The Best Spring Break Ski Destinations for Families

BY Mariah Maynes
January 26, 2026

Spring break isn’t just for beaches. It’s also one of the best times to visit North America’s ski resorts, thanks to a winning combination of fun spring skiing conditions, smaller crowds, and great lodging deals. Whether you want to experience a quintessential New England ski area, a high-altitude resort in the Rockies, or an iconic Canada resort, our spring break ski guide will help you find the right fit. Check out our list of some of the best spring break ski destinations for families.

Looking for more ideas for your next family ski trip? Check out our round-up of the best ski resorts for families.

Spring Break Ski Destinations For Families

Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

Stowe is a fantastic East Coast destination for spring break, home to 485 acres of terrain, an excellent ski school, and a charming village. It boasts more than 115 trails served by 12 lifts. More than half of Stowe’s terrain is intermediate, yet there’s still an abundance of beginner and advanced terrain spread across the mountain. Come back to Spruce Peak Village after a day on the slopes to cozy up by the fire with hot cocoa in hand or lace up some skates for ice skating on the outdoor rink. There are some great activities nearby that kids will love, like a tour of Ben and Jerry’s Waterbury Factory Ice Cream Shop, which is just 15 minutes from Stowe. Stowe is easily accessible by flying into Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is just over 30 miles away. It’s also an easy drive from many parts of the East Coast.

Bluebird day in winter at Spruce Peak Village in Stow
©The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Sunday River, Maine

Featuring 8 interconnected peaks spanning 884 acres of ski terrain, more than 135 trails, and one of the longest seasons on the East Coast, Sunday River is another one of the East Coast’s headlining spring break ski destinations. Among the highlights is Sunday River’s Perfect Turn Ski School, known for patient instructors who work well with kids. Plus, terrain offerings stretch across skier abilities, offering options for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. White Cap and Locke peaks are known for their steeps and technical terrain, while Barker and Spruce Peak feature rolling cruisers. North Peak has plenty of gentle terrain and mellow trails for beginners and families with young children.

Grab a kids map from the SnowSports School or at the hotel front desks so that you and your kids can plan out the perfect day on the slopes. Ski into the Enchanted Forest to take a peek at Eddy the Yeti’s cabin or ski for BINGO on the back of the kids map. Keep your eye out for Eddy and Betty the Yetis while around Sunday River. Late-season ticket and lodging deals, as well as the resort’s learn-to-ski program, called “First Experience,” are great ways to experience Sunday River on a budget.

Ski in and Ski out Northeast, Sunday River.
©Sunday River Resort

Boyne Mountain, Michigan

A Midwest favorite, Boyne Mountain offers approachable terrain, a fun base village, and Avalanche Bay, a lively indoor water park for when you and your kids want a break from the snow. It’s not just anywhere that you can go skiing and go to a water park all at one resort. Spring break often coincides with special family packages at Boyne, combining lodging, lift tickets, and waterpark access—ideal for parents who want a balanced ski‑and‑play getaway.

Boyne’s layout makes it especially friendly for a family of skiers. Its 415 acres has more than 60 named trails, 48% of which are suited for beginner skiers, including wide groomers and gentle learning zones. Yet there’s still plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain for those looking to stretch their skills. Off the snow, the resort’s compact village packs in plenty of restaurants, shops, and cozy hangouts, making it easy to spend an afternoon without getting in the car. Add in extras like ziplining, a spa, and the resort’s signature SkyBridge Michigan—one of the longest timber‑towered suspension bridges in the world—and you end up with a destination that keeps kids and adults equally entertained throughout the week.

Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain Water Park
©Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain

Park City, Utah

Park City Mountain has a massive amount of terrain—7,300 acres more than 330 trails—that makes it a great ski destination for that family of skiers who want as much terrain as possible. Spring conditions are often sunny and soft for those looking for classic spring skiing conditions. Park City Mountain has a great ski school, with dedicated learning zones and instructors who specialize in helping kids progress confidently at their own pace. The mountain’s long, forgiving groomers give beginners plenty of room to practice, while more advanced family members can explore mellow glades or venture into higher‑elevation bowls like McConkey’s, which features a steep 45-degree pitch that’s often dotted with moguls. What’s more, you can ski directly into town from the Park City Mountain Village side of the resort, accessing fantastic local shops, restaurants, and bars.

Other great family activities at Park City Mountain include its Mountain Coaster, which is Utah’s longest guest controlled mountain coaster and the Flying Eagle Zipline. While you’re in Park City, don’t miss Woodward Park City, featuring numerous lift-served terrain parks, tubing lanes, and a learning zone. A week-long trip to Park City gives you plenty of time to check out Woodward and nearby Deer Valley, which has recently doubled in size after a massive expansion.

Bonus: Park City is only 37 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Park City Mountain Resort - Vail Resort
©Park City Mountain Resort/Vail Resorts

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge’s high elevation keeps snow quality strong well into April. Its ski school is one of the best in Colorado, while the Peak 9 area offers a huge concentration of beginner terrain for those newer skiers and riders in your family. Families will also appreciate how easy it is to navigate the resort’s five interconnected peaks. For adventure of a different variety, check out the Gold Runner Coaster, located at the base of Peak 8, where you can enjoy an exhilarating 2,500-foot ride down the mountain. Spring break often brings lodging discounts and multi‑day lift ticket savings when booked in advance.

The town of Breckenridge itself, located right below the resort, adds to the appeal—walkable, lively, and packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. For younger kids, the Mountain Top Explorium is a must-stop for hand-on exhibits and fun programs. Breckenridge is just two hours from Denver and an easy drive on I-70.

Breckenridge apres ski family.
©Andrew Maguire / Breckenridge Ski Area / Vail Resorts

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Spread across 1,294 acres and served by 13 lifts, Taos blends Southwestern culture with world‑class skiing, featuring terrain that’s increasingly become known for being family‑friendly thanks to expanded beginner zones and an upgraded ski school. The resort’s adobe architecture and emphasis on local art give it a distinct sense of place, while restaurants serve up a taste of culture and cuisine that you won’t just find at any ski resort. Spring brings long, sunny days that soften the snow while keeping conditions enjoyable. Keep an eye out for “Kids Ski Free” deals tied to select lodging partners, helping save some money on your trip. Taos is conveniently located less than an hour and a half from Santa Fe.

Small child learning to snowboard
©Taos Ski Valley

Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth is famous for having an exceptionally long season, often stretching into May or June thanks to a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, which helps preserve the snow. The mountain lives up to its name with more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, giving families plenty of room to explore and stretch their skills. Wide, confidence‑building groomers make it easy for beginners to progress at their own pace, while advanced terrain is sure to challenge even the most experienced skiers. Looking to hit the terrain park? Mammoth’s terrain parks are consistently ranked among the best in North America. After you’ve gotten your fill of spring laps, check out Mammoth’s year-round mountain coaster, Winter Tube Park, or the snow play area.

Off the slopes, the walkable Village at Mammoth provides convenient access to dining, shopping, and après activities. Spring lodging deals are common, especially midweek when crowds thin out.

Mammoth Mountain spring/summer.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area ©Shutterstock

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

North America’s largest ski resort, with an incredible 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, Whistler Blackcomb is a playground for those families that have a variety of skill levels. Whistler Blackcomb’s variety is unmatched: Wide groomers for beginners, plenty of intermediate terrain that lets families explore together or further develop their skills, and high‑alpine bowls for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Its pedestrian‑only village creates a walkable hub filled with four-star hotels, restaurants, shops, and kid‑friendly activities, like ice skating, browsing candy or toy shops, or enjoying hot cocoa. The fun doesn’t stop when you’re off the lifts; off-slope adventures abound in Whistler with everything from tubing and ziplining to indoor climbing to cultural experiences like the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

For travelers coming from the U.S., the favorable exchange rate often makes lodging, dining, rentals, and lessons more affordable than at many comparable American resorts. Early booking can unlock significant savings on multi‑day lift tickets, especially when bundled with lodging.

Ski school for every ability Toshi Kawano/Whistler Blackcomb
©Toshi Kawano/Whistler Blackcomb

Mont Tremblant, Canada

New England families looking for a close spring break getaway will love Tremblant. Several direct flights from New York and Boston to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (YUL) are offered each day. After landing, Mont Tremblant is only 130 kilometers (81 miles) away. The short trip is worth it. Mont Tremblant is comprised of 763 acres of skiable terrain, 102 trails, and 2,116 feet of vertical spread across four mountain faces. Beginner skiers will appreciate the long, gentle greens, intermediates can enjoy an abundance of cruisers, and advanced skiers can explore glades and steeper pitches.

The charming pedestrian‑only village adds to the charm, creating a European‑style atmosphere filled with cafés, bakeries, shops, and family‑friendly après options. Spring break often brings excellent package deals, especially when bundling lodging and lift tickets. As we mentioned above, the exchange rate between Canada and the U.S. makes skiing more affordable.

Mount Tremblant Ski Area view of village.
©Shutterstock

Hero Image ©Stowe