La Clusaz is extremely child-friendly. It has a large play are at Champ Giguet dedicated to sledging and a creche with a ‘ski garden’ where small children get used to playing on skis whilst the snow parks amuse slightly older kids with good ski or board skills. There are lots of child-friendly restaurants in the resort and periodically there are children’s festivals too.
Where to stay
Ski Weekender offers fully-catered chalet breaks during holiday seasons. They cater for children with a special early kid’s dinner, evening kid’s club and full attentive team to fit skis for children and look after families. They also run minibus shuttles to the slopes.
For hotels try
Hotel Christiania, which is close to the centre of La Clusaz making it easy to get to and from creche, kid’s ski clubs, the sledging area and the lifts. Alternatively, Hotel Beauregard is ski in, ski out for kids that can already ski meaning parents won’t have to walk far carrying children’s skis.
If you're prefer to go self-catered
Chalet Aravis sleeps up to 11, and is perfect for families holidaying together on more of a budget.
Top ski school tips
- Children generally can start skiing from around four years old (older for snowboarding)
- Young children, or those new to skiing, may only manage half a day - it can be very tiring when they're not used to it
- Plenty of high factor suncream is essential - factor 30+ and water resistant
- Younger eyes are more sensitive so it is important to make kids wear good quality sunglasses or goggles all the time. If you only plan to buy one or the other, buy goggles.
- If possible, book with an instructor who speaks good English so your child can understand the instructions and if there's a problem, they can understand it
