The 6 Best Ski Schools for Young Kids in the U.S.

1. Smugglers' Notch, Vermont

As noted in the introduction to this article, I have used some bias and personal experiences in creating this list of 'The Best Ski Schools for Young Kids.' With that in mind, I should disclose that I attribute my love for skiing and my current skill level to Smugglers' Notch, Vermont (Smuggs).

Smuggs is known as 'America's Family Resort' and has a robust ski school with private and group lesson offerings to back it up. The resort's 'Ski & Snowboard All-Day Camp' for ages 3–15 years is designed for progression across Smuggs' three mountains. Small groups are created based on a numerical skill level. Kids can advance through the skill levels as they improve on the mountain. Smuggs also offers a wide range of private, individual, and group lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities.

I first visited Smuggs at 9 years old and returned almost every season through my teens. I looked forward to joining my group each vacation, and firmly believe that my passion for the sport was developed in the woods and on the bumps of Sterling and Madonna Mountains. Thanks, Smuggs!

2. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen's reputation for glitz, glamour, and pristine slopes is well known, but the ski resort conglomerate also has one of the best ski schools in the entire world. With four distinct ski resorts at its disposal, Aspen offers lessons in everything from the bunny hill to big mountain terrain.

Aspen Buttermilk, the smallest of the four ski resorts, is known as a beginner-friendly mountain due to its mellow slopes. It's the perfect place for your kiddos to try skiing for the first time, but don't be surprised if they start eyeing bigger terrain on neighboring Aspen Mountain, Highlands, and Snowmass.

Aspen Snowmass also offers an extensive catalog of private lessons, adult instruction, child care, and adaptive clinics.

3. Alta Ski Area, Utah

The Alf Engen Ski School at Alta Ski Area is named after the legendary Norwegian who served as Ski School Director for 40 years. Known for his signature powder skiing on straight and long skis, Engen is known as "The Father of the Powder Skiing Technique."

Engen passed away in 1997, but his legacy of skiing excellence lives on in the ski school that bears his name. Today, the ski school offers a wide variety of kids ski lessons, groups, and programs including First-Time Ski Adventures, Beginner, Advanced, Expert, and Explorer lessons for children ages 4–17.

Alta is known for being amongst the best in the world when it comes to snow quality and depth. Why not learn from the best at the best?

4. Palisades Tahoe, California

As one of the largest and most well-known ski resorts in the world, Palisades Tahoe has created a massive catalog of kids' ski lessons, camps, and events to encourage progression across the mountain's challenging terrain.

Vacationers can place their kids in a week-long or daily camp, but many regular visitors from the Bay Area opt for the season-long camps. Whether it's crashing gates with race instructors, charging big mountain lines with the freeride team, or hitting jibs in the park, Palisades Tahoe has lessons for your kiddo.

5. June Mountain, California

Of all the ski resorts on the list, June Mountain is the only one that offers free season passes for skiers 12 years old and younger. That's right, your pre-teen children can ski for free all season long at June.

June is a more tame ski resort when compared to neighboring Mammoth Mountain. This makes it a perfect place to venture out with the kiddos and experience big mountain views without having to navigate crowds and challenging terrain around every corner.

Due to the popularity of its 'Kids Ski Free' policy, June has a laundry list of kids' lessons, camps, and clinics to cater to children of all abilities between the ages of 3 and 14. Lessons can be booked online and in advance.

6. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley's Bald Mountain is the crown jewel that presides over the town. The mountain is notoriously steep, and the 'Green Circle' trails are fun even for advanced skiers and riders.

Thankfully, Sun Valley has a robust ski school and lesson program on nearby Dollar Mountain, a small but fun hill that rests in Baldy's shadow. Things are a bit slower at Dollar with an emphasis on beginners and intermediate skiers and riders. The mountain also has its own luxurious day lodge and ski school facilities on site.

Once your child is ready, he or she can graduate to Baldy for longer runs, steeper trails, and more thrills.

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