Family Ski holidays
The following resorts are excellent for families and have some good money-saving offers:
Humber Valley is an excellent resort for families and beginners with the shortest flight and transfer of any of the North American resorts (only a 5 1/2hr flight and a 20 minute transfer), and is fantastically affordable, being a lesser known ski destination. It offers a true winter experience, with a whole host of non-ski activities also on offer – snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and tobogganing – all to be enjoyed amid picturesque scenery.
Whistler is a fantastic location for families this winter with children under 12 skiing free (one child with each paying adult) and receiving free breakfast at the Westin Resort and Spa. At the Fairmont Chateau Whistler kids under 5 eat free and kids 5-12 eat for half price. At the Whistler Village Centre kids 6 and under eat free and kids 7-12 eat for half price. Other discounts for families are available on snowshoe tours, dog sledding and snowmobiling as well as in restaurants. The resort has many great condo properties, such as Stoney Creek, if you prefer self-catering accommodation.
The great thing about Big White is that all of the properties are so convenient for the skiing - almost all of them are ski-in ski-out - and the facilities for children are second to none. The Children's Centre has superb programmes for children aged 2-12 and there are lots of other activities such as night skiing and tubing. Children under 15 ski free and in general the resort offers good value-for-money.
These resorts, which this season share a lift pass - the Rocky Mountain International Lift Pass - are a good bet for families. At Winter Park kids 6-13 ski free between Jan 2nd and Mar 9th (one child per paying adult) and in Copper there is evening babysitting with supervised games and activities on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you present a receipt totalling $20 or more per child when you go to pick up your child, the babysitting is free.
Sunday River has a relaxed, friendly family atmosphere and the accommodation, is convenient for the slopes. There is plenty going on for children including skating and tubing at the White Cap Fun Centre, as well as weekly fireworks displays. Children 12 and under receive free lift pass and rentals (1 child per paying adult, not valid during Holiday periods). Children 5 and under ski free all season.
We strongly recommend Snowmass for families who want to experience something a bit more low key than Aspen but not compromise on the skiing.
Other resorts families should consider are:
Please call us on 01273 224 060 for more advice and further details.