Steamboat Springs, Colorado

When you decide to Ski Steamboat Colorado, you've made a great choice. The town has the nickname 'Ski Town USA', and it's well-earned, because many say the skiing is better than anywhere. The town is split into two, the old downtown section, dating back to the 19th century, with an authentic cowboy ambiance, and the more modern 'Mountain Area' village higher up the valley, spread out in front of the gondola area. There's a free shuttle bus that connects the two which takes about 10 minutes.

Steamboat has a great reputation as being a kid-friendy resort. Steamboat pioneered 'Kids Ski Free' concessions - these now can even include rental gear and accomodation. Next to the base area the large Kid's Vacation Center offers comprehensive daycare and starter skiing lessons on an adjoining gentle slope. Non-skiing care for 6 months - 6 year olds is handled by Kiddie Corral. Most kids though will want to try out skiing - they can join the Buckaroos (2-3yrs), the Sundance Kids (3 to 5yrs), or Jackalopes (5 to 6yrs) - all these programmes include short skiing sessions. From 7 years onward, your kids can join tailored sessions run by the proper ski-school. In the evening, the fun's not over. There's a large skating rink - always very popular with kids. And if you're not already cold to the bones after a day on the slopes, take them swimming - the pool complex has a brilliant water slide.

Best Ski Resort's (from 100BestEverything) rating : Experts 3 stars out of 5, Intermediates 3 out of 5, Beginners 4 out of 5. Family Friendly 5 stars out of 5. Happy times 5 stars out of 5.