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Best Ski Slopes For Kids Near Baltimore

According to a recent New York Times article, 83 percent of first-time skiers and snowboarders don't return for a second visit and give up. Help improve your child's beginner experiences by choosing the right mountains in the area to get started and gain confidence. This list also includes mountains that offer more variety of beginner and intermediate trails as well as terrain parks that will continue to challenge and excite kids with every visit. If skiing and snowboarding isn't of interest, many of these resorts offer a host of family-fun activities ranging from snow tubing to snow shoeing and much more. Just remember, since all snow-related activities are dependent on the weather, be sure to check the website or call the resort hotline in advance to check on mountain conditions before leaving home. This will ensure there's "snow much fun" for kids, and their families too.

Liberty Mountain Resort
78 Country Club Trail
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
(717) 642-8282
www.libertymountainresort.com

Liberty Mountain is the perfect place for kids to learn how to ski or snowboard with enthusiastic, trained instructors and well-maintained slopes. In fact, Liberty has won the industry award for offering the best program to introduce new skiers and snowboarders to the sports. The Children's Learning Center (CLC) has a host of popular ski and snowboard camps, packages and lessons, but due to limited space, interested parents should reserve online in advance for all CLC programs. Private ski lessons can start for kids as young as three years old and snowboarding for ages four and up. Liberty also offers snow tubing at Boulder Ridge with up to 15 perfectly carved lanes and a kiddie tubing area – an enjoyable experience for the whole family that is not only inexpensive but requires no experience to participate.

Related: Best Places For Winter Outdoor Adventures In Baltimore

Wisp Resort
296 Marsh Hill Road
McHenry, MD 21541
(301) 859-3159
www.wispresort.com

Wisp instructors are highly trained and great at instilling kids with the confidence they need to keep coming back to the slopes year after year. Designed for kids ages three to 14 years old, Wisp's programs include a full- or half-day session, both of which include rental and lift ticket for the day. However, kids don't have to ski or board to have a great time. Both the resort and Deep Creek Lake area have countless winter activities for kids like a mountain coaster, tubing park, snowmobile tour or a snowshoeing adventure. Parents will also appreciate the kids' night out program that includes dinner and fun activities so adults can catch some snow time too.

Whitetail Resort
13805 Blairs Valley Road
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(717) 328-9400
www.skiwhitetail.com

Skiers ages four to 12 and snowboarders ages six to 12 are guaranteed top-notch instruction and a fun time at Whitetail Resort. The Kid's Mountain Camp programs are designed to appropriately fit the attention span as well as physical abilities of every child. As children become more skilled, this mountain is well-suited to accommodate their growing sense of adventure with 23 trails and nine lifts, not forgetting the half pipe and two terrain parks. Tubing is also an option for kids ages five and older, however a kiddie tubing run is available for children ages two to four. Another perk of this resort is the "Mountain Passport" card for first-timers at least eight years old – the passport includes multiple benefits and is valid at nearby Liberty and Roundtop Mountains (both mentioned in this article).

Roundtop Mountain Resort
925 Roundtop Road
Lewisberry, PA 17339
(717) 432-9631
www.skiroundtop.com

Helpful, patient, technically proficient and downright amazing – if these are the qualities you're seeking in your child's ski or snowboard instructor, then Roundtop is a must-visit. The instructors follow six easy steps to learning and a quick visit to Roundtop's website will also reveal tons of helpful hints to making the whole family's first visit a successful one. The Kid Zone is open for kids as young as 18 months old, although only ages three and older can partake in ski or snowboard lessons. One program called Camp Revelry Snowboard Experience is one of the only in the area that starts working with kids at three years of age. Another benefit is the flexible scheduling of children's programs offered, which means no reservations necessary (although recommended for private lessons) and tickets can be purchased at the ticket window upon arrival.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort
777 Waterwheel Drive
Seven Springs, PA 15622
(800) 452-2223
www.7springs.com

With 33 slopes and trails, 11 lifts and seven terrain parks, Seven Springs Mountain holds plenty of options for kids that are both learning and looking for a challenge. Through Tiny Tots' Lessons, kids between the ages of four and seven can focus on "going" versus "stopping" by learning in specially shaped snow that naturally controls speed and direction. The Jr. Snowsports program is perfect for kids, teens or tweens who are looking to further their skill development and build the confidence needed to tackle tougher terrain. Of course, don't forget to leave time for a visit to the snow tubing park, one of the largest in the region with 11 thrilling chutes. Alternatively, Kids' Corner is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for younger kids who need a non-snow day option, make new friends, and play with games, toys or make crafts in a supervised playroom.

Related: Best Ski Lodges In America

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her online at beazellblog.com and Examiner.com.
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