The Top Ski Resorts in the Northeast for Families

If your idea of the perfect winter trip is a mountain full of fresh snow to play on, then this is the list for you. With challenging high peaks for the experts and bunny slopes and lessons for beginners, plus snow tubing, ice skating, cozy lodges and other fun winter activities, these are some of the best ski resorts in the Northeast for an action-packed cold-weather day trip or weekend jaunt with your crew.

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Connecticut

Powder Ridge
Middlefield, Conn.

Featuring 20 trails and four terrain parks, there’s plenty of snowy fun to be found at Powder Ridge. For those new to skiing or snowboarding, the designated beginner area is a great place to learn. Group and private lessons are available and they specialize in working with kids as young as 3-5 years old. For more family time, the resort also has snow tubing, snowbike lessons and rentals. After you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant Fire at the Ridge, which often has live music.

Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
Cornwall, Conn.

The highest ski area in Connecticut, Mohawk Mountain’s range of options helps it to stand out as one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast. Twenty-six trails challenge all skill levels, while a broad range of programming is offered for those just starting out, including Snowhawk children’s classes (ages 5-12). Mohawk’s option to reserve equipment online in advance is an extra benefit that will get you onto the slopes faster. When you need a break, cozy up with your clan at the base lodge. Dining and lodging are located on the property.

New Hampshire

Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods
Carroll, N.H.

Part of New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains, Bretton Woods is consistently ranked as one of the best Northeast ski resorts with 63 trails, 35 glades, 10 lifts and two freestyle terrain parks. They also offer family-friendly activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, tubing, ice skating, guided ski and snowshoe tours, Fat Bike rentals and a zipline canopy tour. And with night trails open for skiing and snowboarding, the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are several on-mountain dining options, plus more within the nearby White Mountain lodging accommodations, including the stunning AAA Four Diamond Designated Omni Mount Washington Hotel.

Loon Mountain
Lincoln, N.H.

Only two hours north of Boston, Loon Mountain is a convenient choice for your next winter day trip. 61 trails and six terrain parks ranging in all skill levels deliver the excitement and challenges that your snow-loving family craves. For even more fun, there’s ziplining, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, private and group lessons for all age groups and New Hampshire’s only Superpipe. When it’s time to wind down and warm up or grab a quick bite, there are a number of on-mountain dining options and restaurants to choose from.

New Jersey

Campgaw Mountain 
Mahwah, N.J.

Home to dozens of trails, a snow tubing area and a designated learning center, Campgaw Mountain ski area is ideal for beginners and experts alike. With numerous learning programs for children ages 4-18, your child will receive instruction targeted to his or her age and skill level.

High Point Cross Country Ski Center 
Sussex, N.J.

If you prefer your skiing experience to be (a little) more horizontal than vertical, High Point offers cross-country skiers and snowshoers access to a combination of 14 miles of trails tailored to all abilities and age brackets. But don’t think you won’t be experiencing an altitude rush – living up to its name, High Point is the highest point in the state. Open based on conditions, so be sure to call ahead.

Mountain Creek 
Vernon Township, N.J.

Check out some of the 167 acres dedicated to freestyling at the resort’s terrain parks, or explore ski trails covering four peaks, all of which are open for night skiing. If indoor activities are more your speed, check out the resort’s seven dining and nightlife options, or hang out by the fireplace at the Appalachian lodge.

New York

Catamount Ski Area
Hillsdale, N.Y.

From small hills to steep drops like Catapult, Catamount’s signature double black diamond trail (and one of the steepest in the Northeast!), there’s something for everyone on this diverse network of slopes in the Berkshires. Of the 44 trails and park areas in this top ski resort, there are 10 black diamond and double black diamond trails, two terrain parks and night skiing. If you’d rather take it easy, the Snow Sports school is perfect for kids and first-timers. Catamount offers private and group lessons starting at age 3. After you’ve worked up an appetite, there are several on-mountain dining options and a café to satisfy your stomach rumblings, as well as nearby food and lodging.

Mount Peter Ski Area 
Warwick, N.Y.

Trying to convince a friend or family member that he or she would be a natural on the mountain? With the purchase of an all-day lift ticket, Mount Peter offers a free beginner ski or snowboard lesson every weekend and holiday. Family lessons are also available. And if you’re looking to get your little one primed for those black diamonds, the KinderLand program introduces kids 3-5 to the slopes. Round-trip bus transportation is available from several points in New York City, making it an easy day trip if you don’t have a car.

Massachusetts

Jiminy Peak
Hancock, Mass.

Featuring 45 trails and three terrain parks, all skill levels will feel welcome at this ski resort in the Berkshires. Jiminy Peak is known as one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast for its lessons, especially the full- and half-day skiing and snowboarding programs for children. When the family is not gliding down the ski trails, don’t miss the mountain coaster, which twists and turns through the woods at speeds of up to 23 miles per hour!

Another major selling point is Jiminy Peak’s Country Inn, a ski-in, ski-out, all-suite lodge, offering reasonably priced accommodations. Vacation homes on the resort property are also a great option for larger families. Dining includes restaurants and several stop-ins where you can grab a bite or warm drink and enjoy the views.

Maine

Sugarloaf
Carrabassett Valley, Maine

Made up of more than 1,000 acres, featuring 162 trails and glades and on-site lodging options, Sugarloaf is the biggest ski area in New England. The trails and six terrain parks range from easy to expert, and there are group and private program options for adults and kids alike. Take a private family lesson or enjoy tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling with your group. At the resort’s Anti-Gravity Complex, you’ll find even more fun stuff for the young ones, including an indoor skate park, trampolines and rock climbing. A number of dining, lodging and nightlife options are available at the resort and nearby.

Sunday River
Newry, Maine

The Maine sister resort of Sugarloaf, Sunday River is almost as big and just as enjoyable. With eight peaks for varying skill levels, five terrain parks, lessons for kids and adults, family-friendly shows and kids-only events, nobody has a chance of getting bored here. There are three places to stay on the property, as well as on-mountain condos, all of which boast great ski-in, ski-out locations. There are also many on-mountain dining options, plus more in the nearby town of Bethel.

Pennsylvania

Blue Mountain Resort
Palmerton, Pa.

Peaking at an elevation of 1,543 feet, Blue Mountain in Palmerton, Pa., provides winter adventurists with access to 40 trails. With snowmaking equipment blanketing 100% of the trails, Blue Mountain is the perfect destination when Mother Nature just hasn’t been carrying her weight. With local lodging and nearby dining locations, it’s one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast.

Camelback Mountain Resort 
Tannersville, Pa.

If you’re looking for the full resort experience, Camelback Mountain in Tannersville, Pa., is certainly one of the best Northeast ski resorts for families. You’ll leave wondering how you ever went skiing before without access to an indoor waterpark, paint-your-own pottery studio, mini-golf course and laser tag arena. All this, in combination with lodging options ranging from one-bedroom suites to lofts accommodating up to 12 of your closest friends and relatives, six dining options and a spa. When you’re ready to hit the powder, jump on one of lifts providing access to 39 trails, all of which are lit for night skiing.

Vermont

Okemo Mountain Resort
Ludlow, Vt.

Your next snowy family getaway is in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains at Okemo. In addition to 121 trails and six terrain parks (home to the East’s longest Superpipe), there’s the convenience of nine different slope-side accommodations to stay the weekend. Ski lessons are available for all skill levels looking to learn or improve. Kids ages 5 and under get free lift tickets. For more winter attractions the whole family can enjoy, check out the mountain coaster, snow tubing and ice hockey/skating rink.

Smuggler’s Notch, Vt.
Cambridge, Vt.

There’s no denying that you get a lot for your dollar at this Vermont ski resort, also known simply as “Smuggs.” Located within the Mount Mansfield State Forest, it’s got 78 trails and six terrain parks for all different ski levels, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and kids-only trails – all among acres and acres of scenic woods.

Along with acclaimed kids’ ski and snowboard programs, the (many) other perks include dining options, childcare, a teen center, tubing, airboard (inflated sled) races, ziplining, snowmobile tours, snowcat rides, evening entertainment and adventures like off-site dog sledding and ice fishing tours.

After a long day out on the slopes, retreat to one of Smuggler’s five “communities” of condos, offering one to five bedroom accommodations for families of all sizes. If you’ve had enough frozen water, you can also jump into the indoor heated pool or hot tubs. And did we mention spa treatments?

Stowe Mountain Resort, Vt.
Stowe, Vt.

On Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe Mountain Resort features 116 trails, a cross country and snowshoe network and five terrain parks. For expert snowboarders, there are challenging jumps and rails in the terrain parks, plus smaller obstacles for those who are just learning or working on their skills. For new skiers and snowboarders, it’s one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast.

The center of the resort is the scenic Spruce Peak Village. Here visitors can enjoy food and beverage options from sit-down restaurants to a pancake house and craft sprits from WhistlePig distillery. If you want to spend some more time indoors, have the kids take on the rock wall in the Adventure Center, go shopping, decompress at the spa and wellness center, or catch a show at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. Ski-in, ski-out lodging is offered at the the Lodge at Spruce Peak.

For more winter fun, check out our favorite snowboarding destinations. 

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