Every few years, my family travels to France for Spring Break to ski.
This trip is not for the faint of heart. Any journey to Europe is a production—with long flights and inevitable jet lag. A ski trip is a production in itself, requiring extensive gear, especially with kids who are constantly growing and need replacements. And, of course, traveling with kids adds another layer of complexity. Combine all of that, and it’s a lot to manage.
And yet.
It’s an incredibly special trip. We ski in Colorado and Utah about once a year and always enjoy it, but here’s why we make the trek across the pond to ski at La Plagne.
A More Authentic, Down-to-Earth Experience
Skiing in Europe feels more accessible and ingrained in everyday life. In France, it’s a normal middle-class activity to spend a week skiing, and the pricing reflects that. Lift tickets are around $68 per person per day, and gear rentals, ski lessons, and meals are significantly more affordable than at major U.S. resorts. Yes, airfare is an added expense, but once you’re there, you don’t feel like you’re constantly paying a premium for every little thing.
Vast, Interconnected Resorts
French ski resorts are expansive and seamlessly connected, offering skiing across multiple villages. Unlike in the U.S., where a single resort controls a mountain, French villages collaborate to create massive ski areas. A ‘Paradiski’ pass, which costs about $5 extra per day, grants access to approximately 264 miles of runs and 130 lifts.
The Food
So. Much. Cheese. Cozy mountain restaurants serve traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue and tartiflette. And, of course, there’s excellent French wine—at prices much lower than back home.
Ski School
My kids have become excellent skiers thanks to ski school in France. There’s structure—you can’t just drop them in for a random day midweek. Classes start at the beginning of the week and conclude on Friday, with attendance expected each day. The instructors are seasoned professionals, many of whom have taught for years. There’s a clear curriculum with progressive advancement throughout the week, ending with a test.
Our Favorite Stay: Araucaria Hotel
Despite exploring other options, we always return to the Araucaria. This modern four-star hotel is truly ski-in/ski-out, offering direct access to lifts with a range of terrain. The breakfast buffet provides a great variety of choices, and we typically have at least one dinner at the hotel. Ski rentals are conveniently located downstairs—an absolute game-changer. The lounge area is family-friendly, featuring a movie space, games, free coffee, and a bar. This relaxed après-ski atmosphere is distinctly European, and we love it.
A Different Cultural Experience
Skiing in France is not for everyone. In the U.S., customer service prioritizes the guest experience, but in France, if you do something wrong, you’ll be corrected—instantly and not always politely. We found it amusing to swap stories about how we had been scolded that day. Complaining rarely improves the situation. A friend once ordered a gin and tonic but was served a Malibu rum tropical drink instead. She just accepted it, and we all had a good laugh.
Public transportation operates with similar strictness. A British couple on our trip missed their bus stop and had to ride the entire circuit again. When they finally reached their stop a second time, they didn’t move quickly enough, and the driver shut the door, forcing them to repeat the entire route once more.
When lifts say they close at 4:30, they mean it—sometimes even 4:28. They do not mean 4:32. If you miss the lift, you’re taking the bus. One lift operates like a rope tow, pulling skiers uphill while they remain on their skis. At exactly 4:30, they shut down the line. If you were only halfway up, that’s as far as you were going.
A Day Trip to Courchevel
This year, we took a day trip to Courchevel, about an hour’s drive away, and experienced a very different ski scene. Courchevel is far more glamorous (with New York prices to match). It was entertaining to see the designer outfits—where, interestingly, skiing ability seemed inversely related to the level of luxury brands worn. While I enjoyed a shopping day with friends, the dads and kids explored new slopes. As the kids get older, we may find ourselves spending more time there.
If you’re ready to experience everything skiing in France has to offer, reach out—I’d love to help plan your trip for next season!
