France continues to be one of the top destinations in the world for family ski holidays, offering huge ski areas, excellent English-friendly ski schools, baby-friendly childcare, cosy chalets and plenty of off-slope fun for all ages. 

Whether you’re a novice at skiing or experienced, France for Families is packed with useful hints and tips for family ski holidays to France. If you’ve never been skiing before there’s no doubt you’re best off with a ski package operator. But to make big savings organise the skiing holiday yourself using the advice in these pages and click on search below to check out our ski accommodation.

Top French Ski Areas for Families

Here are some of the most recommended family-friendly ski destinations:

Classic All-Rounders

La Plagne – A huge, well-connected ski area with wide, gentle runs great for beginners and intermediates, plus snow parks and family fun zones. Reliable snow and family-centric services make this a great all-season pick.

Les Arcs – Part of the Paradiski domain with lift access to varied terrain. It’s good for mixed-ability groups and has plenty of blue runs for confident beginners.

Alpe d’Huez – Famous for sunny slopes and loads of gentle terrain. Excellent nursery areas and long blues help families build confidence. 

Avoriaz 1800 – A purpose-built, 100% pedestrian resort in Portes du Soleil. Perfect for families who want ski-in/ski-out convenience and a safe village for kids to explore. 

Smaller, Sunny & Very Family-Friendly

Grand Massif Domaines Skiables – Includes Samoëns and Flaine. Great childcare options and a friendly village vibe.

Les Menuires – Part of Les Trois Vallées with a Famille Plus accreditation (a French government label for family-friendly resorts). 

Val Thorens – Europe’s highest resort with long snow seasons, excellent ski schools, and plenty of varied terrain.

Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon & Club Med Peisey-Vallandry – French Alps – All-inclusive options with ski lessons, childcare and meal plans included. Families who prefer stress-free planning love these. 

Booking Ski Accommodation in France

You have a bewildering choice of skiing accommodation, especially in the purpose built resorts. However, the choice is narrowed when you start to consider your needs – for instance, if your budget is limited then you should choose self catering in a small apartment, beginners want to be close to the nursery slopes, non-skiers need entertaining….and so on.

For a family holiday to France, if you are travelling with younger children, check out if there are plenty of nursery slopes nearby and if there are companies that offer either childcare facilities or can recommend a ski class for the younger children.

Chalets often include ski-in/ski-out access, boot rooms, games areas, cosy fireplaces and catered options, letting parents relax while kids play. Longer-stay visitors especially appreciate chalets where ski hire and pass pickup are arranged before arrival.

For more information, about accommodation available in the Alps, see our Gites in the French Alps page.

Planning Travel

On a family ski holiday, if you can afford it then flying must be preferred. Either book a package holiday where transfers are included or consider hiring a car from the airport. If hiring a car from an airport you must ensure that your car has snow tyres.

For example, if you fly into Geneva and hire a car from the ‘French’ side, the car doesn’t automatically have snow tyres or chains etc. including in the hire. The cars also tend not to have a motorway toll pass included. So our recommendation is always hire from the ‘Swiss’ side – it may be slightly more expensive but well worth it!

Driving is the cheapest option but has some downsides – mainly the traffic in peak season and the weather! If you want your car with you but don’t want to drive then Autotrain is an option. The other choices are Eurostar from Waterloo/Ashford or taking a coach (a long journey, not ideal for kids).

Skiing Lessons in France

If you are taking children or beginners on your family ski holiday we strongly recommend that you take lessons on a dry ski slope before setting our on your holiday – you will get so much more out of your holiday as a result.

On the piste you have the choice of group lessons (typically 10 per group) or private lessons (expensive, booked in advance). 

Most resorts offer ESF (École du Ski Français) lessons — widely available in English and French, and children from as young as 3½ can join beginner classes or nursery slope sessions (often called “Piou Piou” for little ones).

In larger resorts, childcare centres (garderie) look after toddlers while adults ski, and many organise afternoon activities like torchlight walks, tobogganing and snow games.

Top Tip:

Book lessons and childcare early — especially for February Half-Term and Easter weeks — they sell out fast

Lift Passes

One of the more expensive parts of the holiday. Get a multi day pass for a discount. Don’t waste money on extended area passes if you’re novice skiers.

Ski Clothing for a family ski holiday in France

You will need special clothes for skiing – skiing gloves are essential to keep your hands warm; salopettes (a bit like dungarees) not only keep your legs warm but also help to keep snow out if you fall over; a hat is vital if the wind is up and the sun is not; the one item you can skimp on is your coat – if you have a decent winter coat, this coupled with a good base layer and several mid layers, such as a good fleece should be enough to protect you from the elements.

Other items to consider are goggles and sunscream, the snow reflects the sun strongly, warm socks, waterproof boots and helmet liners are good for keeping warm all day.

Saving Money on Ski Clothes: Quite frankly there is no substitute for sheer hard work here. Start looking early, six months or more before your holiday. There are bargains to be found, but they have to be found. We recommend:

• Look for end of season discounts, ready for next year.
• Visit all the sports shops regularly, even the expensive ones have bargains.
• For the children, buy a size too big – then you can get a couple of seasons wear from them.
• Buy neutral colours so you can pass clothes onto your younger children. Black salopettes are best for this.
• Choose carefully and you may be able to find a ski jacket that will make a nice school coat as well.
• Vinted and Ebay are great places to start.

Choosing Equipment

Assuming you don’t have your own skis or boots then you will have to hire these when you arrive at the resort. Make sure you allow time for this as it takes time to get them fitted properly. You can help by making sure that you know the height, weight and shoe size (continental number) for all the members of your family before you go. Make sure everyone takes time to get boots that fit comfortably as this greatly impacts your enjoyment. And go back if they become uncomfortable later.

It’s a good idea to pre-book your equipment before you go, you will find this cheaper than paying when in resort.

We can recommend www.skiset.co.uk as a company that provides good equipment at an excellent rate.

Fueling Your Family Adventure

French Alpes cuisine isn’t just a meal, it’s an event! From gooey cheese to sweet treats, here is how to navigate the delicious world of alpine dining for the whole crew:

The Alpine All-Stars

The Cheese Trinity: You can’t leave without trying Tartiflette (potatoes, bacon & cheese), Raclette (melt it yourself, cheese fun!) and the classic Fondue. It’s interactive dining that kids actually love.

Warm & Toasty: Look for hearty soups and stews. They are the ultimate recharge fuel for little legs after a morning on the slopes.

Sweet Stops: Keep the energy high with mountainside crepes, thick hot chocolate and local gateaux (cakes).

Dining with a View

Dining with a View (and a Playground)

Mountain restaurants are surprisingly family-oriented. Many spots feature sunny terraces where you can soak up the peaks while the kids burn off steam in designated snow play areas. It’s a win-win: adults get the espresso (or wine), and kids get the freedom.

Family-Friendly Après Ski: What to Expect

Forget the rowdy table-dancing you see in movies—family après is all about the “Golden Hour” after the lifts close.

The Vibe: Relaxed, cozy, and buzzing. Most bars and cafes welcome children with open arms until early evening.
The Entertainment: Many resorts host outdoor marshmallow roasting, live street performers, or even “kids’ discos” in the main square.
What to Bring: Always keep a spare pair of dry socks in your bag. There’s nothing like a damp foot to ruin a post-ski cocoa!

• Christmas & New Year: Festive magic but busy and premium prices.
• February Half-Term: Peak family season (book early).
• January & March: Great snow and quieter slopes. 
• April: Spring skiing with sunshine — best on high-altitude resorts. 

Top Tips for Every Generation

Babies & Toddlers

• Choose resorts with childcare and Piou Piou areas.
• Frequent breaks and warm, waterproof layers will keep little ones happy.
• Consider stroller-safe paths and indoor play zones.

Tweens & Teens

• Book skills-based lessons (freestyle, speed) to keep them engaged.
• Resorts with snow parks and off-slope activities (ice skating, tubing) are winners.

Seniors

• Choose resorts with easy access to ski lifts and gentle cruising runs.
• Plenty of on-site cafés and spas for rest days.
• Arrive rested and avoid peak rush periods to make lifts and slopes more enjoyable.