The Best Family Ski Resorts

The best family ski resorts aren't just about the skiing. They're the ones where the children are happy, the logistics are simple and everyone - from toddlers to grandparents - comes home having actually enjoyed themselves.

That's what we look for when choosing where to operate. Our four resorts across the French Alps each bring something different for family ski holidays, whether it's car-free streets, on-site childcare, ski-in/ski-out access or enough off-slope activities to fill a rest day without anyone getting bored. Here's our guide to each one.

Nestled in the picturesque Tarentaise Valley in the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Val d’Isère provides a charming, natural backdrop where skiers of all ages will feel the holiday vibes rush over them upon the moment of arrival. A great selection of carefully maintained slopes and off-piste skiing options makes this a strong choice for both beginners and professionals, and daily changing activities including music festivals, farm visits and mountain hikes mean every family member will find something to enjoy.

For a well-deserved break from the slopes, the Aquasportif centre offers a sunny alternative. Their beach world will transport you from a winter wonderland to a heated, tropical beach with a lush lounge area, a 416m2 pool with river currents, water cannons and a soft play area for the kids. Alternate between skiing and this fabulous leisure centre, and it’ll feel as though you’ve found a way to combine your winter and summer holiday in one. You are sure to have an amazing family-friendly ski holiday in Val d’Isere!

Named the world’s most popular ski resort in 2016, La Plagne is one of the star players of the Tarentaise. La Plagne guarantees thrilling runs for both beginner and intermediates, including several nursery slopes where novices can learn to ski and put their skills to the test before they work up the confidence for the real deal. This resort is perfect for eager little skiers who can’t wait to hit the nursery slopes every morning, ready to show off their latest moves.

You’ll find several ski schools here, including Oxygene, which offers classes for children of all ages and abilities. If you’re worried you might run out of additional activities, fear not. Go paragliding or ice skating with your partner, send your teens out on husky dog-sledding rides or tobogganing down the mountain while grandpa gets his strikes on at the bowling alley!

Arc 1950 is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the French Alps. Purpose-built but with genuine charm, its pedestrian village, restaurants and shops are all on your doorstep, meaning no buses, no long walks in ski boots and no dragging tired children across town at the end of the day. The skiing links into the vast Paradiski area, offering 425km of piste across Les Arcs and La Plagne with terrain to suit every level, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging reds and blacks. 

For families, Bear Lodge is the perfect base - our award-winning ski hotel with a pool, cinema room, on-site ski hire and Bear Cubs childcare, all under one roof. Night skiing takes place every Tuesday, and the village comes alive in the evenings with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that works brilliantly for families with children of all ages.

Avoriaz is completely car-free, which immediately sets it apart from most ski resorts. Children can run around safely, the taxis are horse-drawn sleighs and you can ski right into the heart of the village. It's a resort that feels like it was designed with families in mind. Sitting at 1,800m, it's the highest and most snow-sure resort in the Portes du Soleil, with access to over 650km of piste across 14 resorts and two countries. 

The beginner areas are wide and gentle, making it an excellent choice for families with first-timers, while the sheer size of the ski area means more confident skiers will never run out of terrain to explore. Off the slopes, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained - from the Aquariaz tropical waterpark to snowmobiling, ice diving and evening sleigh rides. Take a look at our favourite things to do in Avoriaz for inspiration. Our Avoriaz chalets are all piste-side with spectacular mountain views.

We've been welcoming families to the Alps for over 30 years, and we know what it takes to make a ski holiday work for everyone. Our Bear Cubs childcare and private ski nannies give you the freedom to ski while your little ones are happy, safe and having fun. Your chalet host will happily adapt meals for fussy eaters, and essentials like cots, highchairs and children's crockery are provided as standard - so there's less to pack and less to think about. It's the kind of detail that turns a ski trip into a stress-free family holiday.

Every family is different, and the right resort depends on what matters most to you - whether that's ski-in/ski-out convenience, a car-free village, a pool for rest days or childcare on your doorstep. If you're not sure where to start, our team can talk you through the options and help you find the right fit.

Browse our family ski chalets and hotels our dedicated family ski chalets and hotel, or call the team to chat through your requirements.