A Magnifique Family Vacation in France’s Posh Courchevel Ski Area

Sure Courchevel is one of France’s toniest and best-known ski areas, but did you know it’s also family-friendly? For those unfamiliar with the region, Courchevel is part of Les Trois Vallees ski areas and comprises six valleys. Its levels — situated more or less on top of each other — are named according to their relative heights in meters —1,300–1,850 meters at its highest.

The valleys are all connected by ski lifts or free shuttle buses, which means, after a day on the slopes, you and the kids can easily take a break in the lowest village, where there are shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as such fun activities as horse-and-carriage rides and ice skating at an Olympic rink.

In addition to skiing, Courchevel boasts an Adventure Camp with such activities for kids aged 6 and older as snowmobiling on a closed track, snow biking, snowtubing and dog sledding, along with hot-air ballooning, indoor rock wall climbing and a supervised indoor tightrope activity for children.

Pool and Terrace © AMAN

For teens and adults, heliskiing, paragliding and ice-climbing are among the activities you can also book for your family.

This season, the posh 31-room Aman Le Melezin hotel in Courchevel 1850 not only offers winter activities for the whole gang to enjoy together, but the new Children’s Club gives Mom and Dad a chance to reconnect on their own.

The Club was designed for youngsters aged 3–15 and is located in three chalets outfitted with supplies for supervised arts and crafts, fun games and interactive cooking lessons. Snacks are also served, including hot chocolate and a special children’s afternoon tea, along with fruit and other healthy treats. Best of all, the Children’s Club is open until 10 p.m. every evening, giving parents the chance to take time out in the newly renovated spa or enjoy an intimate dinner.

Hotel Exterior, Tetons © AMAN

Meanwhile, Mom and Dad can join one-on-one or group sessions with celebrated wellness and fitness expert Rudi Keil this winter season. A recognized expert in helping people achieve optimal health and wellbeing at any age or fitness level, Keil take a holistic approach to a range of areas, including exercise, nutrition and supplements. Sessions will be available March 24–April 7, 2019. The Aman Spa also offers shiatsu, Thai massage and yoga to help guests get the kinks out after a day on the slopes.

In keeping with the property’s Asian ambience, the on-property restaurant Nama serves up Japanese cuisine by master chef Keiji Matoba.

Ready for a day on the slopes? Ski butlers are on hand to help get guests outfitted and ready for a day of skiing. Or opt instead to toboggan down to Courchevel 1550 — about a two-kilometer run lit up at night.

Aman Le Melezin is located about two hours by car from Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS).

Spring Gulch Suite Bedroom © AMAN