Discover several resorts particularly suited for families, whether during school holidays or the low season. They all offer special ski pass rates for children or family packages.
In each village, you can find hotels or rental accommodations capable of hosting large groups during a winter stay, and at a reasonable price. So, where would you like to go: the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Vosges, or the Massif Central? Sport 2000 helps you figure out how to choose your ski resort among the best destinations in France!
What Is a Family-Friendly Resort and How to Identify One?
To choose between the different family-friendly resorts in France, the Famille Plus label is a good indicator. It is awarded to resorts that meet several criteria, ensuring that the destination will suit both parents and children.
Key criteria for ski resorts include:
- Child-friendly services, including daycare, ski schools, etc.;
- Activities and entertainment for children of all ages;
- Kid-friendly accommodations and restaurants;
- Availability of adult and children’s ski equipment at the resort;
- Special offers for children and families (e.g., reduced-price ski passes, multi-activity passes, etc.);
- Safety and transportation services adapted for families.
A resort with this label will provide everything needed for a successful family snow holiday.
However, the absence of the label does not mean the destination should be avoided with children! It’s up to you to check the possibilities: can you book a hotel suitable for children, an apartment with a child’s bed, or a holiday residence with daycare? Are there facilities to keep children entertained even on a rainy day (e.g., swimming pool, bowling, activities)? Can you book group or discounted passes or beginner-friendly ski passes at lower rates?
If you’re still unsure where to spend your winter holiday, we’ve compiled below some of the top family resorts, from the Vosges and Pyrenees to the Northern Alps.
Saint-Lary-Soulan Family Resort (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This village with stone houses has a ski area that extends into Spain and includes two higher sections accessible by chairlift (Saint-Lary 2,400 and Pla d’Adet, at the foot of the slopes).
A family-friendly resort, it features 7 green slopes suitable for beginner skiers, ski schools, and learning facilities (beginner area, Kidpark, Patou Park), as well as numerous fun activities (sled runs, Demi-Lune amusement park, etc.).
Popular for its après-ski activities, particularly its gastronomy (tapas, Bigorre black pork...), Saint-Lary-Soulan takes excellent care of the whole family, even off the slopes.
Les Contamines-Montjoie Family Resort (Haute-Savoie)
A charming chalet village in a fir forest, Les Contamines-Montjoie boasts exceptional flora and fauna, visible from the Espace Nature au Sommet, and a nature park covering over 500 hectares.
The resort’s highlights for families include its icefall and the stunning panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
Its ski area, reaching over 2,500 m, includes several green slopes for beginners and a Piou-Piou Club for the little ones. Beyond skiing, a variety of family activities are available in winter, from sledding, biathlon initiation, hiking or snowshoeing, to dog sled rides.
Villard-de-Lans / Corrençon-en-Vercors Family Resort (Isère)
More than half of the slopes in this beautiful wooded ski area are green and blue. There are numerous children’s areas and a day pass “Easy Domaine”, perfect for beginners. All skier levels can find enjoyment at Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors, with red and black slopes, safe off-piste areas, a slalom stadium, and a large Nordic domain.
The resort also has a leisure area with an aquatic center, ice rink, bowling, trampoline park, fitness space, and hosts the local ice hockey team matches.
Auron Family Resort (Alpes-Maritimes)
Just 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Nice, discover the 135 km of slopes at Auron, with its ski area reaching over 2,400 m. The resort has an ice rink, a multi-care space for children aged 3 months to 3 years, and two leisure centers for ages 4 to 11.
This family resort also offers a free sled run, a Family Park, and a snow garden for ski initiation, a swimming pool, and weekly family activities.
Another highlight of Auron is that it is one of the sunniest Alpine resorts, without lacking snow—perfect for a family winter holiday.
Val d’Allos Family Resort (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
With a ski pass granting access to 165 km of slopes, Val d’Allos is suitable for both beginner and advanced skiers. Val d’Allos offers numerous activities for young children: snow garden, daycare, “Little Mountaineers” house, trapper circuit... Adults will enjoy the many restaurants and bars.
Beyond skiing, families can explore the majestic nature of the resort in various ways: snowshoeing, dog sledding, or discovering the wonders of the Mercantour National Park.
Les Orres Family Resort (Hautes-Alpes)
Ideal for alpine or backcountry skiing, with a domain reaching 2,720 m, this resort offers many activities for all ages: special sledding areas, snow gardens, ski schools, etc.
The family après-ski is well designed, with wellness areas (spa, massage), numerous bars and restaurants (including mountain restaurants), many adapted for young diners.
That’s why Les Orres is among the best resorts for a family mountain holiday!
Super-Besse Family Resort (Puy-de-Dôme): Skiing and Gastronomy
With slopes for all levels and the possibility of night skiing, this family-friendly resort in the Massif Central also emphasizes snow play areas for children: beginner ski zones, sledding stadiums, fun activities...
For older children, there’s the Fantasy Luge (2.5 km descent) and the Fantasticable zipline.
Super-Besse also gives the opportunity to discover regional culinary specialties, such as beef, Saint-Nectaire cheese, cabbage stew, truffade, or apple pie. Good food ensures a great holiday for both adults and children!
You now have a better idea of family-friendly destinations for your winter holiday! You just need to choose based on your preferences, location, children’s ages, accommodation price, proximity to slopes, central village location, or more remote options.
Regardless of the chosen destination among the resorts listed (or other resorts with the Famille Plus label in France), you will find a Sport 2000 store for equipment rental, including for children. Most stores offer ski rentals for all levels and ages, as well as junior snowboards, children’s helmets, sleds, etc., whether for a day, weekend, or week.