A Parent and Child’s Guide to Skiing in Val d’Isère France
Why Val d’Isère France is an ideal ski destination for families.
Heading away for a ski break with the kids? Val d’Isère has got to be your winter destination of choice. Why? Well, aside from the fact it offers some of the best on and off-piste activities around, the resort caters for little people extremely well. In fact, Val d’Isere is one of the top family friendly ski resorts in Europe.
There’s certainly lots to see and do at this French Alps hot (or rather, cold) spot. And with improvements being made to the base of the slopes in more recent years, it means you now have even more reason to head to the resort with your kids in tow.
So, what should you be bear in mind if you’re getting ready to enjoy a break in Val d’Isère with your children? Here are our top hints, tips and advice.
It Isn’t Just About Skiing
Think of ski slopes and, yes, you’re likely to think about skiing! But skiing newbies like your children can try all manner of snow-based activities in Val d’Isère. From snowboarding to sledging, they can make the most of the cold, white stuff in all manner of ways. And if they fancy a day away from the ski slopes, they’ll discover that sports centres – with swimming pools and other fun, kid-friendly activities – await.
Did you know there’s also an open-air ice skating rink in the centre of the resort? Hire some skates and off you go! Now, the whole family can make like the contestants of Dancing on Ice (it’s returning to our TV screens soon, you know) and see if you too can glide across the ice.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, head to the Centre Aquasportif to tackle a climbing wall, or book in for a relaxing, family spa day for something a little bit different.
Very Small Children Are Well Looked After
If you’re taking a mix of older kids and littler ones, rest assured that the smaller people amongst your brood will be in safe hands, too. There are plenty of children’s nurseries available to check out in Val d’Isère, with kids from three years old catered for.
You can spend an afternoon or so on the slopes while your little one enjoys some fun activities in the much warmer environment of a kids’ nursery or creche.
Lessons Are Available for Budding Skiers of All Ages
It doesn’t matter whether your kids have never been on the slopes before, or if they’re something of a pro; there are plenty of resources available to them in Val d’Isère. A ski school is a great choice for anyone who needs to brush up on their skills. Oxygene’s team of experts have been providing lessons for two decades – and they’re just as equipped to help kids learn the ropes (or the slopes!) as they are teaching adults!
Our instructors tutor classes in English and French, too, and you can enjoy private coaching or a host of fun activities to keep kids entertained while you’re away on your family holiday. All our instructors are friendly, too, gently coaxing your children to become more at ease on the snow and get the most out of their break. You can even rent any equipment you need, as well, to ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.
Accommodation is Comfortable – and Close to the Slopes
Parents will know that any day can be made more challenging if your children aren’t happy. But thanks to warm and comfortable accommodation, which is located within easy walking distance of the ski slopes in Val d’Isère, there’ll be no tears at the end of a long, trying – and tiring! – day. Instead, you can choose a hotel or chalet that’s simple to get to, and offers a host of home comforts while still bringing some authenticity to your European ski break.
There’s Lots You’ve Yet to See….
If you’ve visited Val d’Isère before but not for a couple of years, you’ll be pleased to know there’s lots of new things to discover on your return trip. And to add to that there’s a list of activities the kids will love, one of the latest attractions being the Solaise gondola.
Featuring heated seats and WiFi and carrying up to 10 passengers, this gondola is so cool you’ll definitely want to get your selfie arm at the ready! Your kids will also love telling all their friends back at school about their experience onboard this new attraction.
Looking like something out of a Bond film, it takes up to 3,600 passengers per hour on the speedy, seven-minute trip. If you’re heading to the resort during peak times, though, be prepared for a queue – but trust us, it’ll be worth it!
If that wasn’t enough, kids will also love the new beginner pistes at the top of the gondola. With three magic carpet lifts (yes, really!), these pistes are just perfect for kids with limited confidence.
Don’t Forget Your Camera
When we said the kids would want to get snap happy in this resort, we weren’t fibbing! There’s plenty to take photos of in this popular destination, with some of the views you’ll see being ‘up there’ with the best sights you’ll see ever on a family holiday. If your kids must whip out their phone camera, though, make sure they have gloves on; frost bite isn’t something you’ll want to deal with during your break.
What are your top tips for a fun, child-friendly, family skiing break?
