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Best French Ski Resorts for Families

The snow is starting to fall and ski season is just around the corner. It’s only a matter of time until we’re all booking our ski holidays! And, of all the ski trips, family ski trips are our favourite – some of the most cherished family memories are made on the slopes!

So, if you’re off on a family ski holiday, we thought you’d find our recommendations useful. We know loads of family-friendly ski resorts that will be perfect. First up: France.  Here are some of the best French ski resorts for families.

Avoriaz

With over 15,000 beds, no cars, and only horse-drawn carriages, Avoriaz is one of the safest and calmest ski resorts in France. It’s a self-contained family favourite where you can happily send the kids to the shop for freshly baked croissants (it’s that safe!). Everyone looks after each other, and it’s so easy to keep an eye on the little ones.

What’s more, Avoriaz is also very environmentally friendly. Its residents do what they can to reduce their collective carbon footprint, and the decision to forbid cars means that Avoriaz really flies the flag for the environmentally-minded. 

If all that wasn’t enough, Avoriaz has its very own ski school called ‘Village des enfants’, which allows children to learn through play (and also serves as a sheltered spot if the weather is too bad to ski). 

Still not convinced? Avoriaz has just been kitted out with a brand new waterpark.

La Rosiere

Though it may be small, what La Rosiere lacks in size it more than makes up for in a good old-fashioned family atmosphere. You’ll get a warm welcome at La Rosiere, and the community really work to make you feel at home. Nothing is too big an ask!

There is also a vast range of beginner-intermediate slopes that your kids will love to practise on! If you want to have a day on your own without the children, you could drop them off at the amazing Les Galopins club and indulge in some heli-skiing, or even ski across to Italy for a stone-baked pizza.  Family-friendly skiing is what La Rosiere specialises in.

La Plagne

With 11 resorts rolled into one, La Plagne really does give you bang for your buck. There are plenty of high-altitude slopes for advanced skiers to try, as well as quieter and less crowded slopes for beginners and intermediates.

Highlights for the whole family include; an artificial frozen waterfall (perfect for ice climbing), night-time skiing at the Jean-Luc Cretier stadium, and France’s only bobsleigh run which is open to the public (of course, under supervision).

With so much to offer families, it’s no surprise that La Plagne brings in so many families each and every ski season!

St. Martin de Belleville

While St Martin de Belleville doesn’t have too many nursery-level slopes, if you do have youngsters who are already up to speed, then this is definitely the ski resort for you. Family skiing is one thing that St Martin de Belleville has aplenty. 

The ticket office offers a beginner pass which not only saves money, but keeps young and old learners on a terrain that suits them. As well as the different ski passes, there are frequent family deals, allowing the whole family to ski for children’s rates.

Part of the huge Three Valleys ski area, there’s no lack of choice when it comes to the variety of pistes here. St Martin de Belleville is one of the best family-friendly ski resorts near Geneva.

Megeve

As well as being one of France’s most up-and-coming ski resorts, Megeve also has very charming cobbled streets and a quaint community feel – all of which make for a perfect family-friendly ski resort!

Megeve is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France and, not to mention, one of the oldest. It has an extremely high standard of childcare, and there are plenty of fantastic family-friendly restaurants to choose from.

As for skiing, there are varied runs throughout the resort for beginners and intermediates.  If you’re looking for family-friendly skiing in France, Megeve is the place for you!

Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is located on the boundary between the Northern and Southern Alps. It’s a very unique place, so much so that it even has its own microclimate – with some large snowfalls and 300 whole days of glorious sunshine throughout the year.  What more could you ask for? 

How about amazing childcare facilities?

Children can enjoy plenty of activities throughout Serre Chevalier, including; the Club Piou-Piou with top of the range childminding facilities, and a snow garden at Monetier. Not to mention, there are a number of easy green slopes for beginners, whether they’re children or adults. Serre Chevalier can accommodate for both large and small family groups.

Les Gets

If you’ve ever been to Les Gets, you will understand why it has made our list as one of the best family ski resorts in France. It’s characterful, charming, and has some of the most beautiful sights that France skiing has to offer. It simply ticks all the boxes. 

Not only will you get access to world-class ski slopes, but there’s also a vast selection of chalets, as well as high-quality and reliable childcare. It’s just a short transfer from Geneva airport, and you get loads of ski school options, delicious restaurants, and various entertainment.

Flaine

Access to slopes comes ridiculously easy in Flaine, which makes it a dream for ski enthusiasts. Not only are there plenty of child-friendly ski zones that your kids will love, but there are also lots of activities that the whole family can enjoy, like indoor climbing, bowling, and even a spa and aquatic centre.

Most importantly, you’ll be spoilt by the range of slopes on offer. Whether you’re beginner-level, intermediate, or you’re a seasoned skier, Flaine has something for everyone and we’re sure that your family will feel at home.

Now you know the best French ski resorts for families, book up!

There are so many ski resorts out there that you and your family will love, so if you’re heading to France for your ski break – be sure to take note of the above! If you’ve decided on one of the incredible resorts, click below to get an instant transfer quote.

 

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What to Pack for Your Ski Holiday

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An issue that often crops up with the staff here and plenty of other skiers is forgetting to pack something and only realising it when it’s too late, whether that’s something large or small, we’re all guilty of being forgetful sometimes.

Luckily for you, we’ve done the forgetting for you and we at Ski-Lifts have come up with a collaborative ski and snowboard essential checklist for your holiday this ski season.

Download a handy skiing checklist below that you can print off, so you never forget anything from your ski holiday packing list again!

Your ski trip packing list:

Ski/snowboarding clothing

 Waterproof breathable jacket (our partners at Absolute Snow have you covered)

 Waterproof mittens (trust me, they’re warmer than gloves)

 Hand-warmers (for when it’s blisteringly cold)

 Goggles + wipes (Save 10% with Panda Optics with code SKILIFTS1020)

 Neckwarmer

 Helmet

 Thermal base layers (top and bottoms) x2

 Extra ski socks x3

 Sunglasses

On the slopes

 Small rucksack

 Suncream

 Water bottle

Equipment

 Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (for those who are going off-piste)

 Skis or snowboard (or arrange ski hire)

 Boots

 Ski poles

 Multitool (for repairs or adjustments, don’t be caught out on the slopes!)

 Iron, wax and a scraper

 Board lock (you can’t be too careful)

In-resort clothing

 Everyday clothes (jeans, t-shirt, jumper etc.)

 Swimwear (if you plan on relaxing in a spa or taking a dip)

 Hat and gloves

Other useful stuff

 Earplugs (don’t be kept awake when you fancy an early night)

 Deep heat (skiing can be unforgiving on your muscles and joints)

 Playing cards

 Travel pillow

 Fancy dress (well, you never know do you?)

 Spirits and cigarettes from duty-free (sometimes the alcohol and cigarette prices in resorts can burn a hole in the pocket)

 Akla-Seltzer (for the inevitable hangover)

Download your own handy Ski holiday packing checklist and for all the little extras such as ski lessons, check out our partners. 

And finally, don’t forget to book your hassle-free transfer to the ski resort!

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Ski Resorts in the Alps With the Most Black Runs

Do you consider yourself an expert skier on the hunt for the biggest and best black runs in the Alps?  Well, if you’re an adrenaline junky and on the search for black piste skiing, you’ll be happy to know we’ve put together a list of ski resorts in the Alps with the most black ski pistes.  You might find information elsewhere describing different black runs at resorts, however, we’ve put together a list of ski resorts that give you multiple heart-stopping black ski runs!

Sestriere, Italy

Resort Altitude: 2035m
Airport Distance: Turin Airport to Sestriere transfer is around 1.5 hours

 

The Milky Way ski area is home to some of the best resorts in Italy and Sestriere is arguably the best resort in the area.  The whole ski area offers a rather impressive 933km of downhill skiing.  It is recommended you purchase a ski pass which gives you access to all the resorts in the Milky Way (Claviere, Montgenevre, Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx), then you can really benefit from the 114 black pistes in the area.  For those wanting a difficult challenge, the top of Sises and Motta is the place for you.  In particular, Mount Sises World Cup and World Championships slalom run is the ultimate test for expert skiers.

Solden, Austria

Resort Altitude: 2000m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Solden transfer is around 1 hour.

 

‘Think big, think Solden’ is the slogan for this Austrian ski resort.  That not only applies to the sheer size of this Oetztal Valley resort but also its terrain and infamous nightlife.  Solden has brilliant snow reliability and 31% of its runs are catered for advanced skiers.  Solden is home to the Alpine Ski World Cup and if you fancy yourself, test your ability on the Black World Cup race piste, a piste as difficult as any in the area.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Resort Altitude: 1620m
Airport Distance: Sion Airport to Zermatt transfer is around 1.5 hours

As one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland, you would certainly expect some of the best skiing around, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Zermatt.  The resort is home to one of the largest interlinked ski lift areas in the world, this even includes an underground railway (giving you an idea of the sheer size of the ski area), with one section offering the option to ski into the Italian resorts of Valtournenche and Cervinia.  The Triftji black run is a must for any of you expert skiers wanting to challenge yourselves.

Alpbach, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1000m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Alpbach transfer is around 1 hour

©Navin (www.flickr.com/photos/navink/8509769711/)

Alpbach is linked with six other resorts being a part of the Ski Jewel Alpbachtal Wildschönau area, giving skiers and snowboarders over 140km of pistes to explore.  If you’re an expert skier on the hunt for black pistes, you have the choice of 18 while you’re in Alpbach, including off-pistes with tree-lined powder.  For those extra adventurous skiers, get yourself to the most challenging route at the top of Gmahkopf.

Lech, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1450m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Lech transfer is around 1.5 hours

©Steve Jurvetson (www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/40055919405/)

Plenty of people would argue that Lech is one of the best ski resorts in Austria and certainly for expert skiers.  You’ll find this resort in the Arlberg ski area.  Expert skiers will find themselves spoilt for choice, there’s plenty of choices when it comes to risky off-piste trails and difficult black runs.  For skiers who are really up for a challenge and a fun, bumpy ride, head for Kiregerhorn with its range of bumps and moguls.

Les Arcs, France

Resort Altitude: 1950m -2000m
Airport Distance: Chambery, Lyon and Geneva Airport to Les Arcs transfer is around 2-3 hours

©Julien Menichini (www.flickr.com/photos/jul/5042560538/)

Located in the gigantic Paradiski area in France, Les Arcs is made up of several areas.  However, the area we’re concentrating on is Les Arcs 2000.  This resort offers the best expert skiing you’ll find around the area, with a tonne of challenging black runs for you to choose from.  If you’re brave enough, head straight to Robert Blanc, which is the steepest run.  This run heads directly down the northwest face of Aiguille Rouge.

Alpe d’Huez, France

Resort Altitude: 1860m
Airport to Ski Resort: Grenoble and Lyon Airport to Alpe d’Huez transfer is around 2 hours

Alpe d’Huez is part of the infamous Grand Domaine ski area in France.  The resort offers 369km of downhill skiing, there’s plenty here for beginners and intermediates, but the black runs is what we’re interested in here.  Alpe d’Huez is arguably one of the best ski resorts in France for challenging black runs.  Pit Blanc is the highest peak of the Grandes Rousses Massif, with a vertical face of 2330m.  It’s here that you will discover exciting and long descents, including the longest black run in the world, Sranne, which spans over 16km.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”Heading to any of these resorts this winter? Don’t forget to book your hassle-free transfer!” style=”flat” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Click here to get an instant quote” btn_style=”flat” btn_color=”juicy-pink” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ski-lifts.com|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Most Picturesque Ski Resort in the Alps

It’s not often you find a ski resort in the Alps which isn’t picturesque and jaw-droppingly beautiful.  Where exactly are the most beautiful resorts in the Alps though?  Well, we’ve had the pleasure of putting together a list of 10 of the most picturesque resorts in the Alps.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbuhel town is about as picture perfect as you get, cobble-stoned streets and a charming section of shops and cafes.  Like with many of the beautiful ski resorts in Europe, Kitzbuhel has a reputation for attracting the rich and famous, however, it is possible to find an average-priced apartment as well.  Kitzbuhel town can very well be described as quaint and luxurious, the scenery is soft and naturally beautiful and the slopes are easy-going.

Kitzbuhel draws the crowds during the hair-raising World Cup downhill race, Hahnenkamm.  The snow is doused with water by staff to ensure for a perilous race.  What may come as a surprise is aside from the World Cup, Kitzbuhel caters for skiers of all ability.  In fact, not including the World Cup, Kitzbuhel isn’t scary at all.

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Kitzbuhel transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Lech, Austria

Unlike its lively Austrian neighbour St Anton, Lech enjoys a more laid-back and sophisticated atmosphere, with stunning panoramic views to match.  The town is home to chocolate box chalets, luxury hotels and glamorous restaurants, it’s not hard to see why so many of the worlds rich and famous choose Lech as their ski resort of choice.  That’s not even mentioning the picturesque surroundings.

The 276km worth of pistes ensures there is ample skiing for everyone, due to the excellent links with its neighbours of St Anton and Zurs.

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Lech transfer time is 1.5 hours.

© Photo by João Máximo (www.flickr.com/photos/joaomaximo/379826327/)

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Saas Fee is a stunning traditional Swiss village, which is nestled between 13 towering peaks, reaching a height of 4000m, offering Himalayan-esque views.  One great thing about Saas Fee is that the village centre is traffic-free, apart from electric vehicles.  Solely electric vehicles mean that traffic noise is kept to a minimum.  The narrow streets throughout this Swiss village are crammed with bars, cafes and quaint boutiques.  Here’s a good fact for you, Saas Fee is so picturesque that it was the location for the video for Last Christmas – Wham!

Here’s a good fact for you, Saas Fee is so picturesque that it was the location for the video for Last Christmas – by Wham!

How to get there? Sion Airport to Saas Fee transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Alpbach, Austria

The Tyrolean Alps in Austria bring skiers and snowboarders arriving in their flocks year on year.  The attractive villages, including Alpbach, and exceptional ski areas, keep tourists coming back for more.  The beautiful resort of Alpbach is one of the jewels in Austria’s crown, the superb skiing, picturesque surroundings and high-quality accommodation make this ski resort a true winter wonderland.

Don’t just take our word for it, Alpbach was once voted Austria’s most beautiful village by the Austrians themselves.  Alpbach is linked with 6 other ski resorts in the Ski Jewel area, which homes 145km of pistes and lifts up to 2128m.  It’s here that you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Alpbach Valley peaks, the Ziller Valley and the Rofan Range.  What more could you ask for from one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria?

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Alpbach transfer time is 1 hour.

Megeve, France

Megeve is a charming traditional style French town, further afield the tree-lined runs are given a backdrop of spectacular views of Mont Blanc.  It’s difficult to name a resort which comes close to the natural beauty of Megeve’s surrounding landscapes.  Megeve is often touted as the French version of Switzerland‘s elegant St. Moritz, so it will come as no surprise that this resort is a playground for the rich and famous from around the world.  The medieval style centre of Megeve is home to many top-of-the-range luxury hotels and chalets.

Megeve is part of the Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc ski area.  The 325km of runs ensure that this ski resort is varied for all levels of ability.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Megeve transfer time is 1.5 hours.

 

Zermatt, Switzerland

The jaw-dropping beauty of Zermatt is clear to see for everyone who’s ever visited this charming traditional Swiss town, which is nestled beneath the magnificent Matterhorn.  Zermatt and the surrounding Valais region is a place that will never fail to charm its guests and locals alike.  The panoramic views, a backdrop of the highest glacier in the Alps and the crystalline landscapes, ensure that Zermatt claims its spot as not only one of the most picturesque resorts in Switzerland and Europe, but in the world.

The skiing in Zermatt matches the scenery, there are 313km of pistes and by far some of the best off-piste you will find in Switzerland, as a result of its height and guaranteed snow.  The lifts are open throughout the majority of the year for glacier skiing.  The village itself is also very charming, with impressive nightlife.  Zermatt really has it all, doesn’t it?

How to get there? Sion Airport to Zermatt transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Cortina, Italy

Known to some as the Queen of the Dolomites, this premier Italian ski resort is often compared to some of its French neighbours like Courchevel and Val d’Isere.  The beauty of the snow-capped Dolomite peaks ensures that Cortina d’Ampezzo claims its spot as one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe.  The naturally beautiful and unique surroundings are clear to see when you arrive, making the perfect backdrop for this charming ski town.  It wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that Cortina’s surroundings include some of the finest mountain scenery in the Alps.

The Apres ski in Cortina ensures non-skiers won’t be hard pushed to enjoy their time in the stunning town.  The ski area itself is packed with well-groomed pistes, ensuring the whole area is great for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

How to get there? Venice Airport to Cortina transfer time is 2 hours.

© Photo by Navin Rajagopalan (www.flickr.com/photos/navin75/5980278228/)

Chamonix, France

Chamonix’s landscape alone is a sight for sore eyes, there are stunning spots everywhere you look, especially with Mont Blanc on the horizon.  Head into the town and you won’t be disappointed, the charming scenery doesn’t end here.  Take for instance St. Michael’s in Place de l’Eglise; the stunning silver spire, stained-glass windows that glimmer in the sun and cream walls to give that clean finish.

There are 30,000 acres of skiable terrain in Chamonix (and the surrounding resorts in Chamonix Valley), so you won’t be pushed to find somewhere new to explore.  The 9,000 strong population of Chamonix town ensure that this beautiful French ski resort is hardly a tranquil setting, however, that can be overlooked when you view Chamonix tremendous setting beneath the tumbling glaciers and cliffs of the Mont Blanc massif.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Chamonix transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Meribel, France

There’s no end to the reasons to love Meribel.  The chalet-style architecture, friendly atmosphere and wooded surroundings are a good start.  The stunning scenery ensures that even its biggest doubters are turned into lovers of Meribel upon arrival.

There are plenty of reasons to love Meribel, not least for its pretty, chalet-style architecture, wooded surroundings and friendly, village atmosphere. But the prime reason is its central position within France’s huge 3-Valleys ski area.

Meribel is part of the famous 3-Valleys ski area.  Meribel is one of the big names in French ski resorts.   The highest lift stands at 3200m, there’s 600km of pistes, an excellent lift system and a great snow record, making Meribel and the 3-Valleys one of the most sought-after destinations in not only France but in Europe as well.

How to get there? Chambery Airport to Meribel transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Les Gets, France

Les Gets lies between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.  There’s not only beautiful scenery all around, but there are also links to the incredibly popular Portes du Soleil ski area.  The town is filled with cosy mountain restaurants, there’s a huge variety of accommodation and if you head here for Christmas, you’ll experience possibly the best Christmas spirit in France.

Les Gets is a ski resort which caters for everyone.  Family, couples and groups alike will find this picturesque resort in France more than enjoyable.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Les Gets transfer time is 1.5 hours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]