A few weeks into January, Aiden asked me when it was going to be Christmas because it hadn’t snowed yet. I knew right away that I better get to planning a ski trip with kids. He wanted to see and feel real snow and wouldn’t stop asking me about it. Winter Park Colorado
I then decided to plan a kid-friendly ski trip to Winter Park with kids so he could experience the snow and taste it too. In his words, “Mom, I really want to eat snow.” As I was planning, I realized my sister’s birthday was going to fall on our trip, and that made it even more exciting!
This was how our conversation went:
A: “Mom, when is it going to be Christmas?”
Me: (looking confused) “A, Christmas was in December. Remember you were in Sweden with your cousins and you opened your gifts?”
A: “But Mom, it didn’t snow yet. That means Christmas didn’t come yet.”
Me: (laughing so hard) “It doesn’t always snow during Christmas, son.”
A: “But Mom, I really, really want to see snow because I really, really love it.”
Me: “Okay, Baby Boy, I’ve heard you.”
After Aiden and I had this conversation, I started looking at different family-friendly snow resorts in Utah and Colorado. I also immediately started tracking the weather for when it would snow. I knew there would be snow at the ski resort, but I wanted it to snow while we were there so Aiden could experience it all.
I narrowed my choices to Keystone, Winter Park, and Breckenridge, all family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado, and finally decided on Winter Park Resort. There was one deciding factor for me when I picked Winter Park, and it was because they were the only resort I found offering half-day ski school during my search for that trip. This was not because of the price, but time spent on the slopes. Aiden and my sister, Ells, would be skiing for the first time, and I didn’t want them on the slopes all day just in case they hated it (but boy, oh boy, was I wrong. They LOVED it). Winter Park was the best choice for our ski trip with kids.
If you are still choosing a destination, my guide to the best family vacation spots in the United States can help you explore other options.
How much does a family ski trip cost?
- Lift tickets: From $85/adult/day with four-day midweek Flex pack.
- Rentals: Kids $28/day; adult Bronze package $40/day, booked online.
- Lessons: Estimated $180–$290 per child daily for group instruction.
- Lodging: Estimated $150–$250/night for a two-bedroom town condo.
- Savings tip: Book early, ski midweek, and stay off-resort.
For Winter Park with kids, the resort advertises four-day adult Flex packs from $85 per day midweek or $105 per day for the other Flex option. These prices require purchasing a four-day pack. They are not standalone one-day ticket prices, and blackout dates apply.
The published rental rates require booking online at least 24 hours ahead for the discount. Helmet rental is listed separately at $10.40 online. Two adult Bronze packages and two kids’ packages total $136 daily, or $177.60 with four helmets, before additional charges.
Your total also depends on your children’s ages, ski days, lessons, accommodation, meals, and transportation. Check the final booking total for your dates before paying.
How To Get To Colorado Winter Park With Kids
We flew on Southwest Airlines for 3442 points and $11.20 RT per person. The cash price for this ticket would have been $80 RT per person. I purchased the tickets for our trip the day before we left due to the snow prediction.
How To Get Around Winter Park Colorado With Kids
We rented a car from National Car Rental. I love that they have newer cars. We rented a Hyundai with only 2,000 miles on it.
Don’t forget to pack the car seat, car seat stroller, and car seat bag as well.
I forgot Aiden’s car seat bag at home and had to buy one from Southwest Airlines for $17. I checked in Aiden’s car seat and didn’t want it to get dirty. The $17 was what I paid during our trip, rather than a current airline price.
Where To Stay In Winter Park Colorado With Kids
I wanted to book the cheapest option possible as I was on a major budget, so instead of staying at the resort, we stayed at Best Western Alpenglo Lodge, which is in downtown Winter Park and only a 6-minute drive from the ski slopes and Winter Park Village. We booked it on Ski.com. We got a room with 2 queen-size beds, which was just perfect for 4 of us.
Compare the full price for your dates, including taxes, parking, and any additional fees. A room farther from the slopes may cost less, but transportation can change the total.
What To Do In Winter Park With Kids
Day 1 in Winter Park Colorado With Kids
Tubing
There are several options for tubing in Winter Park, but Fraser Tubing Hill was recommended by the hotel, so we decided to go there. We had originally planned on going to the Coca-ColaTubing Hill at the Winter Park Resort but changed our minds after the recommendation.
On our original trip, Coca-Cola tubing cost $26 per person for 60 minutes. Fraser cost $26 for 90 minutes, and Aiden was free, so it was a better deal for us then. Those prices and the free-child offer should not be used for the new season.
The Coca-Cola Tube Hill currently requires every rider to have a ticket and their own tube. Riders must be at least 36 inches tall, and advance purchase is strongly recommended.
The Fraser rate page still labels its prices as 2024–2025. Confirm the new-season price directly before visiting.
Day 2 in Colorado Winter Park With Kids
(It snowed today – YAY)
Snowmobiling
When I found out that I could rent a kids’ snowmobile for Aiden, I knew he would love it. We went snowmobiling in Turkey, but he rode with me on the adult snowmobile. This time he was going to be able to ride it himself.
We rented with Grand Adventures and paid $20 for about 30 minutes on our original trip, including a helmet. He was able to ride in an open space while it snowed.
The operator’s current page does not confirm that same kids-only activity or price. Ask about availability and age requirements before adding it to your plans for Winter Park with kids.
Sleigh Ride Winter Park Colorado
This came up as one of the things to do with kids in Winter Park. I knew we would all enjoy the scenic ride and, most of all, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Sounds crazy, but neither of us has ever had roasted marshmallows, so this was a first for us. This made our ski trip with kids so much fun. Dashing Thru The Snow Sleigh Rides was great, and their prices were too. On our original trip, we paid $35 per person, and Aiden was free.
The operator now lists group rides at $50 for ages 12 and up, $40 for ages 5–11, and $5 for children four and under sitting on a lap. Reservations are required. Confirm the price for your travel date before booking.
Day 3 in Winter Park, Colorado With Kids
Ski Lesson
I picked Winter Park Resort because it offered half-day ski lessons for kids when we visited. Both kids took lessons and LOVED it. Oh em gee!! Aiden didn’t want to leave the slopes. He announced to everyone that skiing is his favorite thing ever. This made me feel happy that I chose to go on this ski trip with the kids. My sister, however, said she’d like to try snowboarding next time.
For Winter Park with kids in the new season, check the lesson format before paying. The Winter Park Ski & Ride School lists kids’ full-day group lessons from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 9 a.m. meeting time.
The school also advertises a free kids’ lift ticket with a kids’ group lesson purchase. Check the offer’s terms and your selected package, because the general lesson FAQ lists lift tickets and rentals separately.
Beginner Runs for Kids
When planning Winter Park with kids, ask the instructor which open trails match your child’s ability. The resort identifies Lower Village Way, Turnpike, and Marmot Flats among its green runs. Start on terrain the instructor recommends, and check current trail openings before heading out.
The Village at Winter Park Resort
The Village at Winter Park Resort has a few things to do. Ride the lift for the scenery, shops, restaurants, and a playground for kids. You can spend a few hours there just hanging out. When planning a ski trip with kids, make sure to add some downtime as well. This was downtime well spent.
Where To Eat In Winter Park Colorado With Kids
We had a hard time finding good food in Winter Park. Denver definitely has much better food. We ate in Denver on our way to Winter Park as well as on our way back to the airport. Winter Park, Colorado. These are the restaurants from our original trip. Check their current locations, menus, and opening hours before visiting.
Winter Park Colorado
- Smokehouse BBQ (they have the BEST smoked wings, with plenty of sauce options)
Denver Colorado
What are the best ski resorts for families?
- Winter Park Resort
- Keystone Resort
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Copper Mountain
- Steamboat Resort
Tips For Visiting Colorado Winter Park With Kids
- We rented our ski gear from Epic Mountain Sports. The shop still advertises 20% off when booked online at least 24 hours before your first ski day.
- Make sure to pack the right clothes so your kids don’t freeze. Aiden was okay because I made sure he had several layers on, but I was freezing. Check out my post on “10 Things To Pack For A Snow Trip With Kids“
- Want to get a few hours of alone time? Put the kids in ski school and enjoy the time with your significant other. That’s exactly what my husband and I did. We opted out of hitting the slopes. Sometimes it’s hard to get a photo of just us without Aiden trying to be in it. haha
If your hotel or condo has a hot tub or heated pool, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. We didn’t get a chance to use the one in our hotel.
By the time we got back indoors, we just wanted to lie down, put the heater on blast, eat, rest, and relax. The teenager was busy Snapchatting, and the four-year-old was watching cartoons.
If a first snow trip belongs on your family travel bucket list, leave room for the things your children get excited about, too. For Aiden, that started with simply wanting to see snow.
- Most hotels/condos have a hot tub and heated pool. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. We didn’t get a chance to use the one in our hotel because by the time we got back indoors, we just wanted to lay down, put the heater on blast, eat, rest, and relax. The teenager was busy Snapchatting, and the 4yr old, watching cartoons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Park With Kids
1. What age can kids start skiing?
Aiden was four when he took his first ski lesson on this trip, and he loved it. That does not mean every four-year-old is ready. Ask the ski school about its current minimum age, lesson format, and readiness requirements before choosing a class for your child.
2. Is ski school worth it for kids?
For our family, yes. Aiden and my sister both loved their lessons, and Aiden did not want to leave the slopes. When planning Winter Park with kids, compare lesson length, group size, and total cost. Check whether your selected package includes equipment rentals and the required lift ticket.
3. What should kids wear skiing?
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm middle layer, and waterproof snow pants and jacket. Add ski socks, insulated waterproof mittens, goggles, and a properly fitted ski helmet. Bring spare mittens and warm clothes for afterward. Aiden stayed comfortable in layers on our trip, while I needed warmer clothing.
4. When is the cheapest time to ski?
There is no single cheapest date for every family. Compare nonholiday weekdays with weekends, including lodging and lesson costs. Winter Park currently lists a lower starting daily rate for its four-day midweek Flex pack than its other Flex pack. Check restrictions and your full trip total before booking.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find the best flight deals with Skyscanner. It searches airlines and travel sites around the world so you can compare routes, schedules, and prices in one place.
Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Check out my recommended travel credit card resources to start making your travel budget go further.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare rental car options and find competitive rates worldwide. It’s a simple way to compare prices and find the best option for your trip.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
If you’d like extra support planning your next adventure, explore curated travel experiences through Rooted Journeys, where we help families discover meaningful and memorable travel experiences around the world.
