Highlands Tips for Ski Trips with Kids
Your family’s guide to making winter adventures easy, fun, and full of memories.
There is nothing like watching your kids discover the joy of skiing — the wobbly first turns, the big grins from the chairlift, the hot cocoa breaks that taste extra sweet after a few runs. At The Highlands, we know that skiing with kids is equal parts excitement and logistics. That is why we have gathered a few tried-and-true tips to help you make the most of your family ski trip this winter.
Choose Lodging That Works for Your Family
When you are traveling with kids, location and convenience make all the difference.
- Stay close to the action: Our Main Lodge offers slopeside access and quick trips back for nap time, snack breaks, or forgotten mittens.
- Need more space? The Heather Highlands Inn features condo-style units that are perfect for families or small groups. It is still close to the slopes and resort amenities, but the extra room and kitchen make it great for extended stays.
- Bringing grandparents or extended family? Our Vacation Rentals give everyone room to spread out and unwind after a day on the slopes. With our on-resort shuttle service, you do not need to worry about lugging everyone back into the car with all of your gear back and forth from your lodging to the ski hill.
Start Small (and Have Fun Doing It)
If it’s your kids' first time on the snow, The Highlands makes it simple to ease them in.
- Snowsports School: Our expert instructors know how to make learning fun — with games, smiles, and progress at their own pace.
- Beginner-friendly terrain: Our wide, gentle runs are perfect for building confidence before heading to bigger slopes.
- Magic Carpet lifts make it easy for little legs to get back up for “just one more run.”
Explore Snowsport Lessons for the Whole Family
Ride More, Wait Less
Families love how much skiing they can fit into a day here — thanks to lift upgrades like Camelot 6, our high-speed, heated chair that keeps everyone warm and moving. Less waiting means happier kids and more laps together.
Pick the Right Lift Ticket Option
Not every family skis the same way, and that is okay.
- Winter Bundle: The mix and match option — bundle lift tickets, lessons, and rentals (or build your own package) for convenience and savings.
- Lift Tickets: Best for single-day skiers or spontaneous trips.
- SnowFlex: A flexible multi-day ticket pack that lets you choose when to ski — perfect for families with weekend schedules or kids in sports.
Save the Meltdowns
These are our tried and true tips that help parents navigate everything from cold hands to floppy kids that need some motivation to get down the slopes.
Dress Them in Layers
Base layers go first, then insulating layers (down bests, fleece, etc.), then lastly the outer layers. In case you forgot a layer while packing, head to the Boyne Country Sports store located on the property to find the best options for your ski and winter adventures.
Toe Warmers and Hand Warmers
Always wait to put toe and hand warmers on right before you head outside. We recommend placing toe warmers on top of the sock for the best results. Cold hands and toes can sour any winter adventure. Be sure to take advantage of our warming huts to warm up in between laps (located near the Heather Lift and North Peak).
Candy for the Chairlift
Skiing for adults is tiring, so think about how hard it is for the tiny humans. Keep some candy or snacks in your pocket for that moment when you know they are losing fuel and a meltdown is averted! Grab the best snacks in the Day Lodge or at our North Peak Lodge before you hit the slopes.
Let Our Ski Hosts Help Out
Epic meltdown? Not enough hands? Whatever it may be, we can always lend an extra hand. Find us in the green jackets and don't be afraid to ask for help!
Safety First
Everyone should wear a helmet. We offer helmet rentals for a small fee, and our rental experts will get your child fitted correctly.
Practice Walking in the Ski Boots
Let your kids walk around and practice "boot work". You can show them some tricks like "pizza" and "french fries" too. Make it a game! Do red light, green light as if they are using the boots like skis. Let them get used to the feeling, and it will be way less overwhelming when you get to the hill.
Build in Downtime
After the lifts stop spinning, it’s time for family fun off the slopes:
- Roast s'mores at the outdoor fire pits
- Take a dip in the heated pools
- Enjoy family time with cozy movies, crafts, and games on select weekends
- Get a fancy hot chocolate at the Brew Bar
- Enjoy dinner at Slopeside Lounge — family-friendly with plenty of kid-approved options
- Have a night in with movies and pizza from Champions Pizza
Keep It Simple — That is the Highlands Way
Ski trips with kids don't have to be stressful. With easy lodging, family-friendly terrain, and lift options that fit every schedule, The Highlands makes winter adventures feel effortless.
So pack the mittens, bring your sense of adventure, and come make some winter memories with us.