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The 20 Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the U.S.

Imgorthand/iStock via Getty Images
Imgorthand/iStock via Getty Images | Imgorthand/iStock via Getty Images

Having fun outdoors can be difficult during winter, but it's not impossible. If you find yourself wanting to commune with nature this time of year, consider winter sports. Skiing is a great opportunity to get outside during a season when spending time indoors tends to be the norm. If you're planning an alpine vacation with your loved ones this winter, head to one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the U.S.

To determine the best ski destinations for families, the Family Vacation Guide ranked the country's top-rated ski resorts on a number of factors. Instead of prioritizing experienced adults, these locations cater to younger guests as well. Each resort's total length of easy runs, hourly lift capacity, number of people movers, and deals for children and families all influenced its final ranking.

Vail in Colorado was named the best ski resort for families in the U.S., with a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the kid-friendliness scale. The White River National Forest destination boasts 57 kilometers of beginner runs, seven people movers, and a lift capacity of 63,658 people per hour. Colorado's world-famous ski slopes appear multiple times on the list, with Breckenridge in the No.3 spot and Keystone at No.4. Park City in Utah and Big Sky Resort in Montana also make the top five.

The destinations on this list aren't just for kids and their parents. Adults who are new to the sport also may enjoy going up and down the bunny hills of a world-class ski resort. Before your next ski trip, train with these workouts for skiers you can do anywhere.

  1. Vail // Colorado
  2. Park City // Utah
  3. Breckenridge // Colorado
  4. Keystone // Colorado
  5. Big Sky Resort // Montana
  6. Sunday River // Maine
  7. Stratton // Vermont
  8. Mammoth Mountain // California
  9. Beaver Creek // Colorado
  10. Angel Fire // New Mexico
  11. Brian Head // Utah
  12. Arapahoe Basin // Colorado
  13. Heavenly // California
  14. Powder Mountain // Utah
  15. Wolf Creek // Colorado
  16. Windham Mountain // New York
  17. Okemo // Vermont
  18. Alta // Utah
  19. Mt. Baker // Washington
  20. Palisades Tahoe // California
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