Slopes for New Skiers
If you’re tired of Chuck E. Cheese and trampoline parks all winter with your kids, turn your sights to the slopes. With a little research and gear rentals, setting your kids up with a newfound winter activity like skiing could be just the thing to cure winter blues and boredom, as well as giving them a love for a lifelong sport.
(You may be thinking...this is too much work! But TRUST me, the kids will love it. It is core activities like these that create lasting experiences for a lifetime.)
You don’t need a mountain in your backyard or the budget for some après-ski to make skiing a reality for your family. In many places in the United States, you could be within just a few hours’ drive of skiing. Here’s some of the best ski areas for beginners by region, no matter where you live or vacation.
New England: Cochran’s Ski Area, Vermont
Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Vermont is the first non-profit ski area in the United States with the purpose of allowing all children to learn how to ski, regardless of income or ability. The ski area is small and no-fuss, but season passes, lift tickets, and private lessons are more affordable than just about anywhere. Cochran’s Ski Area was made for beginner skiers.
Southeast: Timberline Mountain, West Virginia
In the Allegheny Mountains, Timberline Mountain in Davis, West Virginia is accessible in the Southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. In fact, it’s only three and a half hours from Washington D.C. An introductory group lesson is only $25 per person, and there are many lesson offerings for children as young as four years old.
Midwest: Crystal Mountain, Michigan
Crystal Mountain near Traverse City, Michigan is consistently rated one of the top ski resorts for families. There are 15 runs for beginners and two magic carpets for getting your littles up the bunny hill. There is even an ingenious “Nanny McSki” program that is part-private lesson, part-childcare for up to three children.
Intermountain West: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
It can be hard to narrow down the many, many ski world-class resorts in Utah, Colorado and Idaho. Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah may be one of the boujiest, but it’s also one of the most beginner-friendly. Deer Valley’s plush amenities are catered to beginners in many ways. Ski school lessons never exceed four people, and 27 percent of its runs are rated for beginners.
(We personally ride Sundance and Woodward PC with our kids a few times per week. Sundance is a smaller resort but more cost friendly compared to Deer Valley, Brighton, PC, Alta, Snowbird, etc if the budget isn't there.)
Pacific: June Mountain, California
Located near Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, June Mountain calls itself “California's Family Mountain.” June Mountain dedicates itself to families and beginner skiers—kids 12 and under ski free! There are lesson options for children as young as three and an easygoing, intimate vibe so your little skiers can gain confidence and have a (snow)ball.
Stay warm in the lodge or the slopes with a BinkyBro signature beanie—sizes are available for infants to adults. What’s cuter than a baby in ski gear? Matching your baby in twinning beanies.
(Rachel enjoying a quick ride in PC - December 2022)
Perfect to wear under a BinkyBro toddler snowsuit, your toddler will be cozy and stay cozy in a Canyons crew neck sweatshirt. Layer it over a base layer Timberline thermal tee for ultimate cute and comfort.
