When it comes to winter snow sports, there are two kinds of parents in this world: parents who buckle their kids into skis as soon as they can walk and… the rest of us. When you’re ready to brave the slopes again (not to mention the high price tags, the lines, and the long slogs across the parking lot), try to keep things as simple as possible.

Choosing the right resort is a good place to start. Here are a few of my family’s favorites.

Northstar-at-Tahoe, Northern California

With lots of gentle terrain for new skiers and relatively mild California winters, Northstar is a great place to take a family ski trip. At the base of the mountain is the Village at Northstar – luxury condos, shops, and restaurants centered around an ice rink that’s ringed with outdoor fire pits and cushy seating. It’s a decadent and family friendly place for après-ski. Don’t feel like skiing? You can go geocaching, tubing, telemarking, or bungee jumping instead. Don’t feel that ambitious? Order some hot chocolate and spend an hour relaxing while the sun sets.

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Another great family resort is Keystone Resort, just an hour and a half west of Denver. If you’re flying in, you can even take the Colorado Mountain Express shuttle (reservations recommended) and skip the hassle of renting a car. Maybe your family never tires of world-class skiing and snowboarding. If that’s the case, knock yourselves out. If, on the other hand, you like a little variety, there’s so much to do here. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a historic homestead for a western dinner and cowboy music. Go dogsledding. Take two gondolas to the tippy-top of the mountain for a hilarious Bavarian-themed fondue dinner at Der Fondue Chessel. No matter what, don’t miss Keystone Kidtopia (located mid-mountain), which features the world’s largest snow fort plus snow slides and an ice throne.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

This is another wonderful, hassle-free resort that you won’t need a car to enjoy. Fly into Salt Lake City with your family and grab a shuttle. Whether you prefer to stay on the mountain or in historic Old Town, you’ll be able to ski in and ski out – Park City has a Town Lift and a Town Ski Bridge for just this purpose. Even if you’re not here during the Sundance Film Festival, you’ll feel Hollywood cool strolling down Main Street. If you’re feeling particularly star struck, make dinner reservations at Zoom. It’s owned by Robert Redford, but very warm, casual, and (above all) family friendly.