Winter arrives, temperatures fall, and many people naturally gravitate indoors — yet 2020 has inspired travelers to seek safe, outdoor escapes. Fortunately, North America is dotted with ski resorts that now offer more than downhill runs. Across the continent, winter destinations pair snowy mountain scenery with indoor comforts like hot cocoa, board games and even indoor waterparks, creating options for families and small groups looking for socially distanced recreation.
Most ski areas plan to open for the 2020–2021 season, though many will operate with reduced capacity and encourage advance purchase of lift tickets or reservations. Whether you want a long weekend getaway or an extended stay in a snowy setting, here are several standout resorts that combine winter sports with family-friendly amenities and year-round appeal.
Some skiers argue that East Coast runs can’t match the Rockies, but the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania offer equally charming winter scenery and appealing resort experiences.
PHOTO: © CAMELBACK RESORT
About an hour and a half from New York City, Camelback Mountain Resort features the country’s largest snow-tubing park and offers 34 ski and snowboard trails to suit a range of abilities.
If the cold gets to be too much, Aquatopia, Camelback’s indoor waterpark, provides a warm alternative. It includes the Storm Chaser water coaster, the longest of its kind in the country, a swim-up bar for adults and private cabanas. Guests who stay overnight at the resort typically receive Aquatopia access as part of their lodging package.
Camelback is reachable from several nearby airports: Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport (approximately 10 miles), Lehigh Valley International Airport (about 38 miles) and Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (around 40 miles). A rental car or private transfer is recommended; public buses from New York’s Port Authority stop at Mt. Pocono or Mt. Airy Casino, where taxis and local shuttles can complete the journey.
Jay Peak in Vermont, located near the U.S.–Canada border, has built a strong reputation for snowfall and varied terrain. With the highest average annual snowfall on the East Coast, it’s a magnet for powder seekers.
Jay Peak offers 81 trails and encourages adventurous skiers to explore beyond groomed runs. Off-slope amenities include the Pump House Water Park, featuring a lazy river, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and the La Chute water slide. The resort’s FlowRider attraction simulates board sports, providing a different kind of adrenaline rush for visitors.
Situated in Vermont’s Green Mountains about 15 miles from the Canadian border, Jay Peak is served by nearby regional airports and shuttle services. Guests can arrange airport transfers from local airports or the St. Albans Amtrak station, with one-way shuttle fares available for planning purposes.
© KEYSTONE RESORT
About 90 minutes southwest of Denver, Keystone Resort in Colorado markets itself as a family-friendly destination. Kids under 12 often ski free with qualifying family stays, and the resort stages playful attractions such as the world’s largest snow fort, scavenger hunts and convenient gear wagons that carry equipment from lodging areas to the slopes.
Keystone typically opens for winter in early November, with specific lift ticket availability and reservation systems adjusted seasonally. For travelers planning a visit, the Epic Day Pass and similar products may provide useful priority access for limited-capacity days.
Denver International Airport is the major gateway for Keystone, about 90 miles away. Shuttle services and private transfers operate between the airport and resort hotels, with several options offering Wi-Fi and group discounts.
Mont-Tremblant, tucked into the mountains outside Montréal, Quebec, combines more than 100 ski and snowboard trails with a wide range of winter activities such as snow biking, ice fishing, ice climbing and winter dune buggy rides.
The resort caters to families with services like a Kidz Club for younger children and Aqualab La Source, an indoor/outdoor water facility. Seasonal promotions often include free stays for children under certain ages when accompanied by an adult.
Mont-Tremblant is served by a regional airport with connections to larger Canadian hubs, and express shuttles and private transfers link the resort with Montréal and other nearby cities, offering convenient options for international and domestic travelers.
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia remains one of North America’s most recognizable mountain resorts, drawing visitors year-round from Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. The resort spans two mountains connected by gondola, creating extensive terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
Whistler Blackcomb focuses on family experiences with attractions like the Magic Castle, Tree Fort and Enchanted Woods for younger skiers. Winter Olympic Plaza offers open-play areas for building snowmen, sledding and informal games, while licensed childcare facilities make it easier for parents to balance family time and adult activities. The resort traditionally opens for winter in late November.
Vancouver International Airport is the primary entry point for Whistler visitors, with daily shuttle services and multiple private transfer operators providing regular trips between the airport, downtown Vancouver and the resort.
Lodging
Fairmont Tremblant
A luxury option in Mont-Tremblant, the Fairmont offers suite packages with kitchen facilities and business-oriented packages that include lounge access and convenient amenities. 3045 Chemin de la Chapelle, Mont-Tremblant, Québec.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
A high-end property with fireplaces and mountain-view balconies in rooms, suites and residences, ideal for travelers seeking upscale service and comfort. 4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, British Columbia.
Great Wolf Lodge – Pocono Mountains
A family-focused resort with nightly entertainment and an indoor waterpark that keeps children busy even when they want a break from the cold. 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, Pennsylvania.
Dining
The Foundry Pub & Grille, Jay Peak
A cozy choice for après-ski comfort food: think New England clam chowder and signature flatbreads featuring regional ingredients. 830 Jay Peak Road, Jay, Vermont.
Kartrite’s Summit House, Pocono Mountains
Perched near the Poconos’ higher elevations, this ski-in/ski-out restaurant serves contemporary American dishes and craft beverages in a mountaintop setting. Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, Pennsylvania.
Sleigh Ride Dinner, Keystone
A seasonal experience that combines a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy woods with a cabin dinner and live folk music — a memorable option for couples and families seeking a rustic evening out. Lakeside Village, Keystone, Colorado.
These resorts blend outdoor winter activities with indoor attractions and family-focused services, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the season while accommodating changing travel considerations. Advance planning for tickets, lodging and transfers will help ensure a smooth, safe winter escape.