Family Holidays in Val Thorens

If you’re heading to the mountains with a young family, convenience is everything. Val Thorens is ski in-ski out, with free nursery slopes in the centre and plenty of family-sized accommodation close to lifts, bars and restaurants. The high altitude can be a bit much for very young children, so some families prefer basing themselves a little lower down in Les Menuires. It still has excellent snow for beginners, gentle runs, easy slope access and plenty of family-friendly facilities, making it a great choice if you want a slightly slower pace without missing the fun.

Lift passes can take a big chunk out of a family ski holiday, so it pays to choose wisely. In Val Thorens, kids under 5 go free, and those aged 5 to 14 get a reduced rate. You can also pick beginner area or half-day passes if a full day feels too long. Non-skiers can grab a pedestrian pass to head up the mountain and watch the kids. Families of four or more can save with a family lift pass, where everyone pays the child rate and up to seven extra kids can be included.

Young children can start ski lessons from three years old, with fun-focused sessions full of games and inflatables. Ski schools offer full or half-day sessions with English speaking guides and dedicated beginner areas. Most beginner slopes have ‘magic carpet’ lifts to make getting to the top easy. Half-day lessons are usually plenty for novices. Lessons cover tuition only, so kids over five need a ski pass, skis, helmet, goggles, warm clothes and sunscreen. Under-fives just need a hands-free lift card.

Val Thorens and Les Menuires offer a great mix of terrain for the whole family. The nursery slopes have free lifts and gentle beginner areas where most ski schools meet. In Val Thorens, head to Le Rond Point or Place Carron for easy greens and fun zones. There’s a mini snow park with tunnels, whoops and a boarder cross, plus a Family Park just off the Plateau lift. For more advanced riders, the Snow Park has rails, boxes and a Jump'Air for bigger tricks. There’s plenty here to keep teenagers entertained too.

Val Thorens is packed with fun for families beyond the slopes. In winter, you can try sledging at Place Caron, the longest toboggan run in Europe at Le Toboggan, or Speed Mountain and Roc n Bob in Les Menuires. There’s husky dog sledding for a snowy adventure or ten-pin bowling in the village if you fancy something indoors. The sports centre offers swimming, squash, tennis, soft play and trampolines, while the local cinema screens films in English. Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills or a cosy indoor afternoon, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

Val Thorens has plenty of childcare options to help make your holiday easier. During the winter, ski schools often offer half or full-day childcare alongside lessons for little ones, while babysitters can be arranged through the local tourist office. In summer, the sports centres in resort villages sometimes run kids clubs with activities like swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball and ice-skating. Whatever time of year you visit, there are ways to keep the children entertained and safe, giving you a bit of breathing space or a chance to enjoy some mountain time yourself.