France has some of the best skiing in Europe, below we will give you our suggestions for a good ski holiday in France without choosing the "most expensive" ski areas, such as Tignes, Val d'Isere or Val Thorens.
The good thing about France is that you typically live up on the mountain, and therefore no more than 2-300 meters to the slopes, so children don't have to take a ski bus like in Austria.
Here's a list of the 7 best family-friendly ski areas in France:
- Les Arcs - Paradiski: This ski resort has a great selection of child-friendly slopes and a good ski school.
Read more about - Les Arcs
- La Plagne - Paradiski: This popular ski area has many activities for children and a special kids club with English-speaking instructors.
Read more about - La Plagne
- Les Sybelles: For those who want a really cheap ski vacation in France, where you can get a lift pass and accommodation for under DKK 2500 per person. But do not go down on piste km.
Read more about - Les Sybelles
- Morzine: Morzine is a ski resort in France, located in the Portes du Soleil ski area close to the Swiss border. The town is known for its charm and authentic alpine atmosphere as well as its wide range of slopes and activities.
Read more about - Morzine
- Alpe d'Huez: Great ski resort with a great reputation for ski instruction and many fun off-piste activities such as ice climbing.
Read more about - Alpe d'Huez
- Châtel: This family-friendly ski resort has many easy slopes, a good ski school and a large kids club with indoor play areas.
Read more about - Châtel
- Serre Chevalier: This 150 km ski area has a great reputation for its children's ski lessons as well as fun activities such as family dinners at the top of the mountain.
Read more about - Serre Chevalier
- Valmorel: A smaller ski area that is very family-friendly with easy slopes, good facilities for children and a cozy village atmosphere.
Read more about - Valmorel
These ski areas are sure to give your family a memorable vacation together skiing in France.
What makes a ski resort family-friendly?
A ski resort can be family-friendly in different ways. Here are some of the things a ski resort can do to attract and meet the needs of families:
Ski school: A good ski resort should have a good ski school with dedicated instructors trained to teach children of all ages and levels.
Children's areas: Ski resorts may have special areas with smaller slopes that are safer and less challenging for children.
Off-piste activities: Many family-friendly ski resorts also offer off-piste activities such as ice skating, swimming pools, toboggan runs and more.
Safety: Families want to feel safe on ski holidays, so it's important that ski resorts have good safety measures and clear information about rules and procedures.
Amenities: Good amenities like child-friendly restaurants, play areas and accommodation close to the ski area can also make a ski resort more family-friendly.
Prices: Last but not least, the price of lift passes and equipment rentals can play a big part in the ski resort decision for many families.
Here are a few tips for you as a driver:
If you're traveling to France, remember it's compulsory to bring your own breathalyzer (disposable is fine).
If you are driving through Switzerland, remember the Vignette - available digitally.
These factors combined will make a ski resort attractive to families looking for a fun and memorable vacation together on skis.
Planning ski holidays to France? You can find inspiration in the articles mentioned below:
- Best après-ski destinations in France
- Best ski areas in France
- Cheap but great ski areas in France
- Most expensive ski resorts in France
- Highest-altitude ski areas in France
- Best cross-country skiing resorts in France
- Great ski-in/ski-out areas in France
- Most snow-reliable ski areas in France
- Largest ski resorts in France
Can you save money on lift passes in France?
Yes, there is typically a great deal to be had if you just book online - you can save up to 10-20% depending on the destination you visit.
Are there any ski areas that are free for children in France?
Many ski areas have free lift passes for children under 5-6 years old. Some as young as 8 years old. Others have great discounts for children up to 16 years. But it's worth checking, as if you have 3 between 5-12 years old - a lift pass in Val T for 6 days for DKK 2000 can quickly become expensive.
