A ski holiday for three generations: the Alps with children and grandparents

Published 19 October 2026 · ATLAS MAISON editorial team

Courchevel, Méribel

Forecast to open 5 December 2026 and close 18 April 2027

Val d’Isère, Chamonix

Forecast 28 November 2026 to 2 May 2027

Megève

Forecast 19 December 2026 to 4 April 2027

Book early for

Christmas, New Year and February half-term

Our approach

Plan the week around the youngest and the eldest

A ski week with three generations is one of the most rewarding holidays a family can take, and one of the easiest to get wrong. The children want the snow from the first morning, the grandparents may not ski at all, and the parents would like at least one lunch in peace. The secret is to plan the week around the youngest and the eldest, and let everyone else fit in.

When to go

For the 2026–27 season, Courchevel and Méribel are forecast to open on 5 December 2026 and close on 18 April 2027; Val d’Isère and Chamonix from 28 November 2026 to 2 May 2027; Megève from 19 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. Dates depend on snow and are confirmed by each resort. Christmas, New Year and the February school holidays are the busiest weeks of the winter: the family chalets and connecting suites go first, which is why we start planning these weeks in the autumn. January and March are quieter, often sunnier, and kinder to grandparents.

Choosing the resort

For a mixed family, the ideal resort has gentle beginner slopes close to the accommodation, a good ski school, things to do off the slopes, and a village that is pleasant to walk in. Courchevel 1850 combines ski-in, ski-out chalets with dining and shopping; Megève is lower, prettier and more relaxed for non-skiers; Méribel sits in the middle of the Three Valleys with easy family slopes. In Switzerland, St Moritz and Gstaad offer a more traditional winter with plenty to do away from the pistes; see our winter guide to St Moritz, Gstaad and Courchevel.

The chalet or hotel

For three generations, a catered chalet or a hotel with connecting suites usually works best. We check what photographs do not show: a bedroom and bathroom on the entrance level for grandparents, a lift where there are several floors, how far the ski room is from the slope, whether the hot tub is fenced, and whether the kitchen can feed children at six and adults at nine. Cots, high chairs and stair gates can be waiting on arrival.

For the children

Most ski schools take children from about three years old, often in small groups with their own snow garden; younger children can stay in resort nurseries or with a nanny. Private instructors suit families who want lessons timed around naps and lunch. We arrange equipment fitted in the chalet rather than in a crowded shop, and introduce experienced nannies through registered agencies for the evenings. See travel with children.

For the grandparents

Not every grandparent skis, and the week should be just as good for those who do not: snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleighs, spa days, a mountain restaurant reached by lift or snowmobile, and a car always available to bring them up for lunch with the family. Resorts sit at altitude, so anyone with heart or breathing conditions should speak to their doctor before travelling. We note the nearest medical centre for every stay and can arrange a doctor or nurse on call through licensed providers. See travel for seniors.

Getting there

Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry are the usual airports for the French Alps. The road transfer takes two to three hours, longer on busy Saturdays; a chauffeur in a spacious car with child seats fitted makes the difference. Helicopter transfers can shorten the journey to minutes in good weather, and Courchevel has its own altiport for small aircraft flown by specially qualified pilots. For grandparents, we arrange airport assistance in advance; it is free at EU airports and best requested at least 48 hours before travel.