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An important part of a Christmas ski trip is the people who you travel with. After all, when the whole family wants to join in the festive fun, you need a destination not only to accommodate all ages, but one which can be experienced in comfort as well as in style.

One of the best ways to spend a skiing Christmas vacation in grandeur is on a cruise trip that will cover the best ski resorts for you and your family by shore excursions.

This is why gateway travel from Seattle to Alaska is a popular family option as many ski themed cruise itineraries operate during Christmas from the Emerald City. Moreover, because of its proximity to Alaska, it makes Seattle an ideal departure point for family cruises.

If you are looking for a snowy escape with kids this Christmas, there are some fabulous resorts within easy reach by a cruise from Seattle.

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

Open: Late November to late April

Enjoying a picturesque location just 40 miles from Anchorage, the Alyeska Ski Resort is a year round destination for an endless number of activities, including 1610 acres of skiable terrain, 76 marked trails and nearly 700” of snow annually.

The resort is outstanding for skiers with families for its ski-in and ski-out facilities, friendly staff, several great dining options. Additionally, a resort employee will keep your ski equipment in the locker just outside the lift area.

After a hard day of skiing, Alyeska offers a wide range of apres-ski activities for some much needed relaxation.

Fairbanks

Located in the interior part of Alaska the region apart from being the best place to see the Northern Lights, is also home to two downhill ski areas as well as miles and miles of cross country trails. Fairbanks is a prime destination for winter sports.

The two lift areas of Moose Mountain and Ski Land, though smaller than Alyeska, offer the advantage of cheaper lift passes and lesser crowds besides the regions own unique charm.

Ski Land

Open: Late December to April

Ski Land enjoys the unique designation of being the northernmost chair lift in North America. The lift area provides access to over 40 trails, suitable for all levels of skiers.The resort is located 30 minutes to the northeast of Fairbanks.

A unique feature of Ski Land is you can drive up to the top of the mountain and ski downhill from there and then take the chair lift back to where joy parked the car. A grill on the site offers quick bites and local beer.

Moose Mountain Ski Resort

Open: Late November to March

The Moose Mountain Ski Resort is located only fifteen minutes from downtown Fairbanks and apart from stunning views of the White Mountains it features 750 acres with vertical rise of 1300 feet. The trails are mostly intermediate or advanced, besides a few runs for beginners.

There are no chair lifts on Moose Mountain as a shuttle takes skiers to the top and provides the skier with ample opportunities to warm up before runs.