New England offers some of the best family-friendly skiing anywhere, offering a mix of world-class skiing, beginner-friendly terrain, and family-focused amenities. Whether you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation with the kids or a more challenging ski experience, New England has something for everyone. Here is our list of what we believe are the best ski resorts for an awesome ski vacation with your family…

1. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch, known as “America’s Family Resort,” is first on our list of best family-friendly skiing in New England. With an award-winning ski school, on-site childcare, great terrain variety, and affordability, we think it’s an excellent choice for your next family vacation. It’s located in Northern Vermont, which means you can expect good snow quality and less lines at the lifts, so you can spend most of your time on the mountain.

✅ Cost: 1^st
✅ Learning Area: 1^st
✅ Lift Lines: 1^st
✅ Challenging Terrain: 2^nd
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 2^nd
✅ Terrain Variety: 3^rd
✅ Accommodations: 10^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 10^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 10^th

Resort Site: www.smuggs.com

2. Killington, Vermont

As the largest ski resort in the East, Killington offers a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels. The resort features a top-tier ski school and learning area as well as the most chairlifts in New England. It’s also known for its snowmaking, often being the first mountain to open and close for the ski season. If you’re looking for big mountain skiing for all levels and great mountain-side accommodations, Killington is a great choice.

✅ Accommodations: 3^rd
✅ Beginner Lifts: 3^rd
✅ Cost: 9^th
✅ Learning Area: 3^rd
✅ Terrain Variety: 2^nd
✅ Challenging Terrain: 5^th 
✅ Overall Lifts: 1^st
✅ Lift Lines: 9^th
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 5^th

Resort Site: www.killington.com

3. Sugarloaf, Maine

At the top of our list for terrain variety and the only mountain in the east to offer lift-serviced above tree line skiing, Sugarloaf is an awesome place for a family vacation. Aside from offering the most terrain we’d classify as challenging, The Loaf also offers a good amount of beginner-intermediate terrain; especially with the newly-opened West Mountain. Although it is a long road trip to get there, lines aren’t quite as long as most resorts during vacation weeks.

✅ Accommodations: 5^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 6^th
✅ Cost: 3^rd
✅ Learning Area: 6^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 1^st
✅ Challenging Terrain: 1^st
✅ Overall Lifts: 9^th
✅ Lift Lines: 2^nd
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 7^th

Resort Site: www.sugarloaf.com

4. Jay Peak, Vermont

If you’re looking for the most natural snow in the New England, look no further than Jay Peak. Jay is the top earner for natural snowfall, averaging the most at 347” of snow for the season. You can also expect lift lines to be lower than other resorts, allowing you and your family to spend more time on the slopes. If someone in the family can’t ski, they can enjoy Jay’s indoor water park while you enjoy the mountain.   

✅ Accommodations: 6^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 9^th
✅ Cost: 4^th
✅ Learning Area: 9^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 5^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 3^rd 
✅ Overall Lifts: 7^th
✅ Lift Lines: 3^rd
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 1^st

Resort site: www.jaypeakresort.com

5. Sunday River, Maine

Want to ski where each family member can have their own mountain? Sunday River features eight interconnected mountain peaks with varying levels of terrain. It also has competitive prices and an abundance of lifts, including the only chondola in New England and several other high-speed lifts. Although it doesn’t see as much natural snow as other resorts, it has one of the best snowmaking systems in New England, often one of the first resorts to open for the season.

✅ Accommodations: 4^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 5^th
✅ Cost: 2^nd
✅ Learning Area: 4^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 7^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 7^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 3^rd
✅ Lift Lines: 5^th
✅ Natural Snow: 10^th

Resort Site: www.sundayriver.com

6.  Stratton, Vermont

Stratton is a well-groomed family-friendly resort with a great ski school and a charming alpine village. New skiers will be at ease with a nice variety of beginner to intermediate trails and great lift service. Although lines can get a tad long during peak ski weekends, there are an abundance of high-speed lifts, including the summit gondola, to keep you on the slopes. After a long day on the slopes, you can enjoy an abundance of accommodations, featuring restaurants, bars, and shops at the base village.

✅ Accommodations: 2^nd
✅ Beginner Lifts: 1^st
✅ Cost: 8^th
✅ Learning Area: 2^nd 
✅ Terrain Variety: 10^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 10^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 2^nd
✅ Lift Lines: 7^th
✅ Natural Snow: 6^th

Resort Site: www.stratton.com

7. Stowe, Vermont

Often rated as one of the best ski towns, Stowe offers a classic New England ski experience with excellent accommodations. It features a luxurious base village with upscale dining options, boutique shopping, and a world-class spa. The resort includes two mountain peaks of top-tier skiing and 220” of natural seasonal snowfall on average. If you’re looking to take the family on a more upscale ski vacation and can shell out the extra cash, Stowe is an fantastic option for a family ski getaway.

✅ Accommodations: 1^st
✅ Beginner Lifts: 7^th
✅ Cost: 10^th
✅ Learning Area: 7^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 6^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 4^th 
✅ Overall Lifts: 5^th
✅ Lift Lines: 6^th
✅ Natural Snow: 3^rd

Resort Site: www.stowe.com

8. Sugarbush, Vermont

Sugarbush is a fantastic choice for families, with a strong ski school and varied terrain. It offers a mix of beginner and expert terrain, making it a great option for families with different skill levels.

✅ Accommodations: 9^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 8^th
✅ Cost: 4^th
✅ Learning Area: 10^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 4^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 6^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 8^th
✅ Lift Lines: 4^th
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 4^th

Resort Site: www.sugarbush.com

9. Okemo, Vermont

Okemo is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in New England. With gentle slopes, modern lifts, and a mountain coaster, it’s an excellent choice for families looking for a stress-free ski trip.

✅ Accommodations: 7^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 4^th
✅ Cost: 7^th
✅ Learning Area: 8^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 9^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 8^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 4^th
✅ Lift Lines: 8^th
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 8^th

Resort Site: www.okemo.com

10. Mount Snow, Vermont

Mount Snow is a favorite for families, offering a well-organized learning area and fantastic snowmaking. It has one of the best lift infrastructures in the East, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

✅ Accommodations: 8^th
✅ Beginner Lifts: 2^nd
✅ Cost: 6^th
✅ Learning Area: 5^th
✅ Terrain Variety: 8^th
✅ Challenging Terrain: 9^th
✅ Overall Lifts: 6^th
✅ Lift Lines: 10^th
✅ Natural Snow Quality: 9^th

Resort Site: www.mountsnow.com

Notable Mentions…

Bretton Woods

Just missing our list for the top 10 best family ski resorts, Bretton Woods is a great option and the only New Hampshire mountain mentioned on the list. This resort sees plenty of natural snow and has them most skiable acres in the state. It also has great lift service and a variety of beginner and intermediate terrain.

✅ Overall Lifts
✅ Beginner Lifts
✅ Natural Snow Quality
✅ Learning Area
✅ Terrain Variety

Resort Site: www.brettonwoods.com

Southern New England

Jiminy Peak

If you aren’t looking to travel too far north, Jiminy Peak is a great option. Featuring a charming ski village at the base and a variety of terrain for everyone, this resort is a solid alternative with a shorter drive.

✅ Accommodations
✅ Overall Lifts
✅ Beginner Lifts
✅ Learning Area
✅ Terrain Variety

Resort Site: www.jiminypeak.com

Most Affordable

Mount Abram

If you’d like to save and still have a classic New England ski experience, Mount Abram is a great spot. This hidden gem in Northwest Maine offers affordable lessons and stay packages that will give your wallet a break. You can also expect shorter lift lines and good natural snow at this resort.

✅ Cost
✅ Learning Area
✅ Lift Lines
✅ Natural Snow Quality

Resort Site: www.mtabram.com

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best overall family ski experience, Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, and Sugarloaf rank at the top. They provide excellent ski schools, beginner-friendly terrain, and great accommodations. If unbeatable natural snow is your priority, Jay Peak delivers. For families watching their budget or wanting quick lift access, Mount Abram offers great value.

Although we’d like to add more resorts to this list, these are our top picks for the 2025/2026 ski season.

Which resort is your family’s favorite? Let us know in the comments!