With breathtaking landscapes that feel like you’re skiing in a super-size postcard, the French Alps are home to the best ski holidays. From Courchevel to Val d’Isère, family ski resorts offer stellar snow, outdoor activities, and delicious regional food for memorable family holidays.
An introduction to family ski resorts in France
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Some ski resorts are geared for seasoned skiers, others for fans of après-ski. A family ski resort offers both, and so much more, so that each member of the family has a wonderful holiday regardless of their age or skill level.
In daily life, France puts family first, so it’s only natural they would extend this spirit onto the slopes. The country is so keen to welcome families that they’ve created the Famille Plus certification. It guarantees that the ski resort has all the amenities that families need, making it easy to book ski lessons and find activities for all ages, taking the guesswork out of knowing which resort to choose.
What makes a ski resort family-friendly?
On the slopes, you’ll find premium ski schools with English-speaking instructors and group or private lessons. A family-friendly resort also has beginner runs for new skiers as well as free lift tickets for the youngest members of your family. Childcare facilities are available so that parents can hit the slopes.
Away from the pistes, family ski resorts have loads of activities to please kids of all ages. Think ice skating, dog-sled rides, and indoor water parks. Ski-in/ski-out accommodation means parents don’t have to lug equipment far. Plus, there are no shortage of kid-friendly restaurants.
Top family ski resorts in the French Alps
The most posh ski resort in the French Alps, Courchevel pampers families with high-end offerings like Michelin-starred restaurants and majestic hot-air balloon rides. A luxury chalet rental in Courchevel gives you privileged access to the largest skiable area in the world, Three Valleys. As is Méribel, whose central location makes it ideal for high-performance skiers. Brimming with Alpine authenticity, Méribel also charms for its family-friendly amenities like baby-sitting and all-level ski schools.
Val d’Isère boasts a special area for young children to safely learn to ski, as well as cultural activities like farm visits to discover cheese-making. Chamonix has both beginner slopes and challenging off-piste trails, plus the highest cable car in the world, Aiguille du Midi. The highest resort in Europe, Tignes gets kids excited about snow in the igloo village at the children’s area
Best times to visit family ski resorts in France
If you can take the kids out of school in November, this is a great time to take advantage of empty slopes and little queues for the lifts, though it won’t be peak snow conditions. December, the official opening of ski season, is a festive, busy time at family ski resorts for a magical white Christmas. Early January is popular before school restarts, then the mountains are calmer starting the second week of the month. February brings excellent snow cover for a half-term holiday full of thrills and activities. March is one of the best times to ski in the French Alps thanks to warmer temperatures and fantastic snow conditions.
