Quick Info
Ages: 8 weeks to 7 years. Location: Base village, adjacent to the gondola. Services: Childcare, ski lessons, snow play. Book ahead: Holiday weeks fill up months in advance.
The Treehouse is why Snowmass has a reputation as a family mountain. This 25,000-square-foot facility combines childcare with ski instruction in a purpose-built environment designed specifically for young children. Parents can ski knowing their kids are in an award-winning program.
Programs
Cubs (8 weeks - 2.5 years): Licensed childcare in a dedicated nursery. Indoor play, naps, meals included. Outdoor snow play for older infants and toddlers when conditions permit.
Grizzlies (2.5 - 3 years): Introduction to snow. Indoor activities combined with outdoor play. Some programs include initial ski introduction on the magic carpet.
Big Burns (3 - 4 years): First skiing experiences. Small group sizes, patient instructors, and dedicated learning terrain. Half-day and full-day options.
Powder Pandas (4 - 6 years): Structured ski lessons building skills progressively. Kids graduate through levels with measurable progression.
Mountain Masters (5 - 7 years): More advanced programming for kids ready to explore the mountain beyond the learning area.
The Facility
The Treehouse isn't a typical ski school meeting point:
- Purpose-built with kid-sized everything
- Indoor play areas for breaks and bad weather
- Dedicated outdoor learning terrain steps away
- Warm-up areas, meals, and nap spaces
- Magic carpets and gentle grades for beginners
The design means young children spend less time in cold, uncomfortable situations and more time actually learning.
Booking & Logistics
Reserve early. Popular dates—Christmas, Presidents' Week, spring break—fill months ahead. Book as soon as you confirm your trip.
Full-day vs. half-day: Young children often do better with half-days. Full days include lunch and rest time but can be tiring.
Drop-off: Located in base village, convenient from most lodging. Allow time the first morning for paperwork and gear check.
Rentals: Kid-sized gear available. Consider renting from the resort for convenience, even if it costs slightly more.
Tips
Book before your trip. Walk-up spots are rare during busy periods. Don't assume availability.
Pack extra layers. Kids get cold faster. Label everything clearly with your child's name.
Manage expectations. First ski experiences vary. Some kids take to it immediately; others need time. Good instructors adjust.
Consider multiple days. Progression happens over consecutive days. One day is fun; three days builds real skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lunch included?
For full-day programs, yes. Lunch and snacks are provided. Communicate any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
What if my child doesn't like skiing?
Instructors are experienced with reluctant beginners. Programs include indoor play and activities—kids aren't forced to ski if genuinely distressed.
Can I ski with my child instead?
Of course. But professional instruction, especially for first experiences, often produces better results than parent-teaching.
What ages go to Buttermilk?
Older children (typically 7+) often take lessons at Aspen's Buttermilk, known for excellent beginner terrain. Treehouse focuses on youngest skiers at Snowmass.