Family Holidays: Chamonix family skiing and activity holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

Chamonix is a great choice for family skiing and summer / activity holidays, and enjoys one of the most beautiful setttings of any resort.

Skiing – The Mont Blanc area offers 500km of piste, including the world famous 24km Vallee Blanche off-piste run (brilliant for accomplished teens, though not suitable for a first time toddler). The scenic pistes of Le Tour offer easy runs for a family day out.

Summer – mountain holidays are a great alternative for families bored of the beach. Sitting below the shadow of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, Chamonix is regarded as the leading summer mountain resort in the world. There’s a huge variety of activities on offer, suitable for all ages, from trains up the mountains, to walks through the hills, to swimming under the Alpine sun.

Top left: Train and Mont Blanc
Top middle: Mountain view
Top right: Mountain

Bottom left: Winter hut
Bottom right: View from terrace

When

The ski season runs from mid-December through mid-April. If you have younger kids then consider January (cheaper, but cold) or March (more expensive, less cold) and, obviously, try to avoid half term.

The summer season lasts from early June through to mid September. Late August can sometimes be a little humid and thundery and is when the resort is at its busiest. We recommend July for clear weather and sunny skies.

How

take the plane

There are around 20 flights a day from UK airports to Geneva in Switzerland. From here it is around a one to one and a half hour drive.

take a ferry

You can make it to Chamonix on a long day's drive from Calais if taking a ferry or Eurotunnel.

Stay

We recommend the Chalet Hotel Sapiniere because of the reputation it has for childcare through Esprit Holidays. There are, of course, many other hotel, self-catering and chalet options in and around Chamonix.

Do

Skiing – Four of the five different ski areas are suitable for intermediates. The Mont Blanc area offers 500 km. of piste, including the world famous 24km. Vallee Blanche off-piste run ( brilliant for accomplished teens, though not suitable for a first time toddler). Note that the region attracts repeat visitors because it offers great skiing and scenery… but it also draws criticism for not offering the kind of piste interconnectivity that you'll find in many other ski areas.

The scenic pistes of Le Tour offer easy runs for a family day out and if your children are beginners they'll be extremely well looked after on the slopes near the Sapiniere.

Summer – The mountains beckon with a huge variety of activities in Chamonix. Kids can try out rock climbing and family courses can be arranged. There are many walks starting from the town or, for the lazy, the cable cars and mountain railways get you into the heart of the glaciers and lakes with minimal effort. Mountain bikes can also be taken up on cable cars for fun and effortless descents. Rafting is available for all ages above 10. On hot days the town pool is very large and provides children’s and toddlers’ pools. There is a water theme park a couple of hours’ drive away in Chamberry. Other day trip possibilities include trains to Switzerland, the city of Geneva and day trips to Italy through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

Eat

The holiday prices quoted include a large breakfast and dinner at the Chalet Hotel Sapiniere but if you want to try something different there is a good choice of restaurants from good value pizza parlours through to Michelin recommended restaurants. French mountain food is very popular with kids.

Cost

Take a family of four sharing a room in high season for around £1,200, based on half board and including a ferry crossing in the summer. The crèche will cost £160 per child for 5 days. The Alpies kids club (ages 3 to 11) will cost from £95 for 3 days including such activities as rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. Skiing ranges from £469 and £829 per adult, depending on chosen week, with generous children's discounts. Ski packs on top.