Planning our Family Ski Holiday in France: Snow-Sure Adventures & Climate-Savvy Choices

When it comes to planning our family ski trip, France is our go-to choice for many reasons.

The country offers incredible high-altitude resorts that promise snow-sure conditions, making it ideal for a dependable, family-friendly winter getaway.

It’s also a short travel time from the UK and very accessible, which makes a huge difference to my family.  Spending too much time on getting to the destination can be challenging for families for lots of reasons.

As skiing isn’t something we do every year, it’s even more important to us that we pick the right destination that ticks all our boxes. But with winters getting warmer, the choice of resort has never been more important, both for my family and so many others considering where to find reliable snow fall this year.

After reading The Guardian’s recent ski holidays and climate change piece, which did an excellent job of highlighting the effects of climate change on snow seasons, we decided to choose a destination with both high altitude and sustainable practices in mind.

Here’s how we’re approaching our next French ski holiday, making sure our trip will have plenty of snow and a lighter environmental impact this ski season.

Choosing a Snow-Sure French Resort: Prioritising Altitude

With lower-altitude resorts across Europe occasionally struggling to maintain snow cover, we’ve focused on French resorts that sit at higher elevations, which are more likely to receive consistent snowfall even in milder winters. 

The CEO of the ski travel agent pointed out in the Guardian article that demand for “snow surety” is driving families like ours toward higher-altitude destinations. Choosing among a shortlist of only France ski holidays has been the key for helping us find snow-sure destinations, like incredibly high Val Thorens, Tignes, and Les Deux Alpes, all of which offer reliable snow coverage well into the ski season.

We want the kids to enjoy a full skiing experience, so sticking to one of these high-altitude destinations brings peace of mind, because they’ll have a reliable ski season even in unpredictable winters.

Essentials for Planning an Eco-Conscious Family Ski Holiday

In the face of warming winters, we’re more aware than ever of the importance of sustainable family ski travel. Our goal is to plan our trip in a way that’s both family-friendly and eco-conscious. Here are the key steps we’re taking, which I think will also help you to pick the right destination for your family too:

Choosing High-Altitude, Snow-Sure Resorts

We were a bit spooked by the Guardian piece which explains how some lower-level resorts have had to make difficult economic decisions due to reduced snowfall.  Resorts like Alpe du Grand Serre and Grand Puy, for example, have even announced closures due to lack of snow and funding. 

To avoid this kind of uncertainty affecting our holiday, we’re only considering resorts with a lot of their pistes and trails above 2,000 meters, like Tignes and Val d’Isère, where snow cover will be more reliable.

Supporting Resorts with Sustainable Initiatives

I was pleased to learn that many French resorts are adapting to climate challenges by investing in sustainable practices.  For example, many use renewable energy sources to power their facilities, and many high-altitude resorts, like those in the Espace Killy area, employ water-conserving snow-making technologies.  Some of the ski areas run by Compagnie des Alpes have even started using electric powered snow groomers.

Though artificial snow can be resource-intensive, French resorts are leading the way in eco-friendly techniques, using clean water and ensuring it flows back into the ecosystem, as seen in other parts of Europe.

Family-Friendly Activities Off the Slopes

Skiing is just part of the adventure for my family.  In France, we’ve found that après-ski activities are very family-friendly in our experience, and many resorts offer options like ice skating, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding rather than the usual dancing and partying more commonly found in the Austrian alps.

During our last trip to Tignes, the kids loved the dog sledding experience, which was not only a lot of fun – we laughed so much – but also helped them with missing our own dogs back home.

I now also appreciate that resorts are increasingly looking to summer activities as a way to stay open year-round, so, we’re considering options that support the local economy in all seasons, knowing that our visits contribute to the communities we love.

Best High-Altitude Ski Resorts in France

Here are a few top choices we’re considering, each offering reliable snow and the very best in family-friendly features:

Val Thorens

Sitting at 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe, making it a prime destination for dependable snow. The resort caters well to families, with ski schools, gentle slopes, and après-ski activities suited to all ages. Because it’s so high, some recommend not taking babies as the altitude can sometimes make it harder to sleep soundly or through the night.

Les Deux Alpes

With a glacier at 3,600 meters, Les Deux Alpes offers consistent snow and a wide range of slopes for all abilities. The dedicated beginner zones and children’s play areas make it really stand out to me. It seems like a great choice for families with young skiers.

Tignes

Connected to Val d’Isère, Tignes forms part of the Espace Killy ski area, where snow conditions are excellent throughout the season.  This high-altitude area uses sustainable snow-making technologies, so we feel confident about finding great skiing and supporting eco-conscious practices.  We already have experience of visiting this resort – and I can honestly say it has lots on offer for families.

Why France Is the Perfect Snow-Sure Destination for Families

Planning our family ski holiday in France lets us combine high-altitude, snow-sure skiing with a strong commitment to sustainability.  By choosing a destination where altitude and eco-friendly practices combine, we’re able to enjoy the thrill of skiing with confidence in both the snow cover and our impact.

In the face of a changing climate, something which we are increasing concerned about, France’s high-altitude resorts offer a dependable and enriching experience for families like ours.

As we finalise our plans, we’re excited for another snow sports holiday making cherished memories in the French Alps, with the peace of mind that our snow-sure destination is doing its part for a more sustainable future.

Are you planning to head towards a high altitude, snow-sure resort in France this year for your family ski trip?

If your still undecided about where to book your winter holiday, check out my other family Christmas getaway ideas for more inspiration.