Family ski holiday in Megève — 4 days at L'Alpaga
A gentle, family-focused 4-day winter itinerary based at Hotel L'Alpaga in Megève. Ski lessons for parents + 6-year-old, short transfers, nap-friendly pacing, family meals and cosy après-ski suitable for kids.
Highlights
- Family ski lesson with ESF Megève
- Beginner slopes at Mont d'Arbois / gentle skiing
- Cozy dinners at L'Alpaga and Les Fermes de Marie
- Village stroll, seasonal village ice rink and short pool visit
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, orientation, short village walk and a relaxed first evening at the hotel.
Check in at L'Alpaga — settle in & orientation
Arrive, check-in, drop luggage in your room and get oriented with the hotel facilities (kids' menus, heated boot room, stroller-friendly routes to the village).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a small kettle and night-light for the child's room if needed; L'Alpaga staff are family-oriented.
- If you have heavy ski bags, request porter assistance — it speeds arrival and avoids tiring little legs.
- Note the hotel's heated boot room and drying facilities; drop boots there to avoid wet corridors and speed transitions to/from the slopes.
Stop at Office de Tourisme de Megève — lift passes & local tips
Quick visit to the tourist office to pick up slope maps, book ESF children's class if not pre-booked and ask about current snow-safe beginner zones.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a printed slope map and list of family-friendly slopes; staff often hand out kids' orientation sheets.
- Ask about current quieter times for the Jardin des Neiges (young kids' area) to avoid queues.
- Office has public restrooms — good time for a last stop before exploring the village with the stroller.
Gentle village stroll — Place de l'Église and Christmas decorations
Short, stroller-friendly walk through the village core to see festive lights; window shop and locate the village ice rink and bakery for treats.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk at a relaxed pace and keep one parent with the child close to the shopfronts — the central square is flat and stroller-friendly.
- Pop into a local bakery for warm pastries and a small snack break — great for avoiding meltdown before dinner.
- Locate public restrooms near the church square so you know where to stop during busy days on the slopes.
Early family dinner at La Table de L'Alpaga (hotel restaurant)
Relaxed, family-friendly dinner at the hotel's restaurant — menus can be adapted for children and there's a cosy atmosphere to unwind from travel.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a children's menu or reduced-portion options; hotel kitchens are usually flexible with allergies and simple requests.
- Request a quiet, corner table away from busy walkways if your child needs an earlier bedtime.
- Bring a small activity (colouring book) to keep a 6-year-old settled between courses; staff are used to families and often help with crayons.
Day 2
First full ski day: rental & fittings, morning family lesson, easy mountain lunch, afternoon rest and light family après-ski.
Breakfast at L'Alpaga — fuel up for the slopes
Hearty buffet breakfast with child-friendly options and fresh fruit. Plan ski clothing and sunscreen for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small insulated snack box for the slope (hotel can supply napkins/containers) so the child has familiar foods.
- Use the breakfast time to double-check ski school and rental times and to pin a meeting spot at the hotel entrance.
- If your child is an early eater, ask for a warm plate and a mild hot chocolate to take on the gondola.
Ski rental & boot fitting at Skiset Megève
Quick equipment hire and fitting; choose children's boots and helmets sized and fitted by staff to ensure comfort for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring your child's ski socks and a photo of their feet length if you pre-book online — it speeds up fitting.
- Ask for a second set of boot buckles or wax for a comfortable, warm fit — staff can adjust for sensitive little feet.
- Request a small plastic bag for wet gloves so you can store them separately in the hotel boot room between sessions.
Family group ski lesson with ESF Megève (beginner focus)
Shared family lesson (private or semi-private depending on booking) focusing on confidence-building, short runs and safe techniques appropriate for a 6-year-old and adults.
Tips from local experts:
- ESF classes for children typically welcome ages 4+ in Jardin des Neiges; ask for an instructor experienced with young beginners.
- Keep lessons to 2–2.5 hours for the 6-year-old to avoid overtiredness; include short on-snow snack breaks.
- Bring an easily accessible snack and water in an outer pocket — instructors allow brief stops for comfort and quick warmth checks.
Lunch on the mountain — friendly, quick meal
Take the family to a relaxed mountain restaurant close to beginner slopes for a warm, quick lunch and a chance to rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the entrance for quick exits with a tired child or stroller-friendly access if needed.
- Order simple, warming dishes (soup, pasta) and ask the kitchen to serve a small, plain portion for the child if no kids' menu is listed.
- Keep lunch under an hour to preserve afternoon nap time; request bills split if parents want separate payments.
Afternoon rest & nap back at the hotel
Return to L'Alpaga for quiet time: nap for the child and a short warm-up for adults before a gentle village activity later.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask housekeeping for blackout curtains to be closed for a longer nap if available.
- Use this time to dry and store ski gear in the boot room, so it's ready for an easy evening sortie.
- If the child needs quiet distraction, ask the concierge for a board game or colouring set from the hotel's welcome kit.
Village ice rink — short family skate or watch with hot chocolate
Visit the seasonal rink in the village (outdoor, often set in the square) for a 30–45 minute skate or cosy hot drinks while the child enjoys the spectacle.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring thin, warm gloves and a neck gaiter for the child; rental skates may be available but vary by size.
- If your child is new to skating, stand at the rink edge and try stabilising aids rather than full skate sessions.
- Plan for a quick exit route to toilets or warm cafes — small breaks reduce the risk of chill-related grumpiness.
Family dinner at Les Fermes de Marie — Alpine menu with kids' options
Comfortable, alpine-style dinner at a well-regarded local hotel-restaurant that is family-friendly and used to hosting children.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table before 19:00 to secure a quieter spot; request a children's menu or simplified dishes.
- Ask staff about allergens and request plain options (plain pasta, grilled chicken) if your child has food sensitivities.
- Finish dinner early so the child has a calm bedtime; the restaurant is used to families and will accommodate an early service.
Day 3
A mixed-activity day: short family ski time, low-key indoor pool & play, local shopping and a cosy dinner back at L'Alpaga.
Short morning family ski session on easy slopes (Mont d'Arbois area)
A relaxed 2-hour ski session focused on repetition of basics on blue/green runs so the child gains confidence without exhaustion.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick gentle, short runs and plan a landmark (a café or chairlift base) as a consistent meeting spot for breaks.
- Keep sessions to 90–120 minutes for a 6-year-old — watch for cold fingers and toes and stop early if signs of fatigue appear.
- Bring a snack in an outer pocket for an on-slope bite between runs so everyone stays warm and happy.
Lunch in village — quick, child-friendly meal
Return to town for a relaxed lunch with high-chair availability and simple dishes for children.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with a visible kitchen or pass-through so curious children can be distracted watching activity.
- Ask for milder seasoning and deconstructed dishes (e.g., plain omelette or pasta) if your child is picky.
- Confirm high chairs and toilet/changing facilities when you are shown to the table to avoid mid-meal searches.
Afternoon family swim at Piscine municipale de Megève
Warm indoor pool time — a safe, quieter alternative to a long afternoon on the slopes; great for energetic kids and parents to relax muscles.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a plastic bag and dry clothes to change quickly; municipal pools usually have family changing rooms.
- Check pool opening times and shallow pool areas for younger children; lifeguard presence varies but staff can advise.
- Use this time also for quiet play — a short swim refreshes legs and sets up a restful evening for the child.
Light village shopping & chocolat stop — souvenirs and treats
A short shopping stroll for local treats (chocolates, warm hats) and a hot chocolate break for the child before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose small shops near the main square to avoid long walking distances with a tired child.
- Buy one small edible treat during the day (e.g., a single hot chocolate) to make a positive bargaining tool for cooperation.
- Request gift-wrapping at the shop counter so purchases are ready to carry home without extra stops.
Relaxed dinner at L'Alpaga — cosy family evening
Return to the hotel's dining room for a familiar, flexible meal and an early night for the family.
Tips from local experts:
- Repeat the hotel's restaurant for a known environment that is easier to manage with a child who may be tired.
- Ask for a quieter table and the possibility of separating the child's plate early to speed up service.
- If the child needs a warm-up after the evening, hotel's common room is a calm place to read a bedtime story before lights out.
Day 4
Final half-day on the slopes, easy lunch, pack and departure — leave with relaxed memories and minimal rush.
Breakfast and late checkout prep at L'Alpaga
Pack and have a final hotel breakfast; confirm late-checkout or luggage storage if needed to ski for a few hours before leaving.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception about storing luggage and requesting a wake-up call timed to the child's rhythm for a calm final morning.
- Keep ski clothes accessible for a quick morning outing; check-in/out desks can hold toiletries for final freshen-up.
- If driving out, verify road conditions with concierge so departure is stress-free with a child in the car.
Final family ski session — easy runs near the village
A relaxed 2-hour last ski on gentle slopes to reinforce the child's confidence before packing up.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep this final session short (90–120 minutes) and choose slopes you know are calm and close to the meeting point.
- Take a quick celebratory photo at the top as a keepsake and then head to a nearby café for a warm drink.
- If energy is low, switch to one parent-ski + one parent-après-ski rotation so the child can finish on a positive note.
Quick lunch in town — final meal and check-out
Return to the village for a simple lunch near the hotel, collect luggage and prepare for departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a restaurant close to the hotel for a fast transition from table to luggage pickup.
- Ask for food to-go boxes if travel overlaps the child's usual snack time; hotels will often help pack a simple sandwich.
- Confirm local transport or parking logistics while at lunch to avoid last-minute dashes with a child.
Check-out & departure from L'Alpaga
Final hotel check-out, collect any stored gear and depart. Option to request onward travel tips from concierge.
Tips from local experts:
- Request assistance with ski racks or vehicle loading at the hotel to simplify getting a child into the car safely.
- Ask the concierge for up-to-date road or shuttle information — winter conditions can change quickly.
- If you have a late train/flight, ask for a quiet corner to wait or a luggage-holding solution so you can enjoy one last stroll.
