Aside from Christmas and New Year, February is one of the most popular times of year to visit the Alps. As the school holidays fall during this month, it’s a particularly popular time for families with school-aged children to go skiing.
In this post, we highlight 5 reasons to visit the Alps in February including:
- Family-friendly time of the season
- Reliable snow conditions
- More open pistes
- Events for kids
- Non-ski activities
Read on to find out more…
Why visit the Alps in February?
1. It’s ideal for families
If you’re tied to school term dates, then February is a great time to visit the Alps.
Similar to how the UK constituents often stagger their half-term dates, France is split into different ‘zones’, with different February holidays. This helps to steady the influx of families throughout February so that resorts don’t become too busy.
Famille Plus
When searching for family-friendly ski resorts in France, we’d recommend looking out for the “Famille Plus” label.
This national label is awarded to resorts which meet certain criteria and especially cater to families with children from 18 months old.
Some examples of Famille Plus resorts include:
Book a “Cool for Kids” chalet in the Alps
2. Reliable snow conditions
Although the weather can never be guaranteed, by the time it gets to February in the Alps, most resorts usually have a pretty good base of snow.
Better snow means more powder days, first-class off-piste and longer days on the slopes!
3. More open runs
Reliable snow also means more pistes are open and available to choose from. This is a huge plus if you’re a beginner, as nursery pistes and green runs lower down the mountain will be more accessible. Therefore, first-time skiers don’t have to tackle too many chairlifts too early on in their learning.
If you are visiting the Alps in February with beginner skiers, we’d strongly suggest booking some ski lessons.
Private or group lessons really help to build confidence and improve basic skills. ESF is a very reputable ski school in France and operates in the majority of resorts. However, make sure you book well in advance.
4. Events for kids
As February is a sought-after holiday period, resorts usually make greater efforts to put on family-friendly activities and events. Carnivals, torchlit descents and concerts are some examples of what to expect.
To find out what’s on in your chosen resort, check the tourist office’s website, or have a look at our guides below for resorts across the Northern French Alps:
- What’s on in the Aravis this winter
- What’s on in the Evasion Mont Blanc this winter
- What’s on in the Portes du Soleil this winter
5. Non-ski activities
Not a skier or snowboarder? Not a problem! These aren’t the only activities on offer in the Alps in February. Why not explore some other pursuits?
Here are some ideas for new things to try, many of which are kid-friendly too:
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
- Visit a spa
- Go ice skating
- Try dog-sledding
- Discover ski joëring (horse-drawn skiing)
- Go ski-touring
- Go sledging
- Try e-fat biking (mountain biking on snow)
- Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant
- Discover the local après-ski scene
- Plan a day trip to a nearby town
February is a fantastic time for families to plan a ski holiday. However, due to demand, prices can increase and resorts are far busier compared to off-peak weeks.
If you’re not tied to term times, perhaps consider booking your holiday at a quieter time. Check out our other guides on when to visit the Alps for more information.
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