Your Complete Guide to Planning a Family Ski Vacation in Aspen Snowmass

Planning a family ski vacation can feel overwhelming, but Aspen Snowmass makes it surprisingly simple. With four mountains offering terrain for every skill level, world-class ski schools, and family-friendly amenities throughout the resort, you'll find everything you need for an unforgettable winter getaway. Whether you're introducing your little ones to skiing for the first time or looking to advance your family's skills together, this guide will help you navigate the essentials of planning your perfect Aspen Snowmass family ski vacation.

Choosing the Right Mountain for Your Family

Aspen Snowmass comprises four distinct mountains, each with its own character. For families with young children or beginners, 

Buttermilk Mountain is your best bet. Known as the teaching mountain, Buttermilk offers gentle terrain perfect for first-timers and features the renowned Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School's main learning area. The mountain's mellow slopes give kids the confidence they need to progress quickly.

Snowmass Mountain is ideal for families with mixed abilities. As the largest of the four mountains, it offers something for everyone—from beginner trails to challenging terrain—all connected by an efficient lift system. The base village at Snowmass has plenty of family-friendly dining and shopping options, making it easy to spend your entire vacation without leaving the area.

Proximity to Ski School: Where to Stay

When traveling with children enrolled in ski school, proximity to the meeting points can make or break your vacation experience. Wrangling kids in ski gear through long walks is nobody's idea of a relaxing morning.

For families using Buttermilk's ski school, iTrip Aspen Snowmass offers excellent accommodations in the town of Aspen with easy public shuttle access to the mountain. Browse our selection of downtown Aspen properties—many are within walking distance to restaurants and shops while providing quick access to Buttermilk via the free shuttle system. Our vacation homes and condos give your family the space to spread out and include full kitchens to make mornings easier.

If you're planning to ski primarily at Snowmass, pick a property at Snowmass Base Village that put you steps away from the gondola and ski school meeting areas. Our ski-in/ski-out condos and townhomes offer the ultimate convenience—imagine dropping your children at ski school and being on the slopes yourself in minutes, no driving, no shuttles, no stress. Many properties feature multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and private hot tubs for après-ski relaxation.

Why Choose iTrip Aspen Snowmass Properties

iTrip Aspen Snowmass specializes in vacation rentals perfectly suited for families. Unlike hotels, our properties offer the space and flexibility families need for a comfortable ski vacation. Here's what sets iTrip properties apart:

•       Space to spread out: Multi-bedroom condos and townhomes mean parents and kids aren't cramped into a single hotel room. Children can have their own space, you can unwind after they go to bed, and everyone enjoys more privacy.

•       Full kitchens: Prepare breakfast before hitting the slopes, pack lunches for ski school, and cook family dinners. This flexibility saves money and accommodates picky eaters without stress.

•       In-unit laundry: When ski gear gets wet (and it will), having a washer and dryer in your rental is invaluable. No more paying hotel laundry fees or waiting for equipment to dry.

•       Living spaces: After a day on the mountain, families need room to relax. iTrip properties feature comfortable living rooms where kids can play games while parents unwind with a glass of wine.

•       Prime locations: From slopeside Snowmass condos to charming Aspen townhomes, iTrip's portfolio includes properties within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from ski schools.

•       Family-friendly amenities: Many properties include hot tubs, game rooms, and other features that make vacation time special. Some even have ski lockers and boot dryers right at the property.

iTrip's local team knows Aspen Snowmass intimately and can help you choose the perfect property for your family's needs. We understand that proximity to ski school, number of bathrooms, and kitchen size matter when you're traveling with children. Our properties are professionally managed, consistently maintained, and equipped with everything you need for a successful family ski vacation.

Ski School Options and What to Expect

The Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School is one of the finest in North America, offering programs for children as young as 18 months. Here's what you need to know:

•       Big Burn Bears (18 months - 3 years): Indoor and outdoor activities that introduce your toddler to snow play in a nurturing environment. Available at Snowmass.

•       Cubs (ages 3-4): A gentle introduction to skiing or snowboarding with certified instructors who specialize in teaching young children.

•       Powder Pandas (ages 5-6) and Big Cats (ages 7-12): Full-day programs that combine ski instruction with fun activities like treasure hunts and games.

•       Teen Programs (ages 13-17): Designed for teenagers who want to improve their skills while meeting other young riders.

Lessons typically run from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and include lunch. Advance reservations are essential, especially during holiday periods. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates and times.

Renting Baby Equipment: Simplify Your Travel

Traveling with young children means traveling with mountains of gear—unless you take advantage of baby equipment rental services. Rather than checking car seats, pack-n-plays, high chairs, and strollers on your flight, rent them locally and reclaim your baggage allowance for actual vacation essentials.

Several companies in the Aspen area specialize in baby equipment rentals:

•       Baby's Away: Offers cribs, high chairs, strollers, baby monitors, and more. They deliver directly to your accommodation and pick up when you leave.

When renting baby equipment, book early—particularly during peak season (Christmas through New Year's and February through March). Confirm delivery times with your property management company to ensure someone will be available to receive the items.

Ski and Snowboard Rentals for the Whole Family

Consider these options:

•       On-mountain rentals: Four Mountain Sports operates rental shops at each mountain base. Their "Ski Better Guarantee" allows equipment exchanges if something isn't working for your child.

•       Delivery services: Companies like Black Tie Ski Rentals and Aspen Sports will deliver and fit equipment at your lodging, saving you time and hassle.

•       Performance rentals: For families with more experienced skiers, premium rental packages offer higher-quality equipment that can significantly enhance the skiing experience.

Pro tip: Arrive a day early if possible and get fitted for equipment the afternoon before your first ski day. This allows time for any needed adjustments and means you can hit the slopes first thing in the morning.

Planning Your Ski Day Schedule

Successful family ski days require realistic scheduling. Young children tire quickly, especially at altitude and in cold weather. Here's a sample day that balances ski time with rest:

•       7:30 AM: Breakfast at your lodging

•       8:30 AM: Begin getting everyone dressed and ready

•       9:15 AM: Drop children at ski school

•       9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Parents ski together

•       12:00 PM: Lunch at an on-mountain restaurant

•       1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Afternoon skiing while kids continue their lessons

•       3:30 PM: Pick up children from ski school

•       4:00 PM: Return to lodging for hot chocolate and rest

•       6:00 PM: Early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant

Remember that Aspen sits at 7,908 feet elevation. Take it easy your first day, drink plenty of water, and don't be surprised if naps become mandatory—even for adults.

Après-Ski Activities for Families

Not every moment needs to be spent on skis. Aspen Snowmass offers numerous family-friendly activities:

•       Aspen Recreation Center: Features pools, ice skating, climbing walls, and more.

•       Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center: Learn about the prehistoric animals discovered during the Snowmass base village construction.

•       Tubing at Snowmass: The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and tubing hill provide thrills for all ages.

•       Downtown Aspen: Stroll the pedestrian-friendly street and warm up in cozy bookstores and toy shops.

Dining with Children

Aspen's restaurant scene welcomes families. Don't feel limited to pizza and burgers—many upscale restaurants happily accommodate children with special menus and early dining times.

Family favorites include:

•       Artisan Restaurant (Snowmass Base Village): Casual atmosphere with consistently good food

•       Base Camp Bar & Grill(Snowmass Village): Comfortable spot with a kids menu and relaxed vibe

•       Slices (Aspen): New York-style pizza by the slice—perfect for hungry kids

•       White House Tavern (Aspen): American comfort food in a historic building

For ultimate convenience, our vacation rentals include full kitchens. Stock up on breakfast items, snacks, and simple dinner ingredients to minimize restaurant expenses and accommodate picky eaters.

Money-Saving Tips

Aspen Snowmass family vacations require investment, but strategic planning can reduce costs:

•       Book early: Lift tickets purchased in advance cost significantly less than walk-up rates.

•       Consider shoulder season: January (excluding MLK weekend) offers excellent snow conditions with lower prices than peak holiday periods.

•       Multi-day ski school packages: Booking three or more consecutive days of lessons often includes discounts.

•       Cook some meals: Even preparing breakfast and a few dinners at your rental saves substantially.

•       Free transportation: Take full advantage of the complimentary shuttle system throughout the valley.

Packing Essentials

Beyond ski gear, pack these family vacation essentials:

•       Sunscreen and lip balm: High altitude means intense sun, even on cloudy days

•       Extra gloves and mittens: Kids' gloves never seem to dry overnight

•       Waterproof snow pants and jackets: Wet = cold = miserable

•       Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic fabrics keep kids warm without bulk

•       Reusable water bottles: Staying hydrated at altitude is crucial

•       Small backpack: For carrying snacks, extra layers, and treasures discovered on the mountain

•       Entertainment for downtime: Books, tablets, or games for relaxing evenings at the condo

Making It All Come Together

A family ski vacation in Aspen Snowmass creates memories that last a lifetime. Watching your children progress from tentative first turns to confident parallel skiing brings joy that transcends the investment of time and resources. By choosing lodging near ski school meeting points, arranging baby equipment rentals, and planning realistic daily schedules, you set your family up for success.

The key to a great family ski vacation isn't perfection—it's flexibility. Some days will go exactly as planned. Others will involve lost gloves, tired tantrums, and early returns to the lodge. Both are part of the experience. Embrace the chaos, celebrate the victories, and remember that you're building a foundation for a lifetime of winter adventures together.

Ready to start planning? Explore our vacation rentals that put you close to ski schools, offer the space your family needs, and provide the amenities that make ski vacations manageable. Your perfect Aspen Snowmass family adventure awaits.