With warmer weather and a well-established snowpack, spring break is the perfect time to get out and explore the mountains as a family. A well-planned spring vacation is sure to result in epic memories that last a lifetime and fun for everyone. Here are seven suggestions for the best spring break skiing for families.
What To Expect During Spring Break
Spring break ski vacations are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of all that winter offers without dealing with as much cold weather. The days are longer and the base is often deeper, meaning you can spend more time on the mountain exploring trails that might be closed during the opening months. Spring break at most resorts can be crowded, so it’s always a good idea to book your trip ahead of time to ensure you get the accommodations and amenities you’re after.
Park City, Utah
Elevation: 6,900 feet at the base, 10,000 feet at top
The proximity of Park City Mountain Resort to the Salt Lake City International Airport simply can’t be beat. Partner this with steady snowfall and family-friendly amenities, and voilà—the perfect spring break ensues. The resort is the largest in the United States, with more than 300 runs and 41 lifts, giving both skiers and snowboarders a massive amount of acreage to enjoy, including six terrain parks and two half-pipes. The town of Park City offers various alternate adventures to make your time off the slopes just as enjoyable as chasing downhill powder. Enjoy excellent dining at the restaurants on historic Main Street, see future Olympians and ride the bobsled yourself at Utah Olympic Park, and take a moonlight snowshoe hike as a family followed by a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Park City is just filled with choices—a happy problem to have.
Northstar, California
Elevation: 6,300 feet at the base, 8,610 feet at top
Take advantage of the epic storms that blanket California and shush your way down Northstar’s mountains while gazing at Lake Tahoe in the distance. The resort’s ski school has a plethora of family-friendly lesson options, giving everyone a chance to hone skills while having a blast or split up and maximize personal attention with the Ultimate 4 lesson series (with no more than four participants in each class). The Village at Northstar is chock full of activities to squeeze in between trips down the slopes—activities designed for families just a stone’s throw from the lifts—build your own s’more cookouts, snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and arts and crafts. Perfect for the family with both hard-charging snow chasers and vacationers who want a little bit of everything.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Elevation: 8,100 feet at the base, 11,400 feet at top
Beaver Creek, while maybe not as massive as some resorts, is stunning with natural ambiance. If you are willing to trek a little farther from the village base, Bachelor’s Gulch is rarely busy and has an outstanding balance of easy and intermediate terrain for those seeking cruisey groomers. Beaver Creek provides ample opportunities to explore with and without the kiddos, making sure everyone leaves vacation happy. There is great terrain to explore here - Like McCoy Park or Red Buffalo Park. And be sure to get a warm treat after a long day with daily cookie time in the village at 3 PM.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Elevation: 9,600 feet at the base, 12,998 feet at top
Breckenridge’s “perfect mountain and perfect mountain town” are the ideal setting for your multi-gen spring vacation. Plus, March is typically the snowiest month here. Breck’s Five Peaks provides the playground to meet everyone’s needs. Peak 10 is a solitary respite for any advanced skier. Peak 9 is best for beginners. Peak 8 boasts the goods with everything from high alpine lines to groomed runs. Peak 7 is an intermediate skier’s dream with rolling hills of corduroy. Peak 6 will reward anyone who ventures that far with above tree line skiing experienced from groomed blues to double black extreme terrain in the six senses. There are also après hot spots at the Peak 7 and 8 bases, which a great for a spring ski day break. For non-skiers and boarders, this walkable historic mining town is full of shops, galleries, and eateries that satisfy anyone looking for off-slope inspiration.
Heavenly, California
Elevation: 6,5420 feet at base, 10,067 at top
Heavenly straddles the California border, providing stunning views of Lake Tahoe and a vast area of skiable terrain. It’s another perfect destination for a memorable family trip and among the West's top spring break ski destinations. The ski school here offers various family-friendly lessons, and the nearby town of South Lake Tahoe has a ton of family activities to explore. After a day on the slopes, families can enjoy ice skating, grab a bite, or shop at Heavenly Village. Heavenly’s lodging options range from slopeside accommodations to cozy mountain cabins. The Marriott Grand Residence Club offers family-friendly suites, and vacation rentals provide a more homey atmosphere. The Brewery at Lake Tahoe is the spot for a relaxed après-ski hang-out, and many other eateries are available in the area for whatever comfort food sounds best after a solid day on the mountain.
Vail, Colorado
Elevation: 8,200 feet at the base, 11,570 feet at top
Unlike any mountain you will ever ski, Vail’s 5,317 skiable acres are epic at every turn. Free mountain tours are offered daily by ski staff and are a must for newcomers. Tiny adventurers will not be left out—Vail has 13 kids' adventure zones sprinkled throughout the resort, where your little one can master rolling, turning, and tree skiing. The walkability of Vail and Lionshead Village sets the scene for exploring the nightlife, with après-ski and dining options around every corner. From good grub after a long day at The Tavern to enjoying cozy cuisine at Cucina, Vail leaves guests only wanting more.
Keystone, Colorado
Elevation: 9,280 feet at the base, 12,408 feet at top
If you are on the fence that skiing is the best vacation ever, start at Keystone. In addition to excellent skiing and riding, you can explore the world’s largest Mountaintop Snow Fort, tubing, ice skating, and season-long events in the River Run village. Bergman Express is a new addition to the mountain, offering lift access to 555 acres of high alpine terrain for all levels. Plus, there's plenty for parents to enjoy, whether it's adult lessons or a trip to the spa. Relaxation and fun is for everyone at Keystone.
