Top Southern Alps ski resorts for kids under 6 years | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

Start off slowly in Le Sauze

First time in the snow

Ideally located at the heart of Ubaye Valley, Le Sauze is one of the Southern Alps top family ski resorts. A member of the “Famille Plus Montagne” family-friendly charter, it is a genuine playground for adults and tiny tots alike . Children reign here, with their very own ski programme, a dedicated slope promising a very gentle descent and skiing lessons with the French Ski School (ESF). Little cherubs also enjoy two free toboggan runs (from 4 years), plus thematic treasure hunts and Les P’tits Montagnards special activities for kids. You can even learn to ski with your tot! Free buggies are available and baby slings are on sale at the local sports shops. You can also rent out a special baby toboggan. Le Sauze hasn’t forgotten parents either and you can always drop off little ones aged 6 months to 6 years at the kindergarten if you need a breather.

station-lesauze-famille-hiver-alpes-ad04manumolle-2.jpg

station-ocieresmerlette-hiver-babysnow-alpes-gillesbaron-2.jpg

Skiing at baby’s pace at Orcières Merlette 1850

If you want to give your little ones a taste of winter sports, head to the Hautes-Alpes and the beautiful ski resort of Orcières Merlette 1850, a family-style resort at the gateway to Écrins National Park. A holder of the “Famille Plus” label, you’ll find plenty of discovery activities here for babies aged 18-24 months, together with a leisure and relaxation complex sure to delight mum and dad. You can also treat the apple of your eye to a Baby Snow session. What’s Baby Snow ? Similar to a sliding buggy, this snowboard-type device is fitted with a seat and handlebars. Once installed, the instructor guides your little one – all they have to do is enjoy being the king or queen of the slopes!

Snow and fun at Valberg

A paradise for little cherubs

Opt for a mountain holiday sure to delight all the family at Valberg, a “Famille Plus” ski resort since 2006. Your kids won’t know what to choose first : the heated indoor pool, safe toboggan runs, fun outdoor Family Park, cinema and media library, pony rides, introduction to snowshoeing or plethora of other exciting activities. And while mum and dad tackle the more challenging slopes, the P’tits Poucets crèche welcomes tiny tots aged 3 months to 6 years, while the Piou Piou Club offers skiing lessons for children from 3 years. Kids will love the merry-go-round too and all the family can enjoy trying their hand at the mini airbag and trampoline! If your kid is already finding their feet on the slopes and wants to compete with mum and dad, the “Petits Skieurs” package for children aged 3 to 6 years prepares them for that all-important first star. Last but not least, the resort’s palette of services and partners promise to make life easy during your stay, with a baby-changing area complete with microwave oven, lost and found anorak service and discount rates at the local sports shops… Skiing with baby is a doddle!

station-valallos-famille-plus-alpes-ad04lukaleroy-2.jpg

Taming the mountains at Val d’Allos

First marks in the snow…

The gorgeous family-style Val d’Allos ski domain has a motto: happy babies, happy parents! You’ll find everything to please here, including a multitude of activities for childrenand families: crèches for children over 3 months, recreation centres, activities, games, shows, lessons with French Ski School instructors, tobogganing lessons, etc. Opt for the family pass to make the most of the slopes at your own pace – the pass is free for children under 5 years. Benefiting from the “Famille Plus Montagne” label, the Val d’Allos resorts go out of their way to ensure your holiday is simply fabulous. You’ll find all the practical info you need in the guide entitled “Les Aventures de Mira et Lilo”, while a special logo indicates family-oriented activities (cots, equipment, packages for children, free services, etc.). In short, a reassuring ski domain for a guaranteed successful mountain escapade!

Take a selfie with Etienne, the mascot of Auron

A kids’ paradise

A holder of the “Famille Plus” label, the vast Auron ski resort promises a delightfully authentic, family-style welcome. On the programme: plenty of fun on the free and safe 65-metre toboggan run and skating rink, introductions to skiing for babies at the snow garden and family frolics at the Family Park. Highlights for kids also include snowshoeing excursions and visits to “Bergerie de la Belloire” farm. While mum and dad are busy whooshing down the slopes at top speed, the kindergarten takes care of your cherubs aged 6 months to 3 years, while the Dec’Auron shop comes to your rescue with buggies, booster seats and foldaway cots to rent. What’s more, you might be lucky enough to stumble upon the stag Etienne, the resort’s mascot, who simply loves popping in to Auron for a selfie with all the family!

station-auron-hiver-alpes-mascotte-planssurlacomete.jpg

station-lesorres-hiver-club-alpes-pioupiou-tintinphoto-2.jpg

Slip into your skis at Les Orres

A future champion in the making!

If you want to make sure baby becomes a future king or queen of the slopes, opt for the exceptional natural setting of Les Orres, a delightful, family-style ski resort and holder of the “Famille Plus” label. You can count on the French Ski School (ESF) and International Ski School (ESI) to get your cherubs on the road to fame. Two clubs cater for children aged 6 months to 12 years And for guaranteed fun and hilarity, head to the two toboggan parks. A skiing break with all the family doesn’t have to break the bank either thanks to the various great deals on offer, including free services for children up to 4 years and family packages (minimum 4 people including one aged 5-21 years). The mini kids festival, in march, is a definite must-do.