For skiing families, the dream of a winter escape is simple: soft snow under little skis, a warm and welcoming chalet hotel where everything is taken care of, and the rare joy of a holiday where everything feels zero-stress and pure pleasure.
Alas, the many variables involved in a mountain holiday can make achieving this dream more challenging than it should be. The good news is that for fifty years, Mark Warner has been turning the dream into a reality. They boast half a century of expertise, care and consistent high quality that has earned the brand a reputation as the UK’s most trusted provider of family ski holidays.
In an era where time-poor parents crave reassurance, organisation and genuine quality, Mark Warner stands apart. Their holidays aren’t just designed with families in mind, they’re built around them. And nowhere is that more evident than at their Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin in Tignes, a cosy, stylish alpine retreat that has become a favourite for families seeking a stress-free ski week in one of France’s most snow-sure resorts.
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin at a glance
- Operator: Mark Warner, 50 years of family ski holidays
- Location: Tignes Val Claret, France, at 2,100 metres
- Ski area: Tignes-Val d’Isère, 300km of slopes
- Getting to the lifts: a short walk or quick bus ride
- Included: daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and three-course dinners with wine on six evenings each week
- Facilities: indoor pool, sauna and in-chalet bar
- Childcare: 4 months to 12 years (additional cost), plus evening childcare
- Ski school: Evolution 2, with daily drop-off and collection by Mark Warner’s childcare team
50 Years of Family Expertise
Back in the 1970s and 80s, Mark Warner set out to create holidays that make life easier for families. Today, that mission remains unchanged. Over the years, though, they’ve refined every detail of the family ski experience, from flights and transfers to childcare, ski school, meals and accommodation, so that parents can completely relax knowing everything is taken care of.
This heritage isn’t just comforting; it’s award-winning. Mark Warner’s ski holidays have been recognised with three British Travel Awards, reinforcing what thousands of families already know: when it comes to reliability, consistency and care, they’re the experts.
For parents travelling with children aged 4–12, especially those new to skiing or returning after a few years, this level of trust matters. Ski holidays can be magical, but they can also be logistically complex. Mark Warner takes care of the complex bits, delivering clarity and a sense of calm instead.
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin Is The Perfect Family Base
Set at 2,100 metres in snow-sure Tignes Val Claret, Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin blends alpine charm with modern comfort. It’s warm, welcoming and wonderfully convenient.
Just a short walk or quick bus ride from the main lifts, L’Ecrin makes getting onto the mountain simple. No long trudges with tiny boots. No stressful morning rush. Parents can glide into their day knowing everything is close, accessible and easy.
The chalet hotel offers a range of family-friendly room types, giving parents space to unwind while children settle comfortably after a busy day. The atmosphere is sociable yet relaxed, ideal for families who want a blend of privacy and friendly chalet buzz.
Every stay includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea (a favourite with hungry children), and three-course dinners with wine on six evenings each week.
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin’s family-friendly facilities include an indoor pool and sauna for post-ski fun and relaxation and an in-chalet bar.
So there’s no meal planning, no shopping, no need to leave the chalet hotel in the evening if you don’t want to. In short, no stress.
Signature Childcare
For families with children aged up to 12, childcare is often the deciding factor in choosing a ski holiday. Mark Warner’s signature childcare is what truly sets them apart.
Read Mark Warner’s guide to ski holidays with children →
At Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin, childcare (for an additional cost) is available from 4 months to 12 years, delivered by qualified, experienced staff (DCE, NNEB, NVQ or equivalent). Each club is tailored to a specific age group, ensuring children are engaged, supported and having fun.
There are clubs designed for every stage, starting with the Baby Club (4–11 months) which is warm, homely and routine-focused. The Toddler Club (1–2 years) introduces gentle snowy adventures along with stories and play. The Mini Club (3–5 years) brings in crafts, sledging, snowmen and optional half-day ski school and Kidz Club (6–12 years) delivers action-packed afternoons, treasure hunts, games and more.
| Club | Ages | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Club | 4–11 months | Warm, homely and routine-focused |
| Toddler Club | 1–2 years | Gentle snowy adventures, stories and play |
| Mini Club | 3–5 years | Crafts, sledging, snowmen and optional half-day ski school |
| Kidz Club | 6–12 years | Action-packed afternoons, treasure hunts and games |
Parents love the flexibility. Children love the fun. And everyone benefits from the calm that comes with knowing your little ones are in safe, happy hands.
Mark Warner’s ski school drop-off and collection service is something families rave about. When ski school is booked through Mark Warner, their childcare team handles daily drop-off and pick-up, meaning parents can enjoy a full day on the slopes without clock-watching or rushing back for lunchtime collections.
It’s a small detail with a huge impact, especially for time-poor parents who want to maximise their ski time across the vast Tignes-Val d’Isère ski domain with its 300km of slopes, whilst ensuring their children are safe and thriving.
For parents who prefer a later dinner or a quiet drink at the bar, evening childcare is available too. It’s another thoughtful touch that makes the holiday feel relaxing, even with young children in tow.
Sensational Ski School
Mark Warner understands the unique needs of families learning to ski. Their partnership with Evolution 2 ski school ensures children receive patient, confidence-building instruction, while parents can choose lessons or simply enjoy the slopes knowing everything is organised.
Along with ski and snowboard lessons, families can pre-book lift passes and ski and snowboard equipment. It is all ready for collection on arrival, meaning no queues, no confusion, no wasted time.
Book ASAP
For families travelling at Christmas, February half term or Easter, early booking is essential. Childcare places and ski school slots are limited and extremely popular, especially for children aged 4–12.
Booking early means guaranteed childcare club places, ski school availability, your preferred room type and the best flight options, which all equates to peace of mind. For time-poor parents, securing everything in advance transforms the holiday from “something to organise” into “something to look forward to.”
What makes Mark Warner the UK’s most trusted family ski operator isn’t just their heritage or awards, it’s the feeling parents get when they travel with them. The reassurance. The organisation. The sense that every detail has been considered.
At Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin, that difference is felt from the moment families arrive: warm smiles, cosy rooms, excited children, and the knowledge that the week ahead will be smooth, joyful and wonderfully simple.
For families, especially those new to skiing or returning after a few years, there is no easier, more reassuring way to experience the magic of the mountains.
Plan your family ski week
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin, Tignes Val Claret with Mark Warner
Family skiing with Mark Warner at L’Ecrin: quick answers
Where is Mark Warner’s Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin?
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin is in Tignes Val Claret, France, at 2,100 metres. It is a short walk or quick bus ride from the main lifts, with access to the 300km Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area.
What ages does Mark Warner childcare cover at L’Ecrin?
Childcare runs from 4 months to 12 years, for an additional cost, across four clubs: Baby Club (4–11 months), Toddler Club (1–2 years), Mini Club (3–5 years) and Kidz Club (6–12 years). Evening childcare is also available.
Which ski school does Mark Warner use in Tignes?
Mark Warner partners with Evolution 2 ski school. When ski school is booked through Mark Warner, the childcare team handles daily drop-off and pick-up.
What meals are included at Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin?
Every stay includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and three-course dinners with wine on six evenings each week.
When should families book?
For Christmas, February half term or Easter, book early. Childcare places and ski school slots are limited and extremely popular, especially for children aged 4–12.