Planning your next family ski holiday in the French Alps, but not sure where to go? The Three Valleys is the largest ski area in the world and also one of the best destinations in Europe for families. With gentle nursery slopes for little ones, easy ski school access, après ski fun for teens, and plenty of cosy village charm for parents to unwind, there are endless ways to keep everyone happy.
We’ve gathered our top 5 family-friendly ski resorts in the Three Valleys, not just for their practical perks, but because they’re the kind of places where family ski memories are made.
La Tania: A Traditional Village With Family At Its Heart
Nestled between Courchevel and Meribel, La Tania is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Three Valleys. Purpose-built in the early 1990s for the Winter Olympics, today it’s a charming alpine village, renowned for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- Beginner-friendly slopes: The newly renovated nursery slope, safely fenced off beside the main piste, has two free magic carpets – making it ideal for little ones to sledge or for beginners to gain confidence on their skis.
- Easy access: The La Tania gondola takes you straight up to another beginner area (beside the Bouc Blanc restaurant), and links easily into both Courchevel and Meribel. The whole family, skiing or not, can enjoy a sunny lunch whilst admiring the spectacular mountain views.
- Family dining: A small selection of restaurants – from traditional French cuisine to a la carte and pizza – offer early sittings so children can enjoy dinner before bedtime.
- Ski hire made simple: Our Ski Higher La Tania shop, conveniently located in the centre of La Tania next to the Grand Bois building, offers ski-in/ski-out access and quick service.
With its peaceful atmosphere, forest runs, and great transport links (including a free shuttle bus to Courchevel 1850), La Tania is a top pick for families with younger children.
Meribel Village: Tranquil Charm Just Minutes From Meribel Centre
If you’d like the best of both worlds – the quiet of a traditional village with easy access to Meribel’s lively centre – Meribel Village is a wonderful choice.
- Location: Situated at the bottom of the Lapin blue run and the Golf chairlift, with quick access to the Altiport beginner area, and onward links to both Meribel and Courchevel.
- Village feel: You’ll find two excellent restaurants, a supermarket, a bakery for your morning croissants, and a lively après ski bar where parents can relax while children play in the snow nearby. Frequent shuttle buses also run to Meribel Centre and beyond.
- Best for: Families with older children or more confident skiers who want a relaxed base with easy slope access.
- Convenience: Our Ski Higher mobile delivery service brings ski equipment straight to your chalet door, meaning the whole family can be suited and booted for their first day on the slopes without leaving the warmth of your home.
Meribel Village is ideal if you want tranquil family ski accommodation with the option to dip into Meribel’s bustling nightlife and activities.
Les Allues: Authentic Village Life In The Heart Of The Alps
For a truly authentic alpine experience, Les Allues offers charm, culture, and practicality. Just 15 minutes from Meribel Centre, it’s where many locals live year-round, giving the village a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Atmosphere: Traditional chalets and ancient streets create a cosy, community feel. If you’re looking for a chalet, Ski Blanc has some wonderful family-friendly options just minutes from the gondola.
- Amenities: A supermarket, post office, playgrounds, and excellent restaurants (including a bar with live music).
- Access to the slopes: The Olympe gondola runs directly to La Chaudanne in Meribel Centre, while frequent buses connect the village from early morning to late at night.
- Ski hire: Our Ski Higher Les Allues shop, located next to the Sherpa supermarket and bus stop, makes collecting equipment or purchasing last-minute essentials simple.
With lower costs than central resorts, Les Allues is a great choice for families who want space, value, and easy slope access without the party atmosphere.
Le Praz: Picture-Perfect Courchevel Charm
Known for its cobbled streets and traditional chalets, Le Praz is one of Courchevel’s prettiest hamlets. It’s a fantastic base for families who want the Courchevel experience without the premium price tag of 1850.
- Access: The Praz gondola runs from early until late, taking you directly to Courchevel 1850, where you’ll find beginner areas, ski schools, and luxury shops.
- For families: Little ones can enjoy the new lakeside playground and explore picturesque village walks with the whole family.
- Après ski & dining: Cosy restaurants, delicatessens, and local bars keep evenings relaxed.
- Activities: For a non-ski day, head to Aquamotion Courchevel, just a short bus ride away – a huge indoor leisure centre above Courchevel 1550. It features swimming pools, water slides, a climbing wall, spa facilities, and even a surf wave, perfect for families looking to mix skiing with other fun activities.
- Ski hire: Our Ski Higher delivery service brings skis directly to your door, so you can skip the queues and enjoy more time on the mountain.
Le Praz is a magical mix of alpine charm, convenience, and family-friendly activities.
Meribel Mottaret: Compact, Convenient & Family-Friendly
Perched above Meribel Centre, Mottaret is a great option for families who want easy access to the Three Valleys.
- Family skiing: Two central nursery slopes, plus the gentle Truite green run connecting Mottaret to Meribel Centre – perfect for newer skiers finding their confidence.
- Convenience: The relatively compact resort layout means restaurants, shops, and ski schools are all within walking distance.
- Ski hire: Our Ski Higher delivery service ensures your equipment is ready at your accommodation when you arrive.
- Activities: Kids will love the snow bikes, inflatable ski jump, and the nearby Lac de Tueda nature reserve for scenic winter walks.
With its central location, Mottaret is one of the best places to base yourself if you’d like to explore all corners of the Three Valleys.
Which Resort Is Best For Your Family?
- For little ones & beginners: La Tania and Mottaret are ideal for ski schools, gentle nursery slopes, and family-friendly layouts.
- For teens & older kids: Le Praz and Meribel Village offer independence, quieter evenings, and quick links to livelier areas.
- For value: Les Allues is often the most affordable, while Mottaret offers excellent prices compared to Meribel Centre.
- For convenience: La Tania is the best all-rounder with everything close by and direct access to both Courchevel (by bus) and Meribel (by skis).
Final Tips For Planning A Family Ski Holiday In The Three Valleys
- Book ski hire in advance: Save time and stress by pre-ordering with Ski Higher – choose from shop collection or mobile delivery.
- Mix ski days with fun days: From sledging to Aquamotion, variety keeps kids entertained and parents relaxed.
- Think about your family’s rhythm: La Tania and Mottaret are ideal if you want everything on your doorstep; Les Allues works well if you love space and quiet; Le Praz and Meribel Village are perfect if you want traditional charm with easy access to bigger hubs.
- Travel off-peak if possible: January and March often mean quieter slopes, better prices, fewer queues, and plenty of sunshine.
The Three Valleys truly has something for every family, from quaint villages with charm to family-focused facilities with convenience. Wherever you choose, you’ll find world-class skiing, friendly atmospheres, and plenty of ways to create lasting family memories.