Skiing with Kids, Colorado Ski Resorts with Perks
Attracting families with convenient parking, abundant beginner terrain and added activities and amenities geared towards kids, these Colorado ski resorts have little rippers dialed in. Here’s where to ski in Colorado with kids. And why.
Copper Mountain
Copper has always been a kid-happy destination, but recent developments have made the resort a true family haven. A new high-speed quad chairlift serves beginner terrain and the resort’s naturally divided mountain keeps green runs safely in their own zone. A year-round alpine coaster, tubing hill and a snow den with tunnels round out tike offerings, while Copper’s Kids Night Out program offers three hours of free child care while parents shop and dine.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat pioneered the first kids ski free deal back in 1982. Today, the program invites children 12 and under to ski free for the same number of days as a parent or grandparent who has purchased a five-or-more-day adult lift ticket. Beginners enjoy kids-only magic carpet learning areas and families can spread out among six peaks and 2,900 acres, with 55 percent of terrain dedicated to beginner and intermediate trails. Ski school programs start at age two-and-a-half and child care is on tap for ages six months to six years.
Arapahoe Basin
The reason this low-key Summit County mountain is so kid friendly lies in its configuration. Early birds get parking in the convenient lower slope-side lot, up against the Molly Hogan and Pika Place Learning Area. A condensed base means you’re close to bathrooms, an indoor kids play area, ample food and drink and your car (more sunscreen, water, layers, snacks, anyone?) Bonus perk: If you register online before Dec. 18, 2017, kids ages six to 12 can ski for free two days this season.
Keystone
With face painting, fort building, scavenger hunts, cookie hour, disco tubing, story time and a hot chocolate bar on Fridays and Saturdays, free front-row family parking, wagons to tote your crew’s gear and the beloved Riperoo mountain mascot cruising around the Family Ski Trail, Keystone is made for kids. Plus, when you stay for two or more nights, kids ski free.
Loveland
Wide open slopes with incredible views, close proximity to Denver and affordable four-pack lift tickets and season passes make Loveland a family favorite. The mountain is split into two areas: the smaller Loveland Valley where beginner and intermediate runs provide gentle, un-crowded learning space and Loveland Basin where terrain varies from open bowls to steeps to cruisers. Both offer free parking and easy access to restrooms, lockers, equipment rental, ski school, a first aid room, cafeteria, bar and a ski shop. A longer season (they receive an average of 400 inches) and reasonably priced ski and ride school programs are the icing on the kiddo ski experience. Tip: Children ages four to 14 who complete three full-day ski or snowboard lesson packages receive a free season pass.
By Lisa Blake
