Family hikes in the Northern Alps: the most beautiful trails from GSI resorts

The great Alpe d’Huez classic, suitable for all levels including children from around 6 years old. Starting from Chalet Besson (1,750 m), the route links five high-altitude lakes in an open mineral landscape, with views over the Belledonne and Taillefer massifs. Very low elevation gain and a well-marked trail all along the route.

Starting from Lac des Bergers (1,796 m), this easy walk follows the road towards Col de Sarenne through alpine pastureland. You will often come across sheep flocks and the Brandes archaeological site. Accessible even with a pushchair, with picnic tables along the route. Open from 1 May to 30 November.

One of the most renowned via ferratas in the Northern Alps, accessible directly from the resort. The route is varied, with cable-secured sections, monkey bridges and traverses on ledges offering spectacular views over the Romanche valley. Equipment (harness and lanyard) can be rented locally. Ideal from age 12 upwards with good physical fitness.

A short family trail on boardwalks winding through the largest peat bog in the Alpine arc, nicknamed “little Lapland”. Dragonflies, toads, bats and carnivorous plants all live in this protected environment. A game booklet is available from the tourist office to keep children engaged. Departure from the Maison de la Tourbière.

From the top of Chard du Beurre, a natural terrace opens onto Mont Charvin, Mont Blanc and the Aravis with a 360° panorama. Elevation gain is minimal when taking the chairlift from the resort — only 90 m — and the trail follows the ridge almost flat, perfect for children who want a “real mountain” experience without an exhausting effort. Information panels punctuate the route.

On the slopes of Bisanne, the walking trail climbs gently through alpine pastures and woodland to the summit of Mont Bisanne (1,941 m). At the top, a spectacular 360° view takes in the Aiguilles Rouges, Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain, the Aravis, the Pierra Menta, the Vanoise and the Chartreuse. Suitable for good walkers with children aged 10 and over.

From the centre of Les Saisies, the descent to Hauteluce offers a balcony route with views over the Beaufortain, the Hauteluce valley and the Mont Blanc massif. The pretty village of Hauteluce is worth a stop, with two restaurants on site. Return shuttle available in season. This is a one-way hike, entirely downhill.

From the hamlet of Samance in Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, this short and easy route leads to the pretty Lac de la Cour via the Chemin du Lac. Well-marked trail, picnic tables and a small lakeside refreshment stand in summer. Ideal for a first family walk or a relaxed late-afternoon outing.

A shaded walk along the Nant du Chinaillon, ideal on hot summer days. The Mysterious Waterfall is a thirty-metre-high cascade in a narrow gorge, linked to a local legend. The trail is entirely under forest cover and is particularly pleasant with young children. One of the resort’s most popular “cool-down” routes.

From Chinaillon, this trail climbs to the alpine pastures of the ski area and reaches Col de Châtillon, where the view of the Aravis range is breathtaking: Roc des Charmieux, Aiguille Verte and Jallouvre. Picnic break at the col, then a gentle descent back along the same route. Suitable for good walkers with children aged 8 and over.

The major hike of Le Grand-Bornand, rated 4.7/5 on AllTrails with 27 reviews. The route climbs to Lac de Lessy, then reaches the ridges up to Dent de Jallouvre (2,408 m), one of the iconic summits of the Aravis. 360° panorama over Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain, the Bargy and the Bauges massif. Reserved for experienced hikers in good physical condition.

Starting from the Plan Ravet car park in Mottaret, this trail follows Lac de Tuéda through a nature reserve surrounded by centuries-old larch trees. Turquoise water, silence, marmots and protected alpine flora. Swimming is forbidden in the lake, but simply walking around this listed site is well worth it. Ideal for all levels, including very young children.

A more demanding day hike from Plan Ravet, climbing via Col du Vallon to Lac du Vallon (2,541 m), a glacial lake set in a wild landscape. The climb follows a sometimes faint path and scree sections: it is best kept for good walkers and is not recommended for children under 12 according to experienced hikers. Exceptional panorama at the col.

The highest point of the 3 Vallées ski area at almost 3,000 m, Mont du Vallon offers a breathtaking panorama over the Gébroulaz glacier, Grande Casse, the Aiguilles du Borgne and, in clear weather, Mont Blanc. The route follows a marked trail to the pre-summit. The final access to the true summit is airy and on unstable rock, so it is optional.

Starting from the La Couaz car park (1,445 m), this gentle trail follows the Doron de Champagny to Laisonnay d’en Haut, marking the entrance to the National Park. It crosses the five picturesque hamlets of the listed valley: La Couaz, La Chiserette, Le Bois, Friburge and Le Laisonnay. Marmots and ibex are regularly seen on the south-facing slopes. Accessible from age 4.

A loop from Champagny-en-Vanoise following the Doron stream through the Mont Jovet state forest. The Doron de Champagny is a lively mountain stream, home to trout and salmon, with clear, highly photogenic waters. A woodland route that is especially pleasant on hot summer days thanks to the natural shade.

A day hike leading to a beautiful mountain lake with open views over the Vanoise Massif, Grand Bec and the glaciers. The well-marked trail crosses green pastures and flower-filled areas in July. Suitable for families with children aged 10 and over who already have some hiking experience.

From the Laisonnay d’en Bas car park (1,560 m), this trail follows the Cascade du Py, an 80-metre waterfall, up to Refuge de Plaisance (2,160 m), where the view over the Grand Bec massif is remarkable. One of the best-rated hikes in the area, with a 4.4/5 score on AllTrails. The beginning of the route can be steep.

A panoramic balcony circuit facing Mont Blanc and the Val d’Arly, passing through old alpine farms before dipping into a forested section. Open views over the whole Val d’Arly with the Mont Blanc massif in the background. Accessible to the whole family from a young age. One of the resort’s three “Tétras Randos” trails.

A mostly forested route from Praz-sur-Arly leading to the banks of a small mountain lake. The natural shade makes it an ideal option on hot summer days. Accessible from age 6. Also part of the Tétras Randos, with a summit diploma for young hikers.

One of the highest summits in Praz-sur-Arly (1,983 m), offering a 360° view of the three surrounding massifs: Aravis, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc. Taking the Crêt du Midi chairlift from the resort reduces the remaining elevation gain to only 253 m. Recommended for walkers with a basic level of fitness.

A heritage walk in the heart of Megève village, following the fountains and streams that shaped its history. Recommended for people with reduced mobility and families with babies. Pushchair-friendly, entirely within the village, with heritage discovery points along the way.

A family walk through alpine pastures and meadows with panoramic views over the Megève golf course and the Mont Blanc massif. An orientation table at Mont Joux helps identify the surrounding peaks. The trail passes one of the last working farms surrounded by alpine flowers such as gentians, primroses and buttercups.

From Praz-sur-Arly or Megève, Christomet is a natural belvedere offering a 360° view over the Aravis and the Mont Blanc massif. Most of the trail is shaded, making it a popular option on hot summer days. Suitable for families with children aged 10 and over who are used to walking.

From Valmorel, the Doucy-Combelouvière sector, a neighbouring hamlet, opens onto quieter alpine pastures, with larch woodland trails ideal for a peaceful walk. Very pleasant at midday thanks to the natural shade. Calm terrain, not very busy even in the middle of the summer season.

From the pedestrian centre of Valmorel, several routes climb towards the Tarentaise alpine pastures, gradually opening panoramic views over the resort and the surrounding valley. Along the way, herds of dairy cows from the Tarine breed graze in the meadows. The Valmorel tourist office provides detailed topoguides for the local routes.