walk, or visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum to delve into the region’s rich skiing history. A stroll through Stowe Village spotlights a vibrant stretch of boutique shops and cozy cafes.
Family Lodging and Dining
Whether you are looking for a cozy cabin, romantic bed & breakfast, or a luxurious hotel, Stowe has the perfect option for you.
Accomodations such as The Lodge at Spruce Peak offer alpine luxury at its finest, featuring the only ski-in, ski-out lodging in town, while the Iconic Trapp Family Lodge is a 2,600-acre mountain resort with spectacular mountain views and year-round recreational activities.
Family dining options abound, with local favorites like The Whip Bar & Grill offering a warm atmosphere and diverse menu suitable for all ages. Another Stowe staple, Piecasso, offers mouthwatering artisan pizza and other Italian staples along with delivery service right to your front door.
Okemo: Where Family Fun Meets Mountain Majesty
Okemo is renowned for its family-friendly terrain and exceptional snow conditions. The Jackson Gore area, in particular, features gentle slopes that are perfect for kids or beginners on their first family ski trip. The resort’s dedicated family zones provide a comfortable environment for the little ones to learn and grow their on-snow abilities.
Ludlow Town Experiences
Ludlow complements the family-oriented nature of Okemo with its welcoming ambiance. Explore the Ludlow Village, where artisan shops showcase local crafts and souvenirs. The nearby Fletch Farm School for the Arts and Crafts offers creative workshops, providing an off-slope family experience during the warmer months.
Family Lodging and Dining
Okemo’s slopeside accommodations, like the Jackson Gore Inn, offer convenient access to the mountain and family-friendly amenities. For a more secluded escape, consider the Castle Hill Resort and Spa, where families can stay in spacious suites or private cottages surrounded by the countryside.
Ludlow’s dining scene includes establishments like DJ’s Restaurant, which serves up hearty meals that cater to both adults and kids after a long day on the slopes. The Echo Lake Inn, a historic inn just outside Ludlow, offers a perfect setting for family dinners with classic Vermont cuisine.
Mount Snow: Family Adventures in the Green Mountains
In West Dover, Vermont, Mount Snow is a haven for families wanting varied terrain and a welcoming atmosphere. Carinthia Parks, one of the largest terrain parks on the East Coast, is a magnet for young skiers, riders, and freestyle enthusiasts. The Sundance Base Lodge is a great starting place for families, providing a hub for convenient access to beginner and intermediate trails.
Local Town Experiences
Nearby Wilmington is located just a short drive down Route 100 and offers a blend of small-town charm and family-friendly activities. The village shops and galleries are perfect for leisurely strolls and showcase local arts and crafts. After a day of skiing, families can also head to North Star Bowl to enjoy bowling and an arcade sure to delight the kids.
Family Lodging and Dining
Mount Snow’s lodging options include family-centric accommodations like the ski-on, ski-off Grand Summit Resort, offering slopeside convenience and amenities with game rooms and a slopeside outdoor pool. For a more rustic experience, families can explore vacation rentals and cabins in the area for a home-away-from-home feel.
Iron Loft at Carinthia offers an elevated dining experience with a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients, plus hand-crafted cocktails and great views of the action happening in the terrain park. Dot’s Restaurant is another local favorite that serves up hearty breakfast fare to fuel up for a day on the slopes. And if some members of the fam want to indulge in adult beverages, the Last Chair Bar & Grill offers many tastes from Vermont's craft beer scene, plus an arcade for the kids to enjoy.
Vermont Family Resorts in Summer
While a family ski vacation in Vermont is wonderful in the winter, there are also plenty of activities and adventures to keep everyone busy in the summer. The three resorts mentioned above are all special in the warm season, so keep them on your family's radar all year long.
Stowe transforms into a haven for summer family adventures when the snow melts. The Stowe Recreation Path invites families to explore the area on bike or foot over a 5.3-mile paved trail. For an adrenalin rush, Stowe Mountain Resort offers zip-lining and treetop adventures. Families can take a scenic gondola to the summit of Mt. Mansfield for panoramic views and hiking trails suitable for all ages.
Okemo Valley, surrounding Ludlow, offers many summertime activities as well. The Okemo Adventure Zone becomes a hub for thrill seekers, featuring a mountain coaster, zipline tours, and a challenging treetop obstacle course. Jackson Gore Village transforms into a summer paradise with a lake for paddleboarding and kayaking, along with a beach area perfect for picnics.
Mount Snow and the nearby towns of Dover and Wilmington unveil a different kind of beauty in the summer. Families and adventure seekers can enjoy the mountain’s natural playground with activities like scenic chairlift rides, an 18-hold golf course, and lift-serviced downhill mountain biking.
Your Family Ski Vacation in Vermont
Vermont’s ski resorts offer families everything they need for an enchanting and memorable winter vacation. All the resorts here have plenty to offer year-round, from comfortable lodging to delicious dining. Beyond the resorts, the nearby towns add layers of cultural richness and off-slope enjoyment. These activities and amenities give a warm welcome and open embrace to the magic of winter in Vermont.