Bring your children on a ski holiday to Val d'Isère
Here's why we recommend Val d'Isère as a family destination.
Travelling anywhere with children can be challenging, and in a ski resort it can be doubly so with things like lift passes, equipment hire and ski lessons to arrange (never mind hats, gloves, snotty noses and the rest...!). Val d'Isère is a family-friendly resort that makes all these things as easy as possible.
When looking at where to book, you'll find some hotels and apartments have connected rooms or suites that are great for families. The choice of hotels and rental accommodation in Val d'Isère is constantly improving. Establishments are opening or being renovated every year, offering top quality accommodation with services for families such as childcare packages for some much needed time away from the kids.
Located on the edge of the resort facing the slopes, the Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde, with façades of local wood and stone enjoys maximum sun exposure. Entirely refurbished, the apartments are comfortable and welcoming. Balconies offer uninterrupted views over the slopes or the Val d'Isère valley. The Funival railway is 200m away and shops and services 100m.
Located at the entrance to the resort, in the La Daille district, facing the slopes, the residence enjoys an exceptional sun exposure and offers an uninterrupted view over the valley and its traditional village. Between 5m and 100m from shops and restaurants and 1 km from the centre of Val d'Isère.
Situated near to the centre of Val d'Isere, this hotel has a great location and is just 50 metres from the free shuttle buses.
A friendly, family-run 3-star hotel located right in the heart of Val d’Isere. The hotel has been recently renovated but still retains the old Savoyard style and tradition throughout.
Built in 1955, this is one of the original Val d'Isere hotels. Constructed of wood and stone, and renovated to a high standard, it remains faithful to the architectural style of the Haute Tarentaise.
This simple family-run hotel is located right in the centre of town with easy access to the slopes and lifts. It is also very convenient for the local shops and restaurants or the Petit Danois for a cheeky post-ski beer!
The resort has worked hard to become a part of the officially recognised ‘Famille Plus’ scheme, bestowed only on those resorts and destinations that go out of their way to cater to families and children. They provide activities, services, entertainment and prices throughout resort favourable to those holidaying with kids in tow.
And getting around resort with kids couldn't be easier - Val d'Isère operates a great free bus service connecting the different areas, running every day throughout the winter season.
Le Fornet village is full of delightful chic chalets that are built in the traditional Savoyard wood and stone style lending a classic rustic feel to the village.
Val d'Isère centre is an array of lovely shops, restaurants, chalets, hotels and apartments. This bustling village centre is nestled into the valley, complete with classic chalet-style hotels and buildings constructed with stone and wood giving the centre a traditional and warm feel.
La Daille sits at the entrance to Val d’Isère and offers mostly high-rise self-catering apartments with a few traditional chalets. It’s ideal if you want a practical, budget-friendly base with great access to the Bellevarde ski area. A free bus takes you to the town centre in five minutes or you can enjoy a half-hour walk through the surrounding mountains. The village also has a handful of bars and restaurants.
Le Joseray, Le Legettaz and Le Chatelard sit just south of Val d’Isère, offering a quieter pace of life with stunning valley views. Many properties have ski-to-the-door access to the Bellevarde and Solaise slopes, while chic chalets and self-catering apartments provide a comfortable base. A handful of local bars and bistros are dotted around, and the town centre is just a short bus ride or walk away. In summer, the area is ideal for hiking, walking and mountain biking.
Le Crêt is a small traditional hamlet of Val d'Isère that is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers excellent views over Val d'Isère itself. Old converted farmhouses that have been restored to an excellent standard make up this small part of the region.
As a resort popular with families you are guaranteed an excellent range of skis and snowboards for all ages of children in the rental shops throughout the resort. The ski techs will help you all find what you need from beginner skis up to the top of the range.
This is the only independent, British-owned ski and snowboard shop in the Espace Killy ski area which also offers a delivery service to Val d'Isere.
Ski and snowboard hire located in the centre of Val d'Isere. Save time and money by booking online and have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive enabling you to hit the slopes straight away!
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset La Daille store!
This ski and snowboard rental shop offers one of the largest selection of top of the range equipment in Val d'Isère.
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
Jean-Marie and Benjamin and team with over 20 years of experience, offer you a warm welcome to their store Val Ski Shop, a large modern ski shop.
The tuition available in Val d'Isère is truly brilliant. You'll find ski schools offer lessons for little ones, along with fun zoned areas for them to learn whilst they play in safety.
And when they're not with their ski school, there are lots of beginner areas around the Solaise lift, easily accessed and some not requiring a pass, so it's easy to practise. There's fun areas and snow parks for children of all ages to learn and increase their confidence, whilst joining in some of the activities like face painting. Plus Val d'Isère offers favourable lift pass prices to families, making valuable savings and children under five ski for free, you just need to get their pass (with I.D.) on arrival.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
This ski school was set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and has been hugely successful allowing them to expand into the resorts of Tignes, Les Gets, Morzine and Chamonix.
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
This ski school was set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and has been hugely successful allowing them to expand into the resorts of Tignes, Les Gets, Morzine and Chamonix.
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
When travelling with children, short transfers to resort are a must and Val d'Isère has good transport links to the main airports. Chambery airport is the closest airport at just two hours away, whilst Geneva and Lyon are around three hours by transfer.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
This company offers reliable private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
The team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
The restaurants and bars here are generally very down-to-earth and child-friendly, making them good for taking children out in the early evening. Most establishments have wifi so you can get online with iPads and games consoles if required - especially useful for keeping the teens who've tagged along occupied. Most restaurants will have a children’s menu, early sittings, high chairs etc and families are always made welcome.
La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
Le Blizzard Bar in Val d’Isere is a cosy and welcoming spot where you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. Sink into the soft, comfortable sofas, warm yourself by the fireplace, and take your time with a book, a chat with friends, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
Ormelune Bar in Val d’Isere offers a warm and stylish retreat after a day on the slopes, whether you’re staying at the hotel or simply visiting. Just a stone’s throw from the pistes, it’s the perfect spot to pause on your way back to accommodation and enjoy a relaxing après-ski drink by the fireplace.
Doudoune Club opened 2008 and has since brought some of the biggest and best club nights to Val d’Isère.
Le Petit Danois is a lively Scandinavian-inspired bar, restaurant, and music venue in Val d’Isere, well known for its friendly atmosphere and all-day offering. Open non-stop from morning through to evening, it’s an easy choice whether you’re starting the day, stopping for lunch, or settling in for après-ski and beyond.
La Taverne d’Alsace in Val d’Isere offers a warm and characterful dining experience inspired by the traditions of an Alpine winstub. Located beneath Hôtel Kandahar, this cosy Alsatian brasserie is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or exploring the resort, where generous flavours and comforting dishes take centre stage.
On non-skiing days, the swimming pool is a popular choice for children to let off steam. Family-friendly sledging is available near the Solaise and Savonnette lifts, including Snake Gliss and Airboarding. Below the Sunny Ride slope, a dedicated children’s area offers snow workshops and activities. And if that's not enough, the resort also features an ice rink and regular family events such as torchlit descents, fireworks, and live entertainment.
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Try something new this winter with a guided e-bike session on snow (from eight years old). Join a sunrise ride above Val d’Isère or hire an electric bike in the afternoon and head off on your own adventure.
See the village and mountains from a different perspective and fly with the eagles.
Find out what's happening in Val d'Isère and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsVal d'Isère hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. There are constant ski racing competitions throughout the winter, as well as the much anticipated La Scara youth event each April. In the summer, the resort plays home to some major trail running events such as the High Trail Vanoise in July, with Tour de France stages often passing nearby in July.
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