With snow season on the horizon, California’s ski resorts are gearing up to offer family-friendly packages and activities. From ski school to lift tickets, these resorts provide the perfect setting for a memorable family winter getaway.
Family-Friendly Skiing and More at June Mountain
June Mountain offers a family-friendly ski experience with 1,500 acres of uncrowded slopes, beginner terrain and a laid-back atmosphere, just 20 minutes from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Children 12 and under ski for free, making it an affordable option for families. With a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs, there is something for every level of skier. Fun events like Bucky’s Bonfire on Saturdays make June Mountain a welcoming destination for all.
Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite
Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite provides a magical winter escape with serene snow-capped granite peaks. Families can enjoy downhill, cross-country and backcountry skiing, as well as snowboarding, snowshoeing and snow tubing. The resort offers a wide range of ski school lessons for those aged 7 and up, and the “Badger Pups” program for children ages 4 to 6. Badger Pass is ideal for creating cherished winter memories in Yosemite’s stunning landscape.
Ski, Play and Stay at South Lake Tahoe’s Epic Pass
Tahoe’s Epic Pass resorts offer diverse terrain and activities for the ultimate family winter getaway. Northstar caters to families with its beginner zones and village activities like ice skating, while Heavenly boasts nearly 5,000 acres of terrain plus at its Ski + Ride School, instructors offer lessons in up to 10 languages. Kirkwood offers a local feel with world-class slopes, ideal for adventurous families. The Timber Creek learning area is designed to separate beginners from advanced skiers, creating a safe and welcoming environment close to lessons and rentals.
Family Ski Resorts in North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is home to 12 downhill ski resorts, offering the largest concentration of ski resorts in the U.S. Granlibakken is a family-friendly option with ski lessons and sledging, while Palisades offers a wider range of amenities and kid-friendly activities. Their family-friendly packages often include lift tickets, lodging and meals, making it easy to plan a hassle-free vacation. Homewood is a more relaxed resort, perfect for children learning to ski. The lessons are available daily for children ages 5 through 12 of any ability level.
Winter Fun at the Newly Renovated Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, located mid-mountain at Northstar, offers a luxurious ski-in, ski-out experience with newly renovated family-friendly amenities. Families can enjoy youth programming, such as scavenger hunts and crafts, plus an Indoor Campout Package that brings the camping experience to the comfort of your guest room. It includes a tent and bed, an activity book with crayons, a camp light, a teddy bear, and a s’mores kit to enjoy at the fire pit. Opened in 2024, the TopGolf Swing Suite provides fun for all ages and the Highlands Gondola offers direct access to Northstar for skiing and winter activities.
Desolation Hotel Tahoe & Hope Valley in South Lake Tahoe
Desolation Hotel, with locations in South Lake Tahoe and Hope Valley, offers an eco-conscious luxury ski-town experience. The Lake Tahoe property is steps from Heavenly Ski Resort and features modern amenities like private soaking tubs, fireplaces and a Tesla charging station. The spacious El Dorado Townhome is perfect for families, including après ski spot Maggie’s, the hotel’s award-winning onsite restaurant.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Related Coverage
Discovering Those Eastern Sierra Wonders: Road Trip Routes to Mammoth Lakes
