Five Great Family-friendly Ski Resorts In France
The French Alps are a wonderful choice for a family ski trip. Here are five of our favourite child-friendly resorts that are easy to navigate, geared up for beginners and offer plenty of fun both on and off the slopes
Words by Morag Turner
Published: 19th January 2026 | Last updated: 4th June 2026
France is the most popular ski destination for UK families – and it’s easy to see why. Whether you fly, drive or take the train, the French Alps are wonderfully accessible, breathtakingly scenic and packed with what feels like endless, beautiful pistes. But with more than 250 resorts to choose from (yep, that’s a lot), deciding which one is right for your family holiday can feel a little overwhelming
Here are five that we think tick all the boxes for a fantastic family ski trip. Of course, they’re not the only great options out there, but these tried-and-tested favourites are genuine safe bets. Think child-friendly accommodation, easy to navigate nursery slopes, top-notch ski schools, excellent childcare and a plethora of fun activities that don’t involve skiing at all
So, if you’re planning your next alpine adventure avec enfants, here’s some inspiration to get you started.
1. Avoriaz
Resort Lowdown
Avoriaz is a resort that makes life easy for parents in so many ways. First up it’s a totally car free. You arrive, step out into snow, and from that moment on everything is walkable, skiable or sled-able. With kids, that’s a huge bonus as it means, no traffic stress, no icy roads to cross and no long treks carrying skis. You can drive right up to the entrance, but then your car stays behind in one of the covered or outdoor car parks, or you park lower down and ride the Prodains cable car up
It’s not the most picture-prefect place, having been built from scratch in the 1960s by Olympic skier Jean Vuarnet, with the idea that streets should be for people and skis. The end result, however, is a peaceful, ski-in/ski-out village that feels like it belongs in the mountains – even if the architecture isn’t the nicest
Avoriaz has to be one of the easiest places in France to learn to ski. The resort has around 10 green runs and 30+ blue runs, many of them right in the centre of the village, which means beginners don’t have to tackle chairlifts or long gondolas just to get started. The positioning of these gentle slopes ensures children can start skiing without facing lifts of any kind
The beginner zones are brilliantly designed. Magic carpets, wide open slopes and gentle gradients make first turns feel manageable rather than scary. Kids can ski short loops and build confidence fast, and parents can hover nearby. It’s genuinely one of those resorts where beginners don’t feel in the way of better skiers – or that they might be about to be mown down by them!
Need To Know Avoriaz
Where to Stay
Accommodation here is almost always ski-in, ski-out, which means mornings are simpler and tired legs don’t become a drama at 3pm. This resort is not short on family‑friendly options. Hotel des Dromonts is a classic favourite with an indoor pool and wellness area plus a dedicated kids’ club to keep little ones entertained while adults relax in the lovely spa. This four-star property offers interconnecting family rooms and large family suites that can sleep up to six. There are two restaurants which welcome kids and a babysitting service on request. Hotel MiL8 is another great pick. Mega child-friendly, they will happily provide baby kit such as cots, highchairs and bottle warmers as well as friendly babysitters. There’s a dedicated kids’ play area with a cool climbing wall and tons of games, plus a packed children’s menu and family-friendly dining
If you prefer more space and your own kitchen, Pierre Vacances offer a couple of excellent, centrally located self‑catered aparthotels that have access to shared pools and wellness facilities so you can still benefit from those ‘hotel-vibe’ facilities
For that classic French‑Alpine feel with truly outstanding childcare check out Family Ski. Located Ardent, this cluster of gorgeous chalets is not strictly in Avoriaz, but two straightforward lifts will take you there in no time via the charming Lindarets area that’s packed with easy runs for little kids, a nursery area, a fun jump park for older daredevils and a ton of great restaurants with deckchairs from which to enjoy a little aperol spritz in the sun. Chalets vary in size from cosy one-family set ups to classic multi-room places that you can book with friends or be put in with other guests. But it’s the childcare that’s worth singing from the mountain tops for. Think a nursery for tiny babies right though to 13 year-olds, manned by staff who also will take your kids to ski school and pick them up and drop them home to the team back at base in Ardent where hours of fun and great grub keep them happy till mum and dad are ready to head home. For grown ups this means the return of proper apres (who doesn’t love a boogie in their ski boots?!) knowing that a delish home-cooked meal (as well as your kids) will be waiting for you all in the chalet. Not a cheap option, but worth every penny due to the great service, ease and peace of mind you will have. This British-run company with over 30 years experience are the name to know
Ski Schools & Childcare
There are plenty of excellent ski schools, including ESF and its famous Children’s Village, where lessons feel more like organised fun than strict instruction. Or check out others such as Evolution 2 and British-run Avoriaz Alpine. For younger kids, there’s proper childcare and crèche facilities in the resort at the Avrizou Daycare Centre, plus babysitting services available to book. Or for care more tailored to your needs, get in touch with Altitude Nannies or Alpine Resort Nannies
What Else Can You Do?
If you want a break from skiing – and believe us, the kids 100% will – then you won’t struggle for alternative entertainment in Avoriaz. This place is a real family playground. First up, check out Aquariaz a huge indoor tropical water park with slides, lazy rivers and splash zones that feel like a mini holiday within the holiday. For very little ones there’s a paddling pool heated to 32°C with small slides and cute tree house play area
Back out in the snow, sledging sessions as well as kids’ tubing and snow‑play activities are all available – just ask at the local tourist information for local operators to book with. And for a magical change of pace, hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village, to experience the mountain vistas in true Alpine style
2. La Plagne
Resort Lowdown
If you’re looking for a ski resort that’s genuinely beginner-friendly, but still big enough to suite mixed abilities, La Plagne is pretty much a dream come true. With around 15 gentle green runs and more than 70 wide blue slopes, you’ve got miles of mellow skiing to build confidence without fear of surprise black runs or hidden moguls – the last thing you need when skiing with kids
The resort is split into villages, each with their own vibe. Every village – from sunny Belle Plagne to buzzing Plagne Centre, laid-back Plagne 1800, charming Plagne Villages and cozy Plagne Soleil – has nursery slopes and beginner zones at it’s centre. So no risk of stressful morning marches in ski boots or tired kids before you’ve even started. You’ll find plenty of clearly marked beginner zones where kids can find their ski legs while parents proudly look on
La Plagne is part of the huge Paradiski area, so your lift pass unlocks 425km of pistes shared with neighbouring Les Arcs – and yes, you can ski between them – though it might be a bit much for little ones. Definitely plan your route before you set off. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the epic Vanoise Express cable car across the valley to explore new terrain. Or just stay local and cruise between villages on gentle greens and blues
Accommodation in La Plagne is practical, varied and best of all, designed with skiers (and families) firmly in mind. As the resort is made up of a string of purpose-built villages dotted along the mountainside, you’ll find ski-in, ski-out stays are very much the norm rather than a rare luxury. Less walking, more skiing – always a win. From cosy hotels and spacious apartments to charming chalets with all the extras, you’re bound to find a place that works for your taste and budget
Need To Know La Plagne
Where to Stay
If you want to forget about cooking and dishes for a week, there’s a great choice of family-friendly hotels such as relaxed, half-board options like cosy Hotel Carlina Belle Plagne. For an all-inlcusive resort with every bell and whistle – think an amazing kids’ to huge suites and great food – book into Club Med La Plagne 2100. Known as being heaven for families, you’ll never be disappointed at a Club Med hotel. Or for more space and that ‘home on the mountain’ feel, La Plagne has plenty of self-catered apartments dotted around villages like the CGH Les Granges du Soleil Residence which offers sleek, well-equipped apartments of varying sizes that are perfect for families and have access to a swimming pool and top-notch wellness centre so you can tag team time in the grown-ups spa area
If your top priority is childcare definitely check out Ski Famille. Their awarding-wining specialist team can take care of every aspect of you holiday – from flights to kit hire – but most importantly, your kids. They operate in a number of French resorts including La Plagne where you’ll have the choice of fully-catered properties like the cute little Chalet Petit Chardon that sleeps six, to Chalet Nicole that accommodates up to 30 in traditional and super-comfy family suites. All have extensive baby kit from cots and buggies to complimentary wipes and homemade purées at meal times. But the best bit is that every chalet has a playroom where children as young as four months are looked after by qualified staff from 9am to 5pm, or whatever hours you require. They will do the ski school pick up and drop off and babysit in the evening too. The smallest of details are carefully considered to make your holiday just that – an actual holiday
Ski Schools & Childcare
All levels of skier are well catered for here with a great selection of ski schools supplying friendly, English- speaking instructors who are used to guiding nervous newbies right through to thrill seeking teens who need equally expert supervision!
Big names like ESF La Plagne, Oxygène, and the British-run Lime Snowsports cater for all ages and abilities. Group ski school lessons usually run for two to three hours a day, typically over five or six mornings, which is ideal for building skills without completely exhausting everyone. As a rough guide, group lessons cost around €150–€250 for the week, depending on age, level, and school. Kids’ classes are often split by both ability and age, so no one feels out of their depth
There are lots of childcare options across the resort. Check out the tourist information website to find creches, nannies and babysitting. Or chat to My Mountain Nanny who provide staff in the resort
What Else Can You Do?
What Else Can You Do?
Top of the list is the wonderful Magic Pool in Plagne Bellecôte. This heated outdoor swimming pool is an absolute winner – imagine floating in delightful warm-bath water while surrounded by snowy peaks. It’s the perfect antidote to achy ski legs. There’s also a jacuzzi, sauna and spa area plus a full sports centre with gym facilities if you’re feeling energetic
For a fun outing Bowling de La Plagne is a great shout with bowling and arcade games that kids will love. The more adventurous can hurtle down the Olympic bobsleigh track from the 1992 Winter Games, bookable through La Plagne Bobsleigh. Add snowshoeing, ice skating, cinemas and cosy cafés into the mix and you’ve got a resort that keeps the fun going long after the skis come off
3. Morzine
Resort Lowdown
Morzine is the quintessential Alpine town – a picture-perfect Savoyard village with bustling cafés, friendly restaurants and quirky little shops that make wandering between ski lifts and après-ski spots feel like part of the fun rather than a chore. This is the place to stay if you want postcard-esque village life and to pop out for your croissants in the morning
But beyond its charming streets, Morzine is a ski resort that’s perfect for families. The slopes are wonderfully varied, with gentle tree-line greens and blues ideal for beginners and little ones, while more challenging reds and blacks provide plenty of thrills for more well-versed kids and adults
Even if you haven’t been, you’ll undoubtedly have heard someone talking about their holiday plans in Morzine as is hugely popular with UK families – and the numbers tell the story. Each ski season, around 900,000 British tourists head to the area, making it one of the Alps’ top destinations for Brits. Expect a buzzy atmosphere during peak weeks when families of all ages and sizes flood into town
And all those skiers are really on to something good – this is an accessible resort with scope to branch out or to stay local – flexible ski passes make this easy to combine. One of the resort’s big draws is its prime position in the massive Portes du Soleil area, giving you access to 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. Fancy a day in Avoriaz? Just hop on the Prodains cable car and you’re whisked straight up to the slopes. Want something a little closer to home? Pretty little Les Gets is just a stone’s throw away – ski over on gentle blue and red runs or take a short drive if you prefer. Plus one ski pass covers it all, so you can cover so much ground in a single day without worrying about logistics
Need To Know Morzine
Where to Stay
For a superb mix of catered and self-catered accommodation consider booking with Chilly Powder. Since 1996 they have been crafting family ski holidays that offer cosy Alpine-chic living with all the practical stuff parents want. Ski-in, ski-out locations close to the main lifts in Morzine come with hot tubs, home cooked meals (who doesn’t love arriving back to a cuppa and cake at 4pm?!) a lovely creche, babysitters and even their very own private ski school just for guests
The family-run four-star La Bergerie in the centre of the village is a hit with mums and dads who want a relaxed hotel where they don’t have to worry about kids being ‘seen and not heard’. With a play area complete with table tennis, table football, board games and giant Connect 4, you can expect older kids to find plenty of buddies to hang out with. There’s Children’s table where they can all eat together every evening and a heated outdoor pool to splash in. Stay in one of the 29 traditional wooden-clad rooms (23 of which come with handy kitchenettes) for a stylish but welcoming base close everything
Ski Schools & Childcare
Ski schools are another big reason families love Morzine. Whether you’re after group lessons, private coaching or English-speaking instructors, you’ll easily find it to source and book. Popular options in Morzine include New Generation Ski & Snowboard School, Easy2Ride Ski & Snowboard Academy, and of course you’ll always find the ESF guys too
For nannies, babysitting and even hiring essential baby kit such as prams and cots, speak to Cheeky Monkey’s, an established childcare agency who have been working in the resort for over 20 years
For more of a kid’s club set up speak to the tourist office who manage Les Marmottins Tourist Daycare. There are various options from half day (morning or afternoon) to full day and five day packages. Snacks, lunches and nappies are provided
What Else Can You Do?
Aquatique de Morzine makes for a great change of scenery. The centre has swimming pools, including a shallow paddling pool heated to 31°C with lots of fun splash equipment and a small teaching pool. The ideal place to hangout if a blizzard sets in. Indoor ice skating can be found at the home of the Penguins, Morzine-Avoriaz professional ice hockey club.
Back outside, night sledging is a fun and unique thing to try. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp kids aged eight and over can whizz down a specially designed track. And in main square next to the Tourist Office Square you’ll find a beautiful traditional carousel that little ones will adore
4. Les Menuires
Resort Lowdown
Have a conversation with parent who skis about French resorts and The Three Valleys is bound to come up because it’s hard no to love. Firstly, it’s frankly enormous, with over 600 km of interconnected slopes. Courchevel, Merible and Val Thorens might be the big-name resorts in the area but Les Menuires is the the most family-friendly and cost-effective base for a stay with kids
Compact, car-free, and easy to navigate, you can literally ski in and out from most accommodation meaning no long lifts or buses to wrangle with. Such a bonus. Opening its doors in 1964, this purpose-built village has since grown to be a firm favourite and now boasts 30 lifts and a total of 76 runs of it’s own. Sitting at its at 1,850 metres it opens early in December and closes mid-April, making it a great choice for a pre-Christmas jaunt, right through to an Easter escape.
It’s definitely not the spot for those who love old-world charm, but what it lacks in chocolate-box features, it makes up for in facilities and location. The village has a warm, welcoming vibe, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and fun après-ski. Plus, it’s perfectly positioned in the heart of the Three Valleys, so if you do fancy a day trip to Courchevel or Méribel that’s easily done
There are dedicated nursery slopes, often called “garderies de neige” or “magic carpets,”. These areas are designed to feel like play zones rather than intimidating mountains, with soft gradients, colourful markers, and even fun snow features to keep young skiers entertained. Once kids (or adult beginners for that matter), graduate from this area, to a wide network of easy green and blue runs that are jus the thing for building confidence. You can start on the slow, gentle slopes near the village, then gradually explore slightly longer runs as you hone your skills
Need To Know Les Menuires
Where to Stay
For excellent well-equipped, spacious apartments that (some up which can sleep up to 12) check out Le Coeur des Loges in the heart of the resort. While you’ll have to do your own cooking and make your own beds, this place offers much the same as hotel with a wellness centre; (yes we would like to book a massage please) a kids’ club split into age groups that looks after babies right though to teens who have their own hang out area; a heated pool and a handy ski locker room. You can pre-order baby kit (cots, highchairs etc) and the supermarket is just round the corner so this is a super-easy option if you’ve got very young kids and want to work to your own timetable
Ski Schools & Childcare
ESF Les Menuires is the big name you’ll spot everywhere, and for good reason – it’s a long-established favourite with a solid reputation for fun, well-structured lessons. Alongside it, Les Menuires Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School offers a more personalised approach, with tailored lessons and thoughtful progression paths that are perfect for nervous beginners who want to build confidence at their own pace
British-run New Generation Ski & Snowboard School also operates throughout the Three Valleys, bringing their signature small-group teaching style and reassuringly familiar approach. And if you’re after something more bespoke, Evolution 2 is a great shout for private coaching or smaller group sessions, ideal for encouraging more nervous kids to keep going
Families are especially well looked after here. Les Menuires proudly holds the French Famille Plus label, meaning it’s officially certified as family-friendly – and the French are (rightly) pretty fussy about giving out this accolade
Childcare services are run directly through the resort and the local tourist office can provide a handy list of trusted babysitters, as well as crèches where younger children can play while older siblings ski. If you prefer childcare in the comfort of your own chalet then companies like Ski Nanny Val Thorens. Based just up the road, the team also work in Les Menuires and offer flexible, in-chalet care by qualified staff so you can enjoy some guilt-free downtime time knowing the kids are in safe hands
What Else Can You Do?
Skiing may be the headline act in here, but there’s plenty going on off the slopes too. For starters, the resort’s dedicated sledging tracks are just as good and adrenaline rush – whether you’re a kid or a grown-up. But this 4 km run with a 500m vertical drop included is only for suitable for those over seven years – and the the very brave! For a more sedate alternative pop to the lovely little outdoor ice rink right in the heart of the village
When it’s time to warm up (or simply relax), Le Break Sports Centre is a real crowd-pleaser. This indoor space ticks every box: a large swimming pool with calmer areas for little ones, exciting slides for thrill-seekers of all ages, and a soothing spa zone where parents can finally switch off and unwind. Plus there’s a gym and a soft play area, because who doesn’t enjoy a ball pit at 1800ft?
5. Alpe d’Huez
Resort Lowdown
For a spot that really gets families, Alpe d’Huez is hard to beat. Sitting on a sunny plateau in the Grandes Rousses massif, this is a resort that was built for skiing – and it shows. Originally developed in the 1930s, Alpe d’Huez was one of France’s first purpose-built ski resorts, designed from the ground up to make life easy on the slopes. Fast-forward to today and it’s still one of the most family-friendly choices in the Alps
First things first: it’s bright. Really bright. Nicknamed L’Île au Soleil (Island in the Sun), Alpe d’Huez clocks around 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes a huge difference when you’re skiing with kids – fewer cold mornings and icy patches
The green runs tip well into double figures and there are nearly 40 blue slopes that are wide and smooth. Beginner zones are super spacious and uncrowded, so little ones and newbies don’t feel overwhelmed or rushed. With modern lifts and easy navigation, even the most nervous beginners won’t get lost or accidentally end up on a black diamond
The Espace Débutants in the centre of the resort is completely free and has gentle gradients, magic carpets and lots of room to practise without pressure. The Les Bergers and Rif Nel areas are also firm family favourites, with wide nursery slopes right next to ski schools – super handy for drop off and pick up
Intermediates in the group won’t be disappointed either. The resort is famous for its long, cruisey pistes. The Marmottes sector is perfect for confidence-building blues, while the Signal area offers stunning views and smooth red runs that are challenging without being overly scary – but still best not to take learners here. And yes, there’s the legendary Sarenne – the longest black run in Europe – only to be tackled by the most advanced of skiers. Maybe not for parents just getting back to the swing of skiing either!
Need To Know Alpe d’Huez
Where to Stay
One of the biggest wins for families is how easy everything is here. Alpe d’Huez is largely flat (a miracle in ski resorts), super walkable and linked by free shuttle buses. Ski-in, ski-out is widely available too.
The sprawling Club Med is the standout hotel because it’s just so darn good a looking after families. Kids’ clubs, interconnecting rooms, pools, a gym and great restaurants that appeal to everyone. The team can arrange lesson and book guides – heck, they’ll even sort out your ski gear rental and have it waiting on arrival. The joy of not queuing in the shop on the first day of your hols cannot be underestimated!
For a really unique place to stay check out The Pop Alp Hotel. With a fun, bright Pop Art theme it offers 28 family-friendly rooms and suites as well as an apartment that sleeps up to 12. The concierge can help you sort out everything from lift passes to babysitting
Ski Schools & Childcare
Alpe d’Huez has some awesome ski schools like ESF Alpe d’Huez and Supreme Ski School, have tons of smiley, enthusiastic intructors, many of who speak great English. Or contact Maison Sport can link you up to private and group lessons all over the Alps with and extensive list of highly qualified independent instructors
Les Intrépides Nursery is a day care centre in the heart of the resort that also offers holiday care for kids aged from 12 weeks to three years. Open daily from 7:45 am to 6:30 pm, it caters to both local families and visiting skiers, with French and English-speaking staff
Alpine Nannies can put you in touch with qualified nannies all over the Alps including Alpe d’Huez
What Else Can You Do?
When you’re ready to take a break from skiing, Alpe d’Huez has an good selection of family-friendly activities to keep everyone smiling. There are great indoor and outdoor swimming pools in the resort the AgorAlp sports centre offers over 30 activities including mini-golf and a climbing wall
There’s also ice skating, snowshoeing trails, and some great toboggan runs. Plus, the village is packed with shops, cafes and a cinema
Themes: Holiday Cheat Sheets
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