Skiing in Les Menuires ?What抯 On for the Children

Planning on a family holiday of skiing in Les Menuires? Aside from getting out on the snow, the resort has plenty else to entertain the youngsters.

A family holiday can be tricky: it's usually a much-anticipated break for you as a parent, but it's also vital that the destination has enough to keep your children engaged and entertained. A ski break is always a popular option, but even then, not all resorts are entirely family friendly - you need to be careful you don't end up somewhere fun is frowned upon and children are deemed to be seen and not heard!

There's no such problem in the fun-packed Three Valley's ski resort of Les Menuires, where not only are children welcomed - there's so much for them to do you might even have to consider a longer holiday to get it all done!

Fun on the Snow

There's plenty of scope for beginner skiing in Les Menuires for the younger members of the family, but it doesn't usually take long before they want to spread their wings. The Mini KL is a dedicated zone for novice or experienced skiers to pit their skills against the clock in complete safety. The amateur speed skiing piste is easily accessed from the chairlift or gondola, and the best thing is it's absolutely free – so the children can go back as many times as they like to top their own personal best speed!

The Walibi Gliss' Ski Area is a firm favourite with young visitors skiing in Les Menuires. You'll find this fun zone in the Masse area of the resort and it's perfect for younger skiers looking to extend their skills, with a slalom course, a boarder cross (for an introduction to snowboarding), and the 'musical zone', where children have to face various fun challenges along the way – set to music and accompanied by a host of live cartoon characters! There's even an official winners' podium to get a photo souvenir of their accomplishments and, again, it's absolutely free.

For the real littlies (but still great fun for older children), The Sledging Castle, in La Croisette, gives them a taste of sledging in a safe, contained environment. Children are given a plastic shovel, which also doubles as a sledge. They can work away at building (or destroying!) the walls of the existing snow castle, then, whenever they feel the need for speed, they can ride their shovel sledge to the bottom… and start again. It's free but children must be supervised by an adult.

Once they've graduated from the Sledging Castle, you may be ready to take your young ones on the ride of their life on the Roc 'n Bob Toboggan Run. This 4km-long run is a combination of winding bends followed by some short sharp twists and turns to finish off. With names like the Roc Rapids, and the Never Ending Canyon, it's just as much fun as it sounds for adults and children of all ages. Helmets, goggles, action!

If you want a day to yourself to get out on the more challenging runs, the children will be well entertained at the Piou Piou Club, at La Croisette. Designed for ages from three months up to five years, the nursery/mini club has a games room, restaurant, playground, kindergarten, and plenty of activities like games, snowshoe outings, and tobogganing. There are also ski classes available for children over three. Prices for the Piou Piou Club start from €13.

Extra Activities Off the Snow

While it's hard to imagine anyone getting bored of the snow, some children (and parents) might appreciate a few activities that don't involve getting rugged up and out on the pistes. The free Make-Up Workshop at the Les Menuires Tourist Office is held just before the Snow Carnival Parade (Feb 9th), and children will be able to help create their own make-up and take part in the parade, which leaves from the Piou Piou Club and finishes at the Snow Castle.

Scheduled for March 1st, there's also another great children's show on the winter itinerary. "The Marvellous Destiny of Totof Crapouchiboups" is the tale of a very special time traveller, depicted through his magic, illusion, juggling and storytelling. The show is suitable for ages over three and is free of charge.

Something you don't have to wait around for is the Fun Park New Generation, which is as much fun as kids can handle, all under one roof. Situated within the local sports centre, the Fun Park has bouncy castles, fun modules, tunnels, soft play areas and trampolines. It's open every day and prices start at just €10 – a small price to pay for this much entertainment!

If you're considering booking a family holiday to go skiing in Les Menuires, it's an odds-on bet that neither you nor your children will be bored!