There are plenty of things to do for families in the French Alps and a week will give you the time to try different activities and explore your chosen resort. Winter is the most popular time to take a holiday in this part of France for great skiing and snow activities. This is why Christmas ski holidays are popular for that extra special break. However, whenever you decide to go you will have an amazing family adventure.
Current time in France:
Places to visit in the French Alps
Before you decide on your itinerary you should choose your Alpine destination. There are some great places to stay in the French Alps and here are some examples of the family-friendly resort you can consider.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a great family-friendly resort and with its a car-free environment it is renowned as a very safe place to stay. There’s the Village des Enfants ski school which teaches children from the ages of three to sixteen years old, leaving time for adults to ski on their own.
Excellent facilities and activities for families and children of all ages and a range of accommodation to choose from. The ski in ski out chalets are a popular choice for families you are planning on doing plenty of skiing during your trip.
La Plagne
La Plagne is situated in an area that covers eleven resorts all in one and is great for families who want to explore more of the region and enjoy lots of activities. The resorts here are linked by free buses and a cable car, so it is easy to get around.
Popular things to do here include nighttime skiing at Jean-Luc Crétier ski stadium and an Olympic Bobsleigh run. There are child-friendly chalets here too which include everything you need for your family stay.
Les Gets
Known as a traditional family resort, this pretty village is what you may expect from an Alpine village. It is a great place for a family ski holiday with lots of different skiing which has something for everyone.
The runs nearest to the resort are perfect for beginners but there’s also the Portes de Soleil for more experienced skiers too.
When you book through some operators you can include offering to babysit and childminding services as well as excellent family-friendly accommodation on offer. So, it is a great place for families to stay and enjoy.
Megeve
Here you will find an amalgamation of the tradition of an Alpine village and a modern ski resort. Families enjoy the mix of a charming village with modern amenities including shops, bars, and restaurants.
The choice of chalet accommodation here offers excellent family-friendly places to stay and the ski school offers lessons for both children and adults. You can also take advantage of childcare arrangements on offer at this resort too.
Things To Do in French Alps
There are lots of activities to choose from in the Alps, both indoor and outdoor. Here are a few different things you can add to your family itinerary.
Snowshoeing
Taking a walk through the snow is a great family activity and a pleasant way to spend some time together in the snow. Take a guided walk or hire some snowshoes and go out on your own. Whatever you choose you are sure to enjoy some spectacular scenery in the French Alps.
Snow tubing
Snow tubing is a fun and exciting activity that everyone can get involved in as there is no skill involved. All you need to do is hold on and have fun down the slopes.
There are special slopes where you can tube away from skiers, so you don’t have to worry about bumping into people.
Dog sledding
Kids love to meet the dogs and enjoy a lovely ride dog sledding in the Alps. You can take a ride which is fully driven for you, or take to the reins yourself after some training from the guides.
Ice Skating
Many of the resorts have their own ice rinks for families to enjoy and the usage is usually included in the package price of your stay. A great way to have some family fun and with indoor rinks, you can enjoy it no matter what the weather.
Cinemas
Most of the Alpine resorts have their own cinema which means you can take some time out to relax as a family and watch a film.
They have showings on both French and English so all you need to do is check the showtimes in advance and choose the right option for you.
Ice climbing
Some resorts have the specialist guides and equipment necessary for you to book ice climbing. This is great for older kids and adults who want an adventurous activity to try.
Snow play
This is great for small children to enjoy the snow in a safe and fun environment. Many resorts have a designated snow play area for young children to build snowmen and enjoy tubing and sledding on gentle slopes.
Example Itinerary To Swiss Alps For Families
Here is an example of how a week could look when spending a family holiday in the Alps.
Day one
Arrive and explore the resort, get your bearings and learn where all the attractions are and check out the restaurants.
Day two
Ski lessons for the kids in the morning and adult lessons or ski time too. Meet back for lunch then try some ice skating in the afternoon before a relaxing family evening meal.
Day three
Repeat your morning skiing but then take a break in the afternoon by visiting the cinema and rest those weary legs. Enjoy a family dinner and unwind in your accommodation.
Day four
Perhaps enjoy time as a family during the day by taking part in a family activity such as dog sledding, snowshoeing or ice climbing depending on the ages of the children. Then opt for some adult time in the evening and take advantage of the onsite babysitting service.
Day five
Today continue with your ski lessons in the morning for both adults and children then maybe visit the pool and spa in the afternoon to unwind. Finish the day with a family evening of entertainment in the resort.
Day six
Again, take to the slopes in the morning, meet for lunch and then arrange a family activity for the afternoon.
Day seven
On your last day you may want to complete your course then take the time to do some shopping, pick up souvenirs and enjoy the last of the restaurants before you go home.
What will you do during your week of family fun in the French Alps?
A winter family holiday in the French Alps can give you so many different itinerary options and the activities available will depend on where you stay and how old your kids are too. First, you should choose the right resort for your family, then explore the range of options to fill your days.
From ski lessons to relaxing by the indoor pool, ice climbing to snow play. You are sure to have an amazing family experience when you stay for a week in the French Alps.
