Family Holidays in La Plagne

Taking the family on a ski holiday can be hard work, so choosing the right accommodation makes life much easier. Each village in La Plagne offers a mix of hotels, chalets and apartments, from high-rise blocks in Aime La Plagne to traditional wooden chalets in Plagne 1800 and Belle Plagne. Smaller, quieter spots like Montchavin, Champagny and Les Coches are perfect for families looking for a relaxed pace. Wherever you stay, pick somewhere close to the nursery slopes, ski hire and ski school meet-up points so little legs don’t have to walk too far in boots.

Lift passes are one of the biggest costs on a family ski holiday, so it pays to pick the right pass. In La Plagne, kids under five go free and those aged 5 to 12 get a reduced youth rate. There are cheaper passes if you only want the beginner areas and pedestrian passes if you don’t ski but want to ride up to watch the kids. Half-day tickets are useful if little legs get tired. Families of four or more can also benefit from a special family lift pass to save money.

Ski schools in Les 2 Alpes cater for young children with full and half-day lessons, English-speaking guides and dedicated areas where kids can learn to snow plough, stop, turn and glide safely. Most take children from three years old, with games and inflatables to keep it fun. Beginner areas often have ‘magic carpet’ lifts so little ones can get to the top without struggling with the main lifts. Lessons cover tuition only, so children over five will need a ski pass, skis, helmets and goggles. Under-fives just need a hands-free card for the turnstiles.

La Plagne has something for every ability, with gentle beginner slopes in each resort and over 425km of pistes across the Paradiski area. Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte all have dedicated beginner zones and snow parks with features for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, plus ski and boarder cross tracks, half pipes and big air bags. Fun Slope at Plagne Bellecôte is perfect for teens. Montalbert has a charming children’s snow zone with life-size fairies and dragons, a play area and music, all at 1,800m so the snow is reliable for learning.

La Plagne has plenty to keep kids entertained off the slopes. In winter, dedicated sledging zones and outdoor ice rinks are great fun, while all year round you can try indoor skating, bowling or catch a film at one of the cinemas showing English language movies. The Colorado Ride in Plagne Centre gives you a safe way to enjoy luge with helmets and sledges provided. Plagne Bellecôte has indoor and outdoor pools for a splash, and there are amusement arcades and play areas in various villages to keep the children busy when you need a break from skiing.

La Plagne offers a wide range of childcare options to make family holidays easier. In winter, crèches, kids clubs and ski school lunch clubs take children from a few months up to around 12 years old, with supervised play, indoor and outdoor activities and games. Babysitters and nannies can also look after children in your accommodation or collect them from lessons. In summer, sports centres run kids’ clubs with swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball, ice-skating, hikes and picnics. Booking ahead is recommended to secure spaces during busy periods.