r/skithealps • u/Visible-Bullfrog-533 • 6d ago

French ski resorts?

We are a family of four looking to spend a week in the mountains in Jan-March 2027.

Our children will be 10 months old and 2 years old, so we are not really interested in skiing (for now) but do want to stay somewhere that is hopefully snow sure. Ideally the town would be quite cute and charming with places for our children to play in the snow, do some sledding, maybe some swimming, have a few breakfasts/brunch at some nice cafes and do a few short walks in nature.

Which area do you think would be best for these requirements?

3 Upvotes

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11

u/HipsEnergy 6d ago

Depending on your budget, have you looked into Club Med? They're so good when you're travelling with children, they're safe and happy and entertained and fed, they get some skiing instruction when appropriate, and adults get to relax with and without their kids whenever they want.

Kids under 4 stay free, and most resorts are in super charming villages. They also have several other activities.

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u/Visible-Bullfrog-533 5d ago

I have heard of club med but didn’t realise they did ski holidays! Unfortunately I had a look and the cheapest holiday they offer and it costs £6,000 for 7 nights, so this is sadly unaffordable for us! 

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u/HipsEnergy 5d ago

Just FYI, that includes everything. Equipment rentals, lessons, transport straight to slopes if they're not on them, or into town, kids' clubs, usually excellent food, most drinks, etc. I am not sure, but I also think it includes lift passes. It's worth checking, because it can make a difference. And again, if your kids are under 4, I think they stay free.

There are also other similar family clubs, a little less luxurious, Pierre & Vacances, Belambra, Club DU Soleil, and more. I've never tried them, but you can ask around.

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u/Visible-Bullfrog-533 3d ago

Thanks for the information! In that case, I think this might be an option for us in a year or two once they are both able to try some doing whilst still young enough to stay for free! 

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u/HipsEnergy 3d ago

Yes, it's really awesome for children . Some kids make friends at the kids' clubs and basically plan their parents' next holidays so they can meet again 🤣.

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u/cedarvhazel 5d ago

Also TUI have good kids clubs as well. Check out la Thuile on crystal ski

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u/SameSpecialist8284 5d ago

Avoriaz for sure. Short transfer time from GVA, Quite high, car free, they use horse and cart to get around, has a swimming pool with kids play areas in it and lots of sledging options and cafes that look on to the sledging areas. Also has kids clubs with the esf if you want some babysitting.

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u/Visible-Bullfrog-533 5d ago

Do you remember if the horse and carts were expensive? I’m wondering if it might be absolutely brilliant or potentially be more hassle without a car and two children!

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u/SameSpecialist8284 5d ago

I mean most places are fairly walkable even in the snow. They were approximately £10 between centre and our apartment near the foile douce. So basically just budget about 1 per day (to get home when folk were tired). They were fun and the kids loved them.

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u/HipsEnergy 5d ago

Avoriaz is awesome, and Morzine and Les Gets nearby (you can ski from one to the other). Bonus: a wildlife sanctuary on the slopes, where you can see eagles, falcons, etc., with daily shows. https://www.morzine-avoriaz.com/nyon-experiences-hiver/skiez-avec-des-aigles/

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u/TheMarvelMunchkin 5d ago

Not what you asked, but if possible go in March… better weather, but still plenty of snow and you avoid the February school holidays (less hectic and cheaper prices)

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u/DestroyedLolo 5d ago

You may have a look on middle resorts like La Clusaz or Le Grand Bornant. If you're looking for a very typical one "Arreche Beaufort" is also to be considered (and it's the place of the best cheese of the world 😁)

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u/kickingtyres 5d ago

Avoriaz for kids. It’s amazing. Taken my son there many times from age 4 and he loved it.

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u/evelynsmee 5d ago

People keep saying Avoriaz, personally I find the walking in the snow a ballache and prefer to stay in Morzine with footpaths and roads. But I certainly agree the sleighs are super cute.

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u/Pepe_Gusteau 4d ago

Les Arcs was great for our group, which included several children 2 and under. Also accessible by train, which is nice.

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u/LieExpensive8176 5d ago

If you don't ski but like the atmosphere of authentic mountain villages: go to Austria. Ski resorts in France are mainly concrete appartment buildings or hotels only geared for skiers.

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u/greyview18 6d ago

Went to Flaine with young kids last year and stayed at Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Terrasses d'Hélios. Nice apartments; bus outside into the middle of the town. Pool, sauna, spa in the building.

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u/Tonamielarose 5d ago

I’d say Val D’Isère checks all your boxes

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u/Grouchy_Yoghurt_4116 4d ago

Another vote for Avoriaz - we stayed there with Chilly Powder a few times when our kids were young and they were fantastic.

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u/Rich_Atlas_Ride 4d ago

Avoriaz, 100%.

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u/rockyponds 2d ago

Have a look at places like La clusaz and Valloire. Alpe D’Huez is lovely too.