Do kids need a lift pass in Chamonix?

Children under 5 ride free with proof of age, but you still pay for the reusable hands-free card. Children aged 5 to 14 pay a reduced rate, and there's a family rate.

Is there childcare in Les Houches?

Yes. Les Houches has the Famille Plus label, and in winter the Garderie touristique des Chavants looks after children aged 3 to 11. You can combine it with ESF lessons.

Chamonix with kids | Snow Hotels

Q: Is Chamonix good for families?

It's better for families with confident skiers than for complete beginners. There are good beginner areas such as Le Savoy and Les Planards, but the main ski areas are steep and spread out, so many families prefer to base themselves in Les Houches or near Balme.

Q: What age can children start ski school in Chamonix?

The ESF in Chamonix runs a snow garden and Club Piou-Piou for children aged 3 to 4 at Les Planards and Le Savoy. Children must be out of nappies. Day packages aren't recommended for 3-year-olds.

Chamonix is a fantastic place to show children the high mountains, but it’s not the easiest ski holiday with young kids. The ski areas are spread along the valley, the main slopes are steep and much of the town is a bus ride from the snow. Pick your base carefully, and it works well.

Is Chamonix good for families?

Yes, with the right expectations. It suits families with older children who already ski, and families who want more than skiing: trains up to glaciers, a lively town and plenty to do off the slopes. With toddlers and first-timers, you’ll get on better in Les Houches, which has the Famille Plus label, or near the gentle Balme area at Le Tour and Vallorcine.

Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Chamonix

The ESF de Chamonix runs the Garderie et Jardin des Neiges and Club Piou-Piou for children aged 3 to 4, at Les Planards and Le Savoy. Children in nappies can’t be accepted, and the ESF doesn’t recommend full days for 3-year-olds. Older children join kids’ group lessons. There are other ski schools in the valley too, so compare ages and meeting points before you book.

Book early for the school holidays, when the youngest groups fill up first.

Childcare and nurseries in Chamonix

ESF Garderie et Jardin des Neiges, Chamonix: snow garden and supervision for children aged 3 to 4 at Les Planards and Le Savoy.
Garderie touristique des Chavants, Les Houches: holiday childcare for children aged 3 to 11, with packages that combine a half or full day of ESF lessons with the garderie.
For children under 3, options are limited. Les Houches lists a crèche and halte-garderie among its Famille Plus partners, so contact the Les Houches tourist office well before you travel.

Best beginner areas for children in Chamonix

Snowy pistes at Planpraz in the Brévent ski area above Chamonix — Planpraz, the mid-station of the Brévent ski area above Chamonix© DimiTalen, CC0

Le Savoy, at the foot of the Brévent in Chamonix: two drag lifts, a magic carpet and a children’s area.
Les Planards, two minutes from the centre: four short runs with snowmaking, plus an alpine coaster for later.
La Vormaine, in the Balme area near Le Tour: a sunny spot with a children’s area.
Le Tourchet in Les Houches, La Poya in Vallorcine and Les Chosalets at the entrance to Argentière.

These are included in the Chamonix Le Pass.

Chamonix lift passes for families

Children under 5 ride free with proof of age, though you still pay for the reusable hands-free card.
Children aged 5 to 14 pay a reduced rate, and there’s a family rate for parents with children. Check the exact terms when you buy, and compare it with individual prices.
Chamonix Le Pass covers the beginner areas and the main Chamonix areas. To ski Les Houches as well, you need Mont Blanc Unlimited.

Things to do with kids in Chamonix off the slopes

The Montenvers train up to the Mer de Glace glacier, scheduled to run from 5 December 2026.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car for the view from 3,842 m, from 19 December 2026. It’s very high, so it’s not ideal for very young children.
The pool and ice rink at the Richard Bozon sports centre, with discounts on the guest card.
The alpine coaster at Les Planards.
In Les Houches, the Chavants sledging area and the ice rink.

Best family hotels in Chamonix

In town, Héliopic Hôtel & Spa has rooms for up to four, apartments for up to seven and a kids’ corner. In Les Houches, RockyPop has rooms sleeping up to 12 and Chalet-Hotel du Bois has an indoor pool and a playground. In Argentière, Les Grands Montets Hôtel & Spa has family rooms and an indoor pool. See where to stay in Chamonix for more.

Tips for skiing in Chamonix with kids

Stay near the snow you’ll use. With small children, a long bus ride with skis and boots ruins a morning. Choose your base by the beginner area or ski area you’ll use most.
Use the train. The Mont Blanc Express stops at Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine, and it’s free between Servoz and Vallorcine with the guest card. Children under 4 don’t need a card.
Mind the altitude and the sun. The Aiguille du Midi is at 3,842 m. Take it slowly with children, and pack sun cream and warm layers for every outing.
Pick your weeks. French school holidays are busy. Late January and March are calmer.

Planning the bigger trip? See our Chamonix ski resort guide.