The Best Child-Friendly Ski Resorts in the French Alps in 2024

Embarking on a family ski trip in the French Alps can be as daunting as it is exciting, especially when considering the plethora of options available. Naturally, we all want the best for our children, ensuring they not only have a great time on the slopes but also that their safety and entertainment off-piste are well taken care of. To aid parents in making an informed choice, France has introduced quality assurance labels like “Famille Plus Montagne,” endorsed by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, to signify a resort’s commitment to providing excellent services tailored for families.

But before you dive into booking your next alpine adventure, ensure the resort you’re eyeing ticks off the following child-friendly features:

Essential Amenities for Children at Ski Resorts

• A reputable snow garden, not just a bare-bones setup.
• Fun zones within the ski area, like mini boardercross and timed trails.
• Easy pedestrian pathways, sparing you from hauling gear up and down metallic stairs.
• A car-free resort for safety and serenity.
• After-ski activities tailored for children, for those late afternoon hours.
• Childcare facilities to give you a break for a few hours if needed.
• Ski passes that cater to the age and skill level of your children.
• Recreational facilities to mix up the fun, like swimming pools and ice rinks.
• Activities that create lasting mountain memories, such as snake gliss and electric snowmobile rides.
• On-site medical services and a pharmacy for peace of mind.

Premier Ski Resorts for Children in the French Alps

1. Les Ménuires With the “Famille Plus” label, Les Ménuires in the Three Valleys epitomizes family-friendly skiing. From baby clubs for the littlest ones to secure beginner’s areas and chairlifts with safety features, this resort caters to all family needs. Your children will be thrilled with snow mazes, speedy mini KL tracks, thrilling toboggan runs, and playful Walibi Gliss zones.
2. Thollon-Les-Mémises: Known as the “Léman balcony” due to its position overlooking Leman Lake (Lake Geneva), this small family-friendly ski resort is ideal for families. It is small, everything can beached on foot and the slopes and ski area is simple and friendly. We have sold properties in Thollon for many, many years and families usually love it. It is also very affordable and you can always drive to nearby Chatel for more skiing. The views when skiing, over Lage Geneva are simply superb.

Thollon-Les-Memises ski resort by Lake Geneva

1. Saint-Gervais Very easy to reach by train (always important when travelling with the family), it is more than just a ski resort, more like a small town. All services are easily accessible and there are countless activities for the little ones. It also holds the “Famille Plus” label for family-friendly ski resorts. You could also try the Mont Blanc tramway and its scenic route up the mountain, unforgettable.
2. Les Gets For a car-free experience in a charming village, Les Gets stands out as the family resort of choice. It offers playful and educational activities such as a farm visit, art workshops, and an Indian village right on the ski slopes. The Grand Cry territory is a haven for young adventurers.
3. Valmeinier Valmeinier prioritizes your children, with ski schools and snow gardens designed to introduce the joys of snow. Evening animations and sledging games will fill their days with laughter and discovery.
4. Val Thorens At 2300 meters, Val Thorens is a family paradise, complete with childcare facilities and free ski passes for the little ones. With the longest toboggan run in France and the Fun Park’s indoor playground, it’s an all-rounder in family fun.
5. Villard de Lans Villard de Lans/Corrençon en Vercors brings warmth and a welcoming atmosphere, only 30 minutes from Grenoble. A cosy family resort, it offers a rich mix of skiing, aquatic fun, and luge parks. The personal touch in hospitality makes it a home away from home.

So, there you have it – a selection of the French Alps’ most child-friendly ski resorts, where the little ones can delight in snow-filled adventures while adults enjoy the Alpine charm. Each of these resorts offers a unique mix of amenities and activities to ensure that your family ski holiday is nothing short of spectacular. Whether it’s the snow-capped playgrounds, the beginner-friendly slopes, or the cosy after-ski accommodations, these resorts understand that a family vacation is about making memories that last a lifetime.

Investing in a ski property is one of the most heartfelt and long-lasting decisions you can make for your family. It’s not just about purchasing a piece of real estate; it’s about creating a treasure trove of memories with your children that will last a lifetime. Each winter season becomes a canvas for new stories, from their first tentative slide down a beginner slope to their triumphant carving down challenging runs. This French home away from home becomes a cherished space where family bonds are strengthened, traditions are born, and laughter fills the crisp mountain air.

As your children grow, so will their fondness for the Alpine retreat where they learned to ski, built snowmen, sipped hot chocolate by the fire, and felt the warmth of family. This ski property will be more than a place—it will be a part of your family’s history, a repository of joyful moments, and undoubtedly the best decision you’ll make for an enriched family legacy.

Fractional ownership for those families who cannot quite afford a ski property:

Fractional ownership offers a savvy and economical path to owning a slice of ski property paradise (usually sold in eighth shares). This model is a game-changer for those who dream of a winter retreat but are mindful of their budget. By sharing ownership with others, you significantly reduce the financial burden, turning what might be a prohibitive cost into a manageable investment. This way, you secure not only a physical space (you own part of the freehold) but also an allocation of time each year (18th equals 1.5months/year) in your mountain haven, ensuring that the ski-in, ski-out lifestyle isn’t confined to the pages of glossy magazines but is an accessible reality. Each stay at your fractional property is a chance to continue cherished traditions or embark on powder-filled adventures, all without the worry of year-round maintenance or the full expense of 100% ownership. It’s a clever approach to make luxury living and memory-making more attainable, bringing you and your loved ones closer to the alpine experiences you cherish.

Also, you can easily transfer your share to your descendants and this way, keep the property in the family for generations. Check our sister company  here.