Planning a Family-Friendly Winter Getaway? Try These 15 Kid-Approved Snow Adventures
Ski resorts in the Mountain West are about more than chairlifts and powder days. They are full winter playgrounds for families who want variety, flexibility, and time together that goes beyond skiing or riding. From rest days to mixed-ability groups, having a few non-ski adventures in your plan can make the entire trip feel easier and more fun.
If you are still deciding what to bring or whether to rent gear for your trip, our family ski rental options and family packing guides can help you plan ahead and travel lighter.
Below, you will find kid-approved winter adventures across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. From sledding hills and tubing parks to scenic rides and unforgettable animal encounters, these activities work for a wide range of ages and energy levels and help families make the most of their time outside.
At Christy Sports, we help families plan winter trips every season. These are some of the most reliable, family-friendly snow adventures to build into your 2025–2026 winter getaway.
Colorado Family Winter Adventures
1. Sleigh Rides and Ice Skating in Telluride
Telluride delivers storybook winter scenery with plenty of family-friendly activities off the slopes. Firecracker Hill at Town Park is a local favorite for sledding, and the town offers outdoor ice skating rinks in both Telluride and Mountain Village.
For a slower-paced highlight, horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes end with a warm, family-style dinner. It is an easy way to experience the mountains together without boots or bindings.
2. Alpine Coaster and Base Village Fun in Snowmass
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster in Snowmass adds just enough thrill for kids who want something exciting without committing to skis. The nearby tubing hill is great for younger riders and first-timers.
Base Village keeps the fun going with ice skating, arcades, indoor games, and a five-story indoor climbing wall at the Limelight Hotel that works for beginners and confident climbers alike.
3. Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
After a cold mountain day, few things feel better than a warm soak. Steamboat Springs is home to Old Town Hot Springs, a long-time favorite for families thanks to its large pools, comfortable temperatures, and central location near downtown.
The main hot pool stays around 98 degrees, making it welcoming for kids and adults alike. It is a relaxing, low-effort way to reset and recharge between ski days.
4. Night Tubing and Indoor Play in Winter Park
Snow Mountain Ranch offers tubing, ice skating, crafts, and indoor games, making it a great non-ski option for families. The Kiva Center adds everyday indoor activities like air hockey, ping pong, and foosball.
For something memorable after dark, night tubing at Coca-Cola® Tube Hill pairs gentle thrills with glowing lights and an easy conveyor lift.
5. Ice Skating and Village Wandering in Vail
Vail Village is built for relaxed winter evenings. Ice skating at Solaris Plaza works for all ages, and the pedestrian village makes it easy to wander, warm up, and grab dinner without rushing.
6. Pools, Ice Rinks, and Sleigh Rides in Beaver Creek and Avon
The Avon Recreation Center is a hit with kids thanks to its lazy river, water slide, zero-depth pool, and climbing wall. Nearby Beaver Creek offers ice skating and classic sleigh rides through snowy terrain, ending with a cozy meal by the fire.
7. Sledding and Tubing in Breckenridge
Carter Park remains a local favorite for sledding, while the Breckenridge Recreation Center offers indoor pools and climbing walls. For bigger laughs, the Breckenridge Ski Resort tubing hill delivers consistent fun without a long learning curve.
8. Snowshoeing Around Summit County
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways for families to explore winter landscapes together. Trails near Dillon Reservoir and throughout Summit County are approachable, scenic, and less crowded.
Snowshoe rentals are available at select Christy Sports locations.
Utah Family Winter Adventures
9. Scenic Tram Rides at Snowbird
Snowbird’s aerial tram offers sweeping canyon views without needing ski gear. Families can enjoy the ride to Hidden Peak, grab a warm meal at the summit, and take in the scenery together.
10. Snow Tubing and Sledding Parks Across Utah
Utah offers some of the most accessible snow tubing and sledding areas in the West, from northern resort towns to southern destinations. Dedicated tubing parks provide controlled lanes and gentle slopes that work well for kids.
Find Utah snow tubing locations
For cold-weather activities like tubing and ice fishing, proper layers make all the difference. Our family winter packing guide breaks down what kids actually need to stay warm and comfortable.
11. Ice Fishing and Winter Nature Experiences
Ice fishing in Utah is surprisingly family-friendly, especially with guided trips that include heated huts and instruction. It is calm, educational, and a great fit for non-ski days.
Montana Family Winter Adventures
12. Enchanted Forest at Big Sky
On select winter evenings, Big Sky’s Enchanted Forest lights up Andesite Mountain with thousands of twinkling lights along a walkable trail. Heated lift rides and fire pits make it especially welcoming for families.
13. Sno-Go Biking at Big Sky
Sno-Go biking offers a fresh way to explore groomed trails without skis or snowboards. These stable, bike-style snow rides are intuitive to learn and popular with older kids and teens.
14. Dog Sledding at Big Sky
Dog sledding is a winter classic that leaves a lasting impression. Guided tours travel through snowy forests while teams of eager sled dogs lead the way.
Washington Family Winter Adventures
15. Luge-Style Sledding and Sno-Park Fun
Near Twisp, Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers an alpine luge course with rentals and instruction.
For traditional sledding and tubing closer to Seattle, family-friendly options include:
- Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
- Stevens Pass Nordic Center
- Washington Sno-Parks like Hyak Sno-Park and Lake Easton Sno-Park
Always check local rules before bringing sleds, as some locations restrict certain types.
Making the Most of a Family Winter Trip
Not every winter day needs to be spent on skis to be a great one. Mixing ski days with low-pressure adventures gives kids time to recharge and helps the whole family stay excited throughout the trip. A little planning goes a long way. Packing smart and choosing the right rental options can make travel lighter and days on the mountain smoother from the start.
Christy Sports offers family-friendly ski and snowboard rentals across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington, making it easy to get gear that fits your family and the conditions you are skiing in. If you are packing for kids, our family ski trip packing guide breaks down exactly what to bring and what you can skip.
When you are ready to hit the slopes, the Kids Rent Free program makes it easier to start family traditions on snow. Kids 12 and under ski free with any qualifying adult ski or snowboard rental package. Reserve at least 24 hours in advance to receive 20 percent off adult rentals and save time once you arrive.
Find a Christy Sports location near your destination and let our teams help you plan a winter getaway built around comfort, confidence, and time outside together.
Family Winter Getaway FAQs
1. Do we need to ski every day on a family winter trip?
Not at all. Many families plan rest days or mix ski days with off-slope adventures like tubing, hot springs, or scenic rides. These breaks help kids recharge and often become trip highlights.
2. Is it better to rent ski gear or bring our own when traveling with kids?
For most families, renting is easier. Rentals let you travel lighter, avoid airline baggage fees, and get gear that fits your child and current conditions. Easy size swaps also help if kids grow or comfort needs change during the trip.
3. What ages are these activities best for?
Most of the activities in this guide work well for elementary-aged kids and up, with several options suitable for younger children. Availability and age requirements vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead when planning.
4. What should kids wear for non-ski winter activities?
Layering still matters. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a warm mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and can make kids cold quickly during outdoor play.
5. When should we book rentals and activities for a family trip?
As soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Holidays, weekends, and peak winter weeks fill quickly, especially for kids’ rentals and popular activities. Reserving rentals at least 24 hours in advance also saves time and money.
6. What if weather or energy levels change during the trip?
That’s normal, especially with kids. Building flexibility into your plan and having a mix of indoor and outdoor options makes it easier to adjust and keep the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Last Updated: January 8, 2026
Planning a Family-Friendly Winter Getaway? Try These 15 Kid-Approved Snow Adventures
Ski resorts in the Mountain West are about more than chairlifts and powder days. They are full winter playgrounds for families who want variety, flexibility, and time together that goes beyond skiing or riding. From rest days to mixed-ability groups, having a few non-ski adventures in your plan can make the entire trip feel easier and more fun.
If you are still deciding what to bring or whether to rent gear for your trip, our family ski rental options and family packing guides can help you plan ahead and travel lighter.
Below, you will find kid-approved winter adventures across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. From sledding hills and tubing parks to scenic rides and unforgettable animal encounters, these activities work for a wide range of ages and energy levels and help families make the most of their time outside.
At Christy Sports, we help families plan winter trips every season. These are some of the most reliable, family-friendly snow adventures to build into your 2025–2026 winter getaway.
Colorado Family Winter Adventures
1. Sleigh Rides and Ice Skating in Telluride
Telluride delivers storybook winter scenery with plenty of family-friendly activities off the slopes. Firecracker Hill at Town Park is a local favorite for sledding, and the town offers outdoor ice skating rinks in both Telluride and Mountain Village.
For a slower-paced highlight, horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes end with a warm, family-style dinner. It is an easy way to experience the mountains together without boots or bindings.
2. Alpine Coaster and Base Village Fun in Snowmass
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster in Snowmass adds just enough thrill for kids who want something exciting without committing to skis. The nearby tubing hill is great for younger riders and first-timers.
Base Village keeps the fun going with ice skating, arcades, indoor games, and a five-story indoor climbing wall at the Limelight Hotel that works for beginners and confident climbers alike.
3. Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
After a cold mountain day, few things feel better than a warm soak. Steamboat Springs is home to Old Town Hot Springs, a long-time favorite for families thanks to its large pools, comfortable temperatures, and central location near downtown.
The main hot pool stays around 98 degrees, making it welcoming for kids and adults alike. It is a relaxing, low-effort way to reset and recharge between ski days.
4. Night Tubing and Indoor Play in Winter Park
Snow Mountain Ranch offers tubing, ice skating, crafts, and indoor games, making it a great non-ski option for families. The Kiva Center adds everyday indoor activities like air hockey, ping pong, and foosball.
For something memorable after dark, night tubing at Coca-Cola® Tube Hill pairs gentle thrills with glowing lights and an easy conveyor lift.
5. Ice Skating and Village Wandering in Vail
Vail Village is built for relaxed winter evenings. Ice skating at Solaris Plaza works for all ages, and the pedestrian village makes it easy to wander, warm up, and grab dinner without rushing.
6. Pools, Ice Rinks, and Sleigh Rides in Beaver Creek and Avon
The Avon Recreation Center is a hit with kids thanks to its lazy river, water slide, zero-depth pool, and climbing wall. Nearby Beaver Creek offers ice skating and classic sleigh rides through snowy terrain, ending with a cozy meal by the fire.
7. Sledding and Tubing in Breckenridge
Carter Park remains a local favorite for sledding, while the Breckenridge Recreation Center offers indoor pools and climbing walls. For bigger laughs, the Breckenridge Ski Resort tubing hill delivers consistent fun without a long learning curve.
8. Snowshoeing Around Summit County
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways for families to explore winter landscapes together. Trails near Dillon Reservoir and throughout Summit County are approachable, scenic, and less crowded.
Snowshoe rentals are available at select Christy Sports locations.
Utah Family Winter Adventures
9. Scenic Tram Rides at Snowbird
Snowbird’s aerial tram offers sweeping canyon views without needing ski gear. Families can enjoy the ride to Hidden Peak, grab a warm meal at the summit, and take in the scenery together.
10. Snow Tubing and Sledding Parks Across Utah
Utah offers some of the most accessible snow tubing and sledding areas in the West, from northern resort towns to southern destinations. Dedicated tubing parks provide controlled lanes and gentle slopes that work well for kids.
Find Utah snow tubing locations
For cold-weather activities like tubing and ice fishing, proper layers make all the difference. Our family winter packing guide breaks down what kids actually need to stay warm and comfortable.
11. Ice Fishing and Winter Nature Experiences
Ice fishing in Utah is surprisingly family-friendly, especially with guided trips that include heated huts and instruction. It is calm, educational, and a great fit for non-ski days.
Montana Family Winter Adventures
12. Enchanted Forest at Big Sky
On select winter evenings, Big Sky’s Enchanted Forest lights up Andesite Mountain with thousands of twinkling lights along a walkable trail. Heated lift rides and fire pits make it especially welcoming for families.
13. Sno-Go Biking at Big Sky
Sno-Go biking offers a fresh way to explore groomed trails without skis or snowboards. These stable, bike-style snow rides are intuitive to learn and popular with older kids and teens.
14. Dog Sledding at Big Sky
Dog sledding is a winter classic that leaves a lasting impression. Guided tours travel through snowy forests while teams of eager sled dogs lead the way.
Washington Family Winter Adventures
15. Luge-Style Sledding and Sno-Park Fun
Near Twisp, Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers an alpine luge course with rentals and instruction.
For traditional sledding and tubing closer to Seattle, family-friendly options include:
- Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
- Stevens Pass Nordic Center
- Washington Sno-Parks like Hyak Sno-Park and Lake Easton Sno-Park
Always check local rules before bringing sleds, as some locations restrict certain types.
Making the Most of a Family Winter Trip
Not every winter day needs to be spent on skis to be a great one. Mixing ski days with low-pressure adventures gives kids time to recharge and helps the whole family stay excited throughout the trip. A little planning goes a long way. Packing smart and choosing the right rental options can make travel lighter and days on the mountain smoother from the start.
Christy Sports offers family-friendly ski and snowboard rentals across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington, making it easy to get gear that fits your family and the conditions you are skiing in. If you are packing for kids, our family ski trip packing guide breaks down exactly what to bring and what you can skip.
When you are ready to hit the slopes, the Kids Rent Free program makes it easier to start family traditions on snow. Kids 12 and under ski free with any qualifying adult ski or snowboard rental package. Reserve at least 24 hours in advance to receive 20 percent off adult rentals and save time once you arrive.
Find a Christy Sports location near your destination and let our teams help you plan a winter getaway built around comfort, confidence, and time outside together.
Family Winter Getaway FAQs
1. Do we need to ski every day on a family winter trip?
Not at all. Many families plan rest days or mix ski days with off-slope adventures like tubing, hot springs, or scenic rides. These breaks help kids recharge and often become trip highlights.
2. Is it better to rent ski gear or bring our own when traveling with kids?
For most families, renting is easier. Rentals let you travel lighter, avoid airline baggage fees, and get gear that fits your child and current conditions. Easy size swaps also help if kids grow or comfort needs change during the trip.
3. What ages are these activities best for?
Most of the activities in this guide work well for elementary-aged kids and up, with several options suitable for younger children. Availability and age requirements vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead when planning.
4. What should kids wear for non-ski winter activities?
Layering still matters. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a warm mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and can make kids cold quickly during outdoor play.
5. When should we book rentals and activities for a family trip?
As soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Holidays, weekends, and peak winter weeks fill quickly, especially for kids’ rentals and popular activities. Reserving rentals at least 24 hours in advance also saves time and money.
6. What if weather or energy levels change during the trip?
That’s normal, especially with kids. Building flexibility into your plan and having a mix of indoor and outdoor options makes it easier to adjust and keep the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Last Updated: January 8, 2026
