Best Mountain Vacations for Families in the U.S.

No matter the season, retreating to a mountain lodge or cabin with the family is a spectacular way to spend quality time in nature and forge unforgettable family memories. From the Smoky Mountain range to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, to the peaceful peaks of Sierra Nevada, the United States is a treasure chest of sprawling mountainscapes and outdoor adventure. All you need to perfect your getaway is a charming place to call home—and one that fits the entire family, as well as keeps them entertained day after day. No problem! So, let’s dive in to a few of the best mountain vacations for families in the U.S.

Great Smoky Mountain Family Vacation

Looming along the Tennessee—North Carolina border are the ancient Great Smoky Mountains. This range is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Famous for the wispy smoke that hovers above the rolling peaks and valleys, this mountain range offers a moody and mystical ambience. Moreover, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be a highlight of your mountain getaway. Indulge in countless scenic hiking trails, burbling streams and rushing waterfalls, and all the fresh air you could need as you explore lush wooded forest, meadows and valleys, and Kuwohi, the tallest peak.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park. What makes this one of the best mountain vacations for families should be obvious by the name. But aside from its ideal destination in the heart of mountain country, this spectacular resort features a 60,000 square foot water park. So, when you’re not exploring the outdoors, kick back in a lounger while the kids splash, slide, and float down the lazy river. And later, you can treat yourself to a facial or massage at the Serenity Spa on-site or grab a bite with the family at one of eight on-site restaurants.

When it comes to returning home for the night, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out. No matter the size of your family, you’ll find the perfect accommodation in a studio, one-, two-, three-, four-, and even five-bedroom villa, sleeping four to twenty guests. These villas feature full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, furnished balconies, fireplaces, and more. What more could you ask for?

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Club Wyndham Smoky Mountain Resort

Just fifteen minutes from Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, Tennessee, is the Club Wyndham Smoky Mountain Resort. Surrounded by the magnificent beauty of the Smokies, this Club Wyndham resort is one of the best places for you and your children, and you’ll soon discover why. Relax by the heated pool, break luxuriate in the sauna, and cuddle up by the fire pit on chilly nights. What’s more, this resort is nearby popular attractions like Dollywood, the Rainforest Adventures Zoo, and top skiing and golfing destinations.

And bedtime is always a breeze with one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, sleeping four to ten guests. Gather together for homecooked meals with full kitchens and dining rooms, and vacation easy with in-unit washer/dryers and generous bathrooms. Suites even include furnished balconies or patios so you can fully enjoy the breathtaking view from the comfort of your new home away from home.

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Best Mountain Vacations for Families: Rocky Mountains

Stretching around 3,000 miles from Canada through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and down to New Mexico are the Rocky Mountains. This range contains over sixty mountains peaks, reaching altitudes as high as 12,000 feet and creating dramatic natural beauty you won’t soon bore of. As the largest mountain system in North America, the whole family can venture off the beaten path, taking day trips for zip lining, ice skating, white-water rafting, skiing, and other activities. As one of the best mountain vacations for families, both you and the kids will find a new adventure to embark on in the majestic Rockies year after year.

The Christie Lodge

Settled in stunning Avon, Colorado, surrounded by the peaks of the Rockies is The Christie Lodge. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, outdoor activities abound, from skiing to horseback riding, to kayaking nearby Nottingham Lake; here in Vail Valley, there’s something for everyone. On-site the lodge, indulge in heated pools and hot tubs, shuttle service to the town of Avon and nearby Beaver Creek, on-site dining, and the Bhava Beauty Wellness Center, among other cozy amenities.

What’s more, you and the kids will settle into a one- or three-bedroom suite, with all the comforts of home. More generous than your average hotel, these suites are a welcome reprieve after a day in the sun or on the slopes. Enjoy toasty wood-burning fireplaces, scenic balconies, and kitchenettes with all the necessary appliances for morning coffee and quick lunch or dinner. These suites sleep between four and eight guests with queen size beds and sofa beds, giving everyone the space they need to relax and unwind.

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Grand Timber Lodge

Up next, one of the best mountain vacations for families who are set on skiing, consider the Grand Timber Lodge in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. With easy ski-in/ski-out accommodations, you and yours receive unparalleled access to the white-capped Rocky Mountain range, specifically peaks 8 and 9 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. And if this convenience isn’t enough, relish in delicious on-site dining at The Boot Saloon, as well as a family fun center, with all your favorite classic arcade games, and two aquatic centers with all-encompassing views of the mountainscape. Plus, there’s even a children’s wading area and water features.

And when it comes to accommodations, Grand Timber Lodge doesn’t disappoint. Choose from a studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom residence, complete with a full kitchen or kitchenette, gas fireplace, balcony, jacuzzi tub, and in-unit washer/dryer. These spacious condominium-style rooms sleep four to ten guests in private bedrooms, as well as sofa beds, so everyone can recoup in peace and privacy.

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Sierra Nevada Mountain Vacation

Last but not least, the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in the western United States lies largely in California, though some parts enter into Nevada. Of mountain getaways, the Sierra Nevada range impresses with its wealth of iconic national parks, such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. And maybe most notably, the Rockies are home to Lake Tahoe, an alpine lake that is popular for outdoor recreation year round and surrounded by top-rated ski resorts and cabins. Your trip is sure to be filled with mountain biking through diverse landscapes, shredding snow or rushing down alpine slides in the winter, and swimming in rejuvenating hot springs. Check out our top picks for resorts below.

Club Wyndham South Shore

Just a short walk to Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe is the Club Wyndham South Shore resort. This quiet lodging puts scenic hiking trails, days on the water, and exhilarating seasonal activities all within reach. Yet, on-site you’ll still find plenty to keep your family entertained. From splashing in the pool and cook outs in the summer to cold weather soaks in the hot tub and evenings in the lounge, there’s something to enjoy each season.

Moreover, the lodge-style units come in one-, two-, or three-bedroom options. The one-bedroom sleeps four with a king bed and sofa bed and features a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony/patio, jetted tub, and washer/dryer. For larger families, the two-bedroom sleeps six, and the three-bedroom sleeps eight. Both include full kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, washer/dryer, balcony/patio, and fireplace. No wonder this is one of the best mountain vacations for families.

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Olympic Village Inn

Surrounded by the mountains of Olympic Valley by Lake Tahoe is the Olympic Village Inn. With endless outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including fishing, kayaking, snow tubing, and skiing, kids will be entertained year round—and so will you! When you’re not enjoying the on-site amenities, like pools, saunas, hot tubs, and planned activities, check out the local hiking and biking trails. Or rather, venture to town for tasty dining and creative alpine shopping.

Not to mention, you’ll always wake up refreshed with rooms at Olympic Village Inn. The Kitzbuhel Suite features one-bedroom and one bath, sleeping four, as well as a living room and kitchenette. Sip coffee and enjoy the views from your private balcony to start the day off right. Moreover, the Chamonix Suite also sleeps four with a private bedroom and single bath. However, this suite offers a wood-burning fireplace and multiple private balconies, as well as the amenities that Kitzbuhel offers.

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Book the Best Mountain Vacations for Families with Fidelity Real Estate

Ready to book best mountain vacations for families? Outside of securing an unforgettable nature-focused getaway, you’ll be happy to know that you can save thousands on your vacations when you purchase timeshare resales! Fidelity Real Estate’s resale market has all of these resorts and more for a fraction of the cost of buying retail. Choose from top vacation brands like Hilton, Marriott, Westgate, and more, and save on annual vacations for years to come. Simply browse our market, find your perfect retreat, and make an offer! Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-410-8326. 

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