There’s something quietly extraordinary about a winter holiday in the mountains. For families, it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time together in a place where the air feels cleaner, the light crisper, and the days somehow longer – in all the right ways.
Vaujany, nestled within the Grand Domaine ski area, offers more than excellent skiing. It’s a resort that understands the rhythm of family life: moments of calm, bursts of laughter, and plenty of space to move at your own pace. Here, the emphasis isn’t on ticking off attractions – it’s about enjoying each other’s company, in a setting designed for simple, shared pleasure.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, or multiple generations, here are a few family-friendly activities that add depth and variety to a ski holiday – all within reach of Vaujany’s peaceful charm.
Skiing That Grows With You
The mountain begins gently here. For young skiers or first-timers, Vaujany’s beginner areas are calm, well laid out, and close to the village itself – reducing the need for long treks in ski boots. Lessons are readily available, with instructors who are experienced at guiding children with care and encouragement.
Meanwhile, confident family members can take advantage of the resort’s direct access to the broader Alpe d’Huez ski area – with wide, sunny slopes and dramatic views across the Oisans region. It’s the kind of skiing that leaves you glowing at the end of the day, without feeling hurried or overdone.
For the Littlest Ones: Play, Snow, and Imagination
Travelling with very young children – toddlers or pre-schoolers – comes with its own rhythm, and Vaujany embraces that beautifully.
Right in the heart of the village, you’ll find welcoming play areas where little ones can tumble about in the snow without the need for skis or structure. It’s simple, yes – but often, the most joyful moments come from the freedom to just play.
There’s also a dedicated nursery that offers childcare for children aged six months and up. With indoor crafts, story time, gentle outdoor snow games, and supervised rest areas, it’s a calm and comforting space – ideal for giving younger children their own fun while giving parents a little breathing room, whether that’s time on the slopes or just a quiet hour with a book.
And for a special treat? Pony rides through the snow-covered paths are occasionally available in the village – a gentle adventure that feels delightfully storybook.
Days Beyond the Slopes
Not every day needs to be spent skiing. In fact, the most memorable moments are often the ones that take place away from the pistes.
Vaujany offers an elegant sports and leisure centre, home to a bright indoor swimming pool where children can play and adults can unwind. There’s also an ice rink – a lovely way to spend the late afternoon as snow falls softly outside.
These spaces are warm, inviting, and designed for family use. Whether you’re gliding across the ice or watching from the stands with a cup of coffee, it’s a peaceful way to round out the day.
Exploring the Landscape at a Softer Pace
The alpine environment is breathtaking in any season – and one of the finest ways to experience it is on foot. Snowshoeing trails around Vaujany offer a gentle introduction to winter walking. Wrapped in warm layers, you can set out together through snowy forests and open pastures, following marked paths that take you deep into the landscape without needing to rush.
Snowshoeing is easy to learn and suits a wide range of abilities. Even younger children often take to it quickly, especially when there’s the promise of spotting animal tracks or reaching a lookout point. For those looking for something particularly special, guided walks can be arranged – often paired with storytelling or nature-based games to keep younger walkers engaged.
For families with buggies or toddlers, the village paths themselves offer their own beauty. Short scenic walks with clear views and little cafés along the way can be just the right pace.
A Taste of Tradition
Food plays an essential role in any alpine holiday, and Vaujany doesn’t disappoint. The resort is home to a handful of welcoming, high-quality restaurants where families can enjoy traditional mountain cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Think bubbling tartiflette served in rustic ceramic dishes, homemade crêpes folded with care, and mugs of velvety hot chocolate. Local cheese and charcuterie platters are ideal for sharing, while the slower pace of dining here gives children time to relax, and parents space to savour.
Restaurants often accommodate younger diners with high chairs, children’s portions, or simplified options – meaning the whole family can enjoy mealtimes together, without compromise.
And if you’re travelling a little further afield – to other well-regarded resorts like Avoriaz, for example – ease matters. Known for its car-free charm and dramatic clifftop setting, Avoriaz is a striking contrast to Vaujany’s traditional elegance, but equally family-friendly in its own way. Getting there doesn’t have to be complicated either. A smooth, reliable Alps2Alps Geneva to Avoriaz transfer allows you to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the quieter pleasures of alpine life – whether you’re staying for a few days or simply exploring the wider region.
Sledging and Simple Pleasures
For younger children, few things beat the joy of sledging. Vaujany has designated sledging areas where families can enjoy the snow in its most playful form – safely, freely, and without the structure of a lesson or schedule.
It’s the kind of activity that doesn’t require planning – just a little time, a good pair of gloves, and a sense of adventure. Many chalets and local shops offer sledges for hire, and with gentle hills right in the village, there’s no need to travel far.
A snowball fight or snowman-building session is never far behind – spontaneous, light-hearted, and completely free.
A Moment to Pause
Sometimes, the loveliest moments on a family holiday are the quietest ones. Perhaps it’s sitting beside the fire in your chalet, reading stories under thick blankets as snow falls outside. Or sipping a warm drink while watching the first lift rise silently into the sky.
In Vaujany, there’s space for these pauses. The village itself is calm, beautifully kept, and never overcrowded. You’ll find bakeries where the morning croissants are still warm, friendly locals who remember your name, and clear mountain views that stay with you long after the journey home.
A More Gentle Kind of Adventure
A winter holiday in the Alps doesn’t have to be fast-paced or overly ambitious. In fact, when travelling with children, the quieter route often brings the richest rewards. It’s in the simple things: a smooth first turn on skis, the glow of cheeks after a walk in the snow, a shared bowl of fondue as evening falls.
Vaujany makes these moments possible. It offers just enough – without asking too much. And that, for many families, is the perfect balance.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
