Family Holidays in Chamonix

If you’re skiing in Chamonix with kids, staying near the lifts makes life so much easier – fewer steps in ski boots means happier little people and parents. Les Houches is a favourite with families, with gentle wide runs for beginners, some ski-in ski-out chalets, plenty of family-sized places to stay and a good mix of bars and restaurants. Being closer to Geneva helps if you want a shorter journey. Look for accommodation with handy facilities nearby and you’ll have easy access to ski schools and off-slope fun like ice skating and cinema trips.

Lift passes can take a big chunk out of your holiday budget, so it’s worth making sure you’re getting the right ticket for your group. In Chamonix there are plenty of ways to save – kids under five go free, those aged 5 to 14 pay a reduced rate and you can get passes just for beginner areas. Pedestrian passes are handy if you want to come up and watch without skiing, and half-day passes help if the little ones tire easily. Families of four or more can grab a family pass, which keeps costs down even more.

If you’re hoping to raise the next ski star, getting the kids into ski school is a must. Lessons cater for little ones from around 3 years old, offering full and half-day lessons with English-speaking instructors. Kids learn the basics safely in dedicated beginner areas, often with inflatables and games and can travel up gentle slopes on magic carpet lifts. Half-day lessons are usually plenty for beginners. The price covers tuition only, so make sure children aged five and over have a ski pass, kit and warm clothes, while under-fives just need a hands-free lift card.

Chamonix has a great mix of terrain to keep the whole family happy. Les Houches is a favourite for families, while Le Tour is quieter with a big beginner area and plenty of easy blue runs. Brévent and Flégère are linked and offer a good variety too. For beginners, check out the nursery slopes at Planards and Savoy, the Trappe green run at Flégère or La Poya near Vallorcine. Most of Grands Montets is for more advanced skiers, so families with young children are usually better off sticking to the gentler areas.

Chamonix is a great spot for families all year round, not just for skiing. In winter, kids can enjoy snow tubing, sledging, zip wires, igloos and mini treasure hunts at ski camp fun parks or on gentle slopes. The mini luge and Montenvers cog railway are a hit any time of year, while indoor and outdoor ice rinks keep little ones entertained. Summer brings hikes, swimming and exploring glaciers. There’s even dog sledding, cinema trips and beginner-friendly roller coasters. Whatever your family loves, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone smiling.

Chamonix offers a range of childcare services to suit families year-round. During the winter months, options include ski school-integrated childcare, where children can enjoy snow games and workshops while you hit the slopes. In the summer, local sports centres often host kids' clubs with activities like swimming, climbing, and tennis. Additionally, nanny services are available for flexible care, whether you need a few hours or a full day. It's advisable to check availability and book in advance through local tourist offices or directly with the facilities.