Family Holidays in Val d'Isere

If you’re visiting Val d’Isère with kids, staying near the lifts makes life much easier – fewer steps in ski boots keeps everyone happy. The main resort is lively and right by the ski school meet-up point, while La Daille offers better value just a short bus ride away. For a quieter stay, Le Fornet and other small hamlets give direct access to nursery slopes, ski schools and off-slope activities. Town centre accommodation keeps you close to restaurants, shops and family-friendly entertainment, so you’ll never be far from what you need.

Lift passes can take a big chunk out of your holiday budget, so it’s worth checking you’re buying the right pass. In Val d’Isère, children under eight go free and those aged 8 to 18 pay a reduced rate. Beginner lifts are often free and pedestrian passes let non-skiing parents come up and watch. Families of four or more can save with a family lift pass, as long as at least two children are aged 8 to 18. Half-day passes are handy if little ones tire easily, and help keep costs down a bit.

If you want to raise the next ski star, getting the kids into lessons is a must. Children from three years old can join, with lessons in dedicated beginner areas that focus on fun and safety, often with inflatables and games. Lessons are offered full or half-day, usually plenty for beginners, and include English-speaking instructors. Most beginner areas have magic carpet lifts to get young children to the top without fuss. Tuition is included in the lesson price, but you’ll need to sort skis, helmets, warm clothes and a ski pass for children aged eight and over.

Val d’Isère has plenty of terrain to keep the whole family happy. The main nursery area at the bottom of the Solaise lift has several free lifts and is where most ski schools meet. There’s another beginner area at the top of Solaise with gentle green runs at high altitude, and the Bellvarde area offers long rolling greens, though you might want to take the cable cars back down. La Daille village also has a nursery slope with a free lift, perfect for young beginners starting out on skis.

Val d’Isère is packed with fun for kids, whether it’s winter or summer. In winter, try sledging by the Savonette lift or join workshops on the Sunny Ride slope with snow games and piste patrol sledging. The outdoor ice rink in town is great for skating, with skate hire available and the cinema shows films in English. In the warmer months, the sports centre is perfect for indoor swimming, climbing, gym sessions and sports. There’s plenty to keep children entertained off the slopes, whatever the season and all within easy reach of the resort.

Val d’Isère has plenty of childcare options to make family holidays easier. In winter, you’ll find ski crèches and kindergartens, with some offering help getting children to lessons safely. Private nannies are also available for flexible care, so you can enjoy the slopes knowing the kids are well looked after. In summer, kids’ clubs run at local sports centres with activities like swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball, ice-skating and organised hikes or picnics. Booking in advance is recommended and most services cater for a range of ages from toddlers upwards.