Are you taking your children or grandchildren to the mountains for winter holidays? It’s an excellent idea: they will enjoy the fresh mountain air and have the chance to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. The only challenge is to keep them engaged and find activities that they will really enjoy—and you too!
Don’t worry, Sport 2000 brings together some great family-friendly ideas, suitable for all ages and throughout France.
In the mountains during winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main sports. It’s a winter activity that families can easily enjoy together, even with young children. Many resorts in the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, and Jura offer areas tailored for the little ones. Between green and blue slopes, beginner zones, and playful areas, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy sliding.
If your family members are experienced skiers, you can even tackle more challenging slopes together, or have fun in a snowpark or fun area with teenagers.
If, on the other hand, you or your children are beginners, you can introduce them to skiing or snowboarding by enrolling them in a children’s club. To stay together as a family, consider group lessons with an instructor. There are sessions for alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, etc.
For children, sledding is always a hit. It’s also an inexpensive activity, as many sledding areas are free at the resort. Your only expense may be buying a sled, or even simpler, renting one from a Sport 2000 shop.
Some resorts also offer more thrilling sled runs that delight both children and parents. For just a few euros, you can enjoy descents of several hundred meters, with significant elevation changes and turns. Fun is guaranteed!
Variations on sledding can also appeal to families and offer exciting experiences: Yooner, Snow Tubing, Snake Gliss, etc.
In winter, climbing in trees in an Adventure Park is usually not possible. However, several resorts have designed giant ziplines that allow you to fly over the ski area and enjoy thrilling sensations.
This activity is available, for example, at Val Thorens (from 8 years old), Super-Besse (from 12 years old), Orcières Merlette (from 8 years old), Chamrousse (from 9 years old), and La Plagne Aime with views of Mont Blanc (minimum age: 6), etc.
For low-cost winter holidays in the mountains, consider simple activities you can do yourself. What could be more fun with children than building a snowman, having a snowball fight, or creating an igloo?
Some resorts even offer guided activities: igloo building with an instructor, “trapper” days, snow sculpting, and more.
Snowshoeing and walking are perfect for exploring winter landscapes at a relaxed pace. This activity is accessible even for young children, who can enjoy winter wildlife and flora while staying active.
Check with the Tourist Office to see which trails are suitable: a one-hour walk around a lake? A route that gains altitude? A guided hike to discover nature and the surrounding mountains more thoroughly? The choice depends on the child’s age and how many kilometers they can comfortably walk.
For a unique experience in nature, dog sled rides are an excellent option. Children are often fascinated by huskies, and the sensation of silently gliding through snowy forests is magical. Many resorts offer initiations and guided rides in Savoie, Isère, Jura, Pyrenees, etc. For example, mushers introduce dog sledding at Val d’Isère, Les Deux Alpes, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville,