Family ski holidays: how to choose your stay

Essential criteria for a family holiday in the mountains

Preparing a family holiday in the mountains means taking account of specific criteria to guarantee the comfort and safety of everyone, young and old. Accessibility, proximity to the pistes, the presence of shops and the calm of the surroundings are decisive factors.

• Accessibility: a destination that is easy to reach by train, car or shuttle bus reduces travel fatigue, especially with young children. In the Tarentaise, the train goes to Bourg-Saint-Maurice or Moûtiers, then a shuttle bus or the funicular (for Arc 1600) takes over.
• Proximity to the pistes: staying a few metres from the pistes or a ski lift makes organising ski or walking days simpler. Areas in the heart of the ski areas, such as Méribel or Arc 1800, let you stay close to the pistes.
• Shops and services: a convenience store, a bakery, a pharmacy and an equipment hire shop in the immediate vicinity make a family’s daily life easier. A resort village often brings all these services together in the heart of the site.
• Calm and safety: favouring a peaceful district, away from noisy or festive roads, helps you get serene nights.
• Nature and setting: living in contact with the peaks, with outdoor play areas and access to the forest or trails, stimulates children’s development and gives the whole family an escape.
• Altitude and toddlers: with a baby, ask your doctor for advice before a stay at altitude, and plan days at the child’s pace.
• Famille Plus label: this national label, backed in particular by the National Association of Mountain Resort Mayors (ANMSM), recognises resorts committed to welcoming families, with activities and services designed for all ages, children included.

The choice between a village and a large resort will depend on the pace you want: a mountain village will often appeal with its more peaceful atmosphere, while a larger resort will generally offer a wider range of activities and services.

Good to know: depending on the season, check the access conditions (mountain roads, compulsory snow equipment, train timetables) and make sure each child has clothing suited to the alpine climate: gloves, hat, waterproof shoes in winter; cap, sunglasses and sun cream in summer.

The family-friendly areas to favour for a serene stay

Among our areas, here are four to consider as a family, each with its own atmosphere:

• Méribel: for families who ski, with children already comfortable on skis; a resort at the foot of the pistes, with the forest and Lac de Tuéda in summer.
• Plan-Peisey: for families looking for a peaceful resort; a village atmosphere, close to the Peisey-Vallandry pistes.
• Arc 1800: for teenagers and sporty families; a lively resort, with shops and activities on site.
• Arc 1600: for families with young children or arriving by train; a resort with an intimate atmosphere, linked to Bourg-Saint-Maurice by funicular.

Choosing your accommodation and facilities well when travelling with children

The choice of accommodation in the mountains determines the success of a family holiday. We offer chalets and apartments: check, property by property, the space, the sleeping arrangements and the facilities your family needs.

• Size of the property: favour an apartment or chalet spacious enough for everyone to have their own space, especially on a longer stay.
• Number of beds: check the real capacity and the split of the sleeping arrangements (bunk beds, baby cots, separate bedrooms) for a restful night’s sleep.
• Baby cot and safety: make sure there is a baby cot, safety gates on the stairs and covers for the electrical sockets, or ask what is provided when you book.
• Facilities: look for a fully equipped kitchen, a friendly dining area, storage and, if possible, a swimming pool or relaxation area to unwind after activities.
• Proximity to amenities: a property near the shops, shuttle bus stops or ski schools simplifies daily life and limits travel with children.

For a large family, a detached chalet often offers more space and privacy, while an apartment in a residence may, depending on the establishment, give access to shared facilities or services: it is better to check what each residence offers before booking.

Good to know: for large families or those with young children, booking in advance generally leaves more choice to find a property suited to the size and needs of the family.

Services and tips to simplify a family stay

Several services make life easier for families in the mountains: some are booked with your accommodation, others are provided by the resort. Check their availability when you book.

• Childcare: many resorts offer kids’ clubs or drop-in nurseries, whose age ranges vary from one facility to another: ask your resort’s tourist office before your stay.
• Equipment hire: to avoid carrying skis, sledges or baby equipment, find out in advance about the hire options in the resort.
• Groceries: before you arrive, it can be useful to ask the tourist office or the resort’s shops what solutions exist for groceries, on arrival as well as for busy days.
• Household linen: depending on the property, we offer sheet and towel hire as an option, to help you settle in more easily.
• Ski pass booking: depending on the resort, we offer you the chance to buy your ski passes online and collect them at the agency on arrival, to avoid queues. Ask when you book your accommodation.