Planning your next winter holiday? Wonderful! How about a trip to France for a change? As well as its cuisine and culture, France also offers first-class family ski resorts – and our RENTertainers are certain that winter sports enthusiasts of all ages will get their money's worth here!
The selection of top destinations is huge. But where are the most family-friendly ski resorts in France? And how can you recognise them? Our winter sports experts know what makes a successful holiday and where to find the most popular family hotspots.
How can I recognise ski resorts for families?
In France, you are spoilt for choice: numerous ski resorts attract visitors with interesting offers, additional services and specials. However, planning a family holiday requires some foresight. After all, to ensure maximum enjoyment, the diverse interests and needs of different generations must be considered. But which destination can meet all the requirements of families who love winter sports? It is best to be aware of the following criteria that characterise family ski resorts:
Child-friendly slopes and safe practice areas
Pay particular attention to a high proportion of blue and green slopes, special beginner areas and so-called "slow skiing zones" – areas for gentle descents. It is particularly important for children with no experience that such quiet and safe sections are available. To make these slopes particularly beginner-friendly, the degree of difficulty is kept as low as possible and the runs are specially designed for slow skiing. In addition, special caution and consideration are required on such slopes.
For a complete overview: Here you will find all the information you need about slope markings, difficulty levels and more.
Seals of approval and online reviews for guidance
Quality seals and online reviews can be useful decision-making aids. The "Famille Plus" award is a particularly important factor when choosing family ski resorts in France. On online platforms such as skiresort.de or snowplaza.de, the rating criteria "Top for families" or "Best ski resort for families" can be helpful guides. It is also advisable to pay attention to quality seals and online reviews when choosing accommodation.
Easy downhill runs
Whether hotels are on the slopes or close to the action – when the day's skiing is over, everyone in the family should be able to return to the valley with ease. Gentle descents are also perfect for beginners and children, ensuring a leisurely and safe end to the day's skiing.
Our top tip: Accommodation right on the slopes or near the ski school is ideal for families. This means that you do not have to carry your equipment far, and the fun can start right at your front door.
Good to know: More information and tips on skiing holidays with children can be found here ...
Discounted ski passes and family deals
Especially when the whole family is involved, skiing can quickly become an expensive pleasure. But doing a little research before your winter holiday pays off: if you ask about family offers and discounts, you can save a lot of money. A ski pass that is only valid for a few hours or only covers part of the ski area is often a cheap alternative. Many ski resorts in France also offer special family ski passes that allow the whole family to ski at a reasonable price.
INTERSPORT Rent also has special offers for families to save you money. It's best to inquire directly at the shop or book your equipment online before you arrive:
Après-ski for children
After fun on the slopes comes après-ski fun. Family-friendly resorts offer child-friendly alternatives to the usual bars and ski lodges. Playgrounds, parks and swimming pools keep the little ones entertained away from the slopes. And parents can relax in the spa areas.
Don't forget: Alternative activities add variety to your holidays, but they can also make packing more complicated. To help you keep track of everything and not forget anything important, here is the ultimate packing list for your skiing holiday.
Family accommodation for maximum comfort
Make sure there are child-friendly accommodations at the resort. Hotels and apartments with larger family rooms, baby cots and child safety equipment are especially recommended.
Ski-in/ski-out lodging right on the slopes is often the most convenient option for families - equipment can usually be stored on site and kids can start having fun without having to travel far. Many family-friendly hotels in French ski resorts also offer childcare, playrooms and special children's menus.
Our tip: When booking, look for an accommodation with family packages that often combine ski passes, rental equipment and childcare – this not only saves money but also valuable holiday time.
Family ski resorts in France
The criteria mentioned above can serve as a checklist for your next skiing holiday with the whole family. But which ski regions score highly in all areas? Our RENTertainers have asked around, tested, evaluated and summarised the best ski resorts for families in France for you...
Paradiski ski area
The ski resorts of Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry belong to the Paradiski ski association and are located in the Vanoise massif in south-eastern France. Thanks to the high altitude of the region and the two adjacent glaciers, snow is guaranteed until the end of April. With so much on offer, families can really enjoy themselves on their skiing holiday.
Services for the whole family
No matter which ski resort in the Paradiski network you choose, you will find family-friendly offers for young and old alike:
- Awarded the "Famille Plus" seal of approval
- Child-friendly slopes
- Affordable ski passes for families
- Après-ski for kids
- Adventure course
- Magic carpet (conveyor belt) & children's lifts
- Ski kindergarten & ski schools
- Childcare services for kids and babies
Highlight on top: Kinderland Arc 2000, in collaboration with the École de Ski Français (ESF), offers childcare and ski school for children in one. It is located close to the village and snow is guaranteed. The offer is valid for babies from four months to twelve years old kids - lunch included.
Les Portes du Soleil ski area
Family friendliness at a glance
The ski resorts of Les Gets , Morzine and Châtel in particular offer winter sports enthusiasts of all ages numerous family-friendly activities and services for maximum fun on the slopes:
- Awarded the "Famille Plus" label
- Child-friendly slopes
- Affordable ski passes for families
- Children's area for the little ones
- Kids’ carousel, wave track & adventure course
- Magic carpet (conveyor belt) and children's lifts
- Ski school especially for young skiers
- Playground and park
Highlight on top: The purple Milka slopes in the Les Gets and Châtel ski areas will make children's hearts leap for joy - because only the youngest guests are allowed here. Les Gets also has a colourful, lovingly detailed Indian land with a children's lift. An unforgettable time on the slopes is guaranteed.
Les Trois Vallées region
The Les Trois Vallées region stretches across the three valleys of Belleville, Méribel and Courchevel in south-eastern France. Located on the border of Italy and Switzerland, eight ski resorts are connected by over 600 kilometres of slopes, offering pure snow fun for the whole family.
Family-friendly offers in Les Trois Vallées
The larger ski resorts in the region, such as Les Ménuires, Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, are particularly well equipped for families. They offer plenty of deals, discounts and beginner-friendly slopes for young and old alike.
- Easy valley runs
- Affordable family ski passes
- Separate areas for children
- Wave track for kids & adventure course
- Magic carpet (conveyor belt) & children's lifts
- Kids-friendly access to the lifts
- Ski kindergarten & ski school
- Childcare services for kids and babies
Highlight on top: The Walibi Gliss adventure course at Pointe de la Masse in Les Ménuires offers a varied, musical experience on the slopes. In addition to parallel slalom and boardercross, there are musical instruments along the course for even the youngest to try out. And to round out the musical theme, the region's skunk mascots will perform as a live band. This makes skiing an even more musical experience.
Les Deux Alpes
About an hour from Grenoble, in the department of Isère, the Les Deux Alpes ski resort is situated. It extends up to 3,600 metres above sea level around the La Meije glacier, making it one of the highest ski resorts in France. This offers the rare opportunity to get your skis out even in summer.
Variety guaranteed on your family holiday
The diverse range of activities on offer in Les Deux Alpes has something for all skiing levels and age groups. This also means that there are plenty of colourful and varied options for families:
- Child-friendly slopes
- Fun park
- Ski lessons for kids
- Children's area & separate spaces for practising
- Kids’ carousel, wave track & adventure course
- Magic carpet (conveyor belt) & children's lifts
- Ski kindergarten & ski school
- Childcare for babies and children
- Playground & park
Highlight on top: Located in the center of the resort, the École de Ski Français (ESF) Piou Piou kids’ area offers both ski lessons and childcare. Its own rope lift, various conveyors and exciting practice equipment make a stay at the resort an adventure.
Top family ski resorts for an unforgettable holiday
The combination of child-friendly slopes, professional childcare, affordable family ski passes and French charm make these destinations ideal for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, France's family ski resorts offer something for everyone for an unforgettable experience in the snow.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
The RENTertainer recommends
INTERSPORT Rent is, of course, also the first port of call in France for first-class ski gear. Our dedicated RENTertainers will get you and your family ready with high-quality equipment and guarantee first-class service and top advice. Ask for the latest family deals right in the store and save money on your vacation budget!
P.S. You can also reserve your skis or snowboard in advance with our convenient online booking system.
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