The Best Family Ski Resorts
Your choice of resort and accommodation can make or break a family ski trip, so you need to find somewhere that offers all the important features that will ensure you can relax and enjoy some precious time together as a family:​- High quality accommodation for that ‘home away from home’ feeling – Convenient locations for easy access to the slopes, ski school and kids clubs – Additional on-site amenities, such as swimming pools and Jacuzzis – Lots of activities in resort to keep the kids amused both on and off the slopes At Erna Low we understand what it’s like to go on a family ski or snowboarding holiday. There are so many options to consider that it can be daunting when trying to find the best family ski resorts; however, with our experience and guidance we can make booking your family ski holiday a stress free experience. We offer a huge range of resorts and properties from budget options to our upmarket apartments or self-catered chalets which are perfect for families. Many of our recommended family ski holiday apartments are close to the resorts’ child care, kids clubs or ski school, with ski hire and ski pass offices nearby, so you can save time and energy for skiing! Most also offer swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms, so the kids and adults can relax together after skiing. Your choice of resort and accommodation can make or break a family ski trip, so you need to find somewhere that offers all the important features that will ensure you can relax and enjoy some precious time together as a family:​- High quality accommodation for that ‘home away from home’ feeling – Convenient locations for easy access to the slopes, ski school and kids clubs – Additional on-site amenities, such as swimming pools and Jacuzzis – Lots of activities in resort to keep the kids amused both on and off the slopes
Les Arcs
What makes Les Arcs great for families?
Les Arcs is made up of several villages, which differ in style and size, but are all great for families. Arc 1950 is a compact, pedestrian village with everything on the doorstep, so you’re just steps from the slopes, ski school meeting points and all the amenities of the village. Kids are well catered for, with regular activities and events, from toasting marshmallows over an open fire to ‘Snakegliss’ (flying down the mountain in a chain of toboggans attached together!). Over in Arc 1800, ‘Mille8’ is a purpose-built family fun area, with lots of exciting activities. head to the clubhouse for a swim in the indoor pool, grab a bite to eat, or try your hand on the indoor golf simulator, while outdoor activities include a mini snow park, toboggan run, beginner areas and a scenic ski run.
The Skiing
The skiing in Les Arcs is great for all levels, with a choice or runs of most lifts that will suit mixed ability groups. Less confident skiers will love the wide open blue runs above Arc 2000, while the more adventurous kids (and adults!) can hit the snow park above Arc 1800, with a range of jumps and rails for both intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Getting to Les Arcs
– Drive time from Calais: 9 hours – Nearest Airports: Chambery (1h40m), Geneva (2h30m) More about Les Arcs
Avoriaz
What makes Avoriaz great for families?
Avoriaz is a purpose built, car free village, which means that everything is easily accessible on foot. Almost every property in the resort offers direct access to the slopes, making it easy to get the family up and out on the slopes in the morning. There is a great ski kindergarten right in the centre of the village for the little ones, while off the slopes there is plenty to do for all the family, including a bowling alley, cinema, ice skating and an igloo village. There are always lots of fun activities going on, such as snowball fights, human bowling and mountain biking on snow. One of our favourite places to visit is ‘Aquariaz’, which is a huge Center Parks style water park in the resort centre. Relax and float round the lazy river or sit in the outdoor hot tub, while your kids enjoy the climbing wall or the ‘Slidewinder’.
The Skiing
With access to 650km of pistes across two countries, Avoriaz offers something for all abilty levels. Beginners are well catered for with plenty of wide-open green runs in and around the village, while more experienced skiers will enjoy heading over to the Swiss side for more challenging terrain, including the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’. Avoriaz also stands out for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, with several snow parks, a halfpipe and the Stash, which is an area of natural freestyle features hidden away amongst the trees.
Getting to Avoriaz
– Drive time from Calais: 8h30m – Nearest Airport: Geneva (1h50m) More about Avoriaz
Sainte Foy
What makes Sainte Foy great for families?
Sainte Foy is a pretty, traditional village in the Tarentaise Valley, which is ever popular with families. The village itself is compact, so everything is within easy reach and its small size means that the resort rarely gets busy, even during the holiday periods. The P’tits Trappeurs club looks after children aged 3-11 yrs from its well equipped centre, offering fun activities including sledging, making snowmen, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games.
The Skiing
Sainte Foy is creating a unique mountain experience called ‘Natural skier’, which combines new teaching styles with interesting new areas to explore on the mountain. This fun idea allows you to pick up new skills such as off-piste or bump skiing, while at the same time exploring and learning more about the local area.
Getting to Sainte Foy
– Drive time from Calais: 9 hours – Nearest Airports: Chambery (1h30m), Geneva (2h30m) More about Sainte Foy
Val Thorens
What makes Val Thorens great for families?
It’s no surprise that Val Thorens has received such accolades as ‘The best ski resort in the world’. This resort really has it all, which makes it an ideal option for families. Snow-sure skiing, great beginner slopes, access to the world’s largest ski area and a huge variety of off-slope activities make this resort the number one choice for many skiers. Families will especially enjoy the resort’s many fun activities, such as the 7km long toboggan run, Europe’s highest zipline, sports centre with swimming pool, or just the sheer number of shops and restaurants on offer around the resort. We also work with several ski schools in the resort, so whether you need kindergarten or race training, we’ll be happy to assist you.
The Skiing
Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe and forms part of the huge Three Valleys ski area, giving access to 600km of snow-sure pistes, with plenty of variety to suite all ability levels. The resort offers a large beginner area for those taking their first steps on the slopes, plenty of cruising blues to build confidence and more than enough terrain to keep even the most experienced skiers on their toes.
Getting to Val Thorens
– Drive time from Calais: 9h15m – Nearest Airports: Chambery (1h40m), Geneva (2h30m) More about Val Thorens
La Plagne
What makes La Plagne great for families?
La Plagne is made up of ten villages, each offering something different, from picturesque hamlets to purpose-built resorts with excellent amenities. The pedestrian village of Belle Plagne offers direct access to the slopes from many of its residences and the car-free layout works well for families with younger kids. Plagne Centre is the main village of La Plagne and has lots of activities for families. This is also where you will find the toboggan run, which we can say from first-hand experience is great fun! Plagne Bellecote is a good option for families on a budget and also benefits from an outdoor heated pool, which the kids will love after a day on the slopes. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, take your pick from Les Coches, Montchavin or Plagne 1800, all of which are pretty villages with a traditional feel.
The Skiing
La Plagne is ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers, with miles of green and blue runs that are great for taking those first runs, or building your confidence. The resort is also linked to Les Arcs by the spectacular Vanoise Express lift to form the expansive Paradiski area, giving more experienced skiers access to over 425km of pistes and plenty of more challenging terrain.
Getting to La Plagne
– Drive time from Calais: 8h50m – Nearest Airports: Chambery (1h40m), Geneva (2h35m) More about La Plagne
