In a study carried out in 2007, Vermont's Department of Tourism and Marketing determined that roughly 60 percent of visitors that come to Vermont to ski are families which include children 12 years old and younger. Many of the state's ski resorts have responded and offer family-friendly vacations with activities geared for all ages.
Located in Vermont's northwest corner, Smuggler' Notch offers year-round activities for all ages. Their child-care program engages children from 6 weeks to 17 years old in a full day of on- and off-slope activities, including ski, snowboard or swim lessons and the use of GPS technology to keep Mom and Dad at ease. Snow Sports University has programs custom-designed for everyone from children to adults in either a group or private setting. When the family is ready, they can spend a day skiing Smugglers' 78 trails across three mountains.
The resort offers lodging, eight pools (including one indoor pool), a massage and yoga center, water slides, a fun zone family entertainment center, video arcade, on-site shopping, teen centers and activities geared specifically for the teen set. Family activities include family game night and karaoke, sing-alongs, ice skating, arts and crafts workshops and snowmobile tours.
Smugglers' Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Smugglers' Notch, VT 05464
(802) 644-8851
smuggs.com
Ascutney offers affordable family ski vacations with activities designed for all members of the family. Several Ski and Stay as well as Ski and Save packages are available making the cost of lessons and lift tickets reachable even for larger families. Activities are available for all ages including an on-site fitness center and spa, Polar Bear arcade, Kids' Corner, live music in the Polar Bear Pub, arcade and game room for the older kids and a choice of several on-site restaurants.
Three mountains offer 41 trails, six lifts and five separate learning areas for new skiers. The Nordic Center offers snowshoeing and cross country skiing lessons and trails and the Terrain Park offers freestyle opportunities for both skiers and snowboarders.
Ascutney Mountain Resort
Route 44
Brownsville, VT 05037
(802) 484-7000
ascutney.com
Mount Snow is located in southern Vermont making it easily accessible from Massachusetts, Connecticut and parts of New York and New Hampshire. The resort's 20 lifts serve 80 trails ensuring short wait times to get up on the slopes. The full-service ski and snowboard school offers private and group learning programs for all ages as well as childcare for those too young to ski and a Cub Camp for 3-year olds that includes an introduction to skiing. Special programs are also available for children from 4 to 14 years old.
The resort offers a variety of lodging opportunities for families from simple hotel suites to full condominium-style lodging. The Timberhouse Restaurant offers a kid-friendly dining experience, and the tubing park is a great place for families to enjoy the snow.
Mount Snow Resort
39 Mount Snow Road
West Dover, VT 05356
800-245-SNOW
mountsnow.com
