Boasting short transfers to the slopes and easy access to some of Europe’s top resorts, Chambery’s a great starting point for any ski trip in the French Alps. Whether you’re planning your first getaway with younger tots or you’re searching for the top spots for thrill-seeking teens, our handy guide will help you narrow down where’s best for your brood.

La Clusaz

Distance from Chambery airport: 83km

La Clusaz’s alpine charm, range of green and blue runs and restaurants emitting wafts of rich raclette and fresh-out-of-the-oven blueberry tarts, puts it high on the list for families. Part of the Aravis ski area, you’ll have 210km of pistes to conquer. Beginners will have a choice of ski schools to enrol in and there are plenty of places on the mountain where you can enjoy a post-lesson debrief with a side of frites.

Meribel

Distance from Chambery airport: 102km

Aside from an abundance of nursery and beginner slopes, one of Meribel’s greatest draws is the family ski pass. Valid for two parents and two children (aged 5-18), this enables adults to pay the same price as the kids! Youngsters tend to head to the beginner terrain near the town, while the more advanced can hop on the slick lift system and tackle the scenic reds. When it comes to off-slope activities, how about a swim at the Olympic Park or a whizz around the ice rink?

La Plagne

Distance from Chambery airport: 102km

This winter wonderland lays on the lot for little ‘uns. When combined with its Paradiski neighbour, Les Arcs, 425km of pistes are ready to be unlocked. The resort itself is made up of several small villages, each offering a handy mix of accommodation, bars and restaurants. First-timers can squiggle down at their own pace around Plagne Centre or Belle Plagne, but seasoned pros tend to make a beeline for the glacier.

Val Thorens

Distance from Chambery airport: 122km

Val Thorens is a sensational spot for multi-level skiing and a magnet for families. It’s part of the sprawling Three Valleys ski area, totalling 600km of slopes. Kids won’t be able to resist the VT FUNRIDE space track and space experience, where they can slalom between stars and planets alongside the resort’s mascots. A bonus: lots of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, so it couldn’t be simpler to get out on the slopes. And did we mention it’s home to the longest toboggan run in France?

Alpe d’Huez

Distance from Chambery airport: 132km

This 250km ski area’s got it all, from cruisy blues for beginners to challenging runs up on the glacier. At the top of the Signal ski lift, there’s a fun zone for kids, complete with a small half pipe, tunnels and rails. You’ll all want to try out the alpine coaster too, where you wear virtual reality goggles and whizz down the track. After all that excitement, tired tots will be ready for a snooze. There are heaps of accommodation options, with everything from self-catered apartments to luxury hotels to choose from.