Antlers at Vail

Named “Best Ski Hotel for Families” by Curbed Ski, Antlers at Vail is situated on the banks of beautiful Gore Creek in Lionshead, facing Vail Ski Resort. You’re just 150 feet from Lionshead Gondola – totally doable, even trying to balance an armload of kids’ gear with your ski boots snapped tight. The onsite rental shop makes the sizing process simple, with the experts confirming that yes indeed, those snug-fitting boots fit right (even though the newbies in your crew look unconvinced). Upon your exhausted-but-glorious return, gladly hand your gear off in the complimentary ski valet area – and head up to your suite for après ski snacks and hot drinks. Once you’re semi-thawed out, make your way to the creekside heated outdoor pool and hot tub, one-upping each other with tales from the day while you sit and soak. When it’s time to wave the kids in for dinner, bundle them up in towels and speed-walk back inside to dry off and get changed. If you’re town-bound, hop on the free shuttle – it’s right outside.

Spacious, inviting condo suites are each individually decorated and range in size from studio suites to four-bedroom vacation homes (including one-bedroom with bunks), all with heated underground parking. Thanks to your fully equipped kitchen and leisurely vacation schedule, breakfast can be an actual sit-down meal, vs a piece of toast on the fly. Pull the curtains wide open to make the most of the mountain and valley views, and escape to your private balcony with a cup of coffee or glass of wine if the weather’s nice enough (even in winter, you may get a relatively balmy day). Ask about snowshoe loaners and borrowable GoPro cameras, and hit the trails. Then later, when you’re back, feast on family favorites around the dining table. Once dinner’s cleared away, flip on the gas fireplace and collapse in front of a free DVD. (Be thee warned: the little ones may not make it past the first few scenes.)

Rated North America’s #1 ski resort, Vail has 33 chairlifts and over 5,200 acres of terrain – plus a glorious 300-plus days of sunshine a year. Try cross-country skiing, or book a sleigh ride dinner at Four Eagle Ranch. Make the kids’ day (or year!) with snowmobiling, snow biking and tubing at Adventure Ridge – take the Lionshead Gondola to get there (free rides after 2:00 PM). Summer is the perfect season for nearby Epic Discovery’s ziplines and adventure courses. There’s also local fishing and hiking, or you can get really crazy with a surprise hot air balloon ride.