Children

Skiing is a great family activity, and once your little ones have mastered the basics, it won't be long before they're whizzing past you down the mountains, singing their hearts out.  However, until that time, you'll want to make sure they have a great holiday and are well looked after - we know only too well that a happy child will make for a happy holiday for you!

Most ski schools start children skiing from the age of 4, although ESF run a kindergarten for 3 - 5 year olds that includes playing about on skis.  At this age they normally can manage a couple of hours on the slopes before they tire and want to go home.  Luckily in Meribel, there are other activities for little ones to enjoy - like the Olympic Swimming Centre. 

What are your childcare options?
If your kids aren't skiing all day, and you are, then you have various choices for childcare, if you haven't brought your own nanny or grandparent.  (Grandparents are very good options, unless, like ours, they, aged 73, with one arm in plaster, end up taking your 6 year olds down black runs for fun - ho hum!) 

There are three companies we recommend:

Kids Etc offer you a nanny to come your chalet and look after the kids on a weekly basis.  They will look after babies and children from 6 months old upwards.  They also offer babysitting.

Snow Angel Nannies offer a similar service, but will take babies from 3 months upwards.

Merinannies are a nanny and babysitter finding service.  You pay them an agency fee and they'll find you a nanny.  These nannies tend to be more flexible and should be able to work hours to suit you (usually with a 4 hour minimum each day)

Alternatively, the French Ski School, ESF run two playschools:-

• Les Piou Piou Kindergarden (ages 3-5 years), with fun on snow-covered playgrounds.
• Les Saturnins Day Nursery (age 18 months to 3 years), with indoor and outdoor activities.

If you wanted a private nanny on an ad hoc basis - say for some mornings, or a couple of afternoons, then talk to us.  We know many suitable in resort nannies who can look after your children as and when you need them.  The more notice you give us the better, as they do get booked up.  

We can also arrange babysitters if you want to go out on your chalet hosts' night off. This can normally be sorted out the week before your holiday.

If I don't want to take my child skiing, what else can we do?
On the Meribel pages you'll find details of all the other activities going on in and around Meribel, suitable for little and big kids - from the swimming pool, to the cinema, from the bowling alley to bobsleigh.  Enjoy!