Vanessa added content to this post – the full details can be found at: https://www.amamaya.co.uk/the-best-family-ski-resorts
Resort Name: St Martin de Belleville
Location: In the French Alps, above Moutiers
Adult Lift Pass Costs (5 days): 235 euro (St Martin/Les Menuires ski area)
Child Lift Pass Costs (5 Days): 188 euro
Nearest Airport: Chambery
Transfer Times: Chambery 1hr 20 Geneva 2hrs 30, Lyon 2 hrs 30
What makes it so great for Families: St Martin is a small traditional village which links up to the huge 3 Valleys ski area. This quiet corner of the vast ski area is perfect for families who want to stay away from busy slopes and the louder busier villages. Lovely chalets, plenty of apartments and easy to use ski lifts in the centre of the village.
Why you need to visit: Pretty, old French farming village which offers dog sledge rides
Ski Schools: ESF, New Generation
Ski Hire: Intersport
Resort Name: Arc 1950
Location: In the French Alps, in the Tarentaise Valley, above Bourg St Maurice
Adult Lift Pass Costs (5 days): 247 euros Les Arcs area
Child Lift Pass Costs (5 Days): 198 euros
Nearest Airport: Geneva or Lyon
Transfer Times: Geneva 2hrs 40, Lyon 2 hrs 35
What makes it so great for Families: This cocoon of a village sits at 1950m as its name suggests and all the properties are ski in-ski out. The newest village in the French Alps, it makes for a wonderful family base. There is also a special programme of activities for children – a crèche for babies & the Cariboo Club for the slightly older kids. All the buildings have access to a pool and hot tub so it’s not just about the skiing and there is a great spa in the resort too.
Why you need to visit: Safe, pretty and a unique village atmosphere
Ski Schools: Spirit 1950
Ski Hire: Precision Ski
France
Resort Name: La Clusaz
Location: In the Aravis mountains, France, just 30 minutes from Lake Annecy so ideal for a lakes and mountains stay or a short break.
Adult Lift Pass Costs (5 days): 175 euro
Child Lift Pass Costs (5 Days): 123.50 euro
Nearest Airport: Geneva
Transfer Times: 1 hr Geneva, 1.30 Lyon
What makes it so great for Families: This resort has the French ‘Famille Plus’ label and is a great choice for families being just a short transfer from the airports. The village is authentic France with plenty to do off the slopes as well as on. Aquacentre, bowling alley, horse and cart rides, ice drive, ice rink and more. So pretty and unspoilt. Plenty of accommodation options from self-catering apartments to luxury catered chalets and new hotels, e.g the brand new 4* Le St Alban Hotel and Spa.
Why you need to visit: Home of Reblechon cheese, easy to access ski slopes for all abilities.
Ski Schools: ESF/ESI
Ski Hire: Intersport
Resort Name: St Lary (short for Saint Lary Soulan)
Location: French Pyrenees
Adult Lift Pass Costs (5 days): 156 euro
Child Lift Pass Costs (5 Days 5-11 yrs): 136 euro
Nearest Airport: Toulouse 1 hr 45 and Tarbes-Lourdes 1 hr 5 min
What makes it so great for Families: Off the beaten track this is a great destination for families in the French Pyrenees. One bubble lift takes you from the village in the valley to the beginner area at Pla d’Adet. Stay in the town for a great relaxed vibe with Spanish and French influences as so close to the Spanish border.
Why you need to visit: Get away from the crowds and try something different, as well as having Famille Plus status and a thermal spa Sensoria which children love with its jets and caves.
Ski Schools: ESF
Ski Hire: Intersport
