The Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps has a lot to offer in the way of family friendly skiing. With dramatic scenery, quaint mountain villages, custom built ski resorts and, most importantly, a great mix of ski runs for all abilities of skiers and snowboarders.
The most well known resort in the area is most likely to be Tignes/Val d'Isère which provides an abundance of activities for all ages.
However there are lots of other resorts in The Tarentaise Valley, one of which will be perfect for your next family friendly ski holiday. Whiterides has put together 5 of our favouries.
St. Martin de Belleville
Saint Martin de Belleville is part of The Three Valleys ski area set at 1450m.
It is a traditional Savoyard ski resort with an historical centre and a beautiful mountain backdrop.
The resort is great value for money, especially for families. There are ski passes specifically for beginners and regular deals where the whole family can pay the children’s price for all the family.
Being part of The Three Valley's, there is a great mix of ski slopes. There are easy blues in resort for children and beginners. But beyond there are many more runs that will challenge even the most advanced of skiers.
The official Saint Martin de Belleville website
La Plagne
Situated in the Paradiski region, La Plagne is split into resorts such as Plagne Centre, Plagne Soleil, Plagnes Villages and more. We recommend Plagne Centre for family friendly skiing as it offers the ideal combination of slopes suitable for all abilities.
Here you will find baby slopes, beginner slopes but also easy access to the rest of La Plagne, and beyond to Peisey-Vallandry and Les Arcs.
La Plagne ski area has a Family Plus label due to its great family friendly facilities including day care, lessons for children, a baby gym and more.
As well as the slopes there is plenty more excitement to be had at La Plagne.
You can try your hand at ice-climbing on the resort’s renowned artificial waterfall or have a go on France’s only public bobsleigh!
There are plenty of places to eat (although slope side, in the resort itself, is quite expensive) and family friendly places to pop in for a drink.
The official La Plagne website
La Rosière
One of the most family friendly resorts in the Tarentaise Valley, La Rosière, has a welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities for children and beginners.
Set at 1850 metres, the resort has wonderful tree lined nursery slopes, a giant igloo (bottom of Plan du Repos chairlift), a fun filled Yeti Village, Petit-Saint-Bernard Funcross (blue piste), Snow Park and Big Air Bag
There is a magic carpet lift (Lutins) which will safely bring little ones up to the baby run, getting the best start on the slopes.
There are 8 green slopes and 25 blue slopes, making this a great resort for intermediates too.
If you want to check out the more challenging slopes, there is a fantastic ski school and day care service offered by Les Galopins Club.
Your children will have great fun with a host of different activities and even learn some new skills!
More experienced skiers can ski from France to Italy - a great experience for older children. The area is called Espace San Bernardo and includes La Rosière in Savoie and La Thuile in the Aosta Valley. You can even stand at the sign in between the two countries for a photo.
The official La Rosiere website
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is one of the bigger resorts in the Tarentaise Valley and offers a great variety of facilities. It is part of the Paradiski region and gives you access to 425 km of pistes of varying difficulties, perfect for a family of mixed abilities! Les Arcs has 4 different villages each with its own character with Arc 1950 being one of the best for a family holiday. It is pedestrianised, has a children’s club, a kid’s corner, a swimming pool and you can even borrow board games! The resort definitely deserves its Family Plus Mountain label. As a large resort it also offers plenty to do off the slopes, including shops, spas, restaurants and bars.
The official LesArcs website
Sainte-Foy
Another great option for those looking for traditional Savoyard charm, Sainte-Foy is a small resort with a great combination of beginner’s slopes and off-piste areas. Its half-timbered buildings overlook the stunning Thuria Glacier and there is a great offering of cosy bars and restaurants to explore. Sainte-Foy is generally quiet and has nice wide slopes, perfect for those finding their feet. However, the resort is also home to the renowned black run, Crystal Dark, for those who like a challenge. The resort also has an excellent ski school with English speaking instructors. Ecole du Ski Français offers lessons for those aged 3 years and above.
The official Sainte Foy website
How to reach the resorts?
The Tarentaise Valley is well connected with great infrastructure bringing holidaymakers quickly and easily to resorts from the surrounding airports and train stations. There are flight options from the UK to Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon as well as train connections from local stations if you fly to Paris or elsewhere. Private transfers from the airport or train station are available from Whiterides all year round.
There are many budget flight options from the UK with airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair providing flights from London and regional airports. If you plan to park at the airport in the UK, you can save money by finding the best deal with Parkhero. If for example you are looking for Stansted Airport parking, you can simply enter your travel dates and you will be shown all the available parking options. Easily find the cheapest parking and save money for the slopes!