France is an ideal destination for a family ski holiday. After a short flight or scenic drive, you and your kids can breathe in the fresh mountain air, learn to ski, and enjoy dinner together at the end of fun-filled days on the slopes. There is a wide variety of family-friendly resorts in France, where facilities for young beginners and mixed-ability skiers are generally of a very high standard and the welcome is warm. The wide open tracks are waiting for your family to explore and enjoy. So how do you choose the right vacation for you?
First, check that your resort has the variety of facilities you need. Many have a good mix of slopes for beginners and experienced skiers and some offer cross-country and Nordic skiing. You may also want a school with English-speaking ski instructors and special courses for children. Bubble lifts (enclosed pods with windows) are modern alternatives to chairlifts, where a whole family can ride together, so kids may prefer them. Off-piste, the larger resorts have entertainment like concerts, ice skating, and fireworks shows. Eating out is of great quality and value everywhere in France; some resorts specialize in hearty regional cuisine, while others boast Michelin-starred restaurants.
What can you expect from the accommodation? French holiday specialist French Connection lists everything from luxurious new apartments in a private gated complex in glamorous Chamonix to cozy traditional chalets in authentic Alpine villages. Chamagny en Vanoise, at the entrance to the picturesque Vanoise National Park, is one example. Most of the properties are easily accessible to the slopes and have light and airy interiors with modern amenities and spectacular views of the towering mountain peaks. The above two destinations are located in the popular French Alps, home to Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi. Other family resorts in this region are Les Carroz, Morillon, St Gervais and Les Menuires. Transport links are good here, making it possible to visit Geneva and Montreux. In the south-west of France lie the Pyrenees, with a few well-priced family ski resorts off the beaten track and a local airport at Pau. The largest ski resort in this area is Les Angles, a family destination especially suitable for intermediate level skiers. In north-eastern France, easily accessible from the channel ports, lie the Vosges Mountains. St-Maurice Sur Moselle is a small mountain village and family ski resort located in the Hautes Vosges, amidst gentle forest-covered slopes and mountain lakes. This is a relatively small resort, but with a good selection of slopes especially suitable for beginners.
With such a great choice, it’s easy to ensure that your family ski vacation in France is packed with exciting action, great food, breathtaking scenery and the chance to make new friends.