Family Ski Vacation Ideas

You likely already know this family favorite. Sugarloaf is the second-largest ski resort in the eastern half of the United States, notable for both its large amount of skiable area and amount of snow produced. However, even though it boasts a massive size, it’s still not the most popular resort in New England, possibly because of its Maine location, leaving it a little out of reach for some. Despite this, Sugarloaf is well worth the drive.

While at Sugarloaf, book a stay for your entire family at Loon Lodge Inn & Restaurant in Rangeley. The lakeside accommodations offer a cozy and warm retreat, perfect for some quality time. There are no televisions in the guestrooms, leaving you with no distractions. You’ll head back home just a little bit closer to the ones you love.

The most popular ski spot in Maine is Sunday River Resort. If you have younger children, this one will be a good pick for your family, with its beginner-friendly trails and variety of group and private lessons. If you have a little one who’s not so keen on getting out in the weather, there’s childcare available so neither mom nor dad is stuck in the lodge looking longingly out at the slopes.

If you choose this destination for your family ski vacation, you’ll want to book a stay at nearby Bethel Inn Resort. The property has just the thing for families who want some privacy — luxury townhomes! You can book these beautiful, limited-availability townhomes with three, two or one bedrooms, just a short walk from the ski trails. In the three-bedroom townhomes, you’ll enjoy huge amounts of living space, a dining area for eight with a fireplace and a full kitchen with breakfast bar. Each of the bedrooms has its own private bath, too, so there’s no squabbling over whose turn it is to shower.

Additionally, the resort’s 200 acres is also home to a 35km ski and snowshoe center, as well as other winter activities like ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy the best of Maine’s wintery weather.

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in Maine

The state’s largest ski area is Bretton Woods, but despite the large size, you can find tons of family amenities. There are nearly 100 runs and about 25 percent are suitable for beginner skiers. Private and group lessons are also available, so you can equip your little ones with everything they need to hit the slopes with confidence.

The family fun hardly stops at skiing, though. You can also expect ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing and more. There’s something for everyone!

A great stay for your family is guaranteed at the nearby award-winning Bear Mountain Lodge B&B in Bethlehem. The adults in your party will love the outdoor hot tub with a view and the complimentary drinks by the fire pit, as well as the cozy fireplaces in the guestrooms. Families who are planning to get away for a classic American Christmas will want to take advantage of the bed and breakfasts’ Christmas Tree Getaway offer, which includes a two-night stay and a trip to a Christmas tree farm to choose and cut down your own tree, followed by gingerbread and hot chocolate by the fire.

If your family wants to start out at Bretton Woods and then make their way to some of the other great ski spots in New Hampshire, Wentworth, An Elegant Country Inn is a good choice for your basecamp. Located in Jackson, you can easily access not only Bretton Woods, but also Attitash Mountain, Wildcat Mountain, Cranmore Mountain and Black Mountain. When you book the property’s Alpine Ski Package, you’ll receive a bundle with a ski pass, daily breakfast and swiss fondue in the afternoon!

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in New Hampshire

On the smaller side, Ski Sundown absolutely has you covered when it comes to kids and teen programming. There are eight different programs to choose from, for ages 3 to 17, including a program for instructor hopefuls and one that’s all-girls.

If some of the adults in your family aren’t quite as thrilled at the prospect of spending all day on the slopes, Ski Sundown is close enough to Hartford that you can easily enjoy a stay at the lovely DELAMAR West Hartford. Not only will you enjoy stylish luxury accommodations, but also easy access to some of the area’s best indoor attractions for both adults and kids, including the Connecticut Science Center, the Bushnell Performing Arts Center and the New Britain Museum of American Art.

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in Connecticut

Yes, even as far south as Rhode Island, your family can enjoy a quick ski getaway! Yawgoo Valley is one of the southernmost ski areas in the region. On the smaller side, it offers 12 trails and 36 acres of skiable terrain, so it’s not overwhelming to those packing about smaller children.



Yawgoo Valley is only a short drive from one of Rhode Island’s best-loved vacation spots, Newport. At The Vanderbilt, you can stay in ultra-luxury by the sea, with accommodations perfectly suitable to families. The Captain’s Loft Suites, for example, are two stories and offer a kitchenette, living room and bathroom on the first floor and a master suite on the top floor. Likewise, Cove Suites provide separate sleeping and social areas, with a kitchenette. If you’re looking to splurge, The Vanderbilt Suite gives you two bedrooms and a private reception room as well.

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in Rhode Island

Okemo is well known among ski-loving families as the place to go in Vermont. The Kids Night Out program is a big hit for children under 12, where, on Saturday evenings, childcare professionals take the kids off your hands for a few hours, so they can enjoy a totally fun time that includes movies, swimming, skating, pizza and more. Of course, there’s loads to do for families who want to stick together. Beyond the slopes, there’s ice skating, snowboarding, tubing and even more fun to be had at the pool and fitness center (which additionally offers spa and massage services by appointment).



So close it’s found on the Okemo Mountain Resort map, Jackson Gore Inn provides the ultimate resort stay. One of the newest properties on the mountain, it offers a healthy dose of charm, but with the convenience of a big-name hotel chain. Enjoy quick access to the pools, the Adventure Zone, child care, shopping and more. You even get shuttle service to the rest of the resort.

Easily one of the most well-known names in New England skiing, Stowe offers it all. You have not only picturesque ski slopes, but also everything you could require in the way of high-end accommodations, dining, shopping, entertainment and more. For the family who needs a little excitement in their lives, Stowe is the place to go.



For the parents who desperately need to relax after a hectic holiday season, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa could be exactly what the doctor ordered. The property’s Direct-to-Lift Ski & Stay Package includes lift tickets, accommodations, daily breakfast, afternoon coffee or tea, fireside hors d’oeuvres and no extra fees on resort amenities like wellness center access. The property also offers townhouse vacation rentals, so you get a little added privacy and space if you so wish, while still taking advantage of the resort’s many amenities, like the two pools, dining areas, sporks and wellness center and afternoon tea and cookies. There are two styles of townhouses to choose from, with one, two or three bedrooms.

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in Vermont

Jiminy Peak is a good choice for families with younger children, with its Children’s Learn to Ski and Ride Center and the on-site ski resort childcare. The largest ski resort in Massachusetts, there are also lots of other activities the family can enjoy together, from snowshoeing to making s’mores by the fire.

Afterward, retreat to the boutique Hotel on North, where no two rooms are the same and you’ll find yourself already wanting to book a return visit. Through the end of the year, kids stay and eat free — including dessert!

You can also take advantage of the property’s Ski & Stay package, which gives you 10 percent off food at Eat on North for après ski bites and beverages and one full daytime lift ticket per adult in your party.

New England Family Ski Vacations Ideas in Massachusetts

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