If you’re a keen skier, the moment when your child puts on their first skis and starts gliding across the snow is unforgettable. We hold their hands, encourage them and reassure them when they have their first falls. But what about your own time on the slopes? How can you offer your child an exceptional stay while still enjoying your own skiing holiday?
Fortunately, with day nurseries, ski schools and home care, the vast majority of ski resorts offer several childcare options. We discuss them in this article and recommend a few reliable addresses in various resorts in the Alps.
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How can I arrange childcare in the mountains?
Here are some things to consider when looking after your children on a ski holiday:
1. The age of your children
Parents with children under the age of 3 may wish to consider hiring a private nanny during their ski holiday. You’ll find specialist childminders for young children and babies in most Alpine resorts.
Older children (e.g. those aged between 5 and 10) who don’t want to spend a whole day on skis can be enrolled in a children’s club for the rest of the time. By opting for a ski club, you’re giving your children an excellent introduction to skiing from an early age.
2. The number of children
Bear in mind that babysitting services often have a strict child/childminder ratio, especially for younger children. So you may incur extra costs if you want to have more than one child looked after at a time.
3. The ski resort
Some resorts are better equipped than others when it comes to childcare. The “Famille Plus” label is awarded to resorts that offer services specifically for family holidays. You’re sure to find activities and entertainment for all ages, special rates, shops selling baby equipment, in-resort childcare facilities, and so on.
4. Documents and equipment
Some childcare centres may ask you to bring the following documents and equipment with you:
- Your child’s health record (with proof of vaccinations);
- Nappies;
- A change of clothes;
- A dummy;
- A snack.
Please make sure each item is marked with your child’s name.
What are your childcare options in the mountains?
IMPORTANT
If you’re going to the Alps during the school holidays (Christmas or February), it’s essential to plan childcare well in advance, to make sure you can secure a place.
L’École du Ski Français (ESF)
Some ESF branches have nurseries open to children from the age of 3 months, where instructors offer early-learning activities, indoor games and arts and crafts.
From the age of 3, “Club Piou-Piou” introduces them to snow and skiing with fun lessons in safe, specially-designed areas. The lessons develop progressively, in small groups (4-7 pupils), so your children can learn quickly.
The ESF welcomes teenagers up to the age of 18 for ski lessons adapted to each level. They’ll be able to progress safely under the guidance of professional instructors.
Good to know: Some ski schools do not look after children over the lunch break. However, many ESF schools offer “ski and childcare” packages to keep your children occupied before or after lessons.
Daycare centres
Daycare is ideal when you want to enjoy an occasional getaway as a couple or with friends, without the children. The activities on offer are manual or sporting, themed, indoors or outdoors, to entertain, educate and exercise the children.
Most ski resort nurseries are open to children from the age of 12 or 18 months, but some offer their services from the age of 3 months.
Budget: Day nurseries offer half-day or full-day packages, and prices vary from one resort to another. Expect to pay around €40 for half a day, €60 for a full day, and around €70 for a day with lunch.
Crèches
Entrusting your little one to a crèche will allow you to enjoy a few runs on the slopes with peace of mind, or to take part in an activity that he or she might not be able to keep up with.
These facilities welcome babies from the age of 3 months. They organise games indoors, as well as supervised outings for older children, including making snowmen and sledging. Your children will be able to socialise and make friends during their ski holidays.
Budget: You should expect to pay about €30 for a half day and between €40 and €50 for a full day.
Children’s clubs
During a ski holiday, children’s clubs are a good childcare solution for children aged 3 and over.
They will enjoy a varied programme of activities suited to their age (igloo building, snowshoeing, etc.), in a safe environment. You can often choose packages that include ski lessons, meals and childcare after their ski lessons.
Budget: The average price across the Alps is €140 for a 20-hour pass.
Baby-sitters
The childcare centres in your ski resort will not necessarily accommodate children under 12 months. In this case you can turn to a home-based childminder, who will look after older children just as well.
Please note that the minimum age for baby-sitting is 16. As babysitting is a paid activity, you will need to sign an employment contract.
Budget: The starting rate for a baby-sitter is the minimum hourly wage (SMIC), although it may be slightly higher. It will increase according to the number of children to be looked after or other services, such as meal preparation.
Childminders
You can also hire a childminder under an occasional childcare contract. Note that you will then be the employer and will have to provide documents at the end of the contract: employer’s certificate, employment certificate and receipt for the balance of the account.
You can consult the URSSAF website to find an approved professional. Other websites, such as “Nounou-top” or “Garder mes enfants”, provide a nanny-finding service.
Budget: A childminder’s pay is calculated on the basis of a minimum hourly wage, plus a maintenance allowance. Compensation for meals and mileage allowances may be added to this.
Choose a “Cool for Kids” chalet from OVO Network
For a successful holiday with your family, consider booking an OVO Network “Cool for Kids” or “Cool for Kids Extra” chalet. These labels guarantee that the chalets have all the equipment and utensils you need to cater for children of all ages, including:
- For hygiene: changing table, potty, etc.;
- For safety: stairgate, fireguard, socket covers, etc.;
- For meals: children’s cutlery, crockery and glasses, highchair, etc.;
- For the bedroom: cot, nightlight, blackout blinds or curtains;
- For the bathroom: non-slip matting, steps, bath seat;
- To keep them occupied: games and activities, colouring pencils, felt pens, books and outdoor games, etc.
Childcare recommendations in the Alps
Portes du Soleil
“Les Marmottins” day nursery (Morzine)
This day nursery lets you drop off your children during the day so that you can make the most of your day on the slopes.
Children arrive in the morning after having breakfast. The nursery will settle the child in and take care of their meals and snacks, as well as activities and naps. You can then collect your child at any time in the morning or afternoon, depending on your booking.
“Garder mes enfants” (Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel)
The “Garder mes enfants” platform offers babysitting services at an hourly rate by local young people, available for a day, half day or evening.
Visit their website to look at the profiles available and choose a nanny you can trust.
3 Vallées
Ski Nanny (Val Thorens, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires)
Ski Nanny provides a tailor-made service in the 3 Vallées. The nannies come to your home, bringing with them an age-appropriate toy box, art equipment and sledges. For your peace of mind, they send photos throughout the day by text message or email.
Ski Nanny offers services in French, English, Italian, Polish, Arabic and Hebrew.
Grand Massif
“Les P’tits Loups” day nursery (Flaine)
Les P’tits Loups day nursery welcomes children aged 6 months to 3 years, from mid-December to the end of April. The nursery staff will organise games and educational activities for your children, right in the centre of Flaine.
“La Souris verte” crèche and “Les Loupiots” club (Les Carroz)
These two facilities in Les Carroz will take care of your children from the age of 6 months to 3 years and from 3 to 12 years. Qualified activity leaders offer sports and fun activities, both indoors and outdoors. For full details, visit the official commune website.
“La Marmotte” leisure centre (Samoëns)
This leisure centre, run by the Communauté de Communes, is open to children aged 3 to 10, during the school holidays only. A registration form must be submitted in advance – you can get it here. There is also a leisure centre in Samoëns and Taninges for young people aged 11 to 17.
“Le Village des enfants” day nursery (Morillon)
This nursery accepts children from 18 months to 7 years old. Indoor and outdoor activities are designed to suit each age group, including creative workshops and ski lessons. Bookings can be made with the ESF – see their website for more information.
Chamonix
Kids Palace (Chamonix)
Kids Palace welcomes children aged from 4 to 12, only during the Christmas period and the February holidays. It’s open from 8.30am to 6pm, Sunday to Friday, and in the evening on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8pm to 9.30pm. On the programme: treasure hunts, cookery workshops, early-learning activities, etc.
“Les Chavants” day nursery (Les Houches)
Les Chavants nursery welcomes children aged from 3 to 11 for a full or half day, with or without lunch. They will enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including games in the snow and creative workshops. The nursery is in a chalet next to the Prarion cable car.
In the same resort, a crèche-halte nursery caters for children aged 3 months to 3 years.
“Rose Bonbon” micro-crèche (Servoz)
Children aged between 10 weeks and 4 years can join the Rose Bonbon micro-crèche, which charges by the hour.
You can also download a list of recommended babysitters in the Chamonix area from this page.
Les Aravis
Merinannies (La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand)
Merinannies is a private childcare service operating in La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, as well as in Chamonix, Courchevel, Megève and Méribel.
“Les P’tits Montagnards” children’s centre (La Clusaz)
In winter, Les P’tits Montagnards has 24 places for non-skiing children aged from 8 months to 3 years. Children can enjoy a range of indoor activities, including art and music. To find out more, visit their website.
Club des Champions (La Clusaz)
In winter, the Club des Champions welcomes children aged 3 to 5 during the school holidays, and 6 to 11 outside the Christmas and February holidays. The centre has 40 places, eight of which are reserved for 3-year-olds.
Aravis Babysitting (Aravis)
Aravis Babysitting offers childcare services for guests staying in Les Aravis. Visit their Facebook page to get in touch and find out more.
Megève / Évasion Mont-Blanc
Merinannies (Megève)
Merinannies is a private childcare service operating in Megève, as well as in Chamonix, Courchevel, Méribel, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand.
“Les Enfants d’Abord” (Megève)
Les Enfants d’Abord offers babysitting services during the day or evening.
Garderie des Neiges (Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce)
This nursery caters for children aged 2 to 6 and is located at the foot of the slopes, below the ESF. It’s the ideal place to drop your child off before a session on the slopes.
Garderie des Neiges Le Bettex (Saint-Gervais)
This nursery is run in conjunction with the ESF’s Piou Piou Club and caters for children aged 3 to 9. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Espace Diamant
“Les Pralinous” micro-crèche (Praz-sur-Arly)
Housed in a chalet in the heart of the village, this crèche has a playroom, a rest room and a garden. Childcare professionals look after children aged from 6 months to 3 years, all week except Saturdays, throughout the winter season. See the Town Hall website for full details.
“Les P’tits Malins” (Crest-Voland)
Les P’tits Malins day nursery offers entertainment and early-learning activities for the little ones, as well as indoor games, on a sunny terrace with a secure snow play area. Open every day from 9am to 5pm, it is located right next to the snow garden and can accommodate up to 10 children aged 18 months to 6 years.
“Les Petits Montagnards” ski nursery (La Giettaz)
The team of professionals at Les Petits Montagnards offer fun indoor and outdoor activities, depending on the weather: snow games, sledging, walks, etc. Ski lessons can also be provided. Places are limited to 10 children aged between 3 and 6.
“La Maison des Lutins” micro-crèche (Flumet)
The micro-crèche in Flumet has 13 places for children aged 2 and a half to 4. Ideal for après-ski childcare, it is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.15pm, except public holidays.
The resorts in the Alps offer a wide range of childcare options for your ski holidays, from crèches for toddlers to ski lessons for teenagers. And with this list of recommendations, you now know what to expect and where to look.
If you haven’t yet booked your accommodation for your family ski holiday, take a look at our “Cool for Kids” chalet selection below:
Tous nos chalets adaptés aux enfants
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