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The best half term ski breaks in France
The snow is flurrying, the kids are off school, and it’s time to hit the slopes! February half term is one of the greatest times of year for a family ski holiday, but with so many options, where do you choose to go?
France is home to some of Europe’s best family ski resorts. We’re talking ski-in/ski-out accommodation, fantastic beginner runs, and your choice of traditional alpine resorts and purpose-built skiing meccas. And let’s not forget those all-important cheesy mountain eats!
Our Heidi ski experts have left no stone unturned, meticulously sifting and crunching through all the data to bring you the best of the best: their recommendations for the top half term ski holidays in France. From Avoriaz to Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne to Flaine, these are the best half term ski resorts in France we recommend snapping up this February:
1. Les Deux Alpes
If you want to tick every box on your half-term ski break in France, Les Deux Alpes is a true crowd-pleaser. Caught between the north and southern Alps in the heart of the mighty Ecrin mountains, it delights little and big kids alike with lofty high-altitude nursery slopes, over 200km of cruisy corduroy, and a top-notch snow record.
Unlike other resorts where the reds and blacks dominate the peak, the mountain tops of Les Deux Alpes are a beginner's playground. Think fab nursery areas, lovely long greens, and cruisy powder-rich blues. Imagine your mini skiers perfecting their first snow ploughs on that fresh high-altitude pow overlooking the majestic French Alps. Now THAT'S a family photo op!
When those ski lessons give you a couple of hours to cut loose, challenge yourself on the fab reds, blacks, and glacial runs further down the mountain. Alternatively, go complete daredevil on the world's biggest on-piste vertical descent, a 2,270m run down to Mont-de-Lans.
Off the slopes:
At Les Deux Alpes, it's all about the views. Hop on the funicular to soak in the panoramas and adventure through glittering glacial caves before heading back down for those all-important alpine eats. Gooey raclette? Steaming fondue? You've got us drooling!
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2. Tignes
Do you and your family dream of the slopes? Skiing those endless, cruisy runs? Feeling the cool breath of the mountain on the nape of your neck? If so, a February half term ski break to Tignes is for you. With over 300km of peachy pistes waiting to be explored across the Tignes and Val d’Isere Tarentaise Valley, it’s easy to find some space from the half term crowds here (even if just for a weekend.)
A Famille Plus label winner, Tignes goes all in with nine free nursery lifts, beginner-friendly tree-lined groomers, and excellent-rated ski schools for the groms. One of the very first resorts to welcome snowboarders to its lofty peaks, Tignes is also one of the best half-term ski resorts in France for snowboarders - ideal for families with any mini shredders in tow. And if you’re worried about dry spells, don’t be! With slopes up to 3,456m on the Grande Motte glacier, Feb half term ski breaks at Tignes are as snow-sure as they come.
Off the slopes:
Tignes après is legendary—with and without kids. There are plenty of places to find your kind of buzz—from chilled-out bars with live music to cosy mountain cabins offering delicious food and crackling fireplaces, there’s a whole lot to love about France half term ski holidays in Tignes.
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3. Avoriaz
Avoriaz is one of our customers’ most beloved ski resorts - and for good reason! Purpose-built and a haven for young families, it's chockablock with tantrum-proof ski-in/ski-out accommodation, car-free cobbled streets, and access to a whopping 266 pistes, including plenty right there in the resort!
Start the day letting mini skiers make their first moves on the slopes at Village des Enfants Ski School while you take to the speedy reds, challenging blacks, and snowparks. Once the school bell rings, gather the tribe at Dromonts and Ecoles's three beginner zones at the resort centre, or take more confident teens to Portes du Soleil for oodles of greens, blues, valleys, and bowls. With separate ski areas dedicated to each level, learning to ski here is a breeze. What's more, under 5's ski-free and under 19's can grab great deals on lift passes - fantastic for those looking to save per head.
Off the slopes:
Avoriaz is as fantastic off the slopes as on them, with magical horse-drawn carriage rides down cobbled lanes and the magical Igloo Village to explore. Alternatively, head to the Aquariaz water paradise for lazy rivers, flumes, and relaxing outdoor jacuzzis. Bliss.
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4. La Plagne
A classic family favourite among British skiers and snowboarders, half term ski breaks don't come much better than on the pistes of La Plagne. Purpose-built, it offers heaps of family-friendly accommodation, slope-side ski hire, and easy-to-reach lifts, making it ideal for tots embarking on their first few wobbly skiing lessons.
Families will be spoilt for choice, with plenty of generous, cruisy groomers, long, easy runs, and La Plagne's 'CoolSki' zones. These tailor-made beginner areas ensure first-timers are well taken care of, with elite ski schools, nearly 20 magic carpet lifts, and scores of blue, green, and nursery slopes. Meanwhile, seasoned parents can head to the Paradiski area for 425km of epic powder bowls and rapid tree-lined descents. If your family is extra keen, you can even pay for early lift access to ski the first runs of the day without anyone else around (ideal for skipping the school holiday crowds). And there's never any need to worry about the white stuff, as being situated at 1800m up, La Plagne is one of France's most snow-sure resorts. Result!
Off the slopes:
Get little hearts racing with snow tubing and zipline adventures, or take some time away from the madness at the Deep Nature Baths and Spa to enjoy water loungers and whirlpool baths while the kids go bananas in the family-friendly pool.
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5. Flaine
Flaine and family half term ski holidays go together like steamy cheese fondue and a crusty warm baguette! A Heidi half-term skiing go-to, Flaine's reliable snow record, easy-access slopes, and plenty of ski-in/ski-out child-friendly digs make it a shoo-in for family half term ski holidays. Plus, with just a one-hour and 30-minute transfer from Geneva, it's ideal if you're looking at a short break, too.
With a whopping 265km of pistes to explore across France's gargantuan Grand Massif ski area, Flaine is a paradise for your little rippers. The free Tapis Pre or Bissac lifts can whisk you straight to the fantastic nursery area, where beginner slopes, childcare facilities, and all-important first ski lessons await. Whether school's in session or out, there's something for everyone. Les Grandes Platières offers up heaps of excellent reds and blacks, while Flaine Front de Neige boasts gentle alpine-clad greens and stunning cruisy blues. And for the little snowboarders in the making, Les Carroz is a must-visit, with 16 fun zones full of mini jumps, rails, and kickers.
Off the slopes:
Take in the jaw-dropping Mont Blanc views while skating on the ice rinks, sledding down the pistes, or exploring the snowshoeing trails. Though it can get busy during school holidays, with so much to do, Flaine's got February half term ski trips nailed.
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New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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