Top French ski resorts for families

Courchevel

Courchevel is known for having one of the longest ski seasons and some of the best snow cover in the Alps.

It has a reputation for its spectacular views and pistes that are as challenging as you wish. The way the pistes connect with a smoothly operated lift system makes it perfect for a family ski holiday. Our Chalets du Forum is located close the slopes.

Courchevel

Tignes

Tignes is a family favourite, often being selected as one of the top resorts in France. The resort itself isn't too vast, so it’s easy to go from accommodation to the town centre, ski schools or lifts. There is plenty of scope when it comes to ski runs, with over 300km of slopes to discover.

For the adults:

• Paragliding is considered an extreme sport, but the views seen as you glide down the mountain are unbeatable and something to tell the family about when you return home. A chance to do something exhilarating as a couple.
• There is something magical about a horse drawn sleigh across a snowy landscape. It evokes a romantic feeling as you wrap up warm together under a blanket as your horse proudly wanders through the landscape.

For the whole family: 

• Snow-tubing is a great way to spend an afternoon, with a child and an adult course, children of all ages can enjoy this activity with you. A conveyor belt takes you to the top of the courses, then you slide all the way down in your rubber tube. Stay wrapped up warm though as this activity is on the snow and outside. For an extra thrill, try snow-tubing early in the evening as it starts to get dark.
• The Tignes Le Lagon swimming pool is open all year round and has a dedicated fun pool as well as a paddling pool for smaller children. You will easily pass by a few hours messing about in the fun pool, with waterslides, a ‘bubble bath’ and even a cave there is a lot of fun to be had.
• If you are a family of dog lovers and want to do something a little extra special together as a family, then dog sledding is certainly for you. Dress up warm, sit back and let the dogs lead the way as you speed across the snowy mountains and take in the views. 

Tignes

Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d’Huez is perfect for a family ski holiday in France because of the great snowfall as well as the renowned views. Accomplished skiers can take on the Sarenne descent; the longest black run in the world, consisting of an exhilarating 16km run that starts just below the summit of the Pic Blanc 3,330m above sea level.

There are a range of green, blue and red runs which are great for ski holidays with children, allowing them to build their confidence on blue runs before tackling the red runs.

Alpe d'Huez

Val d'Isere

The ultra high altitude skiing of the legendary Espace Killy virtually guarantees ideal conditions from late November to early May, whilst the superb modern lift system whisks you rapidly up to a world of varied family skiing that really does offer something for everyone.

There’s something for everyone at snow-sure Val d’Isère - from nursery slopes, green, blue, red and black runs to challenging off-piste options for competent skiers. Families have the best of both worlds at this resort because not only is the location convenient, there is a wonderful ski area for children.

With a great mix of hotels and apartments to choose from and all based close to the town centre, Val d’Isere provides the best base for a family ski holiday.

For the adults: 

• Spend some time together meandering through the local museum of history (Musée Val Histoire) and soak in the vast history of Val d’Isere and the surrounding areas. The museum is open 7 days a week during the ski season and often has local volunteers to talk to and discuss the history of Val d’Isere itself.
• Appreciating the culture of apres ski is part of any ski holiday. Val d’Isere certainly likes to celebrate this past-time and has plenty of places to enjoy some drinks, live music and good food. A popular stop is La Folie Douce, an easy, short lift ride to a lively outside bar. A great place to meet friends and spend an afternoon come snow or shine.

For the whole family:

• Ice skating - Spend some time perfecting another snow sport - Ice skating at Val d’Iseres Patinoire ice skating rink. As you are already dressed for the occasion in your ski-gear, you can head straight there for an hour of twirling, spinning, acrobatics or maybe just staying upright!
• Tree top adventure - For families with older children, then the Tree Top adventure is a must try, a bit like England's version of Go Ape, this outing is even better at night when the trail is lit up. It's a great chance to bond and help each other through the trees, across bridges, along a zipline and up rope ladders.
• Snowmobile - Not just any snowmobiles though - electric, mini snowmobiles designed for your children to get behind the wheel and try for themselves. Give your children the chance to really take ownership of driving a snowmobile and test their skills.

Val d'Isere

La Rosiere - Highlighted resort

This resort is known for being one of friendliest in France, a sun-trap location in the Alps with views on the infamous Mont Blanc. With an impressive selection of family chalets, a welcoming town centre and fantastic skiing opportunities - it’s a favourite of Inghams families.

La Rosière is a gorgeous, snow-sure family resort which is a popular choice for families because of its fantastic beginner slopes and friendly atmosphere which is highlighted in the motto “The resort where children are royalty”.

La Rosière has an impressive family ski area full of child-friendly slopes. It is brilliant for novices and intermediate skiers in addition to many off-piste options; perfect for enjoying trickier challenges while the children have fun at ski school.

For the adults: 

• Sky Spa is the ultimate place for relaxation. As the name implies, the views from the spa are of snow covered mountain tops, the ideal scenery when enjoying some peace and quiet. Sky Spa offers all you could need from a spa day with relaxation areas, massages, a pool, sauna and jacuzzi.
• Too’n Ice Glisse Ice rink is the perfect afternoon activity. Glide around the ice rink hand in hand before heading out for a warming hot chocolate (or maybe a glass of wine), all in all, a relaxing and romantic way to spend some time together.

For the whole family: 

• Bowling -Every family loves the challenge of bowling! No matter how you bowl, its always a great competition between parents and siblings. La Rosiere has a fantastic bowling complex that will certain keep you entertained for a few hours, especially if you head into the arcade afterwards.
• Cinema - You can't beat a good family movie. After a busy morning skiing, sit back, relax with some popcorn and cuddle up to your little ones and enjoy the latest movies at the local cinema in La Rosiere. 
• Sledging - Sometimes the best things are the simple things, and spending an afternoon sledging with the children is the best of all. Easy to fit into your day and spending as much or as little time whizzing down the slopes as you like. La Rosiere provides a dedicated sledging area for you.

La Rosiere

Top family resort in France

La Rosiere ski resort in France is all about family fun in the snow. With our dedicated skiing holidays covering everything from travel, catering and resort knowledge - it’s a winter holiday to beat all the rest.

Our accommodation options are close to the piste meaning there is little walking in your ski boots for little feet.

It is the perfect resort for children to learn to ski. Offering plenty of beginner areas, plus you can ski most of the resort at a beginner level due to La Rosiere being mainly blue runs.

If you have some children-free time or your children are getting pretty skilful on their skis, then a nice day skiing over the ridge of La Rosiere into La Thuile, Italy is a day well spent and a good place to stop for some authentic Italian Pizza.

All of La Rosiere’s lower slopes are family orientated and designed with children and beginner skiers in mind. Meaning you and your children can feel safe, with space to practise.

The great advantage of La Rosiere is that it is a high-altitude resort and therefore has a good snow record, meaning you are very likely to have a snow-sure holiday.

As this resort has a south-facing slope, it tends to be one of the sunniest in the area. This is great when you have small children who you want to ensure stay warm and enjoy their skiing experiences. The sunny days provide visible and friendly conditions for those attempting their first snow-ploughs.

Though it might not mean much to the children, for the parents however, the views in this area are one of a kind - most enticing is the spectacular views of Mont Blanc that you can appreciate as you swoop down the mountain runs.

If you want a day's rest from skiing, there is plenty of in-resort entertainment, so every day can be full of fun. From bowling, a cinema to ice skating, there is something to occupy your little ones.

When you are seeking a bit of outdoor adventure off the skis, there is a wonderful and magical family walk called 'Narnia' that takes you through the woods to the other side of the resort.

A particular highlight of La Rosiere that aligns with Inghams own sustainable journey is that the resort is working towards earning its badge for the Green Snowflake initiative (Flocon Vert). This initiative from France is about resorts (and other tourist destinations) commitment towards environmental issues. Inghams resort Tignes has already earned this badge. Meaning we are collectively working to ensure our planet's mountains stay snowy for our children's future ski adventures.

Avoriaz

Highlights:

• Small, family friendly, purpose built ski resort
• Excellent quality lessons with ESF ski school
• Extensive Portes du Soleil ski area

One of the major delights of Avoriaz, besides the stunning scenery, is its design. The village is a purpose-built ski resort and, because of that, no door is more than 50m away from the centre of the village. The whole area is unbelievably convenient for the modern family, with ski-in/ski-out access from all of Inghams properties. No more carrying your family’s skis over a great distance!

Avoriaz is an ideal resort for learning to ski. The ski school is run by the internationally renowned Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF). Children from 3+ years old can join ESF and Piou Piou (a large yellow bird) in the Village des Enfants in Avoriaz 1800. Here they’ll learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding before advancing onto Big Bear level. Lesson structure includes morning or afternoon practice and the rest of the time is spent with kid’s club style play and crafts. The ESF are fantastic at keeping young children entertained and safe on the mountain.
Now you can learn to ski as a family too! ESF organise family lessons, so you can stick together on the mountain. These small family groups needn’t be for complete beginners either, and they provide a perfect opportunity for the whole gang to polish their technique with the help of a professional.

Avoriaz is one of the most recognisable ski resorts in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which crosses the border of France into Switzerland. As a massive ski area, it provides an enviable variety of skiing. It’s as well suited to beginners as it is for advanced and off-piste experts. The resort also has an established freestyle scene, with a number of snowparks including one dedicated to children – the Burton Kids Parkway.

For the adults:

• It’s a family friendly resort, but that doesn’t mean the après ski scene isn’t alive and kicking in Avoriaz. There’s an incredible range of bars and restaurants, both on and off the piste. While the kids are in ski school, Mum and Dad can enjoy a drink while admiring the beauty of the snow and sun in the Portes du Soleil.

For the whole family:

• Don’t forget your swimming costumes! On a whiteout day, families head to the fun-filled Aquariaz indoor swimming pool. With water slides, saunas, whirlpools, and more this non-ski attraction keeps everyone active and happy.

Avoriaz