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ALTAPURA
city/region: Val Thorens
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: boutique
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
At 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in the Alps making Altapura the highest “Skipalace” in Europe. This lively description says it all. Altapura is a skier's dream with instant access to what Val Thorens is famous for — incredible alpine skiing. Moreover, Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world with 600 kilometers of interconnected slopes. The hotel is new and developed by one of our favorite brands in Europe for stunning design, Sibuet Hotels. The modern, creative décor is fun, cozy, and comfortable. Guest rooms feature state-of-the-art electronics. The staff is a non-French speaking traveler's dream as they are happy to speak English when needed. The three onsite restaurants are all exceptional and the half-board option is a great value. Parents of school-age kids will cherish the hassle-free ski set-up and teens will love the super cool vibe.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action
This property is a wonderful place for hands-on farm experiences for children (holding baby sheep, shearing, learning about farm life, etc.) The area has both wonderful, easy hiking appropriate for preschool age children and above as well as excellent day hikes available for adults. Connecting rooms and baby equipment are readily available, and they accommodate food requests for children. Childcare is provided by the farmer's daughter (she is delightful).
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: old world
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Badrutt's Palace has a wonderful indoor pool and fantastic mountain views. Although this is one of Switzerland's landmark luxury hotels, it is very child-friendly. My kids enjoyed the Heidi House - a supervised play area with activities and movies. There is special attention paid to families with a kid's welcome gift and the staff always seemed to have pockets stocked with chocolate.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Beautifully maintained self-catering apartments with plenty of extras thrown in. Gorgeous views, fantastic local food and drink, wonderful hosts and lots of interesting activities in close proximity. The owner provides toys, games, DVDs, and a fabulous activity folder for kids.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action
Nestled in 9-acres of open land adjacent to the commercial center of Banff, the Buffalo Mountain Lodge makes a wonderful home-base for exploring the magical scenery of the Canadian Rockies. The mountain-style, architecture and handcrafted décor is warm and inviting. Guest rooms are comfortable with fireplaces and private balconies - some units have kitchenette facilities. The overall atmosphere is quiet with limited onsite amenities, yet all of the area’s activities are easy to access from here - a perfect option for families that want to escape the tourist crowds in town and enjoy this breath-taking natural setting.
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CHAA CREEK
city/region: San Ignacio
accommodation category: resort
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Chaa Creek is located in a private nature reserve and offers cottages, suites and tents. We stayed in a cottage and a tent and the kids loved the tent!
There are wonderful services and activities including horseback riding, canoeing, a butterfly farm, day trips to ruins, miles of trails for hiking and birding and a swimming pool. The meals were filling and delicious.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Clay Brook is brand new, so everything is very clean and well done. Hands-down the best feature is the location for skiing—you can literally walk off the slopes and drop your skis with the valet and that's it! They even have boot warmers available—talk about luxury! Our kids loved the outdoor heated pool and got a kick out of swimming and jumping in snow at the same time. The decor is traditional and comfortable; rooms are spacious with full kitchens. If you call ahead, they will even stock the fridge for you. Fabulous!
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
The Equinox is lovely! Starwood purchased the property and did a major renovation—it is now more sophisticated and very pretty. The food is delicious at both the steakhouse and the tavern, and we love the gorgeous fire-pit and terrace. Despite all the upscale features appreciated by the adults (spa, driving school, golf), there are many families that stay here for the easy access to year-round outdoors activities including falconry school, swimming, hiking, fly fishing, and skiing at nearby Stratton and Bromley. Rooms are spacious and decorated very well.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
What makes the Evergreen Lodge special is the summer camp-style activities. Everything is organized around a central plaza with many entertainment options for all ages including horseshoes, ping pong, and an outdoor fire pit. It is a safe and fun set-up for families. There is a toddler play area and board games available. One particularly nice feature is the affordable children’s menu given that the restaurant is the only option for meals and you can’t keep food in cabins because of bears. The staff is wonderful and offers great local excursion advice and guided activities. Recently renovated Family Cabins are comfortable and ideally configured with pocket doors you can close for separation and privacy. Just a mile from Yosemite National Park, access to park attractions and a wide variety of outdoor adventures is easy.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
This hotel is known as the 'Castle in the Rockies' and it lives up to that title. Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, it is a very special place to stay. They have one of the best year-round outdoor pools with breathtaking views and scenery. There is a great little kids pool for babies and toddlers. Our kids also love ice skating by the river during winter months. If you can sneak away to the spa, it's well worth it and never disappoints!
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Firefly stands out as a truly exceptional boutique hotel experience in a village that is jam-packed with accommodation options. The highlight for families is the massive apartment-style rooms with 1-4 bedrooms; these suites sleep up to 8 people, making them ideal for extended family or small groups. Stylish, modern design meets mountain architecture is the theme. Some suites have glorious Matterhorn views and all are supremely comfortable with high-tech kitchen facilities. Public areas are cozy and include an inviting lounge and a stunning indoor pool. Our favorite feature is the friendly reception staff who go out of their way ensure guests can navigate Zermatt’s plethora of things to do. Just a few-minute walk from the main gondola area, the location is ideal for both winter and summertime activities.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Flathead Lake Lodge is set on the shores of Flathead Lake and surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. This location means families get the best of a lake and dude ranch vacation. Warm and welcoming hosts, the owners set the tone of casual excellence in the entire experience from customer service to the food. The time with other guests is not forced, but very natural and we loved meeting families from all over the country. Kids have the opportunity to be independent here and enjoy a huge variety of activities from sailing to fishing. The horseback riding program is excellent and the ranch ensures that horses fit their rider — you can ride as little or as much as you like. Flathead Lake Ranch is a terrific value and provides outstanding, memorable family vacations.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
This is a true "cowboy" guest ranch with a great kids riding program. The property is family-oriented with a range of activities including onsite fishing ponds. We all loved our experience as there is something to do for every age group. We still talk about our adventure riding a mustang in a lake - bareback!
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HOTEL BODMI
city/region: Grindelwald
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Hotel Bodmi is an excellent example of a Swiss 3-star hotel that would be classified as a 4-star property in any other part of the world. Located on a grassy/snowy knoll above the town of Grindelwald, the views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks are magnificent. The hotel’s position is ideal as it allows guests to escape the bustle of town, but still has easy access to restaurants, shops, and the incredible activities of this area. Guest accommodations include family rooms and 1-3 bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Family-owned and operated, the atmosphere is inviting and friendly. A kids’ club is offered over the winter months. Onsite dining is excellent.
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HOTEL EIGER
city/region: Mürren
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
A mountain lover’s dream come true, Mürren is dramatically perched above a steep valley at 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) with the ultimate view of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. Accessible only via cable car or train, this car-free village is wondrous for all ages. Run by the same family for four generations, the atmosphere at Hotel Eiger is relaxed and traditional. Rooms are ideally set up for families with kitchenette facilities and spacious living areas. The indoor pool is perfect for après ski and hiking breaks and there’s a kids’ play area with toys and movies. The onsite dining is excellent. Located at the far end of the village, Hotel Eiger is in a prime position for fully appreciating the mountain splendor and removed from the tourist bustle of town.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: boutique
cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
This mountain view hotel has individually decorated, cozy rooms and suites, some on two levels. The atmosphere is casual yet classy and the location provides easy access to the ski resort. There is a kid's game room, swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel has great breakfasts and there are good restaurants just a 10-minute walk into the village.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Hotel Meierhof is an excellent year-round base for a family vacation in Davos. It’s all about easily accessing the plethora of incredible outdoor activities in this area and the hotel location in the heart of city is extremely convenient. The ski bus stops outside the front door. A wide variety of shops and restaurant are within walking distance. Despite the urban setting, the hotel has a garden and terrace open over the summer months. Designed in an updated traditional Alpine style, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Rooms are simple with very comfortable beds. There’s an unsupervised playroom for young kids filled with toys, as well as an indoor swimming pool and wellness area. The excellent onsite restaurant, Jarno, offers a mix of local and Italian cuisine.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Hotel Rosa Alpina is a family-owned Relais & Chateaux property set in the Dolomite mountains in the village of San Cassiano. The hotel has an award-winning spa, an indoor pool, 2-star Michelin restaurant, plus a delicious casual restaurant. The staff is warm and wonderful. The 54-room hotel is tastefully decorated and pairs modern touches with traditional Alpine decor. Rooms are luxurious with many shapes and sizes for families. The same guests return back over summer and winter months for good reason. Epic skiing and hiking is plentiful in this area with extensive family infrastructure. There is kids' club offered in town during summer months for ages 4-12.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
There are few views more spectacular than the one from the porch of the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch - the dramatic peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains dominate the setting. The 80-year old ranch is authentic on the outside but modern and comfortable inside. Cozy cabins with connecting doors are optimal for families. There are endless outdoor activities to choose from in this area including world-class hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Kids love the hot springs mineral pool and there is an evening kids program with games and activities that my 5-year-old still raves about. The bottom line is everyone has an opportunity to unwind here and take advantage of the incredible setting.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
The Inn at Sugar Bowl is one of the few moderately priced Tahoe accommodations that is ski-in/ski-out. The historic lodge is casual and comfortable—kids of all ages are everywhere. Rooms are quirky and somewhat dated, but the phenomenal, convenient location makes up for any lack of polish. The staff is young, friendly, and available to help you bring up, store and take down your ski gear. The inviting lobby lounge is an ideal venue for family games and apres ski fun.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: boutique
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
If you're looking for the ultimate chalet-style luxury experience, this is it. Les Fermes des Marie is a spectacular boutique hotel that manages to successfully merge adult-focused relaxation with a kid-friendly vibe in an intimate setting. A lovely spa featuring their exclusive mountain plant-derived product line is paired with a kid-friendly indoor pool. The delicious, upscale restaurant works for all with a children's early seating during peak family periods. Every guest room is uniquely decorated, decadent, and cozy; several different configurations work for families. A well-appointed kids' activities room has something for all ages to play with and is paired with a seasonal activity program. Megève is filled with appealing restaurants and shops; it's a 5-minute walk from the hotel or you can opt for the hotel's free shuttle. The location is ideal for a weekend getaways as it is just over an hour from the Geneva airport and 30 minutes from Chamonix.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
The location and views from Lone Mountain Ranch are amazing. The property is very family-friendly with a children’s program and extensive year-round outdoor activities. Summer favorites include fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding—winter favorites are cross-country and alpine skiing. The food and staff are both excellent. There is a fabulous massage therapist onsite too.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Convenient location. Can park the car once and walk to great skiing (if visiting in the winter), restaurants, grocery store, coffee shops, etc. Full kitchen in the villa rooms. Ultra clean in all areas of the property. Comfortable beds. Washer/Dryer in rooms. Heated pool and sidewalks. VERY kid friendly. Many onsite activities for kids.
Good onsite restaurant, but have to go early (like 4:45) to avoid a long wait, which is not fun with kids--at least not ours!
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MIRROR LAKE INN
city/region: Adirondack Mountains
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
We love the beautiful setting of this hotel in the Adirondack Mountains and the location is wonderful - just a 2-minute walk from the town of Lake Placid and a 10-minute drive to the ski area. The property is set right on Mirror Lake with a private beach. There are a million activities to choose from through every season in this area. Rooms are spacious and there is an indoor pool that the boys loved to use after skiing. Public areas are family-oriented, warm, and inviting and the decks facing the lake have fantastic views. The food is outstanding, especially the fresh, homemade bread.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Overlooking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Mountain View Grand’s striking façade and majestic setting distinguishes this hotel from the other properties in this area. The long list of amenities this eco-friendly resort for families includes two swimming pools, a game room, a movie theater, pony rides, tennis, and board games. In addition, complimentary supervised programs provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience the natural surroundings; our kids loved ‘Meet the Farmer’ where they helped with morning ‘chores’ at the barn. Hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and even moose watching are nearby. Suites are spacious and perfect for families. The onsite restaurants are excellent.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Mystic Springs offers condo/apartment amenities in a resort setting. Guest units are spacious, clean, and well-equipped including complete kitchen facilities. The "hot" outdoor pool was constantly filled with kids. This is a good option for families that want an alternative to a traditional hotel with easy access to Banff activities. Canmore has mountain views, but the immediate area is commercial.
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NIRA ALPINA
city/region: St. Moritz
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: boutique
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Nira Alpina, a new boutique hotel in the St. Moritz resort area, offers something fresh and modern to luxury-seeking families. The eclectic and cozy interior design is hip and fun. You never forget you’re in the mountains as large windows in both rooms and public areas provide wonderful Engadine Alps views. Spacious Junior Suites and connecting rooms are ideal for families. A spa with a beautiful whirlpool has adult and family hours. Nira Alpina is the only ski-out hotel in the region with hassle-free immediate access to skiing and hiking — a huge plus with kids! Meanwhile, the urban excitement of St. Moritz is just 10-minute ride away. Nira Alpina offers a kids’ club for ages 4 and up over peak holiday periods. Onsite dining is exceptional and includes an international fusion restaurant, traditional Swiss cuisine, as well as a bakery with wonderful fresh goods available throughout the day.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
This historic property has many fantastic amenities and services for families. The Mount Washington Resort offers rooms, suites, and also townhouse units where you have access to all hotel facilities with more living space and kitchens. Featuring a wide range of activities for all ages including a kids’ club and a nearby zip-line, the property is very family-friendly with year-round things to do. Our children love the old-fashioned hotel atmosphere with a huge lounge where they can play games in front of the fire. Over the winter months, there’s a shuttle available to take guests the ski hill; we’re comfortable having our older boys use the shuttle on their own, so we aren’t constantly driving them around. This means independence for them and a break for us. The food is excellent at the restaurants as well.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is in an incredible location with ideal access to the chair lifts, ski school, restaurants, and shopping. The hotel overlooks the ice skating rink in town and we can walk out our door to a million activities. Our favorite feature is the kid-friendly lobby—there is an enormous fireplace where people of all ages hang out and relax. The concierge service is unbelievable—the staff will manage anything and everything you need. The gym is absolutely top notch too, with excellent machines and yoga. We love the mountain set-up here for families with an extensive amount of intermediate terrain.
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PITCHER INN
city/region: Vermont
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Beautiful inn in a quaint Vermont town. Each room is unique, we stayed in a 2 bedroom suite that was so comfortable. Beautiful bathrooms. Fireplace that they will start for you. Amazing staff, very attentive. Fabulous, upscale restaurant, made special dishes for the kids. Game room for the kids. Many things nearby - incredible swimming quarries, fishing, canoeing. Spa visit the next day was terrific.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: contemporary
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn is one of the few upscale, boutique hotels in the North Lake Tahoe area. Indoor public spaces include a cozy café with excellent food and wine, and more of the same in their intimate fine dining restaurant. Standard double rooms with 2 queen size beds are available, plus they have a few connecting room options as well. Kid-friendly amenities are limited, but for families seeking a high-end, intimate hotel experience, PlumpJack fits the bill. The lovely landscaped pool area is perfect for summer fun and the hotel is an ideal home-base for alpine skiing given that it is walking access to Squaw Valley lifts, ski school, shops, and restaurants.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
A week at Red Horse Ranch was one of the best family vacations we've ever taken. The accommodations were not fancy, rather they were true to the spirit of the West! The range of activities, including horse back riding, mountain biking, kayaking, challenge courses, camp fires, archery ... kept us busy. The ratio of staff to guest was excellent and the ranch host was eager accommodate us and to customize our vacation to meet our needs! We choose activities that suited our interests, ages, skill level ... We met fabulous people from all over the world and will surely return to Red Horse Mountain next summer.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the few full service resort properties in the North Lake Tahoe area. Set at the Eastern end of Squaw Valley, the setting and mountain views from this vantage point are spectacular. Although the hotel is very modern on the outside, rooms and public areas are traditional and comfortable. Some recently renovated guest rooms feature kitchenette facilities and fireplaces; there are a wide variety of room options that support families. What makes this property special is the long list of fantastic onsite amenities including a pool complete with a water slide for summer fun, an ice skating rink for winter fun, a kids club (ages 4-12), a spa, an 18-hole golf course, and an array of restaurants. Ski enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient location just steps from the Squaw Creek lift.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Zermatt has no shortage of luxury hotels. The Riffelalp Resort, stands out, however, as the only option located on a 2,222 meter/7,290 foot summit with front and center views of the Matterhorn. Accessing the hotel requires a 20-minute ride on the Gornergrat train, but the trade-off is that guests enjoy a reprieve from the sea of tourists in town. The atmosphere is upscale, but not so fancy that you lose a connection with the mountain setting. Guest rooms are cozy and well-appointed. There’s a playground, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, and two excellent restaurants onsite. Limitless outdoor activities begin right here.
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SKY HOTEL
city/region: Rocky Mountains
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: trendy
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
In an unbeatable location right at the mountain's base, The Sky Hotel makes you feel ongoing après ski even with kids in tow. Part of Kimpton Hotels, it's boutique feel and kids welcome—including pint sized robes upon request—can tempt you away from the mountain for some downtime. The pool offers great play and people watching during the summertime. Easy rollaway/crib availability—if needed, it is worth requesting a bathroom that is large enough for the crib.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Smuggs is a place for families who really enjoy doing things together. They didn’t earn the #1 spot for Family Programs (for 12th year!) in the 2010 SKI Magazine Reader Survey for nothing. In addition to top notch skiing, Smuggs offers a huge list of activities including a waterpark, zip line canopy tour, mini golf, fishing, biking ... the list goes on and on. As you plan your stay, with a quick call, a Smuggs vacation specialist will guide you through the myriad of activities so you don’t miss anything during your stay. Extensive supervised children's programs are available from 6 weeks and up. Great care has been taken to make sure guests are not inconvenienced while at the resort. There is a well-stocked Country Store, several restaurants, an on-site shuttle service, and everything is self-contained at Smuggs so you never have to go off property.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Staying at the Sonnenalp is akin to staying at a European mountain lodge - warm and inviting with a high level of personalized service. The majority of the rooms are spacious suites and ideally configured for families. Located in the heart of Vail village, guests are steps away from restaurants and shops, and a quick shuttle ride to the ski area. The indoor/outdoor pool means swimming is a year-round activity option. The hotel also runs a supervised kids activity program during weekend nights in the winter. Bully Ranch is the onsite casual restaurant with fantastic food and a perfect atmosphere for families.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
With or without kids, Sorensen’s Resort provides a perfect base to explore the gorgeous scenery in and around Hope Valley, located 45 minutes South of Lake Tahoe. Nestled in a grove of Aspen trees, accommodations are simple but comfortable log cabins. Some have kitchen facilities and are large enough to accommodate 4-6 people (several are pet-friendly too). Best of all, the property has a casual restaurant with fantastic food—the perfect end to a day of this area's wide variety of glorious outdoor activities.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
We loved our experience at Spring Creek Ranch. With amazing views and incredible wildlife, the casual but luxurious accommodations are perfect for families. There are many family-oriented activities offered here including horseback riding, swimming, spa, and tennis. Guest accommodation options include rooms, condos, and individual houses with in-house chefs.
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location: mountains
standard: simple
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Squaw Valley Lodge's location and simplicity are hard to beat. It's walkable to the lift, complete with kitchenettes and outfitted with a spa and fitness facility. The basic decor and worn-in feel can be overlooked for it's price and convenience.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Stowe Mountain Lodge is located within Stowe Mountain resort at the base of Mount Mansfield. The hotel has a beautiful, big lobby with fireplaces where you can sit and have a drink, read a book, or play a game. Guest rooms are spacious and wonderfully appointed. The outdoor swimming pool is heated year-round and perfect for families. The proximity to the mountain is second to none: you walk out the door of the hotel and you are steps from the gondola and lifts. They also offer valet ski service which makes all-family skiing easy and efficient. Kid-focused activities here are great and include a game room and extensive kids' night out program. The service is fabulous.
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STOWEFLAKE
city/region: Vermont
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Stoweflake offers hotel rooms as well as townhouse units with full kitchens, laundry, and plenty of space for families to spread out. We appreciate the fact that the townhouse accommodations have daily maid service too - this helps take the work out of vacation. Although Stoweflake is not ski-in/ski-out, parking is easy at the ski hill and we love that the hotel is located right in the adorable town of Stowe with easy access to restaurants and shops. There is a world-class spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as welcoming family-oriented amenities including tea, cookies, arts & crafts, and board games for kids.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Sun Valley is known for phenomenal skiing, but it is an amazing destination for year-round outdoors-oriented activities. The historic Sun Valley Lodge is an iconic resort property with a long list of onsite activities including an ice skating rink, bowling alley, game room, and year-round heated swimming pool. The hotel is located in an intimate village setting with shops and restaurants. There are always world-class events in progress in and around Sun Valley from music festivals to sporting events. Families have a variety of rooms to choose from including condos with kitchens and living areas.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Located in a high mountain meadow, this resort has everything for active families. Highlights include multiple accommodation options – lodge rooms and home rentals and a wide variety of different activities to experience together - fishing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking. This location is perfectly set-up for an easy vacation! There are a few swimming pools and a fun kids club. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking!
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
The hot springs, pool and waterslide, and kid-friendly swim-up bar are the highlights at Tabacon—this is a great place for school age kids and teens to spend the day in the water. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the restaurant and bar that overlook the pool area. Another big perk is that the cost of the hot springs is included in the hotel rate—a big savings for families. The property is expansive and lovely and rooms have nice patios. There are plenty of interesting activities in the nearby area too.
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THE CAMBRIAN
city/region: Adelboden
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: boutique
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Cambrian is an exceptionally well-designed hotel in the popular Swiss ski resort of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland region. Although the exterior of the hotel is traditional, the interior has been thoroughly renovated. The decor is modern and fresh; huge windows highlight magnificent alpine views. Despite the sophistication of the interior design, the ambiance is casual and warm. Kids are welcomed with a children’s menu and supervised childcare during ski season. Room options for families include spacious studios, connecting rooms, and bi-level family suites. The onsite restaurant is excellent with a refreshing take on regional specialties. Parents will appreciate the state-of-the-art spa facilities. The award-winning swimming pools are a treat for all. The hotel is located in town with immediate access to retail and sports facilities.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, the Jasper Park Lodge is a full-service resort property with easy access to a wide range of activities for every age. With 446 rooms, guests have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from including independent cabins with complete kitchen amenities. The historic main lodge has a grand, old-world ambiance and overlooks Lac Beauvert and Mt. Edith Cavell – the gorgeous setting and views make it difficult to leave the property, but there is a long list of interesting and fun outdoor activities in this area. Between the glorious setting, wide variety of accommodation options, and the sheer number of entertainment options for families, the Jasper Park Lodge is an ideal family vacation destination.
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THE GANT ASPEN
city/region: Rocky Mountains
accommodation category: resort
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
We’ve been going to Aspen for 4-5 weeks every summer for years and I know of no condo-hotel that is nicer or better run in Aspen than The Gant. Many of their guests return year-after-year and there are always kids of all ages around. A big part of the appeal is that it feels like home here—the property is well-appointed with the ideal combination of condo amenities and hotel services like daily maid service. Other onsite facilities include a snack bar, well-maintained swimming pools, and extremely helpful reception staff. Located just a 2-minute walk from town, you don’t feel like you are on top of everything yet there is easy access to restaurants and shopping.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
There’s a good reason Steamboat is one of the top family-friendly ski areas – in addition to ideal ski terrain for kids, there is an enormous array of condo accommodations with an ideal set-up and price point for families. The Lodge at Steamboat stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking upscale rooms paired value-oriented pricing. Although each condo is individually owned, décor and amenity quality is closely managed and consistent between units. The location is excellent with just a 5-minute shuttle ride to the base of the ski area. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful. Free morning coffee and doughnuts is a crowd pleaser too.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: boutique
cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens
Every element of our experience at Paws Up was phenomenal. The sheer beauty of the resort, mountains, and rivers is beyond compare. Our extended family took over Tent City. They call it “glamping”—the best of camping and a luxury hotel. Each and every need and desire was handled immediately with a smile and attention to detail. We had our own “butler” for the tent—by the end of the week he was part of the family. As far as activities go, there was never a dull moment from horseback riding, ATV drives, fishing, and skeet shooting to name a few. I’ve traveled all around the world and our week at Paws Up will remain one of my most treasured memories!
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The Village at Squaw Valley offers condo accommodations with limited hotel services right at the base of the ski area with immediate and easy access to lifts, ski school, shops, and restaurants. Although condos are individually owned, standard corporate décor is used throughout the complex and guest units are comfortable and well-appointed. Most have a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and a private balcony. Shared amenities include laundry facilities, game/TV lounges, fitness centers, and outdoor whirlpool tubs. Convenience is key when skiing with kids and everything families need is available in and around the Village.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Located in the heart of The Village at Mammoth, the condo guest rooms rooms at The Village Lodge provide the space and amenities families need, with convenient access to everything including the gondola. We love that the village is always lively with jazz and music festivals in the summer and s’mores by the fire in winter. In addition to the phenomenal skiing in this area, there is a zip-line, mountain adventure center, and mountain bike riding over summer months. Great restaurants are within walking distance and there are also grocery stores nearby. Kids under 5 ski free at on the magic carpet at the resort and the ski school is terrific.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
As you head through Stowe, past town and up Rte 108, tucked away you will find Topnotch — a Preferred Boutique, Four Diamond, resort and spa. Recently redesigned, it invites you in with large leather chairs, couches, and rustic-chic furnishings. Families have lots of accommodation choices at Topnotch, from Deluxe double bedded rooms all the way up to Overlook Resort Homes. This resort is a wonderful place for families who love the great outdoors. There are endless recreational opportunities for all ages. You will find skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, fishing, hiking, biking, dog carting, and more. Stowe is a great year-round destination.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
This picturesque Alpine-style hotel feels like it is straight out of Austria. Handcrafted décor, toasty fires, and exceptional service create a warm and cozy atmosphere for all ages at The Trapp Family Lodge. Even the guest room experience is like staying in the Alps – what a treat! There is an incredible array of things to do for families from cross country skiing to a rustic cabin for lunch, to downhill skiing in Stowe, to swimming in their indoor pool, to participating in their kids’ club and activities (not to mention a long list of wonderful summer activities too). The History Tour of the Von Trapp Family is a highlight – it’s fascinating to learn first-hand details about this iconic family portrayed in the The Sound of Music. There are a few onsite restaurants to choose from including formal and casual options; the meals are outstanding.
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location: mountains
standard: luxurious
style: traditional
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
Vail Mountain Lodge is comprised of luxury rooms, suites, and 2-3 bedroom condo units. Guest units are well-furnished, comfortable, and enormous with loads of room for one or more families to spread out. The unbeatable location is just steps from the shops and restaurants in Vail Village, and there’s a complimentary shuttle available for anything in town not within walking distance. Guests have access to the top notch Vail Athletic Club and the hotel spa—both are located in the lower level of the property. The in-house restaurant, Terra Bistro, is excellent for breakfast and gourmet meals.
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: traditional
cb! age rating: school age action, cool for teens
Vista Verde is the greatest vacation experience we’ve ever had. The staff is phenomenal and I can’t say enough about their treatment and flexibility for all ages—they catered to our needs in every way. Accommodations are ranch-style and exceeded expectations. The setting is absolutely beautiful. The horses are fabulous and well-trained. Every level of riding is available here. The food was excellent and a delight to eat every night.
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WALDHAUS SILS
city/region: St. Moritz
accommodation category: hotel
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location: mountains
standard: upscale
style: old world
cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens
The position of this hotel in a forest above a village is magical. The landscape is gorgeous. Over the years, we’ve grown to love the family that runs Waldhaus Sils, the staff, and the people that go there. This is not one of those “kids” hotels where you are surrounded by animation. Children are welcome and there are many activities offered to them, but it is all very low-key. The atmosphere is friendly and the food is excellent. The details here are handled with care and everything runs smoothly, this is why the same families love to come back year after year.
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