While all the mountains in Colorado have great family-focused activities, Beaver Creek has long been recognized as one of the best. Here's a look at what you'll experience when your family stays in the quieter corner of Vail Valley:

• Private and group ski lessons for the whole family During "Learn to Ski Month" Beaver Creek offers two amazing deals. The first is for beginner adults, who get the third day of lessons free when they buy two days of adult group lessons. For kids, the resort guarantees your kids will learn how to ski by the third day, and if not, the fourth day of lessons is free. 
• Cookie time! Every day at 3 pm the resort brings out freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for everyone finishing up on the slopes.
• The famous Candy Cabin Head to the top of Strawberry Park Express or Mountain Express Lifts between 10 am and 3 pm to let your kids explore a cozy cabin full of traditional candy favorites.
• Additional activities From sleigh rides to a full lineup of events that changes weekly, you'll have plenty to do without ever having to leave the resort. 
• Childcare and Nursery Kids 6 and under (down to 2 months) can attend Beaver Creek's renowned daycare program, which is led by professional caregivers. Learn more about it here.

If you've got a big family, you may want to plan a family ski trip to Steamboat Springs. Here, kids 12 and under not only ski for free, but they also rent gear for free if you purchase a 5-day adult ticket.

Steamboat also boasts a kids-only magic carpet as a part of the resort's Kids' Vacation Center, which is available to children aged 2-6 years old. This program offers all-day group lessons that include lunch, ski instruction, and separate activities both inside and out.

Daycare is offered all day, from 8:15 am to 4 pm, for $145 advance purchase (or $165 advance purchase over holidays).

Whether you're staying in town, in the mountains, or at the base of the resort, we have the Steamboat vacation rental that's perfect for your family.

Vail is well known for its skiing, but there's far more to it than just its famous back bowls. Here's a quick look at a few of its family-centered activities:

• Scenic Gondola Rides You don't have to strap on skis to enjoy the amazing views of the gondola. Start the journey in Lionshead Village, take the gondola to the top, and perhaps grab a bite or drink at Bistro Fourteen. These rides are $44 for adults and $30 for children. However, if you wait till after 3:30 pm, you can even get this ride for free. 
• Adventure Ridge Take a ride down the year-round mountain coaster, go tubing, or try your hand at ski biking. You can even take a guided nighttime tour on the ski bikes -- an offering you won't find anywhere but Vail. 
• Walking Mountains Science Center Naturalists program Vail's ski school also offers this fantastic program that teaches kids about the geology and biology of the mountains that surround the ski slopes.

In terms of family activities, town charm, and wide open runs, it's hard to beat a family ski vacation at Breckenridge. Here's what you can expect to find if you head to this Summit County favorite:

• The best terrain for learning Breckenridge is a big mountain with long, wide open runs filled with skiers of all abilities. After you've spent a few days learning, Breck has terrain that gets more difficult very gradually, so your kids (or you) can build your confidence slowly -- the safe way. 
• History While Breck's I-70 counterparts Vail and Beaver Creek were more or less designed to be ski towns a little over 50 years ago, Breckenridge is steeped in Colorado history that dates back to 1859 when it was founded after settlers found gold. Your family will love exploring the Victorian town, nearby historic mines, and museums throughout the area.
• Dining for everyone Between the town of Breckenridge, nearby Keystone, and the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, you'll never run out of fun dining options. There's also excellent shopping in all of these areas, too.