Top 10 family ski resorts

For a successful family holiday in the mountains, there are a multitude of family ski resorts where young and old can enjoy the pleasures of winter. 

How do families choose their holiday destination?

Several criteria must be taken into account when choosing your ski destination: 

• The choice of the massif: the Alps, the Jura, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central … ,
• Budget including equipment rental and ski passes;
• The proximity of the slopes and kindergarten to easily drop off young skiers at their ski lessons;
• The ski level of the family, to choose a resort with beginner areas for example, play areas … ;
• Non-ski activities offered;
• And above all: the family label plus. 

What is the Famille Plus label?

It is a way for families to have a memorable stay by referring to different criteria met by the destination. 

How to obtain the Famille Plus label?

In order for a destination to obtain the Family Plus label, it must meet various commitments: 

1. A personalized welcome for families
2. Entertainment adapted to all ages
3. Rates adapted to the ages
4. Activities for all
5. Shops and services nearby
6. Children pampered by professionals. 

What is the best family ski resort in France?

In this article, we will guide you through the 10 best family ski resorts, focusing on the services offered, off-ski activities or the fun areas of the ski area, for an unforgettable winter experience. 

Top 10 family ski resorts 

Here are our top 10 family ski resorts with the Famille Plus label: 

1. La Plagne (Savoie, 73)

La Plagne, with its charming villages and vast ski area, attracts families in search of warm moments. It is a must-see destination for families in winter. La Plagne is distinguished by its offer of slopes suitable for all levels. Discover here the details of the slopes, from the mildest for beginners to the most challenging for experienced skiers. Beyond the slopes, La Plagne strives to create a complete experience for every member of the family.
Composed of 11 villages, the resort of La Plagne is proud to have several destinations labeled Family Plus as Montchavin - Les Coches and Plagne Montalbert. To enjoy your stay, the resort offers families a leisure center, a daycare stop and an Evolution 2 daycare for your children. So that everyone can fully flourish, La Plagne offers activities adapted to the age groups in order to pamper children. And for unforgettable moments, find activities for all: 

• The Colorado Park toboggan run: 1.5 km of gliding with a breathtaking view;
• A sled dog ride: try the experience of a musher and escape into nature;
• The Fun Slope: set off on a course strewn with raised turns, tunnels and bridges over 1.6 km long; 
• Buffalo Park: you are the sheriff! Dive into a western world and go on a chase for the whole family;

Finally, various services for families are offered, such as baby carrier rental, stroller rental or changing corners spread across the resort.

2. Les Arcs (Savoie, 73)

With its four sites (Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000), Les Arcs offers a variety of experiences for families eager for thrills. In addition, the station ensures that families are well looked after. From family-friendly services and facilities, from children’s ski schools to friendly dining areas, the resort strives to make every family holiday unforgettable. 

During your stay, discover the ski area: 

• The toboggan runs of Arc 1800 and Arc 2000: fill up with thrills and hit the slopes at full speed;
• Snowpark and boardercross: ski or snowboard, different snowparks are accessible on Arc 1600, 1800 and 2000. Lines for all levels and all desires await you;
• The Giants of Malgovert: carved wood giants are hidden in the heart of the forest and await the little explorers! Nests of ropes, climbing, footbridges, a playground accessible to all that raises awareness of the preservation of our natural environment;
• The luminous frescoes of the Aiguille Rouge: immerse yourself in a real sound and light show at Arc 2000 for a moment out of time;
• The Museum of mountain animals: at the top of the Vallandry gondola, discover a museum entirely managed by photovoltaic panels. Inside, more than 30 species of fauna and flora gathered in a space created in collaboration with the Vanoise National Park. 

Enjoy all these activities and book your ski rental in Les Arcs now in one of our stores. 

3. La Rosière (Savoie, 73)

Having obtained the Famille Plus Montagne label more than 10 years ago, La Rosière is proud to be a reference in terms of family ski resort. Indeed, it has all the criteria to welcome families and ensure an unforgettable ski holiday. Children’s clubs, ski lessons, specific rates or off-ski activities for the whole family, La Rosière offers a variety of activities adapted to all age groups. The Club des Galopins welcomes children from 18 months to 12 years old and offers different activities according to the ages to enjoy the natural setting while mixing creativity and fun.

Finally, the resort has a ski area suitable for all levels, including beginners and intermediate skiers. The gentle and well-maintained slopes provide an environment conducive to learning to ski for less experienced family members.
On the ski area, find: 

• the Funcross du Petit Saint-Bernard: a course of more than 1,000 m composed of turns and bumps for family challenges;
• The Petit Saint-Bernard route: through the forest, run down a fun and scripted track in the footsteps of the mascot of the resort;
• The Poletta snowpark: for the more seasoned, test the modules such as rails or grabs to start or improve according to your level. 

4. Val Thorens (Savoie, 73)

Dominating the Trois Vallées ski area, Val Thorens stands out for its reputation as the highest resort in Europe. Adapted to all levels, this resort offers varied family activities, ski lessons adapted for children and spaces dedicated to beginners.
Val Thorens is the ideal resort for an unforgettable family holiday. The ski area is suitable for young and old so that everyone finds his happiness. Beginner areas, fun areas, thrills, an exceptional program awaits you: 

• Easy Rider Zone: free ski slopes accessible by carpet allow beginners to learn safely;
• Les Jardins des Neiges: spaces reserved for toddlers to make their first turns;
• Wingjump Wing: hang a cape on your sticks, and let yourself be carried by the wind! A whole new way of learning to ski, in all lightness; 
• The Cosmojet toboggan run: fully scripted, this 6 km long run plunges you into a cosmic universe;
• The track with the stars: accompanied or not by parents, children will be able to descend a secure and thematic toboggan run.

Discover our ski shops in Val Thorens and take advantage of attractive offers by booking your equipment online. 

5. Val d'Isère (Savoie, 73)

Family Plus certified resort, Val d'Isère has everything to please young and old. Val d'Isère offers ski schools that provide lessons adapted to children of different levels. These schools focus on learning to ski in a fun and safe way. In addition, the resort offers childcare services and clubs specifically designed for the youngest, allowing parents to enjoy their activities while ensuring the well-being of their children. Finally, in addition to winter sports, Val d'Isère offers various non-ski activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and toboggan runs, offering entertainment options for the whole family.

On the ski area, find slopes reserved for families and children, such as the Savonnette slope. The Valkids playground is a mini ski area for children to learn the trades of the mountains. They will be able to manage a gondola and even a groomer. For a moment in nature, Le Village Perdu hidden in the forest welcomes young and old adventurers to embark on the suspended footbridges and discover huts perched in the trees. 

To fill up on thrills, families can discover the Snake Gliss or the Yooner for guaranteed laughter. From 5 years old, children can test the electric mini-snowmobiles on a secure course. Finally, snowshoe rides are also accessible in buggies big wheels to escape in nature. With the ski hire in Val d'Isère, you are guaranteed to spend magical moments in the mountains. 

6. Tignes (Savoie, 73)

Tignes promises a life-size adventure for families in search of intense sensations. For families who are passionate about freestyle, Tignes offers freestyle and fun areas, beginner-friendly areas and facilities for experts, and encourages creativity and exploration in the world of freestyle. But the resort is not limited to skiing. Tignes offers a range of outdoor experiences for every family member to experience a life-size adventure.
In Tignes, children under 7 years old enjoy a free ski pass. Many beginner areas are accessible for free to start and progress at your own pace. With your family, hit the toboggan runs on must-see spots and share a moment of relaxation and fun. Entirely dedicated to children, La Banquise is a playground that plunges the youngest into the universe of the Great North! They can enjoy igloos and games to spend unforgettable days. And if the weather is not nice, the resort of Tignes offers indoor Escape Games from 6 years. 

7. Les 2 Alpes (Isère, 38)

With its vast ski area and varied activities, the Deux Alpes resort is a destination of choice for families. Between the slopes suitable for beginners and the play areas, everyone can enjoy unforgettable moments. The Les 2 Alpes area has plenty of fun areas for families: free slopes for beginners, snowpark, family park, rail sledging, Kid’s Park, boardercross… In summary, the resort offers a complete escape for families looking for a variety of experiences.
The resort has several facilities for children, such as a nursery and daycare. In addition, fun areas are easily accessible on the ski area such as the Boardercross de la Toura or the parallel slalom. To make its first turns, the beginner zones are free to the Vikings and the Groves. Finally, you can rent a Babysnow in the rental shops of the 2 Alpes to make discover the joys of skiing to the little ones. 

8. Chamrousse (Isère, 38)

Family destination par excellence, Chamrousse is distinguished by its warm atmosphere and its slopes adapted to beginners and experienced skiers. Ski touring enthusiasts will be delighted by the panoramic routes.Chamrousse, this is the place where families feel at home. The gentle and well-maintained slopes are suitable for beginners, while advanced skiers can embark on more technical descents. Ski touring enthusiasts will have marked trails with breathtaking views.

In Chamrousse, everything is done to offer you a magical family holiday. Activity labeled Family Plus, the course of the little mountaineer is a treasure hunt on the theme of animals where children will have to answer questions and find the mystery word. Discover the snooc and yooner on the various sledge areas of the resort. And for the thrill seekers, the snow buoy will make you take off on the track!

9. Saint-Lary Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées, 65)

Saint-Lary Soulan offers a wide range of slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to more experienced skiers. Families can enjoy well maintained and secure trails, offering a variety of options for all members. The resort has specially designed areas for children, including learning areas with treadmills and qualified instructors. This allows the youngest members of the family to learn to ski in a safe and fun environment. Finally, Saint-Lary Soulan offers services adapted to the needs of families, such as ski schools for children, daycares, and family après-ski activities. These services facilitate the organization of the stay and ensure a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Many facilities are set up to accommodate children in Saint-Lary. In the resort, municipal daycares and a leisure center are open all season in the village and at the foot of the slopes. Ski areas dedicated to children are spread over the ski area, such as the kidpark, the Patoupark or the snow garden for piou-piou. 

10. Alpe d'Huez (Isère, 38)

Alpe d'Huez, nicknamed "the island in the sun", offers exceptional sunshine and endless possibilities for freestyle skiing. Families will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views. Under the radiant sun of Alpe d'Huez, freestyle skiers can express themselves on snow-covered modules. Families will find outdoor activities, from snowboarding to snowshoeing, under bright blue skies.

For bad weather days, there is a multitude of activities to do at Alpe d'Huez: climbing, archery, ice skating, curling. Guests can also relax in the heated outdoor pool after a long day on the ski slopes. Toboggan runs, escape game, dog sledding, the Alpe d'Huez promises to spend magical moments with the family.