Forget those massive ski resorts when you are next planning your family ski holiday to France, choose the friendly ski resort of Belle Plagne, where you can get all the advantages of a small, relaxed, atmospheric, family-friendly skiing and boarding destination in the French Alps that benefits from the facilities of the substantial La Plagne resort, of which it is a part, but without the latter’s sprawling modern architecture and hustle and bustle. La Plagne comprises six high-altitude resorts, including Belle Plagne at 2,500m, and four village resorts. Belle Plagne is an ideal base from which to explore Paradiski, the linked ski areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs, offering 425km of pistes and 141 lifts.
There are 50 miles of cross-country slopes, the nursery slopes are a good size, there are six children’s snow play areas and 16 jardin d’enfants, and access is easy and efficient, which matters a lot if you are lugging your kids’ gear, as well as your own and you don’t need a car, either. There are loads of friendly mountain restaurants and plenty to keep the kids occupied so if it’s novelty you’re after, take the kids on an overnight adventure at Mon Village Igloo, a new venture comprising six igloos a short distance from La Plagne village where you can dine on regional dishes or even stay the night. Don’t forget your thermals.