This is part of the series about learn-to- ski terrain at Vermont ski areas to help parents find the best place for their family to embrace snow sports. Head here for more learn-to tips.
I’m discovering that every day of toddlerhood is a learning experience – for both my toddler and myself. From new words and skills to big feelings and big wins, every day is a chance to learn something new. This winter, I’m taking on the challenge of introducing my toddler to snowboarding. As he’s learning a new sport, I’m learning that having the right tools and environment can make or break your day. From the number of steps it takes to get to the nearest bathroom, having pockets in your jacket for snacks (NEVER forget the snacks), or having a covered lift to give you a break from the weather—its the little things that count.
If you want to introduce your child to skiing or riding in Vermont, but aren’t sure where to start, this series is for you. In this post, I explored some of Southern Vermont’s beginner slopes to help guide you on the unique charms and challenges of teaching your child to ski at each.
Stratton Mountain: Best for Progression
My first stop is Stratton Mountain, a resort renowned for its variety of terrain and unique shopping and dining base area village. Stratton boasts two covered magic carpets – one brand new conveyor for absolute beginners and another slightly steeper slope for those ready to take a step up. Both areas have an appropriate pitch where parents can walk down the hill while teaching (especially helpful when I was teaching my 2-year-old for the first time!) The newly re-designed beginner slope offers an area less congested by uphill traffic, which helped me stay more at ease and focused on our learning space.
There’s also a slower chairlift with a gradual slope, perfect for learners gaining confidence. The learning area is close to the base lodge, allowing for easy potty or snack breaks.
Stratton also offers beginner terrain from the summit that can be accessed via chairlift or gondola – a huge perk for kids not quite ready for a chairlift ride.
Pros: Diverse terrain all in the same area offers the ability to progress. Close to facilities. Beginner terrain available from summit.
Cons: You’ll need to climb stairs from the drop-off area or walk through the village to reach the base area, which can be a challenge with all your gear.
Mount Snow: Best for Lodge Access and Food Options
I grew up skiing at Mount Snow and learned to snowboard here myself, so I was excited to introduce my toddler to one of my favorite resorts. Mount Snow features a convenient learning zone with a conveyor lift – and while it’s not covered, it’s a great option for first-timers. I was able to walk down the slope while guiding my toddler on his snowboard.
The magic carpet area offers private access with no need to worry about uphill traffic. When you’re ready to progress, the learning zone has a chairlift to more challenging terrain. There is a small playground in the base area which my toddler enjoyed during our break from the slopes.
The base lodge is easily accessible from the main parking area and the learning zone, a big plus if you plan on getting ready in the lodge. The main base lodge offers a wide array of food options, catering to different dietary needs and preferences, which is especially helpful if you have a picky eater.
Pros: Quiet learning area. Lots of food options in the main base area.
Cons: While the closest parking to the base is convenient, it’s not free.
Bromley Mountain: Best for Comfort
Bromley’s ski area is a mix of convenience and thoughtful touches that make a day on the mountain more enjoyable. Bromley is a south-facing mountain, appropriately referred to as “Vermont’s Sun Mountain,” meaning sunny, comfortable days are likely. This can be a huge perk for families with kids learning to ski.
Like many Southern Vermont resorts, Bromley offers conveyor belt lifts, which are easier for kids learning the ropes. What sets Bromley apart is that its conveyor is covered, offering a rest from the elements on the way up the beginner slope. Skiers and riders ready to progress can move up to the slower beginner chairlift and access more challenging terrain when they’re ready.
Although the trek from the base lodge to the beginner area is a bit longer than other resorts, the distance from the fast-paced base area traffic offers a more relaxed environment. The warming hut located at the bottom of the slopes was a huge plus and a welcome sight for a mom and toddler needing frequent breaks (and for a toddler refusing to wear their ski gloves).
Pros: Relaxed, slow-paced beginner area with no need to worry about uphill traffic.
Cons: Longer walk from the base area can be challenging when needing to take a potty break.
Magic Mountain: Best for Uncrowded Experience
Our visit to Magic Mountain revealed a resort that understands the needs of beginner skiers and their families. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger, busier resorts, Magic might be the mountain for you.
One of the highlights at Magic’s base lodge is the availability of games for kids. I’m learning to not “push it” when it comes to teaching my toddler how to snowboard and listen to his requests to take a break and really follow his lead. Having interactive games in the lodge for kids to take a break is a great way to break up the day and allow everyone a little break.
The mountain offers a couple of trails coming off the carpet lift, a variety that is great for beginners looking to experience different terrains at a comfortable pace. The beginner area is close to the lodge, offering easy access for breaks.
Pros: Fun games in the base lodge offer a unique experience for kids. Less crowded than larger resorts.
Cons: Less learn-to-ski terrain variety than larger resorts in the area.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard in Southern Vermont
I was thoroughly impressed with the thoughtful features these Southern Vermont ski areas provide for families with kids learning to ski – from fun games in the base lodge to expertly designed beginner routes. I’m learning the best mentality when taking your toddler to ski is to “go with the flow” – and the kid-friendly amenities at these resorts allow us to do just that, while making memories as a family along the way.
Want to learn more about learn-to areas in Northern Vermont? Check out Part 1 of our guide here.
Cassie grew up in Massachusetts and started skiing at southern Vermont mountains at the age of 3. She has worked in many areas of the ski biz – from ski shop to marketing to PR. Now a freelance writer, social media manager and Vermont resident of 10 years, she’s exploring Vermont’s mountains with her toddler and sharing tips, tricks and memories with families looking to do the same.
Great family ski resorts.
Love Stratton for the kids! And their main hotel, Black Bear Lodge, is super affordable for pass holders mid week! My boys have a great time when we go. We try to incorporate a trip to the Vermont Country Store :) and Honey Pie for dinner and desserts!
Yes! Honey Pie made our list here: https://allmountainmamas.skivermont.com/vermont-mountain-eats-stratton/.
Need to checkout Magic mountain. Seems like an uncrowded vibe is a good vibe every time.
Great information especially for helping new younger skiers feel comfortable on the mountain.
That kid is ready for the gut and the gulch at Mt Snow.
Fun website from a real point of view. Love Bolton Valley and we hope to see it highlighted
We love Bolton! I reviewed it along with other northern Vermont resorts here: https://allmountainmamas.skivermont.com/learn-to-terrain-at-vermont-ski-areas-northern-vermont-part-1/
All great info! Thanks for sharing! Teaching your children to ski is a great adventure and so much fun. A wonderful way to spend our VT winters enjoying the snow!
Great things for the little folks.
Love to get our 9 yr old back on some boards. We took him to Burke when he was 2 but haven’t had the chance to go again.
Love hearing all the pros and cons
It is time to teach my grandchildren to ski. Time to get them into ski school and to start the grandpa ski school.
Looks like so much fun!
Learning to ski in vermont changed my life!
We love mount snow!
Love the tips as we are looking to get our very young grandchildren into skiing.
Always great to see the toddlers on their first pair of skis!
Love Mount Snow!
My kids learned to ski at Bromley!
Stratton is a nice mountain to ski, easy on and off, but like all mountains they have gotten expensive. They used to have state days a while ago it was nice ski for the day for 25 bucks, but I’m sure those are long gone.
Stratton is a very mountain and a lot of fun!!
Love the lower mountain at Burke for kiddos and learners
TY for the Info! Can you tell me which VT Mountains have a “Magic Carpet” for the littles?
You bet!
From the south going north – Mount Snow, Stratton, Bromley, Magic, Okemo, Killington, Sugarbush (Lincoln Peak only), Middlebury Snowball, Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and Jay Peak. Did I miss any?
We were really impressed with Stratton’s ski school. Both our kids made big strides after spending just 2 days in their all-day ski school. I highly recommend them!
I grew up skiing Bromley, and now I take my kids back at least once a year. It’s a great, comfortable, place for families but it still has some great challenging runs for after the kids quit.
Love and Live in the middle of these So. Vermont mountains.
All have unique qualities and joys. Great article about them. Thanks All Mountain Mamas
This post is amazing!! We are teaching our four year old how to ski and we will be up in VT for a few weekends this winter. These tips are so helpful for making it an enjoyable experience for both kiddo and adults. Skiing is not just about being on the snow – – it’s about the whole experience. Knowing about food options, games, and other activities is so incredibly helpful! Thank you!
I have skied and/ or ridden at each of these resorts, loved them all. My son’s girlfriend wants to learn to snowboard so we are thinking of one of these mountains as a good place for an adult learner as well!!
Don’t forget the Brattleboro ski hill! $5 lift tickets and kids get to become independent before your eyes. Con is helping them on the Tbar. Bromley was good to us when we needed a magic carpet. Great list!!
Thanks for all the highlighted options for kiddos and getting them on the mountain! It can be tricky to weigh options not having had first hand experience!
Most of our exploration has been in northern Vermont, looking forward to trying out some of these mountains with our girls.
Relearning that ski lessons are ideal!
What a great list! Many of my childhood skiing days were spent at Stratton, and it shaped my future enjoyment of this great sport. Grateful for all of your input! Thank you!!!
Krista – congrats! You are one of five winners! We will reach out via email with details.
Bolton is a great place. These are super helpful tips!
Helpful information about learning to ski terrain at the different resorts!
Thanks for the great information ! I loved Magic Mountain as a kid and can’t wait to take mine to it.
I’ve only been to Mount Snow on this list. I’d love to try one of the others! Southern Vermont is great for us NYers!
Love Magic Mountain!
I’m excited to try Magic Mountain. As I’m not an experienced snowboarder, I like mountains that aren’t too busy.
Dorinda – congrats! You are one of five winners! We will reach out via email with details.
Go little guy!
I grew up here and learned to ski, these are all excellent choices for anyone, I hope to take my kiddos to ski this year.
can’t wait to go and also visit country store while down there. I live in vermont,and hope to get out there and see what all we offer
Love the village at Stratton. Stratton has that all-in-one resort vibe that feels special.
Southern Vermont has something for everyone! Magic is a great mountain for the expert skier and intermediate! Bromley is great for families and beginner to intermediate skiers! Love both mountains!!
For the never-evers and those who maybe riding a lift for the first time, Stratton is a great place. The magic carpets and the villager lift are pretty self-contained so you won’t get skiers/boarders cutting across the slopes. Also, the Tamarack lift has plenty of easy and slow skiing terrain that is great for newcomers. Agree it can be a bit of a hassle to walk up the stairs, but if needed I do think there are a few elevators. Try to go midweek or take a Friday off. One drawback for families, no free cubbies for boot bags/lunch bags – you can either pay for locker/cubby or leave a bag outside.
sounds like a great place for even ADULTS to learn to ski!!! I’m looking forward to it.
Young beginners really benefit from animal character cutouts as gates to teach edging. Similar to running gates it teaches them to anticipate a carve while having fun with character. Also tunnels and small bumps in a course adds challenge and relieves boredom with open bunny slopes.