Heidi Blog
5 of the best family ski resorts in France
Taking to the slopes with les enfants in tow? Looking for the best family skiing in France to keep the whole tribe entertained? No need to sift through tab after tab of resort options - we've done the hard work for you. Family ski holidays in France have something for everyone. We're talking plenty of flight options, speedy transfers, varied terrain, snow-sure pistes, easy slope access, and top-tier ski schools (and that's without even mentioning the incredible alpine eats). In fact, we're still trying to figure out what a family ski trip to France can't do.
France offers the creme de la creme of family ski holidays, with a massive choice of dreamy resorts for all abilities and budgets. Take to Avoriaz for super child-friendly amenities, traffic-free streets, and magical horse-drawn sleigh rides. Or, whisk kids away at half-term to Flaine for large, family-friendly ski areas and easy, convenient accommodation options right next to the lifts. Can't get away until Easter? No problem! Tignes offers Europe's highest snow-sure slopes with varied skiing and snowboarding for all abilities.
Whether it's your little one's first ski holiday or you have a mini mountain goat in the making, here are some of the top places to ski in France for heaps of family fun.
1. Avoriaz
Avoriaz, situated in the heart of one of the world's most breathtaking ski areas, is a paradise for families looking to make the most of their time on the slopes. Having earned the coveted 'Famille Plus Montagne' certification, this purpose-built resort is entirely car-free, ski-in/ski-out, and as snow-sure as it gets.
Drop mini-skiers off for their first day at the Village des Enfants ski school to master their snow ploughs before spending afternoons alongside you on the safe and secure beginner runs on the Ecoles and Dromonts pistes at the resort's centre. Alternatively, use their lesson time to take to the local cruisy blues or test your mettle on speedy reds and blacks.
Those seeking some relaxation can opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride, a visit to the igloo village, or a day at Avoriaz's Aquariaz water paradise, which offers flumes and lazy rivers for the kids and bubble massage seats and an outdoor jacuzzi for parents. And if you've got thrill seekers in the gang, they can try ski-jöering (being pulled on skis by a horse), racing down the AvoKarting pistes, or venturing into the backcountry for ski touring.
When to go: Avoriaz, with its vast expanse of slopes, offers you the power to escape the crowds at any time of the year. Whether it's for a half-term ski holiday or a magical Christmas break, the choice is yours!
2. Tignes
One of the most happening resorts in the Alps, a Tignes family ski holiday is brilliant for first-timers, beginners, and intermediates. Delivering heaps of snow-sure pistes with glacial skiing and frequent snow dumps, come to Tignes for stunning scenery, ski-in/ski-out accommodation, and a wide range of slopes for all abilities
Tignes brings big family fun to spades (it’s no wonder it’s a family plus label winner!). Head over to Val Claret and Le Lax to be at the heart of the action, with ski-in/ski-out accommodations and the best access to the glacier. Or, if you prefer to escape the crowds, opt for the family-friendly Le Lavachet, Tignes 1800, or Les Brévières.
When it comes to skiing, there are 300km of pistes to enjoy across the Tignes-Val d’Isère area all the way up to 3,456m on the Grande Motte glacier. Think gentle tree-lined greens, excellent ski schools for mini-skiers, tough blues and reds, and challenging blacks for well-seasoned parents. For new skiers, there are even nine free lifts in the nursery areas you can access without a lift pass - sweet!
When to go: With one of the longest ski seasons in the French Alps, Tignes is perfect even for early December escapes and late-season Easter breaks.
3. Flaine
Parents always appreciate the ease of a family ski holiday in Flaine. One of our most popular destinations, it offers an abundance of ski-in/ski-out accommodations, a car-free resort centre, and high-altitude slopes to make ski trips with little ones a breeze.
One of France’s most extensive ski resorts, Flaine is part of the enormous 265km Grand Massif ski area, offering plenty for first-time and seasoned skiers to sink their teeth into. Start your first day taking the free Tapis Pre or Bissac lift to the nursery area for plenty of beginner slopes, an excellent ski school, and childcare facilities. Once school’s out, hit Flaine Front de Neige for scores of gentle greens and cruisy blues or Les Grandes Platières for more challenging reds and blacks
A paradise for snowboarders in the making, visit Les Carroz for the biggest terrain park in the Grand Massif ski area with a quarter pipe, tables, and a boardercross course. Once you’re done, explore 16 fun zones, including the Urban’z area, where kids can learn new tricks and get serious air on the mini jumps. There's never a dull moment in Flaine!
When to go: Younger families should go in January or March for quieter slopes - just ensure you wrap up warm to combat the cold temps!
4. Les Menuires
For modern family fun alongside traditional, picturesque alpine charm, it's hard to beat Les Menuires. Ideal for those seeking a cheap family holiday in France, Les Menuires is super practical and convenient, with affordable ski-in/ski-out accommodations, easy slopes, and plenty of activities all just a snowball throw away.
With some of the Alps' highest slopes (up to 3,230m), Les Menuires ski holidays are as snowsure as they come. Nestled at the heart of the world's largest ski area, it's the ideal destination for a family holiday in the mountains. Most local slopes are easy groomers and greens, perfect for first-timers or those looking to relax into the week ahead. Alternatively, the more adventurous can drop the kids off at ski school to head out to the 600km Les Trois Vallees ski area to explore high-altitude pistes. No matter where you head, you're sure to have a blast on the snowsure slopes of Les Menuires.
Take a break and unwind by visiting the nearby mountain farms and restaurants to savour France's finest alpine eats. Think gooey raclettes, piping-hot fondues, and mouth-watering local breads, all complemented with a glass of the region's best red.
When to go: No matter when you choose to go on a ski holiday at Les Menuires, big crowds soon spread out, leaving you free to cruise well-groomed slopes in peace.
5. Les Arcs
Worried about those big half-term crowds? Don't be! The purpose-built, family-friendly French resort of Les Arcs is always peaceful. With five ski resorts, 425km of high-altitude slopes for all abilities, and one of the Alp's best snow records, Les Arcs family ski holidays offer an unrivalled mix of pistes across the Paradski area.
Brimming with traditional French Savoyard charm, Les Arcs' beautiful surroundings, epic Mt. Blanc views, modern lifts, and efficient snow-making facilities make it a stand-out choice for families that want it all. Variety is the speciality here, with easy beginner's zones, tree-lined trails, open slopes, renowned ski schools, and even a snow park. And if you're still seeking more, a quick cable car over to La Plagne will set you up to explore another 425km of pistes. Phew!
We recommend booking accommodation in Arc 1600 for relaxed fun for the whole family. Alternatively, head over to Arc 1950 for warm, traditional alpine vibes and France's largest igloo village. Looking to unwind? Soak in the blissfully warm hammams and sauna at Mille8 Arc 1800, or grab the kids to whizz down wicked water slides at Mile8.
When to go: Les Arcs' lack of crowds makes it ideal for half-term escapes and family Christmas ski trips away. Snow typically dumps more in December and January, but if you're looking for sunny, bluebird days, February is the time to go.
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
Find your freedom with Heidi.
More Like This
Why book a skiing holiday with us?
See our ski holiday reviews
