|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ski
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Free: £10 Hippychick voucher! Reasons to book via/quoting babygoes2.....
Quote babygoes2 when enquiring about any of the properties/hotels featured on the site*, and if you then make a booking and confirm it back to us (booking@babygoes2.com) we'll send you a £10 Hippychick voucher (great for holiday essentials as well as unique nursery products) completely FREE . You'll also benefit from exclusive giveaways and discounts. AND you'll also gain babycame2 points for each booking which will give you discounts of up to £150 off your next holiday. More points available for insurance, car hire and for referring friends.
Click here for more info on Hippychick and for full conditions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why go skiing?
There are
lots of reasons why a ski holiday with your under five(s) is a great choice for
a winter break, whether you’re an experienced skier or a complete novice.
Skiing is traditionally a family sport, and most operators make some childcare
provision, leaving you free to enjoy the skiing or the mountain scenery.
Children
old enough, 2 and over, benefit from early ski activities, and all children
love the mountains and snow. Chalets and hotels are generally well equipped for
families and offer many home comforts such as TV, VCRs, games, music. There is
often access to indoor spa or leisure centres for those who don’t ski or
who fancy something different. Shops and restaurants are usually within easy
walking distance of your accommodation, and unless you plump for self-catering,
you’ll have your breakfast and evening meal prepared for you. There are
few winter activities as pleasant as cosy evenings spent sharing delicious
meals and wine, warmed by the fire, with the snow softly falling outside, after
a day’s exhilarating exercise.
(for
more details...)
|
Before you decide
Since
there are such a wide range of excellent quality and value skiing options,
there are a few things you might want to consider when choosing your ski
holiday and childcare:
-
Each
operator we have chosen offers a well-rounded ski experience, but each will
have its own priority; it could be the food, the childcare, the luxury-level of
the chalets, the individual service, the resort, the skiing. Draw up your
wish-list and make sure that the company whose priority matches your own also
offers childcare you will be happy with. Babygoes2’s key indicates the top
priorities of the entries we have selected:
-
If your
child is 3 or more, do you want them to learn to ski? If so, check out our tips
and advice, but also choose a resort or company which offers the kind of
tuition you want, and makes sure it’s compatible with other childcare.
-
Choice
between crèche and private nanny (see Babygoes2 tips and advice for the right
kind of childcare for your child).
-
How
flexible is the childcare - will the children be collected for you after
classes or nursery? Can you choose your pick up times? Will your children be
allowed to eat at the same time as you? Some companies are quite strict about
this, and if communal eating is important to you then you could be disappointed
if you don’t check in advance
-
Do you
prefer the informality and flexibility of a chalet, or the extra privacy of a
hotel?
-
Good
companies are strict about child/staff ratios, so you must book in advance and
if possible, book early. Popular weeks book up extremely quickly.
-
Some
companies offer special discounts for bringing your own nanny, or even
grandparents. This is can be a good and low-stress solution for you, but it may
not be stress free for the carer. They will be without access to lots of toys
or activities, and skiing days can be long, so it’s best to plan the time
well in advance if you’re keen on taking this route.
-
All
operators include slightly different elements of the holiday. Larger
‘resorts’ can seem more expensive, but often include free childcare,
babysitting or even tuition, so price up carefully!
-
As with
all holidays, consider flight times and transfer times. See our table below
-
When
considering the cost, remember that unless included (unusual and often as part
of a special offer), you will have the following extra costs to add to the
price of your holiday:
top of page
Additional costs and transfer times
| Ski pass costs: |
|
|
| Resort |
Adult £ |
Child £ |
| Verbier |
122 |
Under
6 - free |
| St
Anton |
105 |
Under
5 - 5 |
| Courchevel1850 |
96 |
Under
5 - free |
| Meribel |
96 |
Under
5 - free |
| Val
D’Isere |
108 |
Free |
| La
Plagne |
109 |
Free |
| Chamonix |
102 |
Under
4 free, 4-11 £71 |
| Megeve |
98 |
Under
3 free, 4-12 yrs £71 |
| Zermatt |
130 |
Under
9 free |
| Grindelwald |
108 |
Under
5 free |
| Klosters |
128 |
Under
5 free |
| Les Gets |
104 |
Under
5 free, 5-15yrs £80 |
|
|
|
| Ski and boot hire: |
|
|
| Adult
from:
|
£55-£120
6 days depending on ability (beginner/advanced) |
| Child
3-6 years: |
£31-£35 |
|
|
|
|
| Transfer times to major resorts: |
|
| Geneva (2 hrs) to: |
Val
D’Isere |
3
hrs |
|
Meribel |
2hrs
45 mins |
|
Courchevel |
2hrs
45 mins |
|
La
Plagne |
3hrs |
|
Verbier |
2
hrs |
|
Chamonix |
1.5
hr |
|
Les Gets |
2 hrs |
| Zurich (2 hrs) to: |
St
Anton |
2hrs
45 mins |
|
So,
you want your baby to ski too...
If you
want your child/ren to learn to ski, then there are lots of options, starting
from as young as 2. Do you want the same company that you stay with to provide
the ski instruction, or do you mind/prefer the flexibility but
‘unknown’ of booking into a local school?
You might
opt for:
Tuition+childcare
included in your operator’s package:
Mark Warner offer ski instruction for the under fives in:
La Plagne
(3-4yrs) cost £75 six days 2 hours, La Plagne and Val D’Isere: (4-12
yrs) cost £80 for 6 half days
Powder
Byrne offer the Yeti Club - 4-9 yrs, five full days including lunch
£265
Ski Famille includes free childcare on all dates.
5 days 9-4.30 from 3 months to 12 years old provided in your chalet.
Resort
ski schools - you choose the number of lessons, where and when.
Of the
companies not providing their own instruction, Scott Dunn has the most
comprehensive information regarding child ski tuition. Perhaps a couple of
mornings and then fun in the crèche, or with the nanny for the rest of the
time, is what you’d prefer.
| Resort ski schools start from age: |
| Resort |
Age |
| Verbier |
2+ |
| St
Anton |
4+ |
| Courchevel1850 |
3+ |
| Meribel |
4+ |
| Val
D’Isere |
4+ |
| La
Plagne |
3+ |
|
TIPS
-
A good
tip is to try a couple of private lessons before children start the ski school.
This boosts confidence and can make all the difference to their level of
enjoyment (will cost between £10 and £20 for an hour). Look for a
good level of English and perhaps a purpose-built child-ski area such as ESF,
where there are indoor play areas too.
Good ski
school in Meribel and Courchevel 1850:
http://www.magicinmotion.co.uk/
Courchevel
Ski Academy
http://www.ski-academy.com/
adult
group lessons 5 mornings, beginners around £80
children
over 4 years 5 mornings, around £72
ESF -
village des enfants tel 0033 4 79 08 0847 Courchevel,00 33 4 79 08 60 31 3
years +. Secluded and safe area with indoor play area for rest times. 1 morning
costs around £20, 6 mornings around £93.
Meribel,
00 33 4 79 06 02 34 VAl D’Isere
Zermatt
Ski School:
http://www.zermatt.ch/skischule
Pingu
Club for 4-6 year olds
-
Look
for slopes that catch the sun - again improves enjoyment.
-
Take
plenty of treats. You want to avoid cold and miserable - cold will do!
-
T-bar
lifts are better than button lifts.
-
Ski School with English as a first language in Les Gets with British Alpine Ski School www.britishskischool.com
Useful
things to take:
-
edgie
wedgie holds the skis together to make for easier snow ploughing - £9.95
from (www.snowandrock.com)
-
reindeer
ski harness: Helps you ski behind the kids while keeping them under control -
£39.95 from
http://www.snowandrock.com/
-
If you
prefer to buy rather than rent skis, buy from
http://www.snowandrock.com who operate a buyback scheme Boots start at
£37.95 and the buyback return is 30%. Skis can be bought in the same way
and will cost around £100. Boots need replacing every year and skis every
2 years
-
Helmets
are essential - should cost around £30; jackets with detachable liners
and lots of pairs of gloves.
Further
skiing info:
Whether
you’re a novice or an expert, you’ll want to know what the
weather’s like in your resort and if there’s any snow. To find out
contact:
Snowline: 0906 951 5154. Snow reports and skiing info for most of
resorts covered by Babygoes2.
http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
Weather
line: 0906 207 6576. 3 day weather outlook
|
 |
All of
the skiing holidays recommended by Babygoes2 offer an excellent skiing
holiday with good quality childcare - it’s just a case of deciding which
company offers the holiday which best suits your family.
|
Babygoes2
recommends properties which are suitable for babies or toddlers for a variety
of reasons (go to first stop). None of these
properties however is 100% child-safe. All of the property descriptions are the
opinion of BabyGoes2 and not the individual property owner or tour operator.
Prices, while as accurate as possible, are for guidance only. Check
late deals and members offers for any
price reductions or offers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chalet/Hotel Au Coin du Feu, Les Prodains, Morzine France |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stay: |
|
Chalet/hotel Au Coin du Feu, Les Prodains, Morzine France
Contact: www.chillypowder.com
Or email Paul or Vicky on info@chillypowder.com
|
| Location: |
|
Morzine, a traditional market town is situated on the French Swiss borders an hour from Geneva airport. Our chalet is three kilometers out of Morzine at the bottom of the cable car that takes you up to Avoriaz, so in the winter we can ski to the door, in the summer we are surrounded by fields full of wild flowers, woods and streams. We have been running Chilly Powder for 12 years, so can help you in every aspect of your holiday. |
| Accommodation: |
|
Francesca and Paul welcome you to their family home that was designed and built by themselves 6 years ago. ‘Au Coin du Feu’- ‘By the fireside’ was named with a 4 sided fireplace in mind, which is the central feature of this wonderful chalet. There are 17 ensuite bedrooms and all bedrooms are themed and include: The honeymoon room with a four poster bed and Jacuzzi bath, the Marine room, the Winter room with a mezzanine upstairs, the Music room, with an adjoining twin room for the children ……Four of our rooms are on split levels to accommodate the children but also to give you a bit of privacy.
All bedrooms are ensuite and are supplied with Molton Brown products
Sauna and massage room
Outdoor hot tub Jacuzzi
Crèche for the little ones and a games room with a pool table and play station for the older children
Private bar with a satellite and wide screen television
Delicious food and excellent wines 6 evenings a week
Library with Wi fi and Pool table
Large garden surrounded by streams woods and fields |
| Childcare: |
|
A crèche, run by qualified nannies, in the winter on a 6 day basis and in the summer on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The excellent childcare available means that you can indulge in your chosen pursuit knowing that your children are having a ball too. The nannies take the children out on treasure hunts, to the parks, coloring, and painting, making cakes, generally lots and lots of fun. Francesca and Paul have three young children so know what mums and dads need to make their lives easier! There are plenty of toys for all ages and a kitchenette for parents with bottle warmers, sterilizes, a washing machine and tumble dryer, a microwave and basic cooking facilities. There are 2 play areas, a soft play for the babies and toddlers and then a separate playroom for the bigger children. |
| Activities: |
|
Cycling and mountain biking. Les Gets and Morzine are home to the Mountain biking world cup championships. Taking the chairlifts up takes the strains of coming down and it means that you can cover miles and miles of the area in a shorter time. The Tour de France comes through the area every two years so there are some amazing and challenging road routes. The chalet is chosen by The Tour de France to host one of the teams.
Rafting and Canoeing 30 mins from Morzine, grade 2 and 3 rapids and with organized family rafts too, giving your children a thrilling day out on the river accompanied by experienced instructors.
Parapenting: The parapente school is in the centre of Morzine and Albert the owner was the French champion, so you feel very safe in his hands!
Swimming and Tennis: Morzine has 8 tennis courts and 3 different sized pools. Tennis lessons available – or just court bookings. There is a 50 meter, then a children’s pool and a baby pool with slides and climbing frames, also a restaurant on site so you can spend the day chilling out at the pool.
Acra-branche: An adult and child’s climbing frame all through the trees. Very technical but great fun with death slides, ropes, nets etc. Something that the children are often better at than the parents!
Speed boat: Chilly powder have a 8 meter sports cruiser on lake Geneva; so if you want a day of champagne and picnics, doughnut ting, swimming in crystal clear waters and visiting the medieval town of Yvoire, then Paul can take you and the kids out for the day.
Horse riding: Do you want to ride up into the mountains, have a BBQ, camp out under the stars and then trek down again the following day? There is a fantastic riding school in Morzine with Shetland ponies for the tinies and 1hr and up treks for the experienced riders.
Trekking: There are the most beautiful alpine walks here, which you can do with or with out a guide. Francesca and Paul have trekked most of the area, so can advise you on where to go to find the best views and areas. If you want to go trekking with the children, Philippe can take you up with his donkeys so the babies can ride in the baskets, giving you a lighter walk up.
There are many other places to visit and things to do, great lakes, medieval towns and beautiful chateaux and museums. Paul and Francesca have lived in Morzine for 13 years so can give you all sorts of advice on where to go and what to see. |
| Food in the chalet: |
|
Francesca trained as a chef, so food is very very important to her. They have highly qualified chefs and Francesca hosts dinner every evening. Breakfasts are both continental and cooked and vary daily. On your return from your day’s activities afternoon tea is provided. You can have a sauna and massage and then drinks in the bar or in the Jacuzzi outside. In the evening chefs will cook a delicious 4 course meal including canapés, great wines coffee and chocolates. Vegetarians and any other special dietsare catered for. The children’s meals are at 6.00pm and are fresh and simple. Food processors available to puree foods for the babies. There are plenty of high chairs, bibs, baby spoons etc., plus lots of Advent bottles so you just need to bring the teats. |
| Travel time: |
|
1 hr 15 mins flight time from London to Geneva and then 1 hr 30 mins transfer time to the chalet. A car is very useful in the summer as there is so much to see nearby. |
| Price guide: |
|
575-625 Euros half board. 25% discount for the children sharing a twin room. Substantial discounts for the whole family if sharing a family room. Under 2’s 75 € in a cot |
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chilled Mountain Chalets, Alpe D’Huez/Oz en Oisans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stay: |
|
Chilled Mountain Chalets, Alpe D’Huez/Oz en Oisans,
www.chilledmountain.com France +44(0)208 1238669
|
| Sleeps: |
|
10-14 people in 5/6 bedroom chalets |
| Location: |
|
These luxury ski chalets in Alpe D’Huez/Oz en Oisans are the perfect base for a relaxed ski holiday in a small friendly resort with a great high altitude skiing. The chalets have the best position in the resort only 50m from the lift. Alpe D’Huez is one of the largest ski areas in France with guaranteed high altitude skiing. Oz en Oisans offers the best access to the skiing of both Alpe D’Huez and Vaujany in a charming, friendly pedestrianised resort. |
| Accommodation: |
|
The chalets are supremely well located, only 50m from the lifts, 100m from the crèche, bars and restaurants. The chalets are 5/6 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms. The living and dining rooms are spacious and well furnished with flat screen TVs and log fires. There is a separate play area for the children with its own DVD/TV and plenty of toys. The beds are super luxury 6 foot doubles which can be split to form twins. We have everything you need for the kids from cots, high chairs and kids crockery to sledges and push chairs.
The staff are friendly and attentive hosts provide an impeccable service. They will take care of every aspect of your ski holiday so you don't have to worry about a thing. Professional chefs and experienced cooks will surprise and delight you with their culinary masterpieces. As well as the 3 course evening meal there is also a cooked breakfast and fresh cakes each day. You can choose either a children’s high tea or family dining at your choice. Great emphasis is placed on the wine choice. |
| Childcare: |
|
Childcare is available in the crèche 50m from the chalet. The crèche is spacious and well equipped and has some English speaking staff. The crèche can be combined with the on site snow garden where the kids can start to learn the feeling of being on skis. The chalet is fitted out with a good range of toys, books and art equipment for kids and we can arrange for a nanny for the week in the chalet |
| Facilities: |
|
The resort is the perfect family resort, big enough to have all the of slope entertainment required, from swimming pools to cinemas but small enough to be safe to let the kids play without concern. This is complemented by the local nursery slopes complete with “magic carpet” for the kids to learn to ski.
The chalets are fitted with every conceivable piece of equipment to make your stay easy. High chairs, cots, buggies, children’s crockery etc. are available as are a collection of DVDs, games, books, art equipment and toys. The separate children’s area means the adults are free to enjoy the flat screen TV or just watch the log fire! |
| Travel: |
|
Transfers are only 1 hour from Grenoble airport or 1 ½ hours from Lyon, Chambery or Geneva airports. |
| Price guide: |
|
From £250 - £600 per person for a 7 night stay fully catered including wine. |
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ski Famille |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Contact: |
|
www.skifamille.co.uk |
| Email: |
|
info@skifamille.co.uk |
| Phone: |
|
0845 64 437 64 |
| What they offer: |
|
Ski Famille (www.skifamille.co.uk) is the original specialists in quality chalets with inclusive childcare and have been providing ski holidays tailored to the needs of families for 18 years. All chalets include free childcare provided by a team of qualified and experienced carers.
Ski Famille’s resorts are Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil ski area and Reberty Village in the Three Valleys. |
| Accommodation: |
|
There is a choice of eleven chalets including four "Select" properties in Les Gets for those seeking a little more in the way of character or luxury. Properties sleep between 8 and 22 people. You can take over a whole chalet or book one or two rooms for your family.
Chalets are intended to be an informal environment where you and your family can relax and enjoy your holiday. Chalets have dedicated playrooms complete with books, toys and childcare equipment. All chalets have a stock of sterilisers, high chairs, cots and other essentials.
Pricing is intended to be as straightforward as possible. Separate children’s prices are quoted on all dates and are not on the basis of having to share a room with parents. Infants are one price (£425), regardless of date or chalet. Simple whole chalet prices are available for families or groups wanting to have a property to themselves. |
| Childcare: |
|
Ski Famille cater for children from a few months old to 12 years and provide childcare 5 days a week from 08.30 to 4.30.
Looking after and entertaining children has always been at the heart of a Ski Famille holiday. Their team are all recruited for their genuine enthusiasm for helping children to enjoy their time in the Alps. This high quality childcare means that many clients return year after year.
Childcare is provided in the chalet you stay in rather than in a large impersonal crèche and your children will, wherever possible, have the same carers for the duration of their holiday. Whenever the weather allows play is based outdoors, however, there is a range of stimulating indoor activities available.
Because the service is included in your holiday cost you can use it as little or as much as you like. Ski Famille will also take children to and from any ski lessons booked within childcare hours.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chalet Le Marjorie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Ski Famille
|
| Contact: |
|
www.skifamille.co.uk |
| Email: |
|
info@skifamille.co.uk |
| Phone: |
|
0845 64 437 64 |
| Stay: |
|
"Select" Chalet Le Marjorie, Les Gets, France |
| Location: |
|
Situated close to heart of the picturesque French resort of Les Gets. The slopes are an easy five minute walk away.
|
| Skiing: |
|
Les Gets is an excellent resort for beginner and intermediate skiers, with access to plenty of green and blue runs. More advanced skiers will enjoy the challenging red and black runs that the resort has to offer and there is superb off piste. Les Gets is an excellent base for exploring the massive Portes du Soleil ski area.
|
| Accommodation: |
|
Le Marjorie is a newly renovated property encompassing the best elements of traditional Savoyard architecture with modern facilities and conveniences. The chalet, which sleeps up to 21, has a large living room with an adjoining library area. There is an open fire and plenty of comfortable seating. The dining area is separate to the living room and is next to the chalet's playroom. The chalet also has a steam room.
There are four family suites and two separate bedrooms, all of which are en-suite. Family suites consist of a double room and a twin room with a shared en-suite bathroom (shower or bath). Catering includes; breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal. 'Select' chalets also have pre-dinner drinks and snacks, choice of wines with evening meal, wireless internet access and a daily chambermaid service.
Catering includes breakfast, afternoon tea and a 4 course evening meal with a choice of wines.
|
| Childcare: |
|
The chalet’s playroom is well equipped with toys, games and arts and crafts materials. Ski Famille childcarers will keep your children entertained throughout the day, ensuring that their holiday is every bit as enjoyable as yours. An evening babysitting service is also available.
|
| Nearby: |
|
Ice rink, bowling alley, cinema (films in English several times a week), beauty salon, excellent restaurants/bars, market, snowshoe walking, paragliding and dog sledding.
|
| Travel: |
|
1 ¼ hours Gatwick to Geneva, then transfer time of approximately 1 ¼ hours. Holidays include return P&O Dover-Calais ferry crossings, Eurotunnel or airport transfers. Chalet le Marjorie has ample off-road parking.
|
| Price guide: |
|
Adults £705 to £1,375 Children £590 to £1,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chalet Katie, Reberty Village, Three Valleys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Ski Famille
|
| Contact: |
|
www.skifamille.co.uk |
| Email: |
|
info@skifamille.co.uk |
| Phone: |
|
0845 64 437 64 |
| Stay: |
|
Chalet Katie, Reberty Village, Three Valleys |
| Location: |
|
Situated in the heart of the world renowned Three Valleys just above Les Menuires and two minutes traffic free walk from the piste |
| Skiing: |
|
Reberty Village is an excellent base for intermediate skiers and expert skiers, with easy access to terrain of all standards. More advanced skiers will enjoy the quick links to the other Three Valleys resorts including Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel. |
| Accommodation: |
|
Chalet is a newly refurbished property which combines modern facilities with traditional Savoie design. The chalet, which sleeps up to 13, has a large living room with a south facing terrace. There is an open fire and plenty of comfortable seating. There is a separate playroom and a spa room with a hot tub and sauna.
There are a mix of double, twin and family rooms. All are ensuite and a number of bathrooms have Jacuzzi baths.
Catering includes; breakfast, afternoon tea and a four course evening meal. You will also enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks, a choice of wines with your evening meal, wireless internet access and a daily chambermaid service. |
| Childcare: |
|
The chalet’s playroom is well equipped with toys, games and arts and crafts materials. Ski Famille childcarers will keep your children entertained throughout the day, ensuring that their holiday is every bit as enjoyable as yours. An evening babysitting service is also available. |
| Nearby: |
|
Sports centre and swimming pool (Les Menuires) excellent restaurants/bars, paragliding and dog sledding. |
| Travel: |
|
1 ¼ hours Gatwick to Geneva, then transfer time of approximately 2 ¼ hours. Holidays include return P&O Dover-Calais ferry crossings, Eurotunnel upgrade or airport transfers. Chalet Katie off-road parking. |
| Price guide: |
|
Adults £705 to £1,375 Children £590 to £1,225
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Snowgums, Serre Chevalier |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stay: |
|
Snowgums, www.alpsholiday.com
|
| Contact: |
|
Pippa 00 33 (0)492 20 44 26, info@alpsholiday.com
|
| About: |
|
These beautiful, spacious apartments are perfect for families and groups. With large beamed ceilings and vaulted ceilings throughout they offer cosy and comfortable accommodation and are equipped with good facilities, including high chairs, booster seat, cot and baby bath. The showers are great and there is lots of room for kids to play and adults to socialise in a relaxed atmosphere. There is a games cupboard, for adults as well as the young, a library of novels, and toys for infants and toddlers are provided. There is an excellent drying room in the basement and under-floor and central heating throughout.
Childcare is catered for in-house, either for a full week or part-days (contact alpsholiday.com for prices), and catering by a local chef for evening meals can be provided if booked in advance.
The old farmhouse, Snowgums, in which the apartments are situated has a half acre walled garden, with lots of fruit trees, and is just five minutes from the Serre Chevalier main cable car. Briancon old town has steep cobbled streets and lots to explore, and this is also only five minutes away. The main centre of Briancon, with all amenities, including swimming pool and tennis courts, is also only… five minutes away!
Opposite Snowgums a large field slopes down to a glacial river on the edge of a wood. Awash with flowers in the spring, abuzz with the sound of crickets in the summer, this field makes a great tabogan slope in the winter! The house has beautiful Alpine views in all directions – truly at the heart of Serre Chevalier.
There are two apartments, one sleeping 6 and one sleeping 4, and these are frequently booked together for two families or a group. Prices start from £360 per apartment per week (£60 per person), 490 euros per apartment per week (82 euros per person). Family discounts apply where there are a maximum of two people over the age of twelve per apartment.
Serre Chevalier offers all the activities you could want in both summer and winter, is more relaxed than some Alpine areas and really promises some magic experiences. With wonderful valleys to explore, the Italian border just 15 minutes drive away, and villages, hikes, cycle rides and skiing in all directions there is so much to explore. Alps Holidays help clients with recommendations and directions wherever they are able to, including excellent ski instruction with a local British Ski School.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premier Neige, Sainte Foy, French Alps |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stay: |
|
Premiere Neige (http://www.premier-neige.com)
|
| Location: |
|
Offering comfortable, quality, new catered chalets and self catered chalets and apartments in the exclusive and breathtaking resort of Sainte Foy, in the French Alps. A stimulating, safe and fun crèche service from babies’ age 6 months to 6 years.
|
| Kids ski free: |
|
In the remarkable resort of Sainte Foy children under the age of 7 ski free. This is great for parents who want young kids to enjoy the fun and excitement of winter in the snow. With quiet pisted runs and a flawless crèche and nanny service, Premiere Neige do everything possible to make holidays simple, relaxing and fun for the whole family. |
| For children: |
|
Crèche:
The “Cub Club” crèche is located in the heart of Sainte Foy resort. It is purpose built, fully licensed and is one of the best equipped ski crèches in the French Alps.
The Cub Club is stocked with a wide range of toys and games and has a central play area, separate sleeping room which is fully monitored, a separate dining area, under-floor heating throughout, children’s toilet and nappy changing facilities.
Crèche places are limited so children receive personal attention by the team of qualified nannies who provide a fun, caring environment.
Ski Holiday Private Nannies & Babysitting
Premiere Neige believe that quality childcare & flexibility are fundamental to an enjoyable family ski holiday which is why they not only offer the Cub Club Crèche but also the choice of having your our Private Nanny whilst on holiday.
Nannies can be with your children all day from 9am to 5pm, 6 days a week. The nanny will prepare fun filled indoor and outdoor activities for your children as well as a nutritious, yummy lunch.
The nanny will be able to drop off and pick up children from ski lessons, bring them to visit you for lunch or entertain them all day long while you enjoy your skiing!
Evening babysitting service whilst you are on holiday...
In order to help you fully relax and enjoy you holiday, Premiere Neige provide evening babysitters so parents can enjoy the local bars and restaurants. All trained staff are contactable by phone throughout the evening.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
chalet concept one, Chamonix |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stay: |
|
chalet concept one, Chamonix (www.conceptchalets.com)
|
| Travel with: |
|
Book direct with Concept Chalets (nikki@conceptchalets.com), quoting babygoes2.com.
|
| Location: |
|
Chalet Concept One is a luxurious 5-star chalet, situated in the beautiful valley of Chamonix. Combing style with comfort, luxury with escapism, the chalet is as unique and special as its surroundings.
Emphasis is placed on making a visit to the chalet as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Guests are greeted at the airport on arrival in chauffeured 4by4s, which are on call for the rest of their stay, day or night. Gourmet food and wine, continental or cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and discrete but attentive service all add to the sense of well-being.
Chamonix is a unique resort, envied the world over for the quality of its snow and unlimited terrain. 90% of the ski areas are located above 2000 metres, making Chamonix a 'guaranteed snow resort'. There are four nursery slopes, a selection of numerous children's ski schools and a wealth of other activities such as snowshoeing, husky dog sleigh rides, sledging, ice-skating and some stunning sightseeing opportunities such as the Aiguille du Midi, Europe's highest cable car. Chamonix town is a vibrant Apline centre, with a wide selection of typical cafes, pastry shops, bars, restaurants and shops.
|
| Accommodation: |
|
The chalet offers accommodation for 10 (with room for two extra children) and is available to let as a whole, throughout the year, on a weekly basis.
The mood is captured through a calm white interior, deep sofas, soft lighting and bright splashes of colour in each individually designed room. The bedrooms provide a contemporary mix of comfort and technology, whilst the tranquil bathrooms provide you with a quiet sanctuary, somewhere to relax after a day on the slopes.
The chalet has a magnificent outdoor hot-tub with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Within the chalet is a dedicated sauna and spa room where guests can enjoy a range of massage and beauty treatments.
The team of six staff including gourmet chef will ensure you have everything you could wish for throughout your stay.
|
| For children: |
|
The chalet is equipped with baby car-seats, buggies, stair gates and high chairs. Children's dining is entirely flexible, and kiddies' menus and early dining times can be organised. The chalet has a well-stocked toy box for younger children as well as a good range of board games and DVDs. Approved baby-sitters and child minders can be booked in advance of your stay (extra charge).
As well as having the usual private or group lessons for children, there are ski schools which welcome children for whole or half days, offering both tuition and supervision. A play area and chalet equipped with toys, Playstation and other activities ensures children are kept entertained when they are not skiing. Lunch provided. From age 3 upwards.
In addition, the following activities also available for children: husky dog rides, swimming pool and water garden (at sports centre for 6 months to 4 years), sledging, climbing wall, bungee-trampoline, ice-skating, torch-lit mountain descent (adults would probably enjoy this as well).
|
| Price guide: |
|
Winter prices range from £11,000 to £19,000 (Christmas and New Year £24-£27,000) for the entire chalet, sleeping 10 adults plus 2 extra children.
Included in the weekly rate is:
- Direct private transfer from airport to Chalet
- Welcome champagne on arrival
- Early morning tea and coffee in your room
- Cooked or Continental breakfast of your choice
- Afternoon tea and newspapers
- Open drinks cabinet - a selection of wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks
- Gourmet food for 6 evenings of your stay
- Telephone, fax and internet facilities
- Flat-screen TV, DVD and internet in all rooms
- Stunning natural location with spectacular views of the Mt Blanc massif
- Outdoor Jacuzzi/Indoor Sauna
- In-house spa with full range of massage and beauty treatments (optional extras)
- A child friendly Chalet complete with cots, stair gates, highchairs and toys
- 2 chauffeur driven 4x4 chalet vehicles at your disposal, to take you wherever, whenever, as often as you like. The value of this service should not be under estimated
Read our Luxury villas guide entry for chalet concept one
Read our Alpine guide entry for chalet concept one
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure • Read/write review
|
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meriski Chalets, Meribel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Meriski
|
| What they offer: |
|
Wonderful
ski company with a reputation for excellent resort staff, offering beautiful
catered chalets sleeping between 8 and 12 people.
|
| Location: |
|
France:
Meribel
|
| Accommodation: |
|
Meriski
chalets combine all the warmth and welcome of home with the style of a cosy
hotel. You will find the best in comfort, convenience and facilities together
with a caring atmosphere that makes your stay pure pleasure. All chalets have
log fires, cable TV, a video, CD player, board games, magazines and a
telephone. Some chalets have additional features such as a sauna or hot tub or
heated boot rack. Meriski chalet hosts are carefully chosen not simply for
their impressive talents in the kitchen, but for their friendly and unflappable
natures, responsible outlook and commitment to customer service. At least one
staff member in each chalet has a cookery qualification or relevant experience
and all take pride in keeping your chalet spotless. Breakfast, afternoon tea
and a wonderful evening meal are all prepared in the chalet. Special children's
menus are available.
Meriski offers a team of drivers who provide an efficient and friendly shuttle
service within the resort. They will drive you to and from the slopes at the
beginning and end of the ski day in the Meriski minibuses. There is also a
lunchtime service which operates for those who wish to return to their chalet.
|
| Childcare facilities: |
|
Meriski
Nanny service for ages 0-5 years.
A team of CACHE (NNEB), similarly qualified or experienced nannies are on hand
to care for babies and children aged six years and under, either at the fully
equipped crèche or in your chalet. Nannies work six days a week –
Monday to Saturday. Meriski nannies will arrive at your chalet by 8.30am, when
youngsters booked into the crèche are collected and driven in our
minibus which is fitted with children's car seats and seat belts. Children are
delivered home again at teatime. The crèche is well stocked with toys to
suit most ages. A box of playthings will be delivered to your chalet if you
have booked the in-chalet nanny service. Children enjoy safe, supervised play
out of doors on sunny days. Youngsters too tired to ski for the whole day can
be collected at the end of their morning ski class and taken back to their
chalet for lunch and afternoon care, or to the crèche.
MeriKids 6-12 years
The MeriKids club offers older children either morning or afternoon care at the
Merikids Club House, conveniently situated towards the end of the Doron home
piste. Merikids is run by a qualified nanny having particular experience with
older children. The service includes ski school delivery and collection except
for the 9 and 9.15am classes where parents are asked to carry out this duty.
Mid morning snacks, lunch and afternoon tea are included, depending upon
whether morning, afternoon or full day care has been booked. An exciting
programme, including indoor and outdoor activities, has been designed to keep
children happy, enthusiastic and well occupied.
Meriski can only offer 8 places in their crèche so to complement this
crèche service, Méribel's ski kindergarten, Les P'tits Loups, run
by the Ecole du Ski Français is recommended. It provides morning,
afternoon or all day care in a stimulating environment for children aged
between three and five.
Meriski Crèche: £350 per child (under 2 years) and £300 per child (over 2 years) for 6 full days, (8.30am - 5.00pm) including lunch and refreshments; £200 per child (under 2 years) and £175 per child (over 2 years) for 6 afternoons (12.30pm - 5.00pm) including lunch. After ski school creche and pick up (11.15am - 5pm) £250 per child including lunch; 6 mornings sessions (8.30am - 12.30pm) excluding lunch £150 per child (under 2 years) and £125 per child (over 2 years).
Private nannies: As per the crèche but please note the prices are based on a minimum of two children paying £325 each. (A private nanny for 1 child will cost £600) Private Nannies work 5 and half days per week from Monday - Saturday, the half day is flexible and is arranged between the parents and nanny at the beginning of their stay.
Evening babysitting can also be arranged at an extra cost and is bookable
through our Méribel office on arrival.
For children requiring skiing lessons it is recommended that these are
pre-booked as space is always limited.
|
| Travel time: |
|
Flights
to Chambery (about 60 miles away) or Geneva (80 miles away) Transfer times
range from 1 – 2 ½ hours.
|
| Price guide: |
|
Prices
from about £620 - £1395 per person per week which includes adult
return flights, government and airport taxes, coach transfers to and from
Méribel together with accommodation and meals as described above.
Children's Reductions
2 - 11 yrs: In a main bed are given a reduction of £100 per week. Once
both main beds are occupied, a child taking a third bed in a parent?s room will
be charged at half the adult brochure price. Both adults must have paid the
full brochure price. When part of a whole chalet booking, all other main beds
in the chalet must be occupied before this discount applies. Qualifying age for
children's reductions is on the date of return from Méribel.
Children Under Two are charged £50 per child sleeping in their parents'
room. This includes flight and coach transfer (on parents' lap), cot, bedding,
high chair and food. £200 per child if you require a separate plane and
coach seat in addition to the above facilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure •
Read/write review
|
|
|
top
of page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collineige |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Collineige
|
| What do they offer: |
|
Small,
specialist company with 25 years' experience offering chalet accommodation in
Chamonix, France. Excellent service, in-depth knowledge of the area, great
food, luxury extras such as bathrobes all combine to make a stress-free skiing
holiday. Childcare available, but more of an add-on.
|
| Resort: |
|
Chamonix
has a very cosy 'real town' atmosphere and there is plenty to do if you're not
a keen skier - swimming, tennis, squash, skating, shopping and even a cinema.
It's also very picturesque with a good range of restaurants, cafes, bars.
Nursery slopes are right in the centre of town and very easy to get to. Good
medical facilities. Long season from December -early May.
|
| Accommodation: |
|
Variety
of chalets (sleeping from 2 – 14 people) which can be rented for a month,
a week or a weekend either fully catered or self-catered. Whole chalets or
individual rooms can be booked. Traditional, very comfortable accommodation.
Telephones, access to fax and internet, bathrobes, stereos, minibus, breakfast,
tea and four-course meal with wine. Flexible dining for children. Terrace, open
fire, video TV, games and books. Ten minutes to nearest lift, 5 minutes to
centre of town with drop off and collection service. High chairs and cots
provided.
|
| Childcare facilities: |
|
Cots
and highchairs easily provided. Children's skiing lessons and private
instructors available. Group lessons for 3 – 12 year olds cost EUR 98 for
six 2 hour lessons, EUR 185 for six 5 hour lessons. A number of qualified and
experienced carers available to look after children either in your chalet or in
their own homes. Cost in the region of £8-£9 per hour. A local
French crèche also available, age range 6months - 3 years.
|
| Travel time: |
|
Only
1hr 15mins from London to Geneva, then 1 hour to Chamonix. Very easy journey
with flight times making long weekends or short breaks very possible.
|
| Price guide: |
|
From
£715 per person per week in catered chalet, including flights and
transfers. Child discounts. Self catering chalets start from £370 for two
people and vary, according to the week and size of the property. The running
costs, such as linen, cleaning, telephone, electricity and heating fuel are
payable locally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure •
Read/write review
|
|
|
top
of page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Powder Byrne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Powder
Byrne
|
| What they offer: |
|
Powder
Byrne is the UK's leading prestige ski tour operator providing high quality
hotel accommodation with excellent all round service. As with its summer resort
programme, Powder Byrne strives to provide a high-class, stress-free holiday
which includes high standards of service along with high degree of flexibility
to enable each customer to tailor their skiing experience to their own wishes.
Everything is taken care of for you - flights, transfers, passes, equipment
hire, and information. Flexible departures, weeks or weekends.
|
| Where: |
|
Switzerland:
Arosa, Flims, Grindelwald, Klosters, Zermatt. France:
Courcheval 1850 Austria: St Christoph, Zurs. Italy: San Cassiano
|
| Accomodation: |
|
A
choice of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels situated in resort with easy access to the
slopes and all facilities. Board basis varies from hotel to hotel.
|
| Childcare facilities: |
|
Exclusive
Powder Byrne (pb) crèche for children aged 6 months to 3 years.
In each resort it is located in one of the hotels and is managed and operated
by PB's own qualified Nursery Nurses. Every crèche is well equipped with
toys for indoor play and on sunny days children enjoy outdoor activities.
Numbers are restricted with a staff to child ratio of 1:3. "pb" is
open between 9am and 4pm six days a week and is available in Zermatt, Flims,
Grindelwald and Arosa.
Price: £375 per child per week in peak season (excluding lunch, which
will be arranged and charged locally). During the low season, the PB
crèche is £195 per week.
Yeti Primer gives the older crèche children the opportunity to
put skis on for the first time under the supervision of a professional ski
instructor. The children are based in "pb" and taken out for an hour
or two on 5 out of the 6 days to enjoy their first small steps on skis and
generally to build their confidence in a snowy environment. Price: £450
per child per week during school holidays and £415 per child per week outside school holidays (excludes lunch).
Yeti Club is PB's own private ski school for children aged 4 to 9 years.
The Yeti team collects children from the hotel, helps the instructors supervise
them all day and returns them to the hotel. The ski instruction is with
professional English-speaking instructors who specialise in childcare and
tuition. Class sizes are kept as small as possible and clubs are based on an
average adult to child ratio of 1:7. Children are divided into categories
according to age and ability and ski group sizes may vary according to the
ability and mix of the children. Available in Courchevel 1850, Zermatt, Flims,
Grindelwald, St Christoph, Zürs, Arosa and Klosters.
SnoZone is for children aged 10 to 14 years. The aim is to have fun
learning new skills on the mountain with PB instructors and to enjoy a couple
of evening activities with new friends. The week includes a day on snowblades,
which are not only great fun but excellent training too. All SnoZone
participants must be able to ski a red run with confidence, cope with all types
of lift system and be able to ski all day without getting too tired. SnoZone
operates in all PB's resorts.
Also available are special Martin Bell team training weeks in Zermatt and
Snowboard classes in February half term.
Places are taken on a first-come, first-served basis so we highly recommend
booking early, especially for school holiday times.
|
| Travel: |
|
All
flights are usually with British Airways or Swiss International Airlines.
Transfer times range from 2 to 3 hours up to your resort.
|
| Price guide: |
|
Klosters, 4 star Hotel Alpina: February from £1.365 pp per week
Courcheval 1850, 3 star Hotel Crystal: February from £1.689 pp per week
Zermatt, 4 star Hotel Schweizerhof: February from £1.620 pp per week
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure •
Read/write review
|
|
|
top
of page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Warner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Travel with: |
|
Mark
Warner
|
| What they offer: |
|
Thirty
years of skiing holiday experience. World class resorts with reliable snow and
ski areas to suit all levels of skier and snowboarder. MW Ski Hosts who show
you around and make you feel at home, great childcare facilities so good
they've won awards, and accommodation that combines the ambience of a chalet
with the comforts of a hotel.
|
| Where: |
|
France:
Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Val D'Isere, Meribel, Courchevel 1850, Tignes, Alpe
d'Huez. Austria: St Anton. Italy: Courmeyeur
|
| Accommodation: |
|
The
standard and size of the chalet hotels vary quite considerably. In Meribel for
example, rooms are all en suite with their own balcony, telephone, TV and
fridge. In Val D'Isere only 50% of the rooms have their own wc. The standard is
uniformly good however. Common facilities vary of course too - from small
lounge/bars to quite grand restaurants and lounges with saunas and jacuzzis.
Depends how much you want to spend, how much room you prefer and how many other
facilities you're interested in.
|
| For children: |
|
Most of the chalet hotels recommended for families have the crèche right on site. Fully qualified and trained staff. Available every day except Sunday from 9.00 to 5.30.
Baby Club: 4 -11 months. Ratio: 1 nanny to 2 babies
Cost: £285 per child per week plus the relevant holiday cost
Toddler Club: 1 year – 2 years inclusive
Plenty of fun now activities - building snowmen, tobogganing and (the delicious sounding) chocolate trips.
£285 per child for 6 days, plus the relevant holiday cost.
Mini Club: –3 - 5 years inclusive
Children aged 3-5 years enjoy a fun-packed programme of activities six days of the week. Indoors, there are arts and crafts, face painting and games. Outdoor excitement might include cable-car rides and snowman-building. We are happy to arrange either full day or half-day ski school for 4 to 5 year olds, with drop-off and collection by the childcare staff. For those who are keen to get their little ones on the slopes early, the snowman kindergarten in La Plagne teaches children from 3 years of age.
Cost is £180 per child per week plus the relevant holiday cost
Kidz Club
The Kidz Club runs during the week from 9am to 6.30pm* and until 1pm on Saturdays, this club is for 6-12 year old skiers and non-skiers. Skiers are taken to and collected from ski school by our childcare team in the mornings and afternoons, and join the other children in the Chalethotel for lunch. Non-skiers spend the day enjoying a range of indoor and outdoor activities such as treasure hunts, tobogganing and hot chocolate trips, with skiers joining in the fun after their lessons.
Not available at the Rosanna, Moris and Cristallo.
Available at the Tovière during the main school holidays only when children aged 7yrs+ are welcome.
Childcare x 5 1/2 days
9.00am - 6.30pm* daily & 9.00am - 1.00pm on Saturdays
Supervised lunch and high tea
Cost is £150 per child per week plus the relevant holiday cost.
Travel cots, bottle sterilisers, nappy changing facilities and potties are
provided. Nappies, processed baby foods and powdered milk can all be purchased
locally. 24 hour kitchen facilities are available in all chalethotels which
offer crèche facilities.
Room listening service and babysitting
Every night, except Sundays, between 7.30pm and 11.00pm a member of the
childcare staff will tour the rooms listening at the doors of the children's
rooms. If your child is crying or unhappy, they will let you know. On the
dining out night, they will resettle any children who wake up. This service is
provided until midnight. Extra baby-sitting can be arranged through the Head
Nanny at '12 an hour.
Videos
Each evening at 6pm we have a video showing for the younger children and
another sitting at 7:30pm for the older children. These sittings are
unsupervised.
Lunch: Children booked into childcare clubs will be provided with lunch
at the chalethotel. This is supervised by the Childcare staff.
High Tea: At 5.00pm, the kitchen provides a children's meal. Parents are
responsible for their children's supervision, unless they are booked into one
of the childcare clubs, when a nanny/playleader will supervise.
|
| Travel: |
|
1-2
hr charter flight from the UK. Ttransfer times vary.
|
| Price guide: |
|
Example:
Chalethotel Schweizerhof, St Anton: One of best quality chalethotels, sauna and steam room, good sized lounge and dining rooms, lovely crèche, TV, ensuite. Second week of Jan: £769 per adult, child prices vary depending on room type.
Other top quality, family friendly recommendation: Tarentaise, Meribel: Great position, 5 mins walk from centre Mottaret, ski to door. Jacuzzi, large sun terrace, spacious rooms, very stylish dining/lounge areas. Second week of Jan £731 per adult per week, child prices vary depending on room type.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request brochure •
Read/write review
|
|
|
top
of page |
|
|
|
press
|
advertise with us
| feedback |
about us
|
contact us
|
disclaimer
|
privacy policy
©
|
|
|
|
