Top 10 French Ski Resorts For Families

Fancy swapping your regular sun, sea and sand family holiday for snow, skis and slopes? 

A French skiing holiday can be the perfect cathartic break for families and while the current climate means it might be a little while before you hit the pistes, it’s never to early to plan the perfect break. 

So sit back and enjoy blast of fresh mountain air with our rundown of the top 10 French ski resorts for families! 

1. Avoriaz

With its picturesque setting on a Morzine Valley plateau, snow-sure pistes for all abilities, a car-free centre and après-ski courtesy of establishments like La Folie Douce, skiing in Avoriaz is fun for all the family. 

2. La Rosiere

An authentic, traditional-style village at a heady 1850m Haute Tarentaise location, La Rosiere is part of the San Bernardo ski area, benefits from a superb strategic position close to Mont Blanc and has plenty of doorstep skiing and skating, dog sledding and snow kiting for kids.

3. Meribel

Part of the Three Valleys ski area (with a huge 600km skiable area!) Meribel is blessed by chocolate-box chalet-style accommodation, chic cafes, sumptuous restaurants and a wide choice of ski schools.

4. La Plagne

Attracting 2.5 million visitors at its peak, La Plagne is perpetually popular with families because of the vast range of flexible accommodation options on offer and 425km of varied slopes in the wider Paradiski area. 

5. Les Arcs

Les Arcs is a favourite spot for family ski breaks and with superb ski clubs for kids of all ages it’s no wonder. There are several ski villages to choose from, but an Erna Low Arc 1950 skiing holiday offers comfy accommodation in a safe, car-free village with plenty of spots to break out the trekking equipment or visit the Cariboo Ski Club that caters for 3-13 year olds.  

Centred in a charming 12^th Century village, Les Gets has much to recommend it for families, including a kids village hosting everything from painting competitions to treasure hunts, a mini train and fab instruction from the excellent ESF ski school. 

7. Alpe d’Huez

Situated in a powdery sun-kissed bowl in the Oisans Valley, Alpe d’Huez is a firm family favourite ski resort thanks to its 350km of varied runs for all aptitudes, well-appointed accommodation and the Palais de Sport, which offers climbing, mini golf and archery. 

8. Flaine

A purpose-built resort where every accommodation offers doorstep skiing, Flaine might be the ultimate family-focused ski resort.  There’s a fun zone for kids at the Ballacha area and Ze Forest offers fairy-tale themed tree-lined trails and obstacles. 

9. Les Carroz

Just 45 minutes’ drive from Geneva airport, Les Carroz is a traditional Alpine ski village that’s the perfect portal to the 365km Grand Massif ski area and as well as high-altitude pistes and there’s a freestyle area and snowpark for boarders. 

10. 10. Tignes

Part of the vast Espace Killy ski area, Tignes comprises five villages set at different altitudes, each of which has its advantages.  There’s ski instruction from New Generation and in terms of apres-ski, adults love partying at Loop Bar. 

That’s our list! Share your own French ski resort tips in the comments section.

Thanks for reading xxx