About family ski holidays in Avoriaz

All of Avoriaz is ski-in ski-out, which is brilliant when you’re travelling with a young family. Fewer steps in ski boots means happier kids and parents. The resort is popular with families thanks to its mix of terrain, family-sized apartments, piste-side restaurants and bars, plus plenty of ski schools nearby. Its traffic-free layout makes getting around safe and easy, and staying near the nursery slopes or in the Festival sector keeps lifts, lessons and hot chocolate stops just a short stroll away. Convenience here really means more time on the snow.

Lift passes can be one of the biggest costs on a family ski trip so it pays to choose the right pass. In Avoriaz kids under 5 go free, while those aged 5 to 16 get a reduced youth rate. You can also buy cheaper passes just for beginner areas or a half day if a full day feels too long. You can also buy a pedestrian pass if you want to head up the mountain but don’t want to ski. Families of four or more can save with a family lift pass booked online, with two adults paying full price.

If you’re keen to get your little ones skiing, Avoriaz ski schools take children from 3 years old with fun sessions full of games and inflatables. Lessons are run by English speaking instructors in dedicated beginner areas with magic carpet lifts to make getting up the slopes easy. Most schools offer half or full day sessions, though half days are usually plenty for beginners. Lesson fees cover tuition only, so kids aged 5 and over also need a lift pass, skis, helmet, goggles and warm clothing.

Parents’ Tips

• Book ski school early as places fill up fast
• Half days are usually enough for beginners
• Under 5s don’t need a lift pass but still need a hands-free card
• Hire skis, helmets and goggles in the resort to save packing space

Avoriaz is great for families with plenty of beginner-friendly terrain. The nursery slopes are free to use so little ones can gain confidence, and once they’re ready you can buy a beginner's pass to explore wide blue runs like Proclu and Seraussaix. For more experienced skiers, the wider Portes du Soleil offers 426km of pistes and six snowparks, including six freestyle areas in Avoriaz with a halfpipe, Burton Stash and two kids’ parks, the Kid’s Parkway and Lil’Stash. There’s plenty for everyone, so even teenagers won’t get bored.

Avoriaz is a year-round resort with plenty to keep kids entertained beyond the slopes. In winter, you can go sledging behind the tourist office, try ice skating opposite the Village des Enfants, visit the igloo village on the Arare blue piste or experience husky dog sledding. All year round, there’s swimming at Aquariaz, and the cinema in Place Centrale shows films in English. Whether you want adventure, splash around or enjoy a quiet family outing, there’s something for everyone and plenty of ways to make memories off the snow.

Avoriaz has plenty of childcare options to make life easier for parents. In winter, many ski schools combine lessons with supervised childcare for children from three years old, often offering full or half day sessions and lunch for an extra charge. During summer, kids clubs run by the local sports centre and tourist office keep little ones busy with activities like swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball and ice-skating. There are also babysitting services available if you want a quiet evening or some time off the slopes, so you can relax while the kids are entertained.