The full-resort options
Smugglers' Notch is the undisputed champion for families with kids 3-12 — six pools, five waterslides, and included kids' camp from 9am-4pm. Summer rates $280-$520, winter $350-$650. Jay Peak’s Pump House indoor waterpark is the wet-weather saviour and works even for teens. Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain is the classic New England summer camp for families — $450-$800 including meals and kids' activities, with sailing, tennis, and a genuinely useful nursery.
Smaller-scale family picks
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe has huge family suites, cross-country trails from the door, and outdoor pools. Tyler Place on Lake Champlain (only open May-September) is all-inclusive family perfection at $350/adult/night. For a shorter stay, the Essex Resort has connecting rooms, a cooking school for kids, and easy Burlington access.
Good to know
Which resort is best for teenagers?+
Jay Peak in winter (park, tram, waterpark), Basin Harbor in summer (waterskiing, sailing lessons, evening pizza social). Smuggs skews younger.
Are connecting rooms easy to book?+
Yes at Essex, Topnotch and Stowe Mountain Lodge. Historic inns rarely have them — call to confirm rather than assuming.