Family Ski Vacation Checklist: Planning Your Copper Mountain Trip with Kids

Taking kids on their first ski trip is exciting and stressful. You want them to love skiing, but you're also managing gear, lessons, meltdowns, and logistics that didn't exist when you skied solo or as a couple.

Copper Mountain is one of the best family ski destinations in Colorado. The terrain is naturally divided by ability level, which makes it easy for families to meet up. The ski school is excellent. The villages are walkable and safe for kids.

But even at a family-friendly resort, planning matters. Here's your complete checklist for a successful family ski trip to Copper Mountain.

Before You Book: Planning Timeline

6 to 12 Months Out (For Peak Weeks):

• Decide on dates. Holiday weeks and spring break require early booking.

• Book your rental property. Look for family-friendly features like bunk rooms, game rooms, and proximity to beginner lifts.

• Purchase or price lift tickets. Multi-day tickets and season passes offer better value.

2 to 3 Months Out:

• Book ski lessons for kids. Copper's ski school fills up, especially during peak weeks.

• Reserve rental gear online if you're not bringing your own.

• Book flights or plan your drive.

• Research childcare options if you want adult ski time.

1 Month Out:

• Create a packing list.

• Order any gear you don't have (helmets, goggles, base layers).

• Make dinner reservations if you plan to eat out.

• Review your rental property's check-in instructions.

1 Week Out:

• Confirm all reservations (lodging, lessons, rentals).

• Check weather and snow conditions.

• Pack and prep gear.

• Talk to kids about what to expect so they're mentally prepared.

Choosing the Right Property

Family properties need specific features that matter more with kids than adults.

Location:Stay in West Village if your kids are beginners. The beginner lifts and ski school meeting areas are right there. You can walk your kids to lessons and pick them up for lunch without trekking across the resort.

East Village works for families with older kids who ski intermediate or advanced terrain. Center Village offers the most dining and activities but can be busier and noisier.

Bedding:Look for properties with bunk rooms. Kids love bunks and it gives them their own space. Parents get a master bedroom with privacy.

Make sure there are enough beds. Don't book a property that sleeps 8 if you're a family of 6 and two kids are stuck on pull-out couches.

Bathrooms:At least two bathrooms for a family of four. Three bathrooms for larger families. Morning routines with kids take forever. Multiple bathrooms ease the chaos.

Kitchen:You'll cook meals to save money and avoid hauling kids to restaurants every night. Make sure the kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, and utensils.

Living Space:Kids need space to burn energy indoors. Look for properties with open living areas, game rooms, or basements where kids can play without disturbing everyone.

Ski Storage:Properties with mudrooms or dedicated ski storage make life easier. You're not dragging wet gear through the unit or piling it in corners.

Safety:Ground-floor units or properties with elevators work better with young kids. Stairs and ski gear and toddlers don't mix well.

What Age to Start Skiing

Most ski schools accept kids starting at age 3. Some accept 2.5-year-olds in specialized programs.

Kids under 3 usually aren't developmentally ready for ski lessons. They lack the coordination, attention span, and physical strength to learn effectively.

Ages 3 to 5 can start with short group lessons. Keep expectations low. They're learning to pizza, stand up, and move in ski boots. It's exhausting and they'll need breaks.

Ages 6 to 8 progress faster. They have the coordination and focus to follow instructions and practice techniques. Full-day lessons work at this age.

Ages 9 and up can handle all-day skiing and keep up with adults on green and blue runs.

If you're debating whether your child is ready, err on the side of waiting a year. Pushing a 2-year-old to ski when they're not ready creates frustration for everyone.

Ski School Options

Copper Mountain's ski school offers programs for all ages and abilities.

Cubs (Ages 3-4):Half-day programs focusing on basic skills and fun. Expect more play than skiing. It's an introduction, not intensive instruction.

All-Day Lessons (Ages 5-14):Full-day programs with lunch included. Kids are grouped by age and ability. Instructors focus on progression and building confidence.

Private Lessons:One-on-one or small group instruction. More expensive but allows customized pacing and attention. Great for kids who need extra help or want to progress faster.

Adult Lessons:Parents who don't ski can take lessons while kids are in ski school. Family ski trips work better when everyone can ski together by the end of the trip.

Book Early:Ski school fills up during peak weeks. Book lessons as soon as you have your travel dates. Waiting until the week before means limited availability or no spots at all.

Renting vs. Buying Gear

Kids outgrow gear fast. Renting makes financial sense unless you're skiing multiple times per season.

What to Rent:

• Skis, boots, and poles

• Helmets (required for kids under 13 at most resorts)

• Goggles if you don't own them

What to Buy:

• Base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms)

• Ski socks (not cotton, only wool or synthetic)

• Gloves or mittens (bring two pairs in case one gets wet)

• Neck gaiters or balaclavas

• Warm jacket and snow pants

Reserve rental gear online before you arrive. Walk-in rentals during peak weeks mean long waits and picked-over inventory.

Packing for Kids

Kids need more gear than adults. Here's what to pack:

Clothing:

• Base layers (two sets so you can wash one)

• Ski socks (three pairs minimum)

• Warm mid-layer fleece or down jacket

• Waterproof ski jacket

• Waterproof ski pants (bibs work better for young kids)

• Gloves or mittens (pack extras, they get wet)

• Warm hat

• Neck gaiter or balaclava

• Sunglasses and goggles

Essentials:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Hand warmers and toe warmers

• Small backpack for carrying snacks and layers

• Water bottle

• Snacks (lots of snacks)

For Younger Kids:

• Diapers and wipes if needed

• Extra clothes for après ski

• Favorite comfort items (stuffed animal, blanket)

• Books and quiet activities for downtime

Don't Forget:

• Phone chargers

• First aid kit with children's pain reliever

• Any medications your kids take

Managing the First Day

First days are hard. Kids are tired, overwhelmed, and dealing with new gear, new environments, and physical challenges.

Start Slow:Don't expect a full day of skiing on day one. A few hours is plenty. Let kids warm up, get comfortable in their gear, and end on a positive note.

Take Breaks:Kids need breaks every hour or two. Stop for hot chocolate, snacks, or just sitting down. Pushing through when they're tired creates meltdowns.

Lower Expectations:Your 4-year-old won't carve perfect turns on day one. Your 7-year-old might spend half the day falling. That's normal. Celebrate small wins and keep it fun.

End Early:When kids start whining or crying, the day is over. Don't push for one more run. Head back, warm up, and let them rest.

Keeping Kids Warm

Cold kids are miserable kids. Warmth matters more than skill development.

Layer Properly:Base layer, mid-layer, ski jacket. Don't overdress or they'll overheat and sweat, which makes them colder later.

Keep Extremities Warm:Hands, feet, and faces get cold fast. Use hand warmers in gloves. Make sure boots fit properly. Cover faces with neck gaiters.

Take Warm-Up Breaks:Duck into lodges regularly. Get hot chocolate. Let kids thaw out before heading back out.

Know When to Call It:If a child says they're cold, believe them. Don't push through. Cold kids stop having fun and start hating skiing.

Meals and Snacks

Kids burn energy fast skiing. Feed them constantly.

Breakfast:Big breakfast before hitting the slopes. Oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, or anything with protein and carbs. Avoid sugary cereals that lead to crashes.

Snacks on the Mountain:Pack granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, crackers, and anything portable. Kids need snacks every hour or two.

Lunch:Ski back to your rental for lunch or eat at a lodge. Warm meals help kids recharge. Avoid heavy foods that make them sluggish.

Dinner:Cook in your rental most nights. Kids are tired and restaurants are expensive. Make simple meals like pasta, tacos, or grilled cheese.

Hydration:Kids forget to drink water. Bring water bottles and remind them to drink regularly. Dehydration at altitude happens fast.

Afternoon Downtime

Kids need downtime after skiing. Don't pack every hour with activities.

Quiet Time:After skiing, let kids rest, watch movies, or play quietly. Their bodies need recovery time.

Swimming or Hot Tubs:Many properties offer pool and hot tub access. Kids love swimming after skiing. It burns remaining energy and helps them sleep.

Games and Activities:Bring board games, cards, or books. Cozy evenings in the rental create memories as much as skiing does.

Adult Ski Time

Parents deserve ski time too. Here's how to make it happen.

Trade Off:One parent skis in the morning while the other stays with kids. Switch after lunch. Both parents get mountain time without paying for childcare.

Use Ski School:All-day ski school gives parents 5 to 6 hours of kid-free skiing. It's expensive but worth it for a few days.

Hire a Sitter:Local childcare services provide in-room babysitting. Parents can ski together or enjoy an adults-only dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking the schedule: Kids can't ski 8 hours a day. Plan shorter days with breaks.

Skipping lessons: Kids learn faster with professional instruction. Don't try to teach them yourself unless you're a trained instructor.

Ignoring signs of exhaustion: Tired kids get hurt. When they're done, they're done.

Forgetting altitude: Kids feel altitude sickness too. Hydrate, start slow, and watch for symptoms.

Not bringing enough layers: Mountain weather changes fast. Pack extra clothes.

Why Copper Mountain Works for Families

Copper's layout makes family skiing easier. Beginners stay west, advanced skiers go east, and everyone meets in the middle.

The ski school is excellent. Instructors are patient, experienced, and good with kids.

The villages are compact and walkable. You're not driving between lodging, lifts, and restaurants.

We've seen countless families return to Copper year after year. Kids grow up skiing here. It becomes a family tradition.

Ready to Plan Your Family Trip?

Browse our family-friendly properties at larkmountain.com. Look for units with bunk rooms, multiple bathrooms, and locations near beginner terrain.

Reach out with questions. We'll help you find the right property and make sure your family ski trip is a success.