Are you a seasoned skier dreaming of hurtling down the slopes, but worried about your toddlers who will be tasting the joys of the mountains for the first time? Rely on the flair of Le Petit Futé! So where can you take your family skiing? From the Alps to the Pyrenees , via the Massif Central, the Vosges and the Jura, we've selected the French ski resorts best known for welcoming families with children. They guarantee a quality stay for young and old alike, offering childcare facilities as well as slopes entirely devoted to beginners and a range of fun activities.
1. Les Karellis, the kingdom of children
This human-scale ski resort is ideal for children, who will earn their stars while having fun. In the kids' club, activity leaders take care of the youngest with a host of activities - tobogganing, snowman competitions, end-of-stay boom... - while parents can ski in peace or enjoy an afternoon at the spa. In the heart of the Maurienne valley, at Montricher-Albanne, Les Karellis is a delight for young and old alike.
2. Peyragudes, the Pyrenees for the whole family
Right in the heart of the Pyrenees, the resort of Peyragudes attracts beginners and experienced skiers alike for a successful family holiday. The toboggan run, divided into "baby" and "kids" areas, enables children of all ages to get to grips with the snow. A day-care center and a leisure center are also available. As well as skiing, Peyragudes is renowned for its snow-front thermal baths, which offer relaxation after a day on the slopes.
3. Les Menuires, a successful vacation
Situated at an altitude of 1850 m in the majestic Alps, Les Menuires is a huge ski area divided into several districts, renowned as one of the best ski resorts in France. It offers a wide range of activities for children: at the Piou Piou club, they can learn to ski and snowshoe from the age of three, and can be welcomed in the nursery from the age of 3 months. What could be better than learning to ski on a former Olympic site?
4. Super-Besse, the ideal family ski resort
At the foot of Mont Sancy, in the Massif Central, Super-Besse offers the chance to enjoy all the pleasures of skiing, in an unspoilt environment. Families are very welcome here, and the resort does everything possible to ensure that their stay is a pleasant one: circuits are signposted for stroller tours, a children's magazine is available to help children discover the region, and special rates are reserved for families.
5. Orcières Merlette 1850, a warm atmosphere
Orcières Merlette 1850 is one of the largest resorts in the Hautes-Alpes, with 51 downhill ski runs for all levels and a range of activities including dog sledding, zip-lining, paragliding and snow buoyancy. Children are very welcome at Orcières, and the Opoualand and Waouland play runs are reserved for them. The resort also boasts three telemix lifts, which come in very handy when you want to get to the top of the resort with children. If you'd like to find out more, read our dedicated article "10 affordable family ski resorts in the Alps".
6. Saint-Lary-Soulan, the authentic Pyrenees
Saint-Lary-Soulan is a "Famille Plus Montagne" ski resort in the Aure valley, which first developed in the Pla d'Adet sector, directly linked to the heart of the village by the cable car and gondola. At Pla d'Adet, the family is king, and everything is grouped together in the same ski area: the snow garden (the famous Piou Piou club), ski schools, nursery, toboggan runs, the easy green Écharpe run, and the "Kidpark" play area for beginner skiers, as well as pedestrian walkways... Numerous fun outings are also organized by the ski instructors, with children taking part in treasure hunts or searching for animal tracks before discovering the bear house.
7. La Bresse-Hohneck, pure Vosges air
La Bresse-Hohneck is located in the heart of the Ballon des Vosges Regional Nature Park. Beneath its charming village exterior, it is in fact one of the largest resorts in the Vosges. Children are pampered by the nursery staff, and can enjoya multitude of activities such as schlitte mountain or the adventure park. ESF instructors also guide them on the ski slopes from the age of 2 for a serious yet fun learning experience. Are you spending your family skiing vacations in the Vosges? Check out our article on What to do in the Vosges? The 17 must-sees.
8. Where to go family skiing? Les Saisies, a magical holiday
Located at an altitude of 1650 m in the Beaufortin massif in northern Savoie, the pistes at Les Saisies are among the highest in Europe. Experienced skiers will be delighted, but children are not to be outdone, with a host of activities dedicated to them. From the "elf forest" to the "fairytale house", a wonderful world awaits them. They can also try their hand at mushing at the sled dog baby park.
9. Les Rousses, the Jura and its gentle slopes
The Jura massif is ideal for family vacations, with its gentle slopes perfect for young skiers. The resort of Les Rousses, in the Haut Jura, offers a splendid setting for an introduction to skiing. The Marmousets area is reserved for children, with various workshops and a toboggan run. The carousel, a snow merry-go-round, also allows them to ski on their own while having fun.
And if you're spending your vacation in the Jura, check out our dedicated article: What to visit in the Jura? The 15 most beautiful places.
10. Serre-Chevalier, a family resort
Serre-Chevalier is one of the most important family resorts in the Southern Alps, and one of the most popular in France, with its many automatic lifts covering 516 ha, stroller-friendly trails and a host of fun activities. There are 4 secure snow gardens, a giant toboggan run and even a snowshoe trail for the little ones to discover the larch forest in a playful way: ideal for a family outing!
11. Font-Romeu, a paradise for families on ski vacations
With its Family Plus label, the Font-Romeu resort has thought of everything to ensure your little ones' well-being! Its play area, the only one of its kind in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, offers an introduction to the joys of skiing and snowboarding on secure green slopes, including "baby luge" areas and a baby ski lift! Throughout your stay, you can also count on the resort's mascots, the two bears Chocolat and Noisette, to celebrate with the little ones!
12. Les Sybelles, one of the best family ski resorts in the Alps!
It's one of the best places to go on a family ski vacation: at Les Sybelles, you'll have a vacation that's just like you. Whether you're a beginner or experienced skier, rider, freestyler or snowboarder, the superb snowy slopes await you and your children! A real paradise for children... and for parents, Les Sybelles offers activities to suit all ages: nursery, kindergarten, first steps on skis, "grown-up" evenings, safe toboggan runs, donkey discovery or ski joëring. And if you prefer nature, there are a number of sublime walks and snowshoe hikes in the area. If you pay close attention, you may even spot some wild animals: chamois, ptarmigan, ermines, black grouse...
13. Annecy, the ideal place to ski in Morzine in the Alps
Annecy owes its nickname of "Pearl of the Alps" to its exceptional location at the foot of the Semnoz mountain, on the shores of Lake Annecy. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of the lake and the mountains of the Bauges and Aravis massifs. It's also an ideal gateway for families with children to go skiing and enjoy the superb winter sports resorts nearby (Megève, Avoriaz, La Clusad...). There's something for everyone, depending on what they're looking for.
For families, we particularly recommend the Morzine ski resort, which has been awarded the "Famille Plus Montagne" label and boasts outstanding facilities to suit all ages and tastes. Younger children can go tobogganing, while older skiers can try their hand at laser biathlon, bubble soccer, snowmobiling or even the Nordic course...
14. Where to go family skiing? Cauterets, skiing in a magnificent setting
Perched at an altitude of 967 m, Cauterets is right in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, between the Pont d'Espagne and the Pyrenean giants. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs with the whole family, whether on skis or on an exhilarating hike. All Cauterets ski schools have a kindergarten, ideal for taking your first steps on skis and getting off to a gentle start. Lessons for children aged 3 and over are available for all levels. Want to ski in peace? Les Marmottes nursery welcomes children aged 2 months to 3 years, and the Mini Club for children aged 3 to 7. During the vacations, the Cauterets entertainment team puts children first: boom, Yeti rides, shows... everything is planned to ensure that children have the time of their lives!
15. Tignes, a family ski resort in Savoie
Are you looking for a family ski vacation with your children? Head for Tignes in Savoie! This resort in the Tarentaise valley is an ideal destination for a family vacation in the mountains. Between the fabulous Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area, which is accessible to all levels - including toddlers! -there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Discover the aquatic area, accessible even to babies, or the many activities that punctuate village life. Whether you're coming on a family vacation to Tignes to enjoy nature or all kinds of board sports, you're sure to find what you're looking for!
Wondering where to go on ski vacations in 2024? Discover our top 5 resorts !
