Discover lesser-known family ski resorts with a warm welcome.
Away from the crowds and the traffic lie a wealth of smaller family-friendly resorts offering great skiing and accommodation choices. Take a look at our selection and ski somewhere different this year.
![Mountain views with trees, La Norma](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/La_Norma_trees_26066-339x250.jpg)
La Norma
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/puy-saint-vincent-24133-339x250.jpg)
Puy Saint Vincent
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/puy-saint-vincent-24133-339x250.jpg)
Puy Saint Vincent
Solid-value family skiing among superb scenery in the Massif des Ecrins. Good range of mostly ski-in ski-out apartments. Galaxie ski pass allows a free day in nearby resorts.
![The homeward run is a breeze, thanks to low temperatures having kept snow conditions close to perfect.](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Saint-Francois-Longchamp-28844-339x250.jpg)
Saint-François Longchamp
![The homeward run is a breeze, thanks to low temperatures having kept snow conditions close to perfect.](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Saint-Francois-Longchamp-28844-339x250.jpg)
Saint-François Longchamp
Great value family skiing in the Maurienne, linked to Valmorel (Tarantaise) by the famous Col de la Madeleine.
![Mountain views, skiers on piste, Areches-Beaufort](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/areches_15543_featured-339x250.jpg)
Arêches-Beaufort
![Mountain views, skiers on piste, Areches-Beaufort](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/areches_15543_featured-339x250.jpg)
Arêches-Beaufort
Arêches-Beaufort ski station and authentic village in the unspoilt Beaufortain region of the Alps.
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/orcieres_18070-339x250.jpg)
Orcières Merlette 1850
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/orcieres_18070-339x250.jpg)
Orcières Merlette 1850
Within the Ecrins National Park, and readily accessible from the town of Gap, Orcières 1850 is a friendly purpose-built ski village with good facilities for families.
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/crest-voland-15453-339x250.jpg)
Crest Voland
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/crest-voland-15453-339x250.jpg)
Crest Voland
Part of the Espace Diamant ski area, one of the best kept secrets in the French Alps, with varied terrain and great snow record, thanks to the nearby presence of Mont Blanc.
Latest Ski Resort Reviews
We've added two less well-known Alpine resorts and have updated one of our favourite destinations in the Three Valleys.
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/villard-de-lans-cote2000-vercors-french-alps-530--339x250.jpg)
Villard de Lans
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/villard-de-lans-cote2000-vercors-french-alps-530--339x250.jpg)
Villard de Lans
Set among fabulous scenery in the Vercors and only 35 mins from Grenoble airport, this family friendly ski resort with terrain and activities to suit everyone has a thriving, traditional village at its heart.
![skier on piste at Les 7 Laux](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/skier-at-Les-7-Laux-French-Alps-35330-339x250.jpg)
Les 7 Laux
![skier on piste at Les 7 Laux](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/skier-at-Les-7-Laux-French-Alps-35330-339x250.jpg)
Les 7 Laux
Les 7 Laux comprises 2 villages plus an access point for day-skiers from nearby Grenoble. There's varied terrain both sides of the mountain, from gentle runs and long cruises to challenging off-piste.
![Skiing into Saint Martin de Belleville](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MP-Saint-Martin-de-Belleville-ski-village-3-valleys-French-Alps-339x250.jpg)
St Martin de Belleville
![Skiing into Saint Martin de Belleville](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MP-Saint-Martin-de-Belleville-ski-village-3-valleys-French-Alps-339x250.jpg)
St Martin de Belleville
Stay in this family-friendly, authentic mountain village with chalet-style accommodation and enjoy high-speed access to 600km of slopes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Pretty Alpine resorts to melt your heart
For lovers of all things Alpine: authentic chalets, traditional markets, cosy mountain restaurants, a traditional welcome and much more. Here is a selection of favourite places where you can live the dream.
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/saint_lary_soulan_12198-339x250.jpg)
Saint-Lary
![](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/saint_lary_soulan_12198-339x250.jpg)
Saint-Lary
A balanced selection of terrain for mixed-ability groups plus a good snow-park for snowboarders and freestylers, above a lively traditional village.
![La Clusaz](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/La_Clusaz_village_21042-339x250.jpg)
La Clusaz
![A first glimpse of the Vaujany's own terrain, from the Montfrais 4-seater chairlift.](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/vaujany-montfrais-23671-339x250.jpg)
Vaujany
![Montgenevre village view from the slopes.](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MP-montgenevre-village-16970-339x250.jpg)
Montgenèvre
![Montgenevre village view from the slopes.](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MP-montgenevre-village-16970-339x250.jpg)
Montgenèvre
Close to the Italian border in the southern French Alps, Montgenèvre offers limitless, quality skiing for all levels, plus an infectious cosmopolitan vibe.
![Mountain views, skiers on piste, Areches-Beaufort](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/areches_15543_featured-339x250.jpg)
Arêches-Beaufort
![Mountain views, skiers on piste, Areches-Beaufort](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/areches_15543_featured-339x250.jpg)
Arêches-Beaufort
Arêches-Beaufort ski station and authentic village in the unspoilt Beaufortain region of the Alps.
![Skiers on forested piste, Grand Massif](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/samoens-11855-339x250.jpg)
Samoëns
Ski Features
Fresh challenges, skier essentials
Lots more insight for skiers and snowboarders of all levels who love the mountains and want to make the most of their winter holiday. Discover fresh challenges, alternative ski areas, take a look behind the scenes at the skills of on-mountain professionals and much more besides.
Ski and ski-related features
![Alpe d'Huez Mine de l'Herpie](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Alpe-d-Huez-Mine-de-lHerpie-530-339x250.jpg)
When Skiing Replaced Mining
![Alpe d'Huez Mine de l'Herpie](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Alpe-d-Huez-Mine-de-lHerpie-530-339x250.jpg)
When Skiing Replaced Mining
Skiers may be surprised to learn about abandoned mine workings that lie beneath the snow covered pistes of some famous ski resorts.
![The vast panorama from Pic Blanc, Alpe d'Huez](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/alpe-d-huez-mtns23923-339x250.jpg)
Best Ski Resorts near Grenoble
![The vast panorama from Pic Blanc, Alpe d'Huez](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/alpe-d-huez-mtns23923-339x250.jpg)
Best Ski Resorts near Grenoble
There’s a wide choice of flights heading for Grenoble this winter, so here are some of the best resorts within easy transfer distances of this popular airport.
![Skier, snowy mountains and trees, Grand Massif](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/grand_massif_11876-339x250.jpg)
Best Ski Resorts near Geneva
![Skier, snowy mountains and trees, Grand Massif](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/grand_massif_11876-339x250.jpg)
Best Ski Resorts near Geneva
Ski resorts near Geneva airport where the transfer time is less than 90 minutes. Fly into Geneva and take advantage of speedy transfers to some of the best ski resorts in France.
Discover winter activities for everyone
![Skier with pony in snow at ski-joering centre](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/skier-pony-ski-joering-La-Clusaz-French-Alps-20990-339x250.jpg)
Winter Activities with Animals
![Skier with pony in snow at ski-joering centre](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/skier-pony-ski-joering-La-Clusaz-French-Alps-20990-339x250.jpg)
Winter Activities with Animals
Among the host of activities on offer in the mountains, the most special for us are those which bring us closer to nature.
![Guided snowshoe walk in the French Pyrenees](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pyrenees-snowshoe-group-valley-1130-085-e1543935832319-339x250.jpg)
Snow shoeing with a guide in the Pyrenees
![Guided snowshoe walk in the French Pyrenees](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pyrenees-snowshoe-group-valley-1130-085-e1543935832319-339x250.jpg)
Snow shoeing with a guide in the Pyrenees
We take a look at how snowshoeing with a guide in the Pyrenees can give you the freedom to explore these magnificent peaks alongside a small group of people who share your sense of adventure.
![winter canyoning](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winter-canyoning2-530px-339x250.jpg)
Winter Canyoning
![winter canyoning](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winter-canyoning2-530px-339x250.jpg)
Winter Canyoning
Try winter canyoning as part of a multi-activity holiday in the Luchon area in the French Pyrenees with The Adventure Creators adventure holiday specialists.
Mountain Living
Property, lifestyle and tradition
There’s a better way. Aim high and you’ll find not only a privileged environment, but also considerable comfort, including spa pampering and wellbeing relaxation options. We look at traditional mountain chalet style, visit artisan cheesemakers and offer inspiration to home-makers.
Live the high-life
The Hyatt Centric La Rosière
![Nicholas and Marielle Plummer at the Hyatt Centric La Rosiere](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Nicholas-Marielle-Plummer-Hyatt-Centric-La-Rosiere-530-339x250.jpg)
![Nicholas and Marielle Plummer at the Hyatt Centric La Rosiere](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Nicholas-Marielle-Plummer-Hyatt-Centric-La-Rosiere-530-339x250.jpg)
The Hyatt Centric La Rosière
Meet Marielle and Nicholas Plummer whose latest creation is the stylish 4-star luxury Hyatt Centric Hotel at La Rosière.
Alpine Regional Cheeses
![Beaufort Tarine Cows](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/beaufort-tarine_cows-e1434463355454-339x250.jpg)
![Beaufort Tarine Cows](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/beaufort-tarine_cows-e1434463355454-339x250.jpg)
Alpine Regional Cheeses
Discover traditional methods of cheese-making in the valleys and the alpages, see the production process, buy and sample the best the region has to offer.
Annecy: perfectly irresistible
![Mid-summer adds colour to a lazy lakeside promenade, while boats slumber in le Petit Port, Annecy](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/annecy_9227-e1435327198322-339x250.jpg)
![Mid-summer adds colour to a lazy lakeside promenade, while boats slumber in le Petit Port, Annecy](https://www.mountainpassions.com/winter/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/annecy_9227-e1435327198322-339x250.jpg)
Annecy: perfectly irresistible
Annecy’s irresistible lakeside setting and proximity to top class ski resorts have created one of the most desirable locations in which to live in France.