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The 3 Best Ski Resorts for Families in Colorado, 2023/24

The 3 Best Ski Resorts for Families in Colorado, 2023/24
Alan Murakami
Written by Alan Murakami / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated May 22, 2022

In the Rocky Mountain State of Colorado, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to ski destinations, but which are best for families? As a local, I’ve raised twin boys on the snow and I’ve been to them all! The top things on my mind are accessibility, facilities and most importantly, affordability and my top three meet these criteria:

Riding up chairlift together at Keystone ski resort
Slopes at Keystone make it easier for the whole family to upload at ride together

Why Ski Keystone

From endless kids activities including snow-tubing and sleigh-rides to abundant accommodation to suit every budget; it’s not hard to see why Keystone is one of the best ski resorts for families. The terrain is perfect for families with varying abilities to stay on the mountain together and there’s even a beginner area at the top of Dercum Mountain for those starting out. Keystone has families in mind every step of the way even with convenient slope side parking and free wagons to cart your gear (plus your kid’s gear)! If you’re not staying at the resort, nearby towns of Dillon and Silverthorne have great budget friendly options where you’ll be able to also find some good value eats including franchise restaurants and family diners.  

Known for

Keystone is one of the best family-friendly resorts in Colorado and has the largest night skiing operation in the state

Highlights

  • Keystone is popular for its Kidtopia play area and endless family-friendly programs
  • Great for beginner skiing as the learning area is located at the bottom and top of the mountain
  • Boasting one of the best terrain parks in Colorado with its own lift
  • Crowds can be a problem if you're skiing on a weekend

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Oct 28 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 17 2023

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 145 km (2 hour drive)
Riding up chairlift together at Keystone ski resort
Slopes at Keystone make it easier for the whole family to upload at ride together

Why Ski Keystone

From endless kids activities including snow-tubing and sleigh-rides to abundant accommodation to suit every budget; it’s not hard to see why Keystone is one of the best ski resorts for families. The terrain is perfect for families with varying abilities to stay on the mountain together and there’s even a beginner area at the top of Dercum Mountain for those starting out. Keystone has families in mind every step of the way even with convenient slope side parking and free wagons to cart your gear (plus your kid’s gear)! If you’re not staying at the resort, nearby towns of Dillon and Silverthorne have great budget friendly options where you’ll be able to also find some good value eats including franchise restaurants and family diners.  

Copper Mountain ski resort
Copper's got kids covered!

Why Ski Copper Mountain

Copper is the best mountain for families who have the same skiing ability because the mountain naturally splits the slopes neatly into three distinct sections, beginner, intermediate and advanced. If you’ve got little ones, the child care is hard-to-beat and the Woodward Copper Barn is great indoor training facility with foam pits and trampolines. And then of course there’s the tubing hill with magic carpet: exhilarating, hassle-free, and safe tubing. Hands down, it’s one of the best family experiences I’ve enjoyed, ever. Stay in one of the three base villages or nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne. Free parking is available but you’ll need to hop on a potentially crowded (but free!) shuttle bus to the villages. When it comes to stocking up on groceries, a trip over to Frisco is your best bet, 10 to 20 minutes away.

Known for

Copper Mountain is famous for having naturally divided ski terrain and a down to earth Colorado vibe

Highlights

  • Copper Mountain is one of Colorado’s best family friendly resorts with plenty of kids activities
  • An affordable option compared to other Colorado ski resorts
  • Fantastic variety of terrain to suit all ability levels
  • Not much of a town compared to other Colorado resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 14 2022
  • Closing Date: May 07 2023

Closest airports

Denver Intl. Airport - 161 km (2 hour drive)
Copper Mountain ski resort
Copper's got kids covered!

Why Ski Copper Mountain

Copper is the best mountain for families who have the same skiing ability because the mountain naturally splits the slopes neatly into three distinct sections, beginner, intermediate and advanced. If you’ve got little ones, the child care is hard-to-beat and the Woodward Copper Barn is great indoor training facility with foam pits and trampolines. And then of course there’s the tubing hill with magic carpet: exhilarating, hassle-free, and safe tubing. Hands down, it’s one of the best family experiences I’ve enjoyed, ever. Stay in one of the three base villages or nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne. Free parking is available but you’ll need to hop on a potentially crowded (but free!) shuttle bus to the villages. When it comes to stocking up on groceries, a trip over to Frisco is your best bet, 10 to 20 minutes away.

skiing Steamboat Springs
It's a bit further out but well worth it!

Why Ski Steamboat

Unlike some other Colorado ski destinations, altitude sickness isn’t a problem at Steamboat which can sometimes ruin family ski vacations. Admittedly the location is far from Denver but its “Champagne Powder” is the lightest powder skiing I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, and something I’d recommend for every family. Essential for every family-friendly ski resort, child-care facilities at Steamboat don’t match those at Copper Mountain but they still do a great job. Head downtown and you’ll find many good value dining options including Johnny B Good’s Diner and Steamboat Smokehouse. To feed the family for less, Walmart, Natural Grocers, City Market, Wild Plum, and Safeway are all here. Even if you’re in ski-in/ski-out lodging, it’s just a short 10 to 20-minute drive to practically anywhere within the city.

Known for

Steamboat is renowned for its trademark “Champagne Powder”, laid-back Colorado ski town and natural hot springs

Highlights

  • Opportunity to unwind in one of the many geothermal hot springs!
  • Located in a small authentic Colorado Western town
  • Best uncrowded ski resort in Colorado
  • A bit further out from Denver

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 22 2023
  • Closing Date: Apr 13 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Yampa Valley Regional Airport - 45 km (40 minute drive)
Denver Intl. Airport - 290 km (3.5 hour drive)
skiing Steamboat Springs
It's a bit further out but well worth it!

Why Ski Steamboat

Unlike some other Colorado ski destinations, altitude sickness isn’t a problem at Steamboat which can sometimes ruin family ski vacations. Admittedly the location is far from Denver but its “Champagne Powder” is the lightest powder skiing I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, and something I’d recommend for every family. Essential for every family-friendly ski resort, child-care facilities at Steamboat don’t match those at Copper Mountain but they still do a great job. Head downtown and you’ll find many good value dining options including Johnny B Good’s Diner and Steamboat Smokehouse. To feed the family for less, Walmart, Natural Grocers, City Market, Wild Plum, and Safeway are all here. Even if you’re in ski-in/ski-out lodging, it’s just a short 10 to 20-minute drive to practically anywhere within the city.