French Holiday Ideas | 6 of the best family ski resorts in the Alpes

Enjoying a winter ski break en famille in France is a rite of passage for many children, but with so many resorts to choose from, where should you go and what should you be looking for to ensure that the kids are safe, well looked after, and entertained? Here we look at the options available and present five great family ski resorts.

There are many things to consider when booking your family ski break. First there’s the destination – do you want a quiet resort or somewhere livelier with more off-piste activities? If there’s a break in the weather you will need alternative options for keeping them amused!

Then there’s the accommodation. Are the facilities really what you require, do they include child-friendly additions such as high chairs and plenty of games to keep the kids entertained? Will you be self-catering or catered? If so, do you need to have access to specialist foods at the local supermarket?


And then there’s the outdoor activity. If some kids are simply too young to ski, what is the childcare and activity provision like? For the older ones, does the ski school have a good reputation and English-speaking instructors? Getting the right ski school is crucial to your child enjoying their ski holiday. ESF (École du Ski Français) is usually the largest French ski school in the resort but there are other independent ones to look into as well, some where English is spoken as a first language.

Finally, don’t forget to be prepared. Ensure your little ones have the right equipment – good ski socks, protective headwear, sunglasses and gloves.

Five great family ski resorts

1. Les Gets

This pretty village in the Portes du Soleil collection of resorts in Haute-Savoie offers traditional charm with some excellent child-friendly facilities and slopes. Its authentic feel is perfectly complemented by 650kms of slopes to enjoy, with all abilities catered for. The numerous blue and green runs of the resort make it an ideal place for beginners to get started, while there is a delightful circuit known as the ‘Blanchot’ to discover.



www.lesgets.com

2. Alpe d’Huez

Another resort that grew outwards from a traditional village, Alpe d’Huez can claim the fifth largest ski area in France thatlinks to other attractive villages. What’s great here is the wealth of off-piste family-friendly leisure activities available including a large ice-skating rink, outdoor swimming pool (both free to ski pass holders) and a sports centre. There are also over 50 restaurants to choose from, so all members of the family will find some local cuisine to enjoy!

www.alpedhuez.com

3. La Plagne
Located in the heart of the enormous Paradiski ski domaine, La Plagne’s high altitude means snow coverage is more reliable – so crucial for beginners who might struggle on slushy or icy lower slopes. Facilities for novices are excellent, with nursery slopes adjacent to each of the resort’s separate ski centres, and easy runs between each. As for the kids, there are plenty of baby care, crèche and ski kindergarten opportunities, all bookable through your ski tour operator.

www.la-plagne.com/


4. Reberty, les Menuires

If it’s a small and compact resort with little traffic that you’re looking for, head to Reberty Village above the resort of Les Menuires in the famous 3 Valleys area. Crucially, it provides excellent ski-in, ski-out options with piste and ski school close by. With a couple of restaurants, a supermarket and a range of family events throughout the season, it’s the ideal place for a quieter family ski break. It also enjoys a reputation for excellent snow.

www.lesmenuires.com

5. Morzine

For a relaxed and affordable alternative to larger, busier resorts, Morzine ticks plenty of boxes. It retains old Savoyard village charm yet caters for all ski abilities and visitors will appreciate its state-of-the-art approach to resort management, from snow canons to facilities for non-skiers. This is a very child-friendly resort – kids can attend the ESF or the British Alpine Ski School – while centres such Cheeky Monkeys provide quality childcare, leaving Mum and Dad to enjoy themselves too!

www.morzine-avoriaz.com/

6. Valfréjus

Located close to Modane and the Frejus Tunnel and just above the village of Charmaix in Savoie, Valfrejus was established in 1983 and is one of the newest resorts in the Alps.

As a result, the architectural style is a much higher standard than other ski resorts built in the sixties.

Ideal for intermediate skiers, the youngest can learnt the basics whilst the others can improve their style on one of the 20 individual pistes representing a total of 52km of downhill skiing.

Above 1500m, with pistes up to more than 2500 metres, skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.

www.valfrejus.com

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July, 12th 2011 by Katharine Barrau

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