Escaping to the mountains for a family vacation is the perfect getaway for some much-needed relaxation. The serenity of the mountains mixed with the fresh air creates a calming sense that is necessary for those families that live a constantly on-the-go lifestyle.
While embarking on a mountain vacation is an exciting start to a grand adventure, planning such a vacation can be stressful. Finding the right mountain resort to take your family to can turn into a headache and may even make you not want to go on vacation.
Luckily, we have composed a list of 12 of the best mountain resorts for families to take the stress away from planning their trip. This list highlights the benefits and features of each resort while also giving you a feel of the surrounding areas. Check out the list below before planning your mountain vacation!
- The Best Mountain Resorts for Families
- Little America Hotel and Resort, Wyoming
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, Tennessee
- High Hampton Resort, North Carolina
- The Lodge at Breckenridge, Colorado
- Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico
- The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Montana
- The Resort at Governor’s Crossing, Tennessee
- Cowboy Village Resort, Wyoming
- Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Tennessee
- Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, New Mexico
- Keystone Ski Resort, Colorado
- Four Seasons Resort, Wyoming
The Best Mountain Resorts for Families
The best mountain resorts for families are either located in a centralized area where accessing attractions comes with ease or includes a plethora of amenities and features, meaning you don’t have to leave the resort to have a good time. Read through the list of the best mountain resorts for families below to find the perfect fit for your family.
Little America Hotel and Resort, Wyoming
Located in the capital city of the state of Wyoming, Little America Hotel and Resort is the perfect spot to take your family on a mountain vacation. With various amenities throughout the resort and all the activities Cheyenne has to offer, this Little America Hotel and Resort is a mountain resort destination you don’t want to miss.
Activities in Cheyenne are endless such as dining, nightlife, shopping, national parks, ski resorts, golf courses, and regular entertainment are just some of the ways you can spend your time. Embark on a Trolley Tour of the city or enjoy a game of miniature golf at The Put Hut. Once it’s time to grab a bite to eat, sit down at Bella Focca Wood Fired Pizza for some excellent pizza.
Upon returning to the resort, let the kids release any pent-up energy on the playground or at the swimming pool while you enjoy browsing the gift shop. The resort also has a fitness center for those that want a good workout. One of the more unique features of the resort is the on-site mechanic shop. Little America Hotel and Resort is bumping up customer service standards by ensuring you and your family can safely stay on the road.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, Tennessee
Surrounded by the majesty of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a family vacation dream come true. With shopping, fitness center, pools, and kids activities readily available on resort grounds, you don’t even have to leave the resort to get the most out of your stay.
Although on-site amenities ensure you don’t have to go far to have a good time, the resort’s proximity to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country will make you want to venture out for the day. Staying at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort combines homestyle comfort and extreme vacation fun for the family.
If you leave the resort to enjoy a day at the Dollywood theme park or water park, a warm welcome is waiting for you upon returning to the resort. Cool off in one of the two onsite pools, take your kids to enjoy the family game room, or sit in on storytime around the fireplace. While the kids enjoy storytime, sneak off to the spa for some much-needed parent pampering.
High Hampton Resort, North Carolina
This activity-filled resort is the optimal mountain getaway for you and your family. Surrounded by 1,400 acres of raw and natural beauty, places to explore are not in short supply at High Hampton Resort in North Carolina. With a history center available for guests to discover what High Hampton is, you and your family will not leave empty-handed.
Breath in the fresh mountain air by hiking along one of the many trails the resort offers. If you and your family are looking for a higher speed outdoor activity, enjoy a round of golf, game of tennis, or a skillful competition of croquet. If enjoying the resort in the summer months, take a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard out on Hampton lake or explore from the banks with a fishing pole.
The Kids Club is perfect for your little adventurers as activities are tailored to younger children. They can enjoy playing games, hiking, a playground, and a plethora of other activities to keep them entertained. Kids Camp is available by reservation only during the winter months, so ensure you prepare in advance! On-site dining means you don’t have to leave the resort to get the most out of your stay.
The Lodge at Breckenridge, Colorado
Ranked as one of the world’s highest-altitude hotels, you experience the history of the mountains when you book a stay at The Lodge at Breckenridge, in Breckenridge, Colorado. Full of rustic charm, this lodge is close to the Breckenridge amenities for a convenient stay in a cozy, mountain setting.
Accommodations at the resort are specifically designed for you and your family to get a Rocky Mountain experience like no other. They even offer dog-friendly rooms for families that travel with their furry friends. Enjoy the mountain views from the lodge as you dine at Traverse Restaurant & Bar, then enjoy pampering at the spa.
Head into town to enjoy the endless summer and winter activities Breckenridge has to offer. With everything from dog sledding to ice skating to hot air balloon rides, there is something everyone in your family will enjoy. Visit The Adventure Company to book an epic outdoor adventure or travel up the mountain to enjoy a day skiing and snowboarding.
Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristos mountain range, Angel Fire Resort in Angel Fire, New Mexico, is a small ski resort perfect for you and your family. With the ski lift just feet from the lodge, you and your family can enjoy the slopes with ease and without having to worry about driving your vehicle through the snow.
Take your family on a cross-country skiing adventure or leisurely zip down the mountain on a snow tube. If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding, sign up for the Ski & Snowboard School, where you can master the art and learn new skills. If the sun goes down before you’ve had your fill of adventure on the slopes, reserve a night skiing lift pass and enjoy the only night skiing in New Mexico.
After a day on the slopes, warm up at the indoor hot tub or take a swim at the indoor pool. Then, head into town and explore the coffee shops and bakery before sitting down for a bite to eat. If you’re looking for more nightlife, you can take the scenic mountain highway to Taos, just 20 minutes away. You don’t want to miss out on the spectacular views and family fun that the quaint little town of Angel Fire has to offer for you and your family.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Montana
The perfect mountain getaway is waiting for you, and your family is The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in the beautiful state of Montana. Western hospitality bursts through the seams at this cozy and rustic mountain resort as the first-class amenities and endless activities create the perfect setting for you and your family to enjoy the mountains.
Enjoy the warmer months with resort activities like scenic chair lift rides, hiking, zip-line tours, alpine slide rides, downhill mountain biking, and cross-country mountain biking, just to name a few. Transition from land to water by charter fishing on Whitefish Lake or stand-up paddle-boarding. You can also venture outside the resort and enjoy some whitewater rafting on the scenic rivers that border Glacier National Park for a unique mountain experience.
Don’t think all the fun happens in the summertime; winter activities are just as plentiful as your family can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, fat tire biking, snow biking, dog sledding, ice fishing, and much more! When it’s time to unwind for the evening, sit down and relax at one of the many onsite dining options. Then, enjoy some pampering at the spa. No matter your family’s vacation style, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake can accommodate even the most demanding guests.
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing, Tennessee
With the beauty of the mountains in the distance, The Resort at Governor’s Crossing in Tennessee gives guests a mountain vibe without having to climb up in elevation. This resort offers a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy while remaining close to Pigeon Forge and mountain activities.
Explore the areas surrounding the resort and visit the Rainforest Adventure Discovery Zoo before making an appearance at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. For the thrill-seekers in the family, try The Coaster at Goats on the Roof or Big Creek Expeditions, where you can enjoy whitewater rafting and zipline tours.
Head back to the resort and indulge in smores at the Firefly Cove before hitting up the onsite indoor or outdoor waterpark. Other onsite amenities include fire pits, games, a picnic area, playground, putt-putt, and a seasonal outdoor cinema. Don’t miss out on all that The Resort at Governor’s Crossing has to offer!
Cowboy Village Resort, Wyoming
Cowboy Village Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a favorite gathering place for family and friends. The authentic log cabin property sits peacefully along the base of the Teton Range of the Middle Rocky Mountains. Its convenient location is only ten minutes from Yellowstone National Park, fifteen minutes from Grand Teton National Park, and the Jackson Hole Airport.
The convenient location mixed with the rustic yet luxurious vibe makes Cowboy Village Resort a top mountain family destination. Each cabin has access to the indoor swimming pool and hot tub along with free ski shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort if shredding the slopes is on your agenda. Only six blocks from the town square mean you can enjoy shopping and dining in the town without the hassle of driving on snow-covered roads.
The Cowboy Village Resort is dog-friendly, and ADA cabins are available. Enjoy the majestic mountain landscape by grilling at one of the onsite bar-b-que grills or relaxing on your cabin’s private covered deck. If you didn’t pack enough clothing for your trip, there is no need to worry as guest laundry is also available onsite. Enjoy the mountains in this quaint resort while remaining close to all the town action.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Tennessee
The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa has everything you need to enjoy a luxurious mountain getaway. Located in Gatlinburg, TN, this resort boasts luxury and family fun while enjoying spectacular mountain views. The serene setting allows you to relax, while the endless fun the resort offers will keep the kids entertained.
Within minutes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you and your family can get out in nature and enjoy wildlife while hiking or biking one of the many nature trails. After enjoying a fun-filled day out in nature, come home to Westgate and relax at the spa as the kids enjoy the onsite zipline or a game of minigolf.
One of the more unique features of the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa is the indoor waterpark. It is the perfect spot to let the kids loose as they enjoy the waterslides and other waterpark features. This waterpark even has a lazy river where you can hop in a tube and relax as the current leads you. Make the most of your stay by popping into the resort’s restaurant and enjoying some authentic southern cooking.
Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, New Mexico
Situated in the Taos Ski Village, Edelweiss Lodge & Spa in New Mexico is another must for your mountain vacation bucket list. The luxurious accommodations mixed with the majestic mountainside views make for a cozy stay in a convenient location.
With one- and two-bedroom lodging options, Edelweiss Lodge can accommodate small and large families. Resort amenities include a full-service spa, on-site dining, hot tub & sauna, fitness center, ski vale, boot lockers, and onsite underground parking to keep your car out of the elements.
The resort’s convenient location means you can walk to shops along the base of the Taos Ski area and experience one of the many dining options. One of the favorite dining options is the Blonde Bear Tavern, open daily during the ski season and offering world-class cocktails alongside critically acclaimed food. Edelweiss Lodge and Spa is a must if your family is looking for a unique mountain stay perfect for hitting the slopes.
Keystone Ski Resort, Colorado
With lodging options from traditional hotel rooms to multi-bedroom vacation rentals, your family will have all the space it needs to get the most out of your mountain vacation at Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado. One of the most popular skiing destinations in the United States, Keystone Ski Resort offers some of the best accommodations and has endless activities available.
Located in the White River National Forest of the Rocky Mountains, Keystone Resort spreads across three peaks – Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback – making it the largest ski area in Summit County. Because of the nature of the resort, winter activities are plentiful, with everything from ski and ride school to mountain top snow tubing to ice skating on Keystone Lake. They even offer scenic sleigh rides!
After a day out in the cold, cozy up inside at the spa and salon, or bundle back up and enjoy some Main Street retail shopping. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants conveniently located on the resort grounds. If you’re looking for a mountain vacation destination that offers everything you need for the entirety of your stay, Keystone Ski Resort is the place to go.
Four Seasons Resort, Wyoming
Another Jackson Hole resort, the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a must for your family getaway. While it does not offer the private cabin lodging found at Cowboy Village Resort, it does boast spacious lodge rooms with a rustic touch.
The proximity to Grand Teton National Park means wildlife viewing is right around the corner for you and your family to enjoy. With activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, fly fishing, and rafting, the readily available adventure options make your vacation planning easy as they are all accessible on-site.
After a long day exploring the area and enjoying adrenaline-rushing activities, stop by The Handle Bar to relax and unwind as you enjoy authentic dishes and signature cocktails for the adults. Send the kids off to the heated pool before heading to the spa for the ultimate Four Seasons experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a mountain resort filled with activities for the kids or a resort that provides child care for your toddler, you are sure to find a mountain resort that fits your needs. From high-paced ski resorts to serene mountainside getaways, the United States boasts a variety of mountain resort options perfect for any family.
Don’t let the uncertainty of the mountains and what they have to offer steer you away from enjoying a top-notch and luxurious getaway. Visit one of the resorts listed above to embark on a mountain vacation you and your family won’t soon forget!
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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