La Plagne is made for family ski holidays. The slopes are wide and gentle, many apartments in the high villages are on the snow, beginner lifts are free and young children ski free. The main decision is which village to stay in.
Is La Plagne good for families?
Yes, and it’s one of the best big resorts in France for it:
- Easy terrain. The pistes are wide and mostly green and blue, with signed Coolski zones kept apart from the red and black runs.
- Free beginner lifts. 16 beginner lifts are free for everyone, so you don’t need a pass for the first days.
- Ski-in/ski-out villages. In Plagne Villages, Belle Plagne, Plagne Centre and Aime 2000, you can usually ski to your door.
- Two Famille Plus villages: Montchavin-Les Coches and Montalbert.
Ski schools and kids’ lessons in La Plagne
Several recognised ski schools teach children from age 3, in snow gardens or on the slopes: the ESF, Oxygène, ELPRO, Evolution 2, New Generation and ESI. Each village has its own meeting points, so pick a school that meets near where you’re staying.
Book early for the school holidays, especially for the youngest groups.
Childcare and nurseries in La Plagne
The tourist office lists:
- Crèche Les P’tits Bonnets, Plagne Centre.
- Halte-garderie municipale Flocons et petits pas, Belle Plagne.
- Halte-garderie Câlins des Neiges, Montchavin-Les Coches.
- Garderie Les Lutins, run by the ESF in Plagne Aime 2000.
- Centre de loisirs Les Bambins in Montalbert and Les Cîmes in Montchavin-Les Coches, plus Evolution 2’s Winter Camp.
Age ranges vary, so check with each nursery and book well ahead for February. Some hotels also have their own clubs, including Club Med La Plagne 2100 and SOWELL Family La Lauzière in Montalbert.
Best beginner areas for children in La Plagne
- Coolski zones across the area, signed and protected from the steeper runs.
- 16 free beginner lifts, with no pass needed.
- Snow gardens close to the slopes in Plagne Villages, Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte, and two in Champagny-en-Vanoise.
- A beginner area at Plagne 1800, where children can ski alone or with an instructor.
- In the lower villages, beginner zones and a snow garden in Montchavin-Les Coches, and the blue piste des lutins through the forest back down to Montalbert.
La Plagne lift passes for families
- Children ski free until the day before their 5th birthday. Ages 5 to 12 pay a reduced rate.
- Pack Famille: a discount on La Plagne or Paradiski passes of 6 to 8 days for two adults and at least two children aged 5 to 12.
- CoolSki pass: a cheaper pass for the beginner zones only, good for children and adults in their first days.
- 15% off in the week before the Christmas holidays and the final week of April.
Things to do with kids in La Plagne off the slopes
- Bob-raft on the 1992 Olympic bobsleigh track, for anyone at least 1.30 m tall, open from 12 December to 27 March.
- Colorado Park, a luge run of more than 1,500 m above Plagne Centre, and the Buffalo Park.
- Dog sledding and pony sledges from age 2, and a zip line from age 3.
- Ice rinks in Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte, and a swimming pool with a paddling pool in Champagny.
- The Espace Glacialis glacier centre in Champagny, with workshops for children.
- Free walking and orientation trails, such as the Montgésin trail.
Best family hotels in La Plagne
PopAlp La Plagne in Plagne Centre has family rooms and suites and lends travel cots, high chairs and baby baths. Araucaria Hotel & Spa has family rooms and suites and a heated pool. Club Med La Plagne 2100 is an all-inclusive, ski-in/ski-out family resort, and SOWELL Family La Lauzière in Montalbert has a children’s club. Most families here stay in apartments. See where to stay in La Plagne for the villages.
Tips for skiing in La Plagne with kids
- Stay high and on the snow. Plagne Villages, Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre let you ski from the door, which makes a huge difference with small children.
- Use the free lifts. Spend the first day or two on the free beginner lifts before buying passes.
- Mind the dates in the lower villages. Montchavin-Les Coches, Montalbert and Champagny close on 17 April 2027, a week before the high area.
- Pack for altitude. The high villages are around 2,000 m, so bring high-factor sun cream, sunglasses and warm layers.
Planning the bigger trip? See our La Plagne ski resort guide.
