The 10 Best New England Ski Resorts for Families

New England gets a lot of snow. And, the ski season can be nice and long, depending on the year. Not only does New England have some of the best skiing in the United States, but it also has some of the most family-friendly ski resorts in North America. They’re not to be missed, so pack up the kids and head to one of the region’s family-friendly ski areas.

Here in New England, our winters are long and usually quite snow-filled. So our family philosophy is if you can’t beat the snow, you might as well join in the fun!  What better way to do that than enjoying one of the amazing ski resorts in the area?

A Note about Family Ski Trips Now

Our advice for planning your 2022 ski trip: Have a plan A, B and maybe even C. Flexibility and advance planning are the keys. Make reservations for anything that is important to you, from gear rentals to ski lessons to favorite restaurants.

This is a particularly good time to buy travel insurance, but first read the fine print so you know the cancellation policies.

Once you arrive at the ski resort, keep your face mask and vaccination card handy. You may need them to enter restaurants and other enclosed areas. (Check the resort website for Covid protocols before you go so you can be prepared.)

Finally, pack your patience and be kind to the workers who showed up that day to serve you.

1. Smugglers’ Notch Resort – Jeffersonville, Vermont

Located on the backside of the mountains near Stowe, Vermont, about a four and a half-hour drive from Boston, Smugglers’ Notch is the most family-friendly ski resort in New England.

Why It’s Family-friendly

From its childcare for non-skiers aged six weeks old to three years old to their Snow Sport University beginning at age two and a half years old on up, Smugglers’ Notch is THE place to go in New England for kids to learn to ski or snowboard. Kids under age five get free lift tickets.

Our kids began skiing here at age three years old. One of my favorite things about the lessons is that they do their best to maintain consistency with instructors, so kids really progress. My kids became quite proficient skiers at Smugglers’ Notch. At the end of each ski lesson day, while kids wait to be picked up by parents, kids are entertained with music, a movie or a magic show while enjoying a hot chocolate and a snack.

As one of the largest ski areas in New England, this ski resort is great for all ages.  It is especially ideal for toddlers to teens, as well as for multi-generational families.

Our first trip included a non-skiing grandparent and there were plenty of activities – including cross-country skiing -to keep her busy. They also had accommodations to fit our party of seven.

Après Ski

Après ski is amazing for the whole family. From family entertainment to a weekly carnival with the Smuggs’ mascots, hot chocolate bonfires to evening fireworks, there is so much to do at Smugglers’ Notch. With evening snow tubing, a two-level FunZone open daily, as well as indoor swimming and hot tubs, there is something for everyone.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For parents who want a date-night, babysitting services are available as well as a Kids Night Out, so parents can enjoy dinner. Be sure to check out the very unique snowshoe dinner, where you ride up the lift, enjoy a catered dinner in a warming hut and snow-shoe down under the stars with a guide.

Accommodations are on the property and many are ski on/ski off.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Winter Season is from December 10, 2021, to April 10, 2022.

• Lift tickets will be limited capacity to maintain space and distancing so book your ski tickets, reservations, ski lessons and childcare in advance.
• Bon Fire Warm Up is daily outside the main lodge from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Friendly Pirate Bingo is on Monday and Friday from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Fireworks are on Thursdays from 8:00 – 8:15 p.m.
• The Fun Zone, ski lessons, snow tubing and all the traditional activities will be available this season.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Vermont state guidelines. At the time of printing, staff will be masked at all indoor locations and anywhere outdoors that social distancing cannot be maintained. Non-vaccinated guests are required to do the same, and as of May 14th, 2021 (at the time of printing), masks are optional for vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors in Vermont.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
•  At the time of publishing, all activities included in this post are expected to be operating (according to the resort.)

2.  Jay Peak Resort – Jay, Vermont

When you mention Jay Peak Resort to a New Englander, two words come to mind – WATER PARK. And while it does have an amazing water park, it is just as great for skiing. About four and a half hours from Boston, Jay Peak makes for a wonderful family ski vacation.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

From its “Jay Care” program for non-skiers ages six weeks to 12 years old, to its small group ski lessons for kids starting at age four, it is a great place for skiing or snowboarding lessons. Kids under age six get discounted lift tickets.

Jay Peak’s lessons are split, starting inside on their indoor equipment including a carpeted ski/ride ramp to get beginners comfortable before heading outdoors to the ski area. Kids also learn in many ski areas, including sculpted terrain and tree skiing. Group lessons for kids are for ages four to 12.

Spaces are limited so you need to call to reserve childcare and lessons in advance, at 802-327-2104.

Après-ski

The Jay Peak Pump House is an indoor water park area to enjoy after a long ski day or on a day off. With plenty of water slides, an activity pool, a lazy river and a surfing simulator called a Flowrider, there is much to do to keep the fun going.  Afterward, families can enjoy the family arcade, a movie theater with family-friendly movies and an indoor skating rink.

Most lodging is ski-on/ski-off.  It’s a great option for preschool to school-age kids or older. Visit their web site for more information.

Additional activities include indoor skating, indoor climbing, and a family arcade in the Pump House.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 23, 2021 (estimated) to May 3, 2022 (estimated).

• To book childcare or ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited.
• Lunch is NOT included in full day ski lessons. Parents must pick up from morning lessons for lunch and then return for afternoon lessons.
• The resort will be operating at full capacity.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Vermont state guidelines. At the time of printing, staff will be masked at all indoor locations and anywhere outdoors that social distancing cannot be maintained. Non-vaccinated guests are required to do the same, and as of May 14th, 2021 (at the time of printing), masks are optional for vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors in Vermont.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
•  At the time of publishing, all activities included in this post are expected to be operating (according to the resort.)

3.  Sunday River – Newry, Maine

About a three and a half to four-hour drive from Boston, Sunday River is one of New England’s wonderfully family-friendly ski resorts for all ages. With eight peaks, this larger resort has plenty of ski areas for families, right near one of New England’s most picturesque towns, Bethel, Maine.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

For the smallest non-skiers, Sunday River has a daycare for kids ages six weeks to six years. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are for kids ages three to 12 years old. Kids under age five get free lift tickets.

One of the fun experiences is to ski to “Eddy the Yeti’s” cabin and hang with Eddy and Betty, the two yeti mascots of Sunday River. Being one of the largest ski areas in New England with a variety of terrain, Sunday River is great for toddlers to teens and adults.

Après-ski

Family-friendly activities include nighttime fireworks to fire dancers, snow tubing races to indoor swimming and ice skating, the resort has a lot to keep the kids busy on non-ski days or after a day on the slopes. There is also a week each year with a children’s festival.

The property also has several family restaurants, including one called Camp, which has a famous kids’ buffet.

Nearby Bethel, Maine has a movie theater, bowling alley and a gem museum. There is lodging available on the property as well as several accommodations close to Sunday River.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: December 11, 2021 to March 27, 2022.

• To ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited. Class sizes are limited at a maximum of 7 and in some cases 5 students.
• Childcare is NOT being offered this season.
• Lift tickets are limited and must be purchased online, in advance. No walk up lift tickets will be available. If your plans change after purchasing tickets, they will give you credits to visit a different day.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Maine state guidelines. At the time of printing, all guests, regardless of vaccination status, are requested to wear masks indoors.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• Dining is available at several resort outlets, and online ordering and take away is available at The Clubhouse.
•  At the time of publishing, all activities included in this post are expected to be operating (according to the resort.)

4.  Bretton Woods – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

One of our family’s favorite ski resorts is Bretton Woods, about two and a half hours from Boston in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. If you ask my kids why, they’ll tell you because of the candy store at the top of the Zephyr High-Speed Quad, for when you get a candy hankering.

Where to stay: Omni Mount Washington Resort

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Bretton Woods offers daycare for the non-skiers ages two months to five years old. For the preschoolers who may not feel ready for skiing or snowboarding lessons, there is a ski and snow play area. Kids ages four and under get free lift tickets with a paying adult.

Bretton Woods has a wonderful Hobbit Ski School for kids ages four-12 years old and a Hobbit Snowboarding School for kids ages six-12 years old.

Our kids loved the lessons from the excellent instructors. There are plenty of green and blue slopes for newer skiers, as well as family slopes, which means speed skiing is not allowed. There are also advanced slopes for those seeking more of a challenge. Bretton Woods is ideal for preschool-aged kids on up to teens and adults..

Après-ski

Bretton Woods has much to offer families après-ski.  Kids will love the opportunity to ride on a mini snowmobile in the Kids Snowmobile Park right at the Bretton Woods base. My son had so much fun, he didn’t want to stop. There is also a family snow tubing hill, carriage and sleigh rides and even a “kids only” après-ski parties at the Kids’ Alpine Club, with clowns, storytellers and musicians.

Accommodations are available at the beautiful and historic Omni Mount Washington Resort, which offers several programs and perks for kids, or you can rent slope side or nearby

Bretton Woods is also centrally located around 30 minutes from Cannon Mountain, 45 minutes from Black Mountain and Cranmore Mountain Resort if you stay near those areas.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

•  At the time of publishing, the 2021/22 guidelines and operating plans were not yet published. Check their website for updated information before you go.

5.  Okemo Resort – Ludlow, Vermont

For a Vermont experience that is a bit closer to Boston (about two and a half to three hours away), Okemo is one of our favorite resorts for families. We love it because its bigger size offers many ski areas for a range of skiing abilities, but it remains family-friendly with a lot for families to enjoy. It is an easy weekend getaway from Boston.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Okemo offers slope slide childcare for kids ages six months to four years old. They also host a Kids Night Out for kids ages six months to 12 years old (may not be available for the 2021/22 season.) This resort is a great option for toddlers all the way up to teens because there is quite a range of terrain and ski/snowboard lessons from ages three to 14 years old. Children ages seven and under get a free lift ticket.

Two of my favorite features of this resort are the dual chair lifts up the central slope. And on those chilly ski days, I love their six-person heated lift, with the signature orange cover.

Okemo is owned by Vail, so it is on the Epic pass system, which is a single pass you can buy and access several resorts across the country. Other New England resorts on the Epic pass include Attitash, Wildcat Mountain, Mount Snow, Stowe, Mount Sunapee and Crotched Mountain.

Apres-ski

Traditionally, my kids absolutely loved Okemo’s Mountain Coaster, which is available for an exhilarating ride down the mountain even in the winter! They also have great festivals even in the winter, some with entertainment.  There is also snow tubing, indoor swimming and ice skating available. For 2021/22, these activities may not be available.

Jackson Gore Lodge has a great restaurant, or there are plenty of cafeterias and restaurants in several of the lodges at various points on the mountain (see information below about Okemo restaurant requirements.)

Several accommodations are available including ski-on/ski-off condos and properties in the Jackson Gore Village.

Find more information at their site.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 20, 2021 to April 14, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited.
• Childcare may not be offered this season. See here for details.
• At the time of publishing, Okemo is not planning to have a reservation system to purchase lift tickets and they are expected to permit walk up purchasing.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Vermont state guidelines. At the time of printing, Okemo is requiring all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• At the time of publishing, all dining establishments require advanced reservations, using their Time To Dine service. And, for dining in their cafeteria/quick service reservations, all guests ages 12 and up are required to show proof of vaccination to dine in these establishments. See more on the Okemo website.
• All transactions at Okemo will be cashless.
• The Mountain Coaster is not open during the winter this year.
•  At the time of publishing, all activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

6.  Sugarbush Resort – Warren, Vermont

About three and a half hours from Boston is another one of our favorite resorts, Sugarbush. It’s not far from Killington but better for families. It is also just 15 minutes from another famed ski resort, Mad River Glen. It is one of the largest ski areas in New England (not to be confused with Sugarloaf, the largest ski area in New England.) Known by its signature red barn base area, Sugarbush is an excellent weekend getaway for families.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Sugarbush offers daycare for non-skiers ages six weeks to six years old. They have an excellent ski and ride school for kids ages three to 12 years old. It has quite a range of ski areas and terrain, so it is great for toddlers through teens and adults. Kids ages six and under get a free lift ticket.

There are plenty of restaurants and meal options on property, many with the signature quality Vermonters put into their food. Vermont is known for excellent breakfasts, and you will find a great one at the Rumbles Bistro and Bar on the property, one of our favorites!

Apres-ski

Sugarbush has an indoor kids adventure zone with a bouncy house, trampoline, games, toys and more. However, at the time of publishing, the adventure zone is not open for the 2021-22 season. 

You can, however, also book a family sunrise or sunset cabin cat ride and watch the sunset over Lincoln Peak. There is also snowshoeing, outdoor year-round pools and hot tubs.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The original Flatbread Pizza Company is nearby at the Inn at Lareau Farm and is a great family-friendly restaurant option après-ski, with high-quality ingredients in a very cozy ambiance. To get a reservation, you have to stand in line to give your name (they start taking names at 4 p.m., so get there around 3:30 p.m. or earlier), but it is well worth it.

There are accommodations available at Sugarbush including rooms at the inn, resort condos and on-site properties.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 23, 2021 (estimated) to May 3, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons, advanced reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance, and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited.
• Full Day lessons DO NOT include lunch. There is a morning and afternoon session, and from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., parents must pick up their children.
• The Sugarbush Day School (non-recurring day care) will be open this season, begininning December 9, 2021 through March 27, 2022. Advance reservations are required by calling 802-583-6717, and masks are required indoors for kids aged 3 and older.
• Sugarbush is only selling limited ski lift tickets online in advance to maintain social distancing. Book your tickets in advance to be sure and get them on the dates you require.
• You are required to complete an online attestation form prior to your lift ticket being activated.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Vermont state guidelines. At the time of printing, Sugarbush is requiring guests who are not vaccinated to wear masks indoors.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• At the time of publishing, dining is open and many of the restaurants offer online dining. You may need to reserve a table in advance or are required to order online for prepared foods, so check with the restaurant before arriving.
•  At the time of publishing, all activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

For more information, check out their web site.

7.  Stowe Mountain Resort – Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a beautiful New England town with a renowned ski resort. It is one of the largest ski areas in New England.

It is definitely family-friendly and has much for families to do. There are options for the youngest snow bunnies in your family. But more than 50% of its trails are intermediate, 29% are expert and 16% beginner according to its website, so I think Stowe is better for older kids and teens than for toddlers.

Owned by Vail, it is also on the Epic Pass.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Stowe Mountain Resort offers childcare for kids ages three months to four years old. Ski and ride lessons are available for kids ages 3- 12 years old. Kids ages four and under get free lift tickets.

One of the reasons I say Stowe is especially teen-friendly is because of their Stowked Teen Camp. While many resorts put 13-year-olds and above with adults in lessons, Stowe has a dedicated camp just for teens, ages 13-16 years old who are capable of blue/black terrain. This gives them an opportunity to ski/ride and take lessons with kids their age, at their level of skiing. This is something my older son will be totally stoked for in a few years!

Apres-ski

There are several kid-friendly activities on the property, such as an Adventure Center, which includes rock climbing areas for kids under 12 and kids over 12. There is also a game room, indoor swimming, ice skating, sleigh rides and kid-friendly activities that change daily. While the Adventure Center, game room and indoor swimming may not be open in 2021-22, outdoor activities like ice skating, sleigh rides and other outdoor activities may be available. Check their website for current availability.

Stowe has plenty of on-site restaurants and activities on site. There is also The Village at Spruce Peak,  an area full of dining, shopping, markets and activities, reminiscent of some of the bigger resorts in the west.

Stow offers a variety of lodging options, including slopeside and inns and hotels in the town of Stowe.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 19, 2021 (estimated) to April 20, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited. Guests ages 12 and older who participate in full day programs will be required to show proof of vaccination status and masks will be required at drop off and pick up and when the kids go indoors.
• Childcare may be offered this season. See here for details.
• At the time of publishing, Stowe is not planning to have a reservation system to purchase lift tickets and they are expected to permit walk up purchasing.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Vermont state guidelines. At the time of printing, Stowe is requiring all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• At the time of publishing, all dining establishments require advanced reservations, using their Time To Dine service. And, for dining in their cafeteria/quick service reservations, all guests ages 12 and up are required to show proof of vaccination to dine in these establishments. See more on the Stowe website.
• All transactions at Stowe will be cashless.
•  At the time of publishing, most outdoor activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

8.   Loon Mountain Resort – Lincoln, NH 

Another gem of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, just about a two-hour drive from Boston, is Loon Mountain Resort. It is a great family ski resort option for families who want a bigger resort, closer to Boston, with a lot for kids of all ages, and can easily be a day trip.

And, beginning winter 2021-22 season, the much anticipated Kanc 8 ski lift will be operating, which is called the Northeast’s most technologically advanced ski lift! It fits 8 persons, travels at 18 feet per second, and will get you to the top much easier and faster! Find out about this new feature here.

Why It’s Family Friendly

For kids not old enough or quite ready for the slopes, Loon Mountain offers daycare for kids from six weeks to six years old. Three-year-olds can get an intro to skiing with a program that includes learning indoors and in an outdoor ski area. Lessons are also offered for kids ages four to 14 years old. Kids ages five and under get free lift tickets.

At the time of publishing, Loon Mountain is anticipating day care to be open for the 2021-22 season.

The learning environment for the youngest skiers includes wood carved animals and a kid-sized steam train, with a terrain area. Loon Mountain’s thoughtful ski and ride program and kid-friendly terrain parks make it a great ski resort for toddlers on up to adults.

Après-ski

With several lodge areas for an after-ski hot chocolate and meal, there are plenty of places to enjoy a treat after a day of lessons. My kids love to enjoy the snow tubing, and the little ones love the tot tubing area for kids seven and under. There is also ice skating and snowshoeing on the property.

SheBuysTravel Tip: We like to stay at the Holiday Inn in Lincoln, NH, which is simple but quite nice. Our room had an electric fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub. There is an indoor pool and a nice continental breakfast. It is also located perfectly to ski at Bretton Woods on a Saturday (about a 35-minute drive) and Loon on Sunday.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 23, 2021 (estimated) to April 16, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited. At the time of publishing, specific details for group lessons were not available, only private lessons were offered. Check Loon’s lesson website for updated information.
• Childcare may be offered this season. See here for details.
• Loon is limiting lift tickets to keep distance, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. No walk up tickets are available.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as New Hampshire state guidelines. At the time of printing, Loon is making masks OPTIONAL for all employees and guests, regardless of vaccination status.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• At the time of publishing, dining establishments were listed as open. During the 2020/2021 season, limited indoor and outdoor seating was available for dining.
•  At the time of publishing, most outdoor activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

9.  Mount Sunapee – Newbury, New Hampshire

Another family-friendly ski resort under a two-hour drive from Boston, making it an easy day trip, is Mount Sunapee. Also owned by Vail, Mount Sunapee is on the Epic pass like Okemo and Stowe.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Mount Sunapee has a childcare center for kids ages one to five years old. For kids aged three to four, you can add an hour ski lesson to get them used to the mountain. Ski and ride lessons are available for kids ages four to 12 years old. Kids ages four and under get free lift tickets.

This mid-sized mountain has a warm, friendly ambiance that has a beginner area separate from the main mountain, with five lifts leading to 13 trails. It is like a mini mountain just for beginners, which is perfect for younger kids to learn in a more relaxed environment. The website offers a lot of tips for getting your kids ready for their first ski/snowboard lesson, which I find very helpful.

There are some advanced trails and a few terrain parks for more experienced skiers. I think Mount Sunapee is great for preschool to teenagers, beginning skiers or anyone who would like a ski day on a bigger mountain close to Boston.

Après-ski

There are a few dining options on-site, a classic New England lodge with a fireplace and a pub. But there is not much in the way of activities outside of skiing.

If you choose to make it an overnight, there are several nearby bed and breakfasts, cottages and inns on the Mount Sunapee website.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 24, 2021 (estimated) to April 8, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons, advanced reservations are required and they have specific protocols to follow. Book as far in advance as possible to get a space, as it is limited. Guests ages 12 and older who participate in full day programs will be required to show proof of vaccination status, and masks will be required at drop off and pick up and when the kids go indoors.
• Childcare may be offered this season. See here for details.
• At the time of publishing, Mount Sunapee is not planning to have a reservation system to purchase lift tickets and they are expected to permit walk up purchasing.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as New Hampshire state guidelines. At the time of printing, Mount Sunapee is requiring all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
• At the time of publishing, all dining establishments require advanced reservations, using their Time To Dine service. And, for dining in their cafeteria/quick service reservations, all guests ages 12 and up are required to show proof of vaccination to dine in these establishments. See more on the Mount Sunapee website.
• All transactions at Mount Sunapee will be cashless.
•  At the time of publishing, most outdoor activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

10.  Pat’s Peak – Henniker, New Hampshire

For a smaller family-friendly ski resort only an hour and a half from Boston, Pat’s Peak is worth a mention. It is smaller in size than others on this list, but it is a great family-friendly option for a day trip from Boston.

Why It’s Family-Friendly

Pat’s Peak offers childcare for the non-skiing tots ages four months to six years old, though this is not being offered for the 2021-22 season for kids under age 3. Children ages 3-6 can participate in Cub’s Club with an advanced reservation booked online.

Their ski and ride lessons are available for kids three years to 14 years old.  

With 50% of their ski areas listed as novice, this is a great resort for kids to learn to ski. They also have 20% intermediate and 20% advanced, so for more experienced teens or adults, there are slopes to challenge you while the younger kids are in lessons.

What I like about Pat’s Peak is that this resort has been family-owned for 55 years. They also offer homemade food in their lodge cafeterias and pub. Now that is something this mama can get behind! This resort is great for preschoolers to teens and anyone learning to ski, or anyone looking for a family-friendly ski resort close to Boston.

Apres-ski

Pat’s Peak has a pub and cafeterias onsite, and kids will love to get one of their famed giant M & M cookies. There is also snow tubing on the property and snowshoeing is available.

There are nearby inns, bed and breakfasts and airbnb available, but Pat’s Peak is also driving distance from Boston. Check them out on their web site.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: December 3, 2021 (estimated) to March 29, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons and kids’ programs, advanced reservations are required, are limited and must be purchased online.
• Childcare for kids under age 3 is not offered this season but there is kid’s programming for ages 3- 14. Reservations are limited and must be done online in advance.
• Lift tickets must be purchased online, in advance. No walk up tickets will be available.
• Outdoor heated bathroom facilities are available outdoors for those who don’t want to enter the lodges to use the facilities.
• Outdoor dining is available, and you can download the Pat’s Peak app to get resort updates and order food.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as New Hampshire state guidelines. At the time of printing, Pat’s Peak is making mask wearing optional for staff and guests, regardless of vaccination status.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces at the resort.
•  At the time of publishing, most outdoor activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

HONORABLE MENTION: Wachusett Mountain – Princeton, Massachusetts

You don’t have to drive all the way to the Berkshires to get a ski day in Massachusetts. Though Jiminy Peak and Butternut Resorts are often what comes to mind when thinking of family-friendly ski resorts, Wachusett Mountain should not be overlooked if you are in the Boston, Rhode Island or even Connecticut areas and looking for an easy family-friendly ski day. Only about an hour’s drive from Boston, about one and a half hours from Rhode Island and two hours from Connecticut, this resort is a wonderful place for a family ski day.

Why It’s Family Friendly

Wachusett has excellent ski and ride lessons for kids ages 4-12 years old. My kids loved the lessons here. To transport the kids from check in to the slopes and back, they put them in a tractor-drawn sleigh, and they wave at the skiers as they go by.

There are also family-friendly slopes, where speeding is not allowed.  A warming hut with apple cider donuts and coffee is also one of our favorite traditions. Night skiing is also available.

Though it is a smaller resort, it has snowmaking machines, so the slopes are often open.

Apres-Ski 

There is a great restaurant at the base lodge and a pub. The lodge is small but cozy, with fireplaces to warm up.

There is no onsite lodge, but Great Wolf Lodge New England is very close by.

2021/22 Season Things To Know:

Season dates: November 21, 2021 (estimated) to April 14, 2022 (estimated).

• To book ski lessons and kids’ programs, advanced reservations are required, are limited and must be purchased online. They are sold in 90 minute time sessions. There are no half or full day lessons this season. There is no indoor space during the lessons and masks are required at all times by the participants.
• Lift tickets must be purchased online, in advance. No walk up tickets will be available. They are sold in session time slots, so be sure to double check the times and pricing to ensure you book the right session.
• Some dining options are available, but not all locations will be operating.
• Guests are asked to follow all posted instructions regarding health and safety, as well as Massachusetts state and local guidelines. At the time of printing, Wachusett Mountain requires masks at all times.
• The resort is practicing enhanced cleaning in all spaces.
•  At the time of publishing, most outdoor activities included in this post are expected to be operating unless otherwise stated and are subject to change (according to the resort.)

Looking for what to take on your next ski vacation? Check out this amazing ski trip packing list!

Looking for more ways to enjoy your skiing vacation? Check out this mom’s guide to après ski.