Christine About eight hours from Cleveland, Mount Snow in Somerset, Vermont, is the perfect destination for a family ski adventure. It’s also just four hours from New York City and two hours from Boston, making it a great option for families looking for a winter getaway in the Northeast. Our drive from Cleveland felt long at first, but once we arrived, every mile was worth it.
🏔️ What We Like About Mount Snow
Mount Snow sits at 3,568 feet and has something for everyone. With 86 trails spread across beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain, there’s no shortage of options:
- 16% beginner
- 66% intermediate
- 17% advanced
- 1% expert
The mountain gets around 135 inches of snow each year, and the well-maintained trails make skiing fun for the whole family. For freestyle fans, the Carinthia side has 11 terrain parks, which was a big hit with our older kids. Our four adventurous kids tried a mix of runs, and each one found slopes that challenged them without feeling intimidating.
🧒 Lessons and Childcare
Mount Snow makes it easy for families to enjoy the slopes while kids build confidence and have fun. The ski school offers small group lessons and private options, with children grouped by age and ability.
Here’s a quick look at pricing:
- Ages 3–4: Half-day lessons with a hot cocoa break — $199
- Ages 5–14: Full-day lessons with lunch — $299
Private lessons are also available for any age. Epic Pass holders receive 20% off lessons, which is a great bonus!
For little ones not yet ready for the slopes, Mount Snow offers childcare for children 18 months to 4 years old, letting parents enjoy a few runs worry-free. Between lessons and childcare, it’s easy to have a fun, stress-free day on the mountain.
🚡 Navigating the Resort
Mount Snow can get busy, especially on weekends, but we found mornings a little hectic and afternoons much quieter. Lift lines were shorter, and the slopes felt more open, giving our family plenty of space to enjoy the runs.
The resort is very convenient:
- Shuttle service makes parking and moving gear stress-free
- Plenty of dining options, from casual cafés to sit-down restaurants
- We packed a lunch and enjoyed it at Market Fresh Food Court, but there are lots of on-mountain spots if you prefer to eat out
🍹 Après-Ski Fun
After a long day on the slopes, we loved relaxing at Zero Gravity Beer Garden. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was lively, and the views of the mountain were stunning. It was the perfect way to unwind and celebrate a day of skiing with the kids.
🏠 Lodging and Tips
We didn’t stay overnight this trip, but Mount Snow has plenty of ski-in/ski-out condos and hotels onsite, making it a great choice for a longer getaway. The resort is part of the Epic Pass, which makes planning future trips easier.
Tips for families:
- Buy lift tickets and lessons in advance to save time and money
- Download the Epic app—tickets are digital and can be scanned with Bluetooth for easy check-in
💛 Final Thoughts
Mount Snow is fun, family-friendly, and scenic—everything a winter getaway should be. With trails for all skill levels, convenient amenities, and plenty of après-ski fun, it’s a place where families can create lasting memories together.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Cleveland, a longer Vermont escape, or tying Mount Snow into a bigger ski adventure with other resorts, this mountain delivers adventure, relaxation, and family fun for everyone.
Other Ski Resorts We Love Within Driving Distance of Cleveland
- Peek n Peek, NY
- Holiday Valley, NY
- Okemo, VT
- Snowshoe Mountain, WV
- Stowe, VT
