When children are just beginning to ski, some argue there’s no need to head to premier resorts — any hill with a chairlift and a ski school will do. But after taking my own young children to two of Colorado’s most accommodating destinations, I disagree. For a relaxed, memorable family ski holiday, the right resorts make all the difference.
© TAMARA SUSA,
As a mother of two young children, ages four and five, who were just learning to ski, I tossed that conventional wisdom aside and chose a stress-free family getaway at two of Colorado’s top resorts. For our trip originating from Denver, we drove to Snowmass and Beaver Creek — an ideal combination for introducing kids to the slopes while enjoying luxurious, family-friendly amenities.
Skiing with children takes planning, but both resorts streamline the experience with excellent programs, experienced instructors and full-service facilities that let families focus on fun rather than logistics.
We picked up our rental SUV at Denver International Airport and set off for Snowmass with our kids, Nico and Gabi. The 220-mile drive (about four hours without stops) follows Interstate 70 past well-known resorts and winds through the dramatic Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River. The scenery kept the kids entertained with tunnels and mountain views, and the drive itself felt part of the adventure — though cell reception can drop in stretches, so plan accordingly.
A stop in Glenwood Springs is a perfect middrive treat. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort features an enormous outdoor pool, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate experience with multiple smaller geothermal pools and river views — a soothing pause before reaching Snowmass.
We checked into a one-bedroom suite at the ski-in/ski-out Viceroy Snowmass and quickly affirmed our choice. The hotel welcomed our children with free hot chocolate each afternoon in the lobby bar, complete with extra marshmallows and whipped cream. We also enjoyed the slope-side heated pool and hot tubs, where chairlifts glide overhead by day and stars glow above at night.
Aspen Snowmass includes four mountains — Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass. Snowmass alone offers more terrain than the other three combined, with 98 trails across 3,342 acres, plus a lively base village and a standout children’s program.
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center at Snowmass Village is a Colorado-themed childcare and activity hub for youngsters from eight weeks to four years. It provides daycare and beginner ski lessons on the gentle magic carpet slope right outside, giving parents flexibility while little ones learn in a playful environment.
I enrolled my husband and children in all-day group lessons while I skied nearby blue runs off the Elk Camp Gondola. The family was never far away — they learned on the magic carpet and easy green runs at Elk Camp Meadows, and we reunited each afternoon for s’mores by the fire, a complimentary tradition, followed by ice skating on the village oval.
Snowmass Village also has plenty of indoor family options. The Collective offers evening entertainment such as bingo and comedy nights, along with The Game Lounge, where families can compete at foosball, billiards, Skee-Ball and other games during free-entry hours.
From Snowmass, we drove roughly two hours toward Denver on I-70 to reach Beaver Creek. Known for upscale amenities and varied terrain, Beaver Creek added 17 beginner trails and 250 acres at McCoy Park in the 2021/2022 season, giving newcomers a gentle, scenic place to explore.
Situated partly within a wildlife sanctuary in the White River National Forest, McCoy Park preserves a sense of wilderness, offering beginner runs with big-mountain views while maintaining easy access from the base village.
© THE RITZ-CARLTON
For a restful day, we stayed slope-side at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The hotel provides ski-in/ski-out access to thousands of acres and a lively mountainside terrace with an open-air bar, live music and nightly s’mores sessions close to the hot tubs — perfect for families.
I treated myself to a spa session at the Ritz-Carlton and enjoyed expert treatments and restorative facilities, including steam rooms, saunas and plunge pools. The next day I felt refreshed and ready to rejoin the family for more skiing in McCoy Park.
On the slopes, corduroy groomers and soft snow made for forgiving, confidence-building runs. While the kids practiced their pizza and French fries, my husband messaged to ask when we could plan the next trip. For now, we left with happy memories, new skills and a shared appetite for more family ski adventures.
LODGING
The Rally Hotel
A modern downtown Denver option near Coors Field, offering family-friendly bunk suites and one of the city’s best rooftop pools.
1600 20th St., Denver
$$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The premier Beaver Creek property with ski-in/ski-out access, a complimentary shuttle to the base village and immediate lift access.
0130 Daybreak Ridge Road, Avon
$$$$
Viceroy Snowmass
Suites with kitchenettes and mountain views make this ski-in/ski-out hotel an excellent family choice, with an on-site spa and dining.
130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village
$$$$
DINING
Aurum Food & Wine Aspen Snowmass
A local favorite offering New American dishes perfect for sharing, including curried cauliflower and charcuterie selections.
110 Carriage Way, Snowmass Village
$$$$
Limelight Lounge
Casual pub atmosphere with live music, pizzas and space for kids to play — a popular spot for families and locals alike.
Limelight Hotel, 65 Wood Road, Snowmass Village
$$
Sakaba
Contemporary Japanese cuisine and fresh sushi inside The Ritz-Carlton, a refined option for switching up mountain fare.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, 0130 Daybreak Ridge Road, Avon
$$$$
INFO TO GO
Denver International Airport is Colorado’s primary airport with international service. Regional airports sit closer to the resorts: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is about six miles from Snowmass and offers frequent winter flights, while Eagle County Regional Airport lies roughly 28 miles from Beaver Creek and provides nonstop winter service from several cities. Both towns connect to Denver by highway; renting an all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended even though major routes are generally well maintained in winter.