10 Family Ski Resorts in or near Connecticut

Families need not flee to northern New England for snowy escapes. There are great family ski resorts in Connecticut or close by in Massachusetts and New York that offer plenty of thrills for easier-to-manage day trips. Below is an overview of some of the area's best kid-friendly ski resorts, whether you love zooming down the slopes on skis or from the comfort of a snow tube. 

Let's face it: the coldest season is much more fun if you stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Our Mommy Poppins Connecticut Winter Fun Guide highlights plenty more ways to help you do just that! For even more winter sports in Connecticut, browse our Ski and Snow Sports Guide. And if you're looking for a family ski vacation well beyond the Nutmeg State, don't miss The Best Ski Resorts in the US.

Note: Most venues are operating with capacity restrictions and social distancing measures. Please check directly with the venue before your arrival.

Family-Friendly Skiing in Connecticut 

1. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area - Cornwall

This skiing destination features a spacious lodge, great snow (real and homemade), well-marked trails, new lifts, challenging trails for adults, and an on-mountain restaurant. The Snowsports Discovery Center offers a wide variety of lessons for children at all levels of the sport. Goggles the Yeti is expected to make occasional appearances this season (though skiers will see him less than in previous years).

Goggles the Yeti—the coolest mountain mascot around—makes skiing extra fun for children. 

2. Ski Sundown - New Hartford

Choose from 16 trails, 15 of which feature night lighting. Half of the trails here are labeled "easy", making it a great place to introduce children to snow. The terrain park is a favorite for snowboarders. The Brookside Lodge features Sunnyside Kitchen - a great place for lunch or breakfast. More delicious food options are also served at The Back Kitchen, Sunnyside Kitchen, and Last Chair Tavern. 

3. Mount Southington - Plantsville 

Enjoy 14 trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, seven lifts, snowmaking, and night skiing. Weekly children's programs, ski and riding lessons, racing teams, afterschool programs, and weekend entertainment are just some of the attractions at this 51-acre ski resort. When you need a break to relax and refuel, The Mountain Room, Waffle Haus, and Red Barn Cafeteria await, all providing great views of the slopes. 

4. Power Ridge Mountain Park & Resort - Middlefield 

Repurchased and rehabilitated, this favorite Connecticut resort reopened in 2013-2014. Grab your annual lift pass and enjoy skiing and snowboarding all season long. Enjoy 19 trails, including nine lit and open at night. Skiers of all ages will feel welcome here, whether you're ready for lessons or competitions. 

Family-Friendly Skiing in Massachusetts

5. Berkshire East Mountain Resort - Charlemont, MA 

Enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, night skiing, and snow tubing. 1,840 feet of elevation will give you great views, while the six lifts will make it easy to get to them. A variety of lessons are also offered here, for all ability levels. 

 
Enjoy the sprawling Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Massachusetts.

6. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort - Hancock, MA 

Choose from among 45 trails and nine lifts, making this the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England. Children as young as 3 will have a great time on the slopes, especially since KidsRule Mountain Camps provides an all-day program that includes lessons, lift tickets, and lunch. 
 

 There's also plenty of fun to be had for beginner skiers! 

7. Ski Butternut - Great Barrington, MA 

Most of the trails here are intermediate terrain, but there's also plenty of fun to be had for beginner skiers or black diamond conquerors. The Tubing Center offers eight lanes of fun, including a Magic Carpet Lift and lights that take the fun deep into the evening. If you're close to the area, you can enjoy weekly outings, including half and full-day kids' programs. 

Family-Friendly Skiing in New York

8. Catamount - Hillsdale, NY

Feel the fresh air as you slice through trails of fun (36 to be exact), including the double diamond Catapult, the steepest trail in the Berkshires. Fifteen trails are open for night skiing. Catamount features more than 60 ski and snowboard professionals who specialize in coaching kids, and lessons are available for children ages 4 and up.

9. Thunder Ridge Ski Area - Patterson, NY

Located about half an hour northwest of Danbury, 22 trails, 3 chairlifts, and 4 magic carpets await. Novice skiers, snowboarders, and the most skilled will enjoy day and night skiing and riding. Daily lesson programs are offered for all ages and ability levels. 

Lounging around at Hunter Mountain.

10. Hunter Mountain - Hunter, NY

Located a little less than two hours from the Connecticut border in Kent, Hunter Mountain features four separate mountain faces offering a variety of terrain that caters to skiers of various ability levels. Ski lessons are offered for children ages 5 and up. Snow tubing lanes are nearly 1,000 feet long, and the tubing park features a snack bar and fire pit. 

This post has been updated for 2022 by writer Ally Noel.

All photos courtesy of the resorts, unless otherwise noted.