WITH schools back in full swing, parents are keen to start thinking about their next escape.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Family holidays are notoriously expensive; keen to break the mould, Ski France has launched ‘Kids Go Free’ all winter – offering free board to all children up to the age of 18 on the same board basis as their parents at two of its top hotels. 

The ‘Kids Go Free’ deal now takes place all season at Ski France’s two three-star hotels: Hotel le Mottaret in Méribel Mottaret and Hotel Ibiza in Les Deux Alpes.

Parents can book a family room at Hotel le Mottaret or a large northern or duplex room at Hotel Ibiza, and their kids will stay for free. This, alongside the flexible arrivals and length of stays, allows families to choose the best deal for them. 

Méribel Mottaret is located within Les 3 Vallées ski area, the largest linked ski area in the world, along with renowned resorts Courchevel and Val Thorens. The ski area, totalling 600km of pistes, provides great skiing for all abilities, and the 1992 Olympics Centre houses a swimming pool, ice rink and climbing wall. Plus, Aquamotion, a swim, spa and surf complex offers an ideal alternative to skiing for all the family. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Hotel le Mottaret is situated close to many amenities, including a ski school and a ski-hire shop, and there is also a free shuttle bus that connects visitors to the vibrant Méribel Centre. Owned by Ski France for more than 20 years, the hotel was renovated last season and features 22 brand-new rooms and suites, a sunny terrace, bubbling jacuzzi and a cosy lounge bar with live music. Plus, the lower terrace is home to Café del Mott, a barbeque restaurant where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a warming, affordable lunch accompanied by live music overlooking the mountains.

Alternatively, Les Deux Alpes – well known for its child friendly approach – is perfect for families. Watch the kids speed through the three daring snow parks, take them on mini snow-scooters and make the most of the snow-sure pistes (totalling 220km).

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Located at the end of the valley, not far from the village centre, the newly renovated three-star Hotel Ibiza offers rustic charm with a modern twist. The extensive lifts can be reached by a short 15-minute walk, or by the free shuttle bus. After a day on the slopes, relax in the spacious lounge, sip an après-ski drink on the large, south-facing terrace, or dive into the indoor heated pool and swim a few lengths before making the most of the sauna and hammam. A large proportion of the rooms at the hotel are south facing, with full-length windows leading out on to balconies that offer glorious views of the spectacular peaks in the Ecrins National Park. Twin, double and family rooms are all available.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Ski France also offers in-house private transfers, to ensure families arrive to the resort in stress-free style, ready to make the most of their time in the Alps. And parents and children can make the most of the free coffee, tea and doughnut stands situated around the hotel, should they feel thirsty or peckish at any point during the day.  

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:
A week’s stay, during the Christmas holidays, for two adults and two children (age 17 and under) at Hotel Le Mottaret costs from £241.50pp (£966 total, with the Kids Go Free deal) on a half-board basis. Return flights and transfers extra.

A week’s stay, during the Christmas holidays, for two adults and two children (age 17 and under) at Hotel Ibiza costs from £326.50pp (£1,306 total with the Kids Go Free deal) on a half-board basis. Return flights and transfers extra.

For more information, visit skifrance.co.uk or call 0203 475 4756.