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Aspen Snowmass Family Ski Vacation Guide

Every generation of your family will find something to love here. Aspen Snowmass is one of the best ski resorts for families in Colorado, with family ski packages and kids activities that make it easy to build a winter trip that works for everyone. We’ve gathered all the resources you need to start planning for that perfect Aspen family vacation. Come ski with us.

For the ultimate on-mountain experience, book a private Group Family Lesson with our Ski & Snowboard School. Everyone will fine-tune their skills and get an insider's perspective on the terrain.

Yes, Kids Under Six Ski Free

Thre kids hug each other on the slopes

Skiing is one of the few winter activities that the whole family can enjoy together. To make it easier for the whole family, kids ages 6 and under always ski free at Aspen Snowmass. Every day, all season, no blackout dates. Pair that with our family ski packages and discounted lift tickets for seniors, teens, and kids across all four mountains, and winter gets a lot more affordable for the whole crew. Learn more about these discounts below.

Explore Lift Ticket Pricing

gondola cars at aspen snowmass on a winter day, going up the mountain

Packages and Deals

It's never too early to book your family vacation to Aspen Snowmass. Discover our packages and deals.

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Aspen Snowmass For All Ages

Being a family-friendly mountain resort means more than just a handful of easy runs where kids can learn to ski. It means a mountain resort that has everyone’s interests in heart (including hard-to-please teens).

We take pride in being a four-mountain resort that creates extraordinary winter vacations for families from around the world.

Mother holding son in front of daycare at aspen snowmass while it snows

Toddlers

The littlest members of your crew are covered at The Treehouse at Snowmass, a full-service children's center for the youngest skiers and non-skiers alike.

Little girl in her Aspen ski lesson pulls her goggles down

Ages 3 to 6

This is where the magic starts. Ages 3 to 4 ski only, available at Buttermilk and Snowmass. Ages 5 to 6 ski only, available at Aspen Highlands (blue zone or higher), Buttermilk, and Snowmass. And remember — kids ages 6 and under always ski free at Aspen Snowmass.

Group of kids follow in single file line down Aspen mountain during a ski lesson

Ages 7 to 12

On-mountain surprises, skill-building, and the kind of independence that makes for great bedtime stories.

Kid on snowboard goes off a box in the terrain park during his lesson at Aspen Snowmass

Teens

From terrain parks to Teen Group Lessons, teens have room to push their limits — the S3 Park at Buttermilk and the Lowdown Park at Snowmass are built for progression, not intimidation.

Little boy smiles at the camera in his ski gear as he holds a big cheese burger at lunch at aspen snowmass

Whole Family

Head up to Elk Camp for something everyone can do together — the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, tubing, and mountain views that make the trip up worth it on their own.

Quick Links

The most direct planning pages at your fingertips.

two silver queen gondola cars pass each other on a snowy day on the slopes

Tickets & Passes

Compare Aspen Snowmass ski tickets and passes and find the right one for you and your party.

On the chairlift with an Aspen Snowmass Ski Pro.

Lessons

Find the right lessons for your family and group and get connected with our Ski & Snowboard School.

woman hangs skies at four mountain sports rentals

Equipment Rentals

The right gear makes all the difference, and so does the right team to get your family fitted. Explore rentals with Four Mountain Sports.

Arial view of the ski runs of Aspen Mountain

Lodging

Explore lodging options from downtown Aspen to ski-in/ski-out options in Snowmass Village and other accommodations in the valley.

Ski & Snowboard School

Book Lessons

Whether they're 2½ or 17, kids learn best when they're having fun. Our world-class Ski & Snowboard School offers private and group lessons that build confidence, encourage progression, and keep fun and safety at the heart of every day on snow.

Learn more about our lessons and two children's centers below.

Guide to Lessons

Ski pro at aspen snowmass teaches two young children to ski

Child Group Lessons

Ski Pro at aspen snowmass takes in the view of the highlands bowl with their student

Kids Mountain Explorers

Ski Pro at aspen snowmass teaches their snowboard students how to carve

Teen Group Lessons

Ski Pro at aspen snowmass leads their student on snowboards down the hill

Adult First Time

Ski Pro at aspen snowmass talks with their students on skies before the day starts

Adult Group Lesson

Ski Pro at aspen snowmass holds arms out for kids as they turn down the hill

Family Private Lesson

Children's Centers

Operated by our Ski & Snowboard School, these two Children's Centers have raised the bar on what an integrated, learn-to-ski center can be.

Treehouse Kids Adventure Center

A full-service children's center offering care and ski instruction for the youngest members of your family. Also includes rentals.

The Hideout

Located at Buttermilk base area offers kids ages 2 ½ to 4 the perfect place to mix play and their first turns in a controlled, safe and unintimidating environment. Also serves as the meeting place for our Ages 5-6 Group Lessons.

Beyond Skiing & Riding

If you're looking for things to do in Aspen with kids beyond skiing and riding, Elk Camp and Snowmass Base Village have you covered.

Winter Activities

two girls scream as they ride the alpine coaster in wintertime at Snowmass

The Breathtaker

For winter thrills off the slopes, look no further than the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Riders of this alpine coaster can wind their way through over a mile of forest on an elevated track, reaching speeds of up to 28 mph. Ride it at Elk Camp during the day, on select Ullr Nights, or during select après hours.

Learn more

Tubing

With multiple lift-served lanes carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp, our lighted tubing facilities are a blast for non-skiers and skiers alike. Open during the day, and on select nights.

Learn More

Ullr night at Snowmass, purple lights shine into the night as people walk around outside

Ullr Nights

Held on six select nights during the winter season, this family-friendly nighttime party at Elk Camp celebrates the season with night tubing, the lit-up Breathtaker Coaster, live music, and s'mores by the fire.

Learn more

son and father laughing as they spin on the ice rink together

Ice Skating

The romance of winter in the Rocky Mountains takes on its full effect when you and your family skate on the ice rink in Snowmass Village. Situated in the Base Village Plaza, the spacious rink is open from noon until 9pm and offers free skate rentals as well as "walkers" available for anyone new to the ice.

Learn more

Is Aspen Snowmass good for families with young kids?

Yes, Aspen Snowmass is built around family skiing. Kids 6 and under ski free, there are dedicated children's centers at Snowmass and Buttermilk, and ski school programs start at age 2½.

Do kids really ski free at Aspen Snowmass?

Yes. Kids ages 6 and under ski free at Aspen Snowmass. Every day, all season.

What is there to do in Aspen with kids besides skiing?

Beyond skiing and riding, families can enjoy the tubing hill and ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Elk Camp, skate for free at the Snowmass Base Village ice rink, and join Ullr Nights for live music, s'mores, and night tubing on select dates throughout the season.

Which mountain at Aspen Snowmass is best for families?

Buttermilk and Snowmass are the most family-oriented of the four mountains, with dedicated kids' terrain, children's centers, and beginner-friendly trails. Snowmass also has Elk Camp's tubing and alpine coaster, while Buttermilk is home to various terrain parks for teens easing into park riding.

What is there for teenagers to do at Aspen Snowmass?

Teens can progress in beginner terrain parks like the S3 Park at Buttermilk and the Lowdown Park at Snowmass, join Teen Group Lessons, or ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and tubing hill at Elk Camp.