Explore the best family ski resorts in France
Planning a family ski holiday is exciting, but can be a mammoth task. While you might dream of whooshing down the slopes 'en famille' or watching your little ones take to the snow for the first time, it's essential first to make sure that you pick the right resort.
A variety of terrain - including dedicated nursery and beginner-friendly slopes, convenient, comfortable accommodation, close to the slopes, shops and restaurants and equipped with everything a family needs, professional childcare (if required), a family-friendly atmosphere and fun off-piste activities are just some of the things to look for to discover the best French ski resorts for families.
While the list above may seem overwhelming, the good news is that the French Alps are a hotspot for family-friendly resorts, with many having been thoughtfully designed to cater to multigenerational groups of skiers. Ski Beat specialises in providing the best accommodation options in some of France's most family-friendly resorts, ensuring comfort and convenience for everyone.
What Makes a Resort Perfect for Families?
Varied Terrain
When selecting the best French ski resort for a family holiday, several key factors should be taken into account in your decision-making process. Typically, family groups have mixed-ability skiers to consider, so topping the list of essential features is having beginner-friendly as well as advanced slopes. Resorts that offer a dedicated nursery area for complete beginners, as well as a good variety of blues, reds and blacks, mean that everyone can make the most of the slopes.
Reputable ski schools
Rusty and beginner skiers will no doubt benefit from skiing lessons before they are ready to take to the snow solo. For those with younger children or older complete beginners, well-reviewed ski schools with English-speaking instructors will be valued. Look for instructors who have extensive experience teaching kids and receive a lot of positive feedback, so you can feel confident that your children will have a great first experience and end up loving the sport as much as you do.
Childcare Facilities
Childcare facilities can be a beneficial addition for families with little ones too young to ski, or for those who simply want to make the most of the pistes while ensuring their children are well looked after when they aren't in their lessons. Similar to ski instructors, the best French ski resorts for families should have excellent childcare facilities for those who need them.
Family-Oriented Activities
Off-slope activities, such as sledging, ice skating, and snowshoeing, are all surefire hits with both young and old. If you want to mix up your ski time with other fun winter activities, look for resorts that offer a good range of alternative experiences.
Convenient Accommodation
Any seasoned skier knows that lugging ski equipment through your resort village after a day on the slopes is no fun for anyone. Families often look for chalets close to slopes and amenities, reducing the hassle of transportation and persuading those little legs to keep moving.
Good Dining Options
Being able to unwind with some good food after a day's skiing is essential, and the best French ski resorts for families will have plenty of family-friendly restaurants offering a relaxed atmosphere and varied menus that cater to all ages. Of course, you could also choose catered accommodation where some of your meals will be prepared and served in your chalet, with menus that can be adapted to accommodate any fussy eaters!
Ski Beat's selection of resorts and chalets is curated with these considerations in mind, ensuring families have a seamless and enjoyable holiday.
Top Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in France
La Rosière
Discover La Rosière at 1,850 metres, where you can bask on glittering, well-cared-for slopes, and soak up a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The resort boasts varied terrain, including plenty of gentle pistes, making it ideal for beginners and young skiers.
La Rosière offers 160km of pistes with the added bonus of access to the Italian resort of La Thuile. Families are well supported by ski schools such as Evolution 2 and ESF, which run specialised children's programmes. Away from the slopes, activities like snowshoeing, sledging, and a dedicated snow play area keep everyone entertained, while family-friendly restaurants such as L'Ancolie and Le Genepi provide a warm welcome at mealtimes.
Les Arcs (Peisey-Vallandry)
Part of the expansive Paradiski area, Les Arcs offers varied terrain suitable for all skill levels. Peisey-Vallandry, in particular, is favoured by families for its village charm and accessible slopes.
With 425km of pistes and convenient connections to La Plagne, Les Arcs is a dream for those who love to explore. ESF Peisey-Vallandry caters well to children with lessons and snow gardens, while families can also enjoy dog sledging, tobogganing, and peaceful forest trails. Dining is relaxed and welcoming, with local eateries such as Le Solan and La Vache serving hearty, family-friendly menus.
La Plagne
La Plagne is a collection of villages offering a diverse skiing experience. Its wide, gentle slopes are perfect for families and beginners.
As part of the Paradiski domain, La Plagne offers 425km of pistes, making it one of the most extensive ski areas in Europe. ESF La Plagne provides children's lessons and snow kindergartens, ensuring younger skiers are looked after. Families can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, and even the excitement of a full bobsleigh track. When it comes to food, restaurants such as Le Refuge and La Metairie offer plenty of family-friendly dining options.
La Tania
Situated in the heart of the Three Valleys, La Tania offers a peaceful environment with access to extensive skiing. Its pedestrianised centre and tree-lined slopes make it a hit with families.
With 600km of pistes across the Three Valleys, there’s endless terrain to explore. ESF La Tania runs children's lessons and snow gardens, while off-slope activities include snowshoeing, sledging, and scenic forest walks. Dining is easy and welcoming, with restaurants such as Le Farçon and La Taiga providing excellent family-friendly options.
Val Thorens
As Europe's highest ski resort, Val Thorens guarantees snow-sure conditions. Its modern infrastructure and varied terrain cater to families seeking both adventure and convenience.
The resort links into 600km of pistes within the Three Valleys, providing unrivalled access for skiers of all levels. ESF Val Thorens offers dedicated children's lessons and snow gardens, while families can enjoy activities such as toboggan runs, ice driving, and visits to the sports centre with its swimming pool. Dining is varied and welcoming, with favourites like La Maison and John's American serving family-friendly menus.
Planning Your Family Ski Holiday in the Alps with Ski Beat
Ski Beat simplifies the process of organising a family ski holiday by taking care of everything for you. Our family-friendly accommodation options allow you to enjoy quality family time while making the most of all that your resort has to offer.
Guests can look forward to catered chalets with hearty breakfasts, afternoon teas, and three-course dinners, ensuring everyone is well-fed and energised for the slopes. Our chalets are conveniently located close to both the pistes and resort centres, helping you reduce travel time and maximise your skiing. The Ski Beat team is always ready with expert advice, offering personalised recommendations on resorts, chalets, and activities that suit your family’s needs.
While we don’t provide in-house childcare, our team can point you towards trusted local providers and recommend excellent ski schools for children. To make your holiday even smoother, we also help you pre-book ski packs, including lift passes, equipment hire, and lessons, so you can minimise the admin and make the most of your time on the mountain.
Why Choose Ski Beat for Your Family Ski Trip?
With over 35 years of experience, Ski Beat is a trusted name in catered chalet holidays. Our chalets range from cosy retreats to spacious accommodations, offering something to suit families of all sizes. Throughout your stay, our friendly chalet hosts are on hand to ensure a welcoming atmosphere and to take care of your needs, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday.
If you are looking for the best French ski resorts for families, get in touch with our team today and we can help you book your ideal trip.
Why Ski Beat?
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Over 35 Years
ExperienceSki Beat has provided great value catered ski chalet holidays in France for over 35 years and has gained a reputation for listening and responding to guests' needs.
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The Perfect
WelcomeOur friendly and highly capable chalet hosts will ensure your holiday is the perfect balance of high quality service and great food in a relaxed, homely environment.
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Food
With AltitudeHigh up in the French Alps, nestled snuggly in the Vanoise National Park, lies our high altitude headquarters for all things food. Find out what's on the menu this season.
