Forbes Announces 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families

Forbes Magazine recently announced their list of the 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families in the continental U.S. No doubt there's an arsenal of mountains to choose from when seeking exceptional snow, great adventure and bountiful terrain. But moms and dads out there know that special considerations come into play when the pack is in tow.

Vail’s Ultimate Four Lesson. Photo Courtesy of Dan Davis, Vail Resorts.

So what makes a ski resort “family friendly"? Here's Forbes' guidelines:

"The best offer excellent group and private instruction geared towards children of all ages, plus dedicated teaching areas on the slopes. Many have free or discounted lift tickets, equipment rentals, and even lessons for children. For non-skiing members of the family, they should have day care or supervised kid’s camps with a variety of activities.

Ski resorts and towns can also be family friendly off the slopes. There should be a variety of family entertainment options for evenings, nights, and non-ski days. While posh boutiques and glamorous cocktail hours attract many to resorts like Aspen, these are not nearly as big selling points for families as having a mountain coaster or zip lines. There should be a wide variety of reasonably priced family restaurants, and ideally, lodging that caters to families, like condos with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen for eating breakfast in, a touch many families appreciate."

Everybody loves cookies. Photo Courtesy of Tom Green/Beaver Creek.

So now what you've been waiting for. Drum roll please...

Forbes 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families:

Beaver Creek, CO
Attractions:Village Skating Rink, Sleigh Rides, Kids Gondola

Crested Butte, CO
Attractions: Adventure Park, Nursery, Kids Night Out

Deer Valley, UT
Attractions: Ski-Only Mountain, Ski-In/Out Hotels, Fireside Dining

Northstar-at-Tahoe, CA
Attractions: Pedestrian Village, Parent Predicament Ticket, Star Park Terrain Park

Okemo, VT
Attractions: Family-Owned, Slopeside Lodging, Mountain Coaster, Young Adult Discounts

Mt. Tremblant, Quebec
Attractions: Free Skating and Tubing, Mother Nature Camp, Indoor Water Park

Snowmass, CO
Attractions: Buttermilk/Panda Peak Learning Areas, Treehouse Complex, Family-Friendly Condos 

Steamboat, CO
Attractions: Kids' Vacation and Children's Center, Mountain Watch (GPS), Steamboat Springs

Vail, CO
Attractions: Legendary Ski School, Adventure Ridge, Movie Theater, "Kids Fly Free" Airfare Deals

Stowe, VT
Attractions: Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Chillax Kids Spa, Pet-Friendly Hotel

Stowe offers pet-friendly lodging options so man's best friend can tag along. Photo Courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort.

Read the full article at Forbes.com