Finding the perfect place for a family holiday in the mountains is no mean feat, but itโs essential if youโre going to have a relaxing and rewarding stay. Some resorts stand out for their child-friendly facilities, and more and more accommodation offers everything you need for a family holiday.
Whether youโre looking for a winter break in the snow or a summer getaway, discover the best mountain resorts for a successful family holiday, along with advice on how to make the most of it.
Enjoy a family break in the Alps
Why should you choose the mountains for a family holiday?
The benefits of altitude for children
The clean air and low humidity of the mountains promote better oxygenation, reduce respiratory allergies and stimulate the production of red blood cells, boosting your childrenโs stamina.
Whatโs more, the mountain environment encourages outdoor physical activity, with all its health benefits, including the production of vitamin D, which is essential for the body, and better sleep.
Bear in mind, however, that climbing too quickly to above 2,500m can cause headaches and nausea, especially in younger people. So itโs a good idea to acclimatise gradually.
A variety of activities for all ages
Whatever time of year you visit, thereโs no shortage of activities in the mountains. The wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery provide the ideal setting for the whole family to exercise and recharge their batteries.
In spring and summer, you can cool off in a swimming pool or lake, experience the thrills of climbing, paragliding and zip-lining, or have fun in an adventure park. Some resorts even have summer toboggan runs.
Good to know: Some of our partner chalets have their own swimming pool!
In the winter, you and your children can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog sledding and, of course, a wide range of snow sports.
If you want to learn something new while having fun, you can choose from a wide selection of workshops, such as painting or drawing, ceramics or cheese-making, or chocolate-making.
The โFamille Plusโ label: a guarantee of quality for families
What is the Famille Plus label?
Many mountain resorts offer events and facilities specially designed for children of all ages. The โFamille Plusโ label is an easy way to identify them.
Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, this distinction rewards resorts that are committed to providing families with a high-quality welcome and stay, in line with precise requirements.
Good to know: No fewer than 25 resorts in the French Alps currently hold the Famille Plus label.
The criteria for awarding the label
There are about 50 criteria that must be met before a resort can be awarded the label.
These include accessibility (pushchairs, children), services and infrastructure (a minimum number of events, baby-changing facilities, childrenโs safety, etc.), transparency (information on services, programme of activities, offers and prices).
Resorts must offer activities and prices that are suitable for all ages.
Good to know: The criteria for awarding the label are different for seaside and mountain resorts.
Some of the best family-friendly resorts in the Alps
Here is a selection of our favourite resorts for a family holiday in the mountains, whatever the season.
Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand is the perfect destination for a mountain holiday with young children. The Famille Plus label ensures the resort has all the services and facilities needed to cater for children, at any time of the year.
Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Le Grand-Bornand:
- Take ski lessons with the ESF;
- Discover snow-covered landscapes on a sleigh ride;
- Take part in the workshops and shows at the Bonheur des Mรดmes festival;
- Take a walk to the โmysterious waterfallโ;
- Spend a day at La Source play park;
- Visit a farm and find out how Reblochon cheese is made;
- Take a walk along the health trail, which is accessible with pushchairs.
Where to stay in Le Grand-Bornand: Chalet des Mรดmes
As its name suggests, Chalet des Mรดmes has been specially designed to cater for little ones. This property, which has been awarded the โCool for Kidsโ label, includes a high chair, baby bath, cot and changing table.
The rest of the family will not be left out, thanks to a Nordic bath, a fireplace, a large open kitchen where you can share meals together, as well as a pรฉtanque area and a barbecueโฆ
Combloux
The resort of Combloux is one of the best Alpine destinations for a holiday with young children. In addition to its wide range of activities, the resort also has a nursery, babysitting services and kindergartens to ensure that the little ones and their parents have an enjoyable stay.
Good to know: Download the Guide des Ptits Loups which lists all the events available for children in summer or winter. These guides contain all the best ways to keep children occupied and cared for.
Here are some ideas for activities to enjoy in Combloux with young children:
- Cool off at the biotope lake, a natural swimming pool in the shadow of Mont Blanc;
- Meet the resort mascot Tilou and visit his den;
- Borrow board games for all ages from the Tourist Office;
- Lose yourself in the unique world of the โLรฉgendes de Comblouxโ festival;
- Visit โLes Montagnardsโ educational farm;
- Discover Comblouxโs cultural heritage by following its walking trail.
Where to stay in Combloux: Chalet Beau Caillou
Chalet Beau Caillou, which has been awarded the โCool For Kidsโ label, has been designed to cater for children under three years old. Each room has its own facilities, including a cot with nightlights, a changing table, a potty, a blender and childrenโs crockery.
For your entertainment and well-being, there is a Nordic bath, a sauna, a summer swimming pool and a home cinema. Offering comfort, space and modern facilities, this chalet is located in Saint-Gervais, a 10-minute drive from Combloux.
Morillon
Proud of its roots, Morillon is a farming village made of wooden chalets surrounding a 16th-century church. This small resort combines a peaceful atmosphere with direct access to the Grand Massifโs 265km of ski runs.
Here are some examples of family activities in Morillon:
- Spend a day swimming at Lac Bleu;
- Challenge your head for heights on a via ferrata route;
- Discover the Rouget waterfall, one of the most beautiful in France;
- Climb trees on a tree-top assault course;
- Unwind with a night in a mountain refuge;
- Explore the region on horseback.
Where to stay in Morillon: Chalet Keramis
This beautifully-renovated former farmhouse has been designed to host a dream mountain holiday for all the family, with several sunny terraces and a games room with table football, pool table and board games.
The light-filled living room combines traditional charm with modern comforts, while the covered hot tub is the perfect place to relax and unwind. A private outdoor swimming pool is available from early June to late September.
Annecy town and lake
An architectural jewel on the shores of Lake Annecy, this town fascinates visitors with its narrow streets and canals. In addition to its natural attractions, the town offers a multitude of cultural, sporting and musical activities and events all year round, which will appeal to visitors of all ages.
Ideas for family activities in Annecy:
- Stroll through the old town and visit the farmersโ markets;
- Cycle around the lake;
- Experience the thrill of canyoning;
- Take a walk along the impressive Fier gorges;
- Spend a day at a lakeside beach or on a boat;
- Water sports: sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water-skiing, etc.
Where to stay in Annecy: Villa Trois Lauriers
Situated on the lakeside a few kilometres from Annecy, this modern 5-star villa for eight guests has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terraces, as well as a sauna and work areas.
Villa Trois Lauriers holds the โCool for Kidsโ and โCycling Friendlyโ labels, providing all the necessary equipment and facilities for both children and cycling enthusiasts.
Choosing the right accommodation for your family
The factors to consider
When it comes to choosing your holiday accommodation, itโs important to consider the amount of space available, so that thereโs room for everyone at all times of the day.
Choose a property with several bedrooms, a friendly living area, or even a space dedicated to fun. A secure outdoor area, such as a garden or terrace, means that children can play in complete safety.
The proximity of activities and shops makes everyday life easier. Before you book, find out how accessible the property is, and whether there is a safe road or shuttle bus stop nearby.
Good to know: For each of its partner chalets, OVO Network indicates the distances to the nearest shops, slopes and ski school.
The advantages of choosing a chalet with the โCool For Kidsโ label
OVO Network is well aware of the difficulties of organising holidays with young childrenโฆ
Thatโs why weโve introduced the โCool for Kidsโ label. Chalets that qualify for this label have all the necessary equipment and facilities to cater for children of all ages. These must include:
- For safety: socket covers, stair gates, fire screens for the fireplace, etc.;
- For hygiene: changing table, potty, etc.;
- In the kitchen: cutlery, crockery, adapted glasses, booster seat, etc.;
- In the bedrooms: bed linen, nightlight, etc.;
- In the bathroom: non-slip matting, steps, bath seat, etc.;
- To keep them happy: board games, TV area, books, outdoor games, playrooms for older children, etc.
When you choose a โCool for Kidsโ chalet, you can travel light and arrive with peace of mind.
Practical advice for a successful family holiday in the mountains
Preparing your children for altitude
Good preparation is essential if children are to make the most of their mountain holidays without suffering the effects of altitude. Gradually gain height to help them acclimatise and keep them well hydrated, as the air is drier in the mountains.
You should also pack layers of clothing to cope with temperature variations. Encourage regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and look out for any signs of discomfort, such as headaches or breathing problems.
Essential equipment to pack
Here is a list of things to remember when packing for you and your family:
Clothing and accessories
- Appropriate technical clothing (breathable layers, fleeces, waterproof jackets);
- Hat, gloves, scarf (evenings can be chilly, even in summer);
- Suitable hiking boots and thick socks;
- Sunglasses with UV protection and a cap or hat;
- Sun cream and protective lip balm.
Practical equipment
- A comfortable rucksack for walking;
- Water bottles or water bags for regular hydration;
- Energy snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars);
- Small first-aid kit (plasters, disinfectant, basic medicines).
For small children
- A baby carrier or all-terrain pushchair for walking;
- Soft toy or comfort toy;
- Nappies and wipes if necessary.
Comfort and entertainment
- Travel games or books for quiet times;
- A torch or headlamp for outdoor evenings;
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife observation.
Good to know: Remember that the OVO Network โCool For Kidsโ chalets already include a wide range of equipment for children of all ages. So much you wonโt need to pack it all in your suitcases!
With accessible ski areas, fun activities and accommodation to suit all ages, you now know where to go for a successful family holiday in the mountains!
Discover our Cool for Kids chalets
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