Aspen/Snowmass Ski Resort in Snowmass Village, Colo. has a new "Kids Ski Free"promotion for the 2015/2016 season and a "Very Important Kids" program with free activities for kids and a meal discount for families.

Family Vacation Critic has released its annual list of the Best Ski Resorts for Families, naming the best resorts for the 2015-2016 ski season. First on the list: Okemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, Vt. (pictured). Kids Night Out -- a childcare program for ages 6 months to 6 years, and Kids' Night Out X for ages 7 to 12 years, offering age-specific activities like pizza, movies, swimming and skating -- are a great perk for family travelers.

Editors of the site chose the list "based on a number of family-specific factors, including special programs for kids, lessons and slopes for all ages and skill levels and money-saving packages and promotions on offer," the site said. Pictured here, Stratton Mountain Ski Resort in Stratton, Vt., where group ski lessons for ages 3 to adult are customized by age group.

"Choosing a ski destination for the family isn't as simple as just heading for the nearest mountain. Families need a resort that offers a safe environment for every age, while also offering enough to keep everyone entertained," explained Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. Here, Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville, Pa., which features ski and snowboard lessons, tubing, two terrain parks and a mountain coaster.

Poirot said: "For families with skiers of different skill levels, the most important thing to look for is a resort that offers lessons, trails and programs to best meet the individual needs. Beyond that, convenience is key, and resorts that offer plenty to do beyond the slopes whether it's kids' clubs, family activities or even an indoor pool always stand out as being ideal for families." Pictured here is Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Mass., where ski and snowboard lessons are available to kids ages 3 to 14 and include lunch and hot chocolate breaks.

At Beaver Creek Resort in Beaver Creek, Colo. (pictured) two great programs -- Beaver Creek Loves Kids and Beaver Creek Loves Teens programs for families -- includes pizza parties, arts and crafts, and mountain excursions.

Pictured here is Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park, Calif., where the Badger Pups Downhill Ski/Snowboard Program includes two lessons for kids 4 to 6, and an all-day kids Camp is available on holidays and weekends.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Courtland, N.Y. features a Junior Ride and Ski School for kids as young as 3 years of age, and an on-site Youth Center with plasma TVs, an arcade and more.

Teens love Northstar California Resort in Truckee, Calif. (pictured) for its Teen Alley, with video games, music, movies and special events.

At Smugglers' Notch in Jeffersonville, Vt., there are lessons for all age groups, plus a FamilyFest Package that includes lodging, lift tickets, activities and more.