The best family ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada

Every family-friendly ski resort has a sweet spot—you know, that mix of offerings that speaks perfectly to your children and your family at this exact moment in time.

With this in mind, we sussed out the best in North America for every age and stage in the game, whether it’s your first time on the slopes together or your first time following your kids into a black-diamond bowl.

Wilmont Mountain: Wilmont, Wisconsin

Vail’s latest acquisition is fresh off a $13-million revamp that includes an expanded ski and snowboard learning area with a new kid’s center, plus three new lifts to its 23 gentle runs.

All good news for families attempting first forays in skiing that are quality, convenient, and road-trip worthy.

Crystal Mountain: Thompsonville, Michigan

Want to get the kids pumped for the sport? Interesting terrain that's easy to manage—like playful runs through the woods, zippy racing courses, and fast chairlifts for easy repeats—keep everything fun.

That goes for parents, too, who dig the luxury cottage homes at the base, the 18,500-square-foot spa at the resort, and nights out at Thistle Pub, known for its local farm-to-fork ingredients (make sure to claim a seat by the fire and order the parmesan crusted truffle fries).

Deer Valley: Park City, Utah

A 40-minute shuttle from Salt Lake City airport, superbly groomed and relatively uncrowded ski-only slopes, plus a robust ski school make Deer Valley a dream come true for that first family ski trip out west.

Off the mountain, shop on Main Street with its fun Park City Museum, ride a bobsled at Utah Olympic Park, and even do yoga in a crater.

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