At around an hour away on Geneva Airport ski transfers, these three fantastic resorts are perfect for a family friendly ski holiday.
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Just because you have a young family doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a ski holiday. “Are you kidding?” you may say. “You try travelling with children, skis and luggage on the trains, planes and automobiles you need to get to a ski resort.” Well, it might not be as close to a seamless military manoeuvre as you might dream of, but the logistical miracle of a pulling off a family ski break without arriving in a foetal position with only half a head of hair left is possible. Read on to unlock the secrets of our success…
Pick Your Battles
By its very nature, a ski holiday is pretty specialised – you need snow, and lots of it, so one thing that’s out of your control is geography. The best place to ski is the Alps, and getting there requires a plane ride (in theory you could drive, but with several young children do you really want me to go into all the reasons that’s a bad idea?). The things that are in your control, however, are the resort you choose and the airport you fly into.
The majority of travellers heading to the Alps fly into Geneva, which at only 90 minutes’ flying time from the UK is a logical choice. Because of its popularity it’s also easy to pick up bargain flights, even in ski season. So, that’s settled. The next part of your plan is to choose a resort that won’t take you another three hours to get to when you land…
Below are three fabulous family friendly ski resorts that are just an hour away on the Geneva Airport ski transfers.
Les Carroz
Located within the huge linked ski network of the Grand Massif, Les Carroz is quieter than Flaine, its popular neighbour, which is great news for families. Kids love the traditional village feel and there’s plenty going on for the younger visitors, including Ski Kindergarten, woodwork workshops, story time at the library, face painting and children’s discos. There’s day care for littlies at Souris Verte nursery and the Loupiots Club for slightly older ones. Who says mum and dad can’t have their own fun on a family holiday?
Best of all, Les Carroz caters beautifully to beginner skiers, with the renowned ESF and ESI ski schools and a host of nursery and beginner slopes close to the resort.
Time on Geneva Airport ski transfers: approx. 55 minutes
La Clusaz
La Clusaz has a reputation as one of the best (and most underrated) resorts in the Alps for beginner and intermediate skiers. Up until fairly recently it’s been a secret the French and Swiss have kept to themselves, but the word’s out about this charming village resort – and the word is, it’s super for families! It’s got a really quaint feel to it and there’s none of the crazy après ski action of some others.
In terms of kids’ activities off the slopes there’s go-karting, a cinema, the Aqua Centre and a fabulous outdoor ice rink. There are also some great family restaurants around the resort, and if you take the kids for a meal at Pizz’Avalanche you’ll have fans for life!
Time on Geneva Airport ski transfers: approx. 55 minutes
Le Grand Bornand
This fantastic resort is included on the same ski pass as La Clusaz, so you’ll be able to enjoy both no matter which one you choose as a base. It’s got superb skiing for beginners as well as for intermediates when the kids get a bit more confidence. The resort has been awarded the “Famille Plus Montagne”, and you don’t need to be fluent in French to know that means it’s great for families!
There are so many activities for children they could do something new every day of the holiday, with plenty for all ages. The kids club Piou Piou will introduce them to skiing and a host of other fun activities too, while there’s also a well-facilitated day care centre if you want to sneak off for a free day. The skiing opportunities for beginners are excellent, with ski schools like ESF offering dedicated children’s lessons.
Time on Geneva Airport ski transfers: just under an hour
Maximum Fun, Minimal Stress
So, you see? It is possible to take the family on a ski holiday without arriving back more stressed than when you left. Choose the right airport to fly into and a resort close enough not to entail a long transfer time and I guarantee it’ll be happy days all round!