Top 10 - Best East Coast Skiing for Families and Kids
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Top 10 Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast for Families and Kids
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#10. Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
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#9. Magic Mountain, Vermont
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#8. Jay Peak, Vermont
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#7. Mont Tremblant, Québec
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#6. Holiday Valley, New York
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#5. Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
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#4. Mad River Glen, Vermont
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#3. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
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#2. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
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#1. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.
Top 10 Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast for Families and Kids
(Photo: Courtesy of Sugarloaf Resort/Jamie Walter)
#10. Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
Score: 9.1
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Sugarloaf offers 162 trails, including terrain parks and a superpipe, catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers alike. For those not ready for the slopes, there’s tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing available.
Nearby: Families can explore the Ski Museum of Maine and Narrow Gauge Pathway, perfect for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. In the spring and summer, the Carrabassett River offers fly fishing.
Family Testimonials:
"Perfect for All Ages": One family noted that Sugarloaf’s ski school, available for children as young as 3, made it easy to get everyone on the slopes, and they were impressed with the staff’s patience and knowledge.
"Feels Like a Big Adventure": Another family appreciated the wide range of skiable terrain, saying it felt like a Rocky Mountain experience, but on the East Coast. They enjoyed the backcountry glades and steeper runs.
"More Than Just Skiing": A parent highlighted the non-skiing activities, including tubing and indoor swimming, which kept their children entertained during off-ski hours.
(Photo: Courtesy of Magic Mountain)
#9. Magic Mountain, Vermont
Score: 9.2
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Magic Mountain features 39 trails, including 11 glades, offering a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. This allows for a variety of family-friendly options, from easy greens to challenging blues and blacks. There’s also a magic carpet lift perfect for children and beginners, and affordable lift tickets with discounts for young skiers
Nearby: Families can enjoy activities in Londonderry such as exploring the local shops or taking short trips to other nearby ski resorts like Stratton
The small community feel at Magic makes it easy to navigate and meet up with family members
Family Testimonials:
"Homey and Relaxed Vibe": One family praised the laid-back atmosphere, noting that the friendly staff and manageable size made it easy for their kids to explore without worry
"Natural Terrain and Friendly Community": Another parent highlighted the natural terrain and tree skiing, which made it a fun challenge for their older kids, while the beginner areas were perfect for their younger children.
"Affordable and Family-Oriented": Reviewers appreciated the affordability and family focus, saying that Magic Mountain’s combination of fun terrain and relaxed pricing is hard to beat for families.
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(Photo: Courtesy of Jay Peak)
#8. Jay Peak, Vermont
Score: 9.3
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Jay Peak offers a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels, but families especially love the Ski & Ride School and JayCare Daycare for younger children. One of the top attractions for families is the Pumphouse Indoor Waterpark, where kids can enjoy waterslides, a wave pool, and the lazy river
Nearby: The Ice Haus Indoor Arena offers ice skating, while Clips & Reels features a climbing gym and arcade. Families can also enjoy activities like movie nights, hiking, and tram rides
Family Testimonials:
"Perfect for Multi-Generational Families": One family shared how they coordinated a multi-family trip, staying in condos that offered convenience for the kids to play while adults took turns skiing. They loved the waterpark for a break from skiing
"Best Snow and Fun for All Ages": Another family praised the snow quality and variety of activities, from skiing to ice skating, stating that it’s a great destination with something for every age
"Indoor Waterpark is a Game-Changer": Parents mentioned how the Pumphouse waterpark was a lifesaver for entertaining younger kids when they needed a break from skiing
(Photo: Courtesy of Mont Tremblant)
#7. Mont Tremblant, Québec
Score: 9.4
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Mont Tremblant offers a fantastic ski experience for families, with plenty of green and blue runs suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. For families with non-skiers, there are plenty of other activities, including night tubing, dog sledding, and the Aquaclub La Source, which has pools and slides for children
Nearby: The Pedestrian Village is a lively area filled with family-friendly restaurants, shops, and activities. Popular non-skiing activities include the Tonga Lumina light show, skyline luge, and Mission Liberté escape rooms
Family Testimonials:
"Best Resort for Families": One parent shared that Mont Tremblant offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities and relaxing moments, making it a great place for family bonding
"Non-Skiing Fun": A family who visited Mont Tremblant praised the variety of activities for their kids, especially the water-based fun at Aquaclub La Source and the thrills of dog sledding
"Winter Wonderland": Reviewers loved the convenience of the Pedestrian Village, where they could enjoy restaurants, shops, and attractions like tubing and sleigh rides, all without leaving the resort
(Photo: Courtesy of Holiday Valley/Ashley Baron)
#6. Holiday Valley, New York
Score: 9.5
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Holiday Valley provides excellent options for families, including night skiing, a Ski & Ride School for beginners, and an Aerial Adventure Park featuring treetop courses and ziplines
The resort also offers well-maintained terrain for all skill levels, making it a great destination for novice and experienced skiers alike
Nearby: The village of Ellicottville offers a quaint setting with family-friendly dining options and activities like snow tubing and mountain biking during warmer months
Family Testimonials:
"Great for Beginners": One family raved about the ski school, praising the friendly and knowledgeable instructors who made learning to ski a fun experience for their kids
"Beautiful Scenery and Activities": Another family highlighted the beautiful views from the Tamarack Club and enjoyed the variety of outdoor activities, including the Sky Coaster and Aerial Park
"Ideal for Family Ski Trips": Families love Holiday Valley for its range of kid-friendly slopes and well-organized facilities, including convenient lifts and excellent snowmaking
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(Photo: Courtesy of Wachusett Mountain)
#5. Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
Score: 9.6
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Wachusett offers skiing and snowboarding lessons through the Polar Kids program, providing rentals and semi-private instruction for children. The resort is known for its easy access and family-oriented slopes, making it ideal for young skiers and first-timers
Nearby: Families can enjoy snow tubing, nature hikes in the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, and local dining options within the nearby town of Princeton
Family Testimonials:
"Perfect for Beginners": A family praised the ski school for its personalized attention and seamless process, helping their kids excel at snowboarding
"Great Family Experience": Another family shared that the lessons and equipment rentals were perfectly organized, allowing everyone to enjoy the slopes with ease
"Winter Fun for All": Reviewers highlighted the variety of lessons available for all skill levels, making it an ideal spot for family ski trips
(Photo: Courtesy of Mad River Glen)
#4. Mad River Glen, Vermont
Score: 9.7
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Mad River Glen is known for its natural terrain and old-school vibe. Families can enjoy the Chipmunks and Panthers ski programs, designed for children ages 4-12, which focus on skill development in small group settings. The mountain also offers programs for more advanced young skiers, including the Freeski Team for ages 10-18
Nearby: Families can explore the Mad River Valley, which offers activities like sledding, snowshoeing, and trips to nearby attractions such as the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Family Testimonials:
"A True Family Mountain": One parent shared how the Chipmunks program was a great fit for their young children, providing individualized attention and helping them progress confidently
"Old-School Skiing at Its Best": A family appreciated the laid-back atmosphere and classic lifts, which make for a unique experience. They also noted the welcoming community of regulars at the mountain
"Perfect for Young Skiers": Reviewers highlighted the terrain variety and the fantastic kids' programs, praising how the mountain feels like a family environment
(Photo: Courtesy of Waterville Valley)
#3. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Score: 9.8
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Waterville Valley is renowned for its well-rounded family atmosphere. Families enjoy the Kids Kamp Ski School for ages 4-12, offering full-day lessons, lunch, and snacks. For younger children, kids 5 and under ski for free. The mountain’s unique layout, where all trails end at the Base Lodge, makes it easy for families of different skill levels to ski together safely
Nearby: The nearby Town Square offers a variety of family activities including ice skating, snowshoeing, and a sports center with a pool and indoor tennis
Family Testimonials:
"Great Family Atmosphere": Families loved the easy-to-navigate mountain and the safe learning areas, making it ideal for younger skiers and those progressing in their skills
"Full-Day Fun": Parents appreciated the all-inclusive nature of the Kids Kamp, which allowed them time to explore more advanced runs while their children learned in a dedicated space
"Perfect for Mixed Skill Levels": Reviewers praised the mountain’s reverse-hourglass layout, allowing their family to split up based on ability and easily reunite at the Base
(Photo: Courtesy of Bretton Woods)
#2. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Score: 9.9
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Bretton Woods offers 63 trails suitable for all levels, including family-friendly slopes and designated learning areas for beginners. The resort is also known for its excellent grooming and snowmaking, making it ideal for families with younger children and novice skiers. There’s also a Tubing Hill and night skiing, adding extra fun for kids and adults alike
Nearby: Families staying at the Omni Mount Washington Resort can enjoy the Omni Kids’ Crew program, which includes craft activities, games, and even milk and cookies delivered to the room on the first night. The resort also offers a swimming pool, spa, and game room
Family Testimonials:
"Perfect for All Skill Levels": One family praised Bretton Woods for offering terrain suitable for all members of the family, from beginners to advanced skiers
"Best for Families with Kids": Another reviewer highlighted the Omni Kids’ Crew program and the easy access to family-friendly activities like tubing and ziplining, making it a go-to for family vacations
"Fantastic Grooming and Snowmaking": Parents noted that the well-maintained trails and excellent snow conditions made it an enjoyable and safe experience for their kids
(Photo: Courtesy of Smugglers’ Notch)
#1. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Score: 10.0
Family-Friendly Activities:
On the Mountain: Smugglers' Notch offers a variety of programs for kids, including the Snow Sport University, which teaches skiing and snowboarding to children as young as 3 years old. The resort is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, with terrain suited for all levels of skiers. Beyond skiing, families can enjoy tubing, ice skating, and the FunZone 2.0, an indoor playground featuring obstacle courses, bouncy houses, and games
Nearby: Families can take part in zipline canopy tours through the ArborTrek Adventure Park or enjoy the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop located within the resort for a sweet treat
Family Testimonials:
"A Family Skiing Paradise": One reviewer highlighted the excellent kids’ ski programs, praising the instructors for making skiing fun and engaging for younger children
"Fun for Non-Skiers Too": A family loved the wide variety of non-skiing activities like tubing and the FunZone, which provided hours of entertainment for their children
"The Best Value for Families": Another family appreciated the affordability of activities at Smugglers' Notch, saying it’s the perfect spot for families to enjoy a full range of adventures without breaking the bank
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Trip.com: Airfare, Hotels, Transportation, Activities
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Top 10 Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast for Families and Kids
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#10. Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
-
#9. Magic Mountain, Vermont
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#8. Jay Peak, Vermont
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#7. Mont Tremblant, Québec
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#6. Holiday Valley, New York
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#5. Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
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#4. Mad River Glen, Vermont
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#3. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
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#2. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
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#1. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.