What family activities to do in the mountains in winter?

In the mountains in winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main sports. And it's a winter sport that can easily be practiced with the family, even with young children. Many resorts in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Vosges and the Jura offer spaces adapted for the youngest. Between the green and blue slopes, the beginner areas and the fun zones, there is always something to indulge in the joy of skiing.

If you are good skiers in the family, you can even go down more difficult slopes together and why not have fun on a snowpark or a fun area with teenagers.

If, on the contrary, you and/or your children are new to skiing, you can introduce them to the joys of skiing or snowboarding by enrolling them in a children's club. To stay with the family, also consider group lessons with an instructor. There are sessions to learn alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, etc.

For a child, sledding is a snow activity that always has an effect. It is also an inexpensive activity, as sledding runs are often free at the resort. Your only expense will be the purchase of a sled, or even simpler, renting equipment from a Sport 2000 store.

In some resorts, there are also more thrilling toboggan runs, which delight children and parents. For a few euros, you can enjoy descents of several hundred meters, with a good elevation gain and turns to negotiate. A guaranteed fun time!

Variations of sledding can also appeal to families and offer great thrills: Yooner, Snow Tubing, Snake Gliss, etc.

In winter, it is generally not possible to climb trees in the heart of an Adventure Park. However, several resorts have designed giant zip lines that allow you to fly over the ski area, filling up on thrills.
This type of activity is available, for example, in Val Thorens (from 8 years old), in Super-Besse (from 12 years old), in Orcières Merlette (children 8 years and older), in Chamrousse (from 9 years old), in La Plagne Aime with a view of Mont-Blanc, (minimum age: 6 years), etc.

For inexpensive winter mountain holidays, also think of simple activities you can do yourself. What could be more fun with children than to build a snowman, have a snowball fight , or even an igloo ?
Animations of this type are also sometimes offered at the resort: igloo construction with an accompanying guide, "trapper" day, snow sculpture, etc.

Snowshoeing and walking tours are perfect for exploring winter landscapes at a leisurely pace. This is an activity accessible even to the youngest children, who will be able to appreciate the winter flora and fauna while getting physical exercise.

Consult the Tourist Office to find out which trails will be suitable: rather an hour's walk around a lake? A route that takes you to higher altitudes? A hike accompanied by a guide to discover more about nature and the surrounding mountains? It's up to you to decide based on the child's age and the kilometers they can cover.

For a unique experience in the heart of nature, dogsledding tours are an excellent option. Children are often amazed by the huskies, and the sensation of silently gliding through snow-covered forests is magical. Several resorts offer introductions and guided rides, both in Savoie and Isère, in the Jura, in the Pyrenees, etc. For example, mushers introduce you to dogsledding in Val d’Isère, in Les Deux Alpes, in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, in Saint Lary Soulan, in Barèges, etc.

For a slightly less active ride, know that it is often possible to go for a horse-drawn carriage ride, through the snow-covered villages. It's an experience much loved by children!

During your stay in the mountains, you will also have the opportunity to practice activities at the resort. This is ideal when the weather is not very clement or when you want to stay close to your holiday accommodation. Here are some ideas:

• Aquatic centers are among the preferred meeting places for families: heated pool, slides, play areas, relaxation areas, there is everything to satisfy young and old.

• Another popular winter activity: ice skating. Indoor ice rinks are permanently installed in some resorts, and others are set up outdoors during the winter season.

• Climbing walls: For those looking for physical challenges, indoor climbing walls are an excellent option. Many mountain resorts have climbing gyms equipped with routes suitable for all levels.

• The arcades and bowling alleys offer classic yet always popular entertainment. Children can enjoy video games, ping-pong tables, foosball, and billiards, while families challenge each other to wild bowling games.

• For calmer days, creative and cultural workshops are a perfect option. Painting, pottery, jewelry making, or cooking workshops allow children to unleash their creativity. Many resorts organize these workshops in connection with local traditions, offering a rich cultural immersion.

This list is obviously not exhaustive: consult the Tourist Office of the resort to find out everything there is to do.

The extra tip: In France, the Famille Plus label certifies that a resort has structures, services, and activities suitable for a family stay. This can be an interesting criterion to consider before booking your stay.