Family Ski Vacations: 5 Activities Your Kids and Teens Will Love

Oct. 5, 2023

Winter vacations in the mountains aren’t just about crisscrossing the ski area! After a day on the slopes—or first thing in the morning to share some fun family time with non-skiers—be sure to include a “surprise” activity in your itinerary. Just a heads-up: there’s sure to be a lot of excited chatter once you break the suspense…

Sledding, a timeless classic that's getting a fresh twist

Sledding is the quintessential activity that brings all generations together. For toddlers, it’s practical and serves as a great alternative to a stroller for a short stroll in the fresh air on groomed trails, before or after a nap. Starting at age 3, it turns into a tube (known as “snowtubing”) for fun, safe slides down a dedicated multi-lane track (at Tignes). For kids 8 and up, head to the X-Treme Luge at La Rosière, a monorail “sled” that’s like a roller coaster with its sudden changes in slope and a loop (bonus: the ride is free for children between 95 cm and 1.25 m tall when accompanied by an adult). Finally, if you’re at least 1.40 m tall, test your skills (at night!) on the 3-km descent of the (very) challenging “Expédition Cobra” toboggan run (at Tignes).

A great deal from our partner Évolution 2: a paret ride (a sled “mounted” on a runner) is included free with any apartment reservation at Lodge des Glaciers (at La Rosière).

Dog sledding, a favorite among animal lovers

Here’s an activity that will delight your little ones (ages 2 and up) throughout your stay! Start building excitement a few days ahead by walking past the dogs during your daily stroll. Explain to them that these are Greenland Huskies, an ancient breed of dog used by the Inuit (and even the Vikings!) to pull their sleds. On the big day, settle in comfortably on the sled as a family (up to 2 adults and 2 children under 5—180 kg max) for a lovely 20-minute ride.

Feel free to ask the musher—the sled driver accompanying you—any questions you may have. And be sure to ask… the nicknames of his dogs, whom your children will most certainly want to say a final goodbye to before you leave!

Our tip: Dog sledding is an extremely popular activity, so we recommend that you make a reservation well in advance of your arrival at the resort (in La Plagne and Tignes).

Ice skating—so you can be just like Elsa and Anna

Of course, your kids could try their hand at this sport at the nearest ice rink. But the atmosphere would be far less magical than lacing up their skates right in the middle of the snow-capped mountains! Indoors (in La Rosière) or outdoors (in La Plagne), dare to let go of the railing and start with a few slips (and a few falls) worthy of Bambi’s first steps. Then, once you’ve gained confidence, glide gracefully across the ice, just like Elsa, the iconic Snow Queen. Or Olaf, her faithful companion. After all, to each their own style!

At La Rosière, you’ll find skates for rent starting at size 25—and even double-blade skates that fit toddlers’ shoes. Perfect for getting the whole family involved in a spectacular “dance routine” by the end of vacation week ;)

The zip line: Take Flight

This is the kind of high-flying adventure you end up embarking on after a “dare” innocently thrown out in the middle of a family dinner! Except that, if your 12-year-old son dives headfirst into the void, you’re kind of “forced” to follow. For the sake of honor. And that works out perfectly, because the starting point is right across from the Chalet Hôtel Turquoise to Belle Plagne, your home sweet home for the week! As luck would have it. Alright, here we go—time for a 400-meter descent more than 25 meters above the ground. Have a great flight!

Bob Raft: Thrills for the Whole Group

We’re all in the same boat… or rather, all in the same bobsled! Hop in with three others (minimum height 1m30), and let yourself be carried along: your bobsled is self-guided and self-braking! No need to think—which is just as well, since only a trained pilot can keep their wits about them while hurtling down the impressive La Plagne bobsled track at 80 km/h. This track was built for the 1992 Olympic Games. It’s quite the warm-up before attempting the descent at 120 km/h behind an expert pilot. An experience reserved for grown-up kids (ages 16 and up) with a strong stomach!

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