Share this post!

Last Modified: December 6, 2023
Four Ski Resorts Filled with Family Fun
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Photo by Chelsea Mackenzie Photography.

By Amber McLinden

Picking the perfect resort to hit the slopes can prove slightly more challenging with the whole family in tow. So, we’ve rounded up four places that are sure to keep both parents and kids entertained.

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Head across the Alberta-B.C. border to reach Kimberley Alpine Resort, often referred to as a “hidden gem” of the Canadian Rockies, just off Highway 93 near Cranbrook. Little ones are sure to love a section of the hill dedicated to them – the Minute Maid Kids’ Trails, accessible from the North Star Express Highspeed Quad. A great family destination is usually made by more than the mountain trails themselves. When you’re ready to give your legs a break (even if the kids can keep going) check out the resort’s other activities, like their s’mores and snowshoe tours. Snowshoe along nearby Trickle Creek or take the lift to the mountain top for a scenic view before settling down by the fire to make some delicious treats. It makes sense why Forecast Ski Magazine named Kimberley Alpine Resort “one of the most underrated and family-friendly resorts in B.C.” in the latest issue, Issue 9.2.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Golden, B.C. boasts some excellent expert-level terrain that attracts riders from far and wide— including the Freeride World Tour— to the backcountry, as highlighted in a behind-the-scenes feature in the Mountain Life Fall 2023/2024 issue, L’Impossible, by Andrew Findlay. While Kicking Horse mountain includes a learning area for a DIY approach to teaching, the mountain also offers excellent day and week ski and snowboard programs for kids from ages three to 17, as well as holiday camps for Christmas visitors. For tots uninterested in skiing or snowboarding, there’s still plenty to do. Head to the Grizzly Bear Refuge and learn all about the 20-acre area that houses Boo the Bear. From a tube park and skating rink located right in the central village to daycare for when parents want to hit some more challenging runs, there’s much enjoyment to be had!

Sunshine Village Ski Resort

A well-known name in ski and snowboard circles, Banff’s Sunshine Village Ski Resort has always been a popular destination for beginners and professionals alike. Its 3,500 acres make it one of the larger resorts in the Canadian Rockies and its variety in terrain makes it perfect for the blossoming skier or snowboarder.  You can find tons of short, fun runs off of the Jackrabbit and Wolverine chairs that make this big mountain feel a little smaller. The variety is what makes it perfect for a ski lesson – kids can be taken throughout the mountain on tons of different runs depending on skill level. If the youngsters are feeling particularly brave, take them to one of Sunshine Village’s five terrain parks, including the Kids Play Park. Springhill Park, recently featured in King Snow Magazine, highlights The Build Up, an initiative to build community amongst Canadian, all-female “diggers” – otherwise known as the people who create terrain parks. 

Panorama Mountain Resort

There’s much to consider when taking your whole family on a ski holiday. Beyond the mountain itself, it’s beneficial to find accommodation close by to make the journey from slope to home easier, according to an article on planning a successful family ski weekend by Calgary’s Child. Approximately three hours from Calgary, up the hill from Invermere, B.C. is where you’ll find lodgings at Panorama Mountain Resort. All the living quarters are located within ski-in and ski-out distance from the mountain, making it an easy journey for all. Plus, every guest receives access to the Panorama Spring Pools, a large group of hot pools accessible to soak your muscles and let the kids have fun post-ski. Panorama has ski and snowboard programs and a learning area for kids, plus accessible beginner terrain. For little ones only starting to learn, check out the PanoKids Discovery Program, an entire day of learning for first-timers ages six to 12.  


Amber is a freelance writer, journalist and fact-checker who has worked with a range of Alberta-based publications including Avenue Calgary, Spur Magazine, WestJet Magazine and more. To learn about Amber and her work or to connect, you can visit her website at ambermclinden.com.