1- Thollon-les-Mémises, Haute-Savoie
The small, family-friendly resort of Thollon is ideally located, with a splendid view of Lake Geneva. At an altitude of 1,000 m, it's easy to get to. Snow cover is generous, and the village is perfect for beginners and advanced skiers alike. The ski area boasts 50 km of runs at altitudes of up to 2,000 m, and access prices are affordable compared with other resorts in the area. Thollon-les-Mémises is therefore recommended for those on a tight budget, as well as being a wonderful vantage point overlooking one of France's most beautiful lakes. Take advantage of your stay in Haute-Savoie to experience a cruise on Lake Geneva !
2- Aussois, Savoie
Wondering where in the Alps you can go skiing with your family for less? Here's another affordable, family-friendly destination that's well worth a visit for some fun times with parents and kids. TheAussois ski area faces due south and enjoys generous sunshine. Ideal for those who like to come back with a splash of color, but beware: sun cream is a must! Prices are low at this Savoy resort, where skiers of all levels will find something to suit them. Cross-country skiing and ski touring are also on offer, and children are king with a host of activities on offer. Aussois is also one of France's top 10 ski resorts for children!
3- Le Collet d'Allevard, Isère
Located just 50 km from Grenoble, the Collet d'Allevard resort comprises three ski areas that are always delighted to welcome families. At the Super Collet, at an altitude of 1,650 m, everything is in place to ensure that adults and children alike have a great time, with a snow-park, a children's playground and an unmissable toboggan run. Overnight apartment prices are affordable, as are daily ski pass rates. Another of the resort's charms is its night skiing sessions, which run from 8pm to 10pm one or two nights a week!
4- Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet, Isère
Saint-Hilaire is a small Chartreuse village at the gateway to the Grésivaudan valley. It's the perfect place to start your family's skiing in a beautiful natural setting. During your ski sessions, you'll have the honor of enjoying the powder, the trails carved out of the heart of the forest, and the breathtaking view of the limestone cliffs of the Chartreuse. The resort is appreciated for its human scale, as well as for the multitude of activities on offer: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing. The resort also boasts a charming funicular railway that takes you up to the Plateau des Petites Roches, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It's an ideal family ski resort at a very reasonable price.
5- Les Orres, Hautes-Alpes
This is a particularly family-friendly ski resort in the Alps. The commune of Les Orres has 35 slopes with a total length of 100 km to cover all day long. The resort has three different altitude levels, so everyone can enjoy the pleasures of skiing and snowboarding in the midst of beautiful scenery. If you'd like to spend some quality time with the kids, you can also go for a dog-sled ride or join in the tobogganing action. And, of course, what better way to end the day than with a convivial fondue.
6- Le Chazelet, Hautes-Alpes
The village of Le Chazelet faces due south and offers sublime panoramic views of the Meije, a mountain at 3,983 m altitude. The resort is undeniably family-friendly, with 10 ski runs. At the foot of the Plateau d'Emparis, you can enjoy the great classics of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but you can also treat yourself to some thrilling ice-climbing. This safe, affordable resort offers facilities such as a ski school, toboggan run and kindergarten, so you can have a good time before warming up with a cup of hot chocolate.
7- Les Deux-Alpes, Isère
While in France, high altitude usually means high prices, the superb resort of Les Deux-Alpes is an exception. There are plenty of affordable hotels where you can stay and enjoy an unforgettable vacation. With an altitude of between 2,300 and 3,600 m, winter sports are practiced on excellent snow, in a place that is quite simply one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Les Deux-Alpes is also a lively town, with an avenue featuring numerous bars, restaurants and boutiques. In short, everything you need for an affordable family ski holiday.
8- Serre-Chevalier, Hautes-Alpes
Serre-Chevalier is not far from the Ecrins National Park. It's a large valley that includes the town of Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a series of historic villages with a Provencal feel. Reduced rates enable families to enjoy mountain activities on a 410-hectare ski area. From downhill skiing to more gentle skiing in the larch forests and playful moments in the various areas that enchant parents and children alike, Serre-Chevalier has everything it takes to appeal to families in need of a good dose of fresh air.
9- Les Carroz, Haute-Savoie
Want to ski without breaking the bank? Then you may want to consider the Grand Massif and the commune of Les Carroz. Le Grand Massif includes the communes of Samoëns, Morillon, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Les Carroz and Flaine. 265 km of slopes for all-day skiing in a breathtaking setting between Lake Geneva and the Mont-Blanc massif. Les Carroz lies at an altitude of 1,140 m on a west-facing plateau. The resort has been awarded the "Famille Plus Montagne" label, making it an ideal place to get together with friends and family and share some fun moments. Fat biking, rail tobogganing or ice skating - there's something for everyone. All in all, a perfect resort for a family ski holiday on a budget.
10- Les Karellis, Savoie
The charming, affordable ski resort of Les Karellis is located in the Maurienne valley. There are no cars here, and the resort is pedestrianized, much to the delight of walkers and those wishing to escape pollution. There are no fewer than seven vacation villages offering attractive rates, including lift passes. Full-board, half-board or apartment rental - the choice is yours. Nurseries and kids' clubs give parents time to themselves and ski at their leisure. Snowboarding, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, dog-sledding - you'll have the time of your life with accommodation right on the slopes. Karellis is also one of our top 15 family ski resorts to go to with children!
11- Saint Jean d'Arves
Saint Jean d'Arves, in France, is an affordable family ski resort. It is part of the large Les Sybelles ski area, which offers over 300 km of pistes. The resort is perfect for skiers of all levels, with blue, red and black runs. Accommodation, close to the slopes, includes apartments, chalets and hotels to suit all budgets. For children, there's a ski school and play areas. There are also stores to rent or buy ski equipment. Saint Jean d'Arves also offers off-ski activities such as snowshoeing. It's an ideal destination for a family ski getaway without breaking the bank.
12- La Norma
La Norma is a ski resort in the French Alps, known for being particularly family-friendly and offering excellent value for money. It offers a medium-sized ski area, ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, with varied slopes. The lifts are within easy reach of the resort center, which is convenient for families with children. When it comes to accommodation, La Norma offers a wide choice, from apartments to chalets, often close to the slopes. The resort is pedestrianized, making it safe and pleasant for families. In addition to skiing, La Norma offers activities such as dog sledding. Essential services, including ski schools and equipment rentals, are readily available. In short, La Norma is a quiet, affordable family ski destination.
13- Val Cenis
Val Cenis, in France, is a family-friendly ski resort with 125 km of pistes. It is suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The resort offers a variety of accommodation, including apartments and hotels, close to the slopes. For children, there are ski schools and play areas. Val Cenis also offers off-ski activities such as ice skating. There are also ski rental stores. The resort is known for its family atmosphere and natural setting. It's an excellent option for an affordable family ski vacation. Val Cenis was also one of our favorite resorts in 2020!
14- Valfréjus
Valfréjus, a ski resort in the French Alps, is ideal for families and moderate budgets. The ski area, suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike, offers around 70 km of pistes. Accommodation in Valfréjus ranges from apartments and chalets to small hotels, often close to the slopes. The resort is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and natural surroundings. For children, there's a ski school and play areas. In addition to skiing, Valfréjus offers activities such as snowshoe trekking. Essential services, including ski equipment rental, are within easy reach. Valfréjus is the perfect destination for a family ski vacation without breaking the bank.
15- Saint François Longchamp
Saint François Longchamp, located in the French Alps, is an economical family ski resort. It is part ofthe Grand Domaine ski area, offering some 165 km of pistes, suitable for all levels of skier. The resort offers a variety of accommodation, including apartments, chalets and hotels, often close to the slopes. It's an ideal place for families, with ski schools and dedicated children's areas. All the necessary shops, including ski equipment rentals, are within easy reach. With its warm atmosphere and mountain setting, Saint François Longchamp is an excellent choice for a family ski holiday on a budget. Discover also the best family resorts for winter vacations!
Which ski resort to choose in Haute-Savoie?
- Les Gets: Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets is perfect for families, offering a variety of slopes for all levels, activities for children, and a charming village.
- La Clusaz: This traditional resort offers an excellent balance of varied pistes, off-ski activities and a lively village with accommodation options for all families.
- Le Grand Bornand: Known for its family atmosphere and diverse ski area, Le Grand Bornand also offers a good choice of activities for non-skiers.
Which family ski resort is accessible by train?
- Montgenèvre (France): Accessible from Oulx station (Italy), which is served by TGV trains from Paris. Montgenèvre is a friendly, family-friendly resort with access to the Voie Lactée ski area.
- Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc (France): Directly accessible by train from Paris to the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet station. The resort offers access to the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area and is family-friendly.
- Les Rousses (France): Located in the Jura region, accessible by train from Paris to Morez station. Les Rousses is a small, family-friendly resort offering both Nordic and Alpine skiing.
