A Child-Friendly Ski Resort
There’s few better holidays to enjoy as a family than a ski holiday. Long days spent in the fresh mountain air, having fun and making memories to last a lifetime but, we understand it can feel like a lot to organise. This page has been created to guide you through every question you may have about skiing with children.
Our services to suit you
We are dedicated to ensuring that your family ski holiday with Ski Basics is your best one yet. That’s why, our family friendly services can be catered to best suit you and your family and our experienced staff are on hand both in the chalet and from behind the scenes to make sure each detail and family member is taken care of.
From toys and equipment in the chalet to delicious, nourishing kids meals prepared by your host, each element has been considered to provide you with that totally taken care of feeling, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday to the full.
Family-friendly chalets
It is so important that you, as parents, feel comfortable in our chalets and know that the children are in a safe environment. We therefore provide, at no extra cost, stair gates, cots, high chairs and baby monitors upon request. We can also organise the rental of push chairs for the week and all our transport vehicles have booster seats and child car seats. There will be a selection of books and games in your chalet and sledges for you all to enjoy on sunny afternoons.
Help from your chalet host
Your chalet host will prepare fresh and well balanced food that the children will enjoy and is also able to prepare it for an earlier dinner sitting at 6:30 if you prefer. Children are, of course, also more than welcome to eat at the same time as adults. We do our utmost to source the best quality ingredients to make healthy, homemade family favourites. Dishes include shepherd’s pie, fish goujons with seasonal vegetables and fun nights with DIY pizza’s will bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Visit our food page to learn more.
We understand that happy children mean happy parents, so we do our best to go above and beyond to ensure each and every family member has a memorable time. Your host will be pleased to help kids wind down for the evening by preparing warm drinks with bedtime books to be enjoyed by the fire after an action packed day on the mountain.
Skiing with children
So now you know things will be taken care of at the chalet, but the prospect of navigating the day on the slopes may still feel like a lot to consider but fear not. There are an array of high quality activities, child care services and ski schools available in Meribel. So, you can rest assured that no matter what your preference, you will find the perfect solution for unforgettable, action packed days on the slopes that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just the children!
If you’re still considering some of the broader details such as when to ski with children, how to choose the perfect resort or exactly what you’ll need to buy and pack, our Ultimate Guide for a Family Ski Holiday may be just what you’re looking for.
Finding a children's ski school
At Ski Basics we appreciate the importance of finding that perfect ski school and therefore only recommended our tried and tested local favourites. It’s always recommended to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment, especially during the school holidays.
Ski schools we recommend
Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines provide ‘Safari' courses for children, ranging from ‘Mini Green' (beginner 4-5 year olds) and encompassing children up to the age of 12. Except for the ‘Mini Green' (which is for 2 hours only), ‘Children's Safari' courses run Sunday-Friday for 4 hours each morning.
Oxygene
Oxygène is renowned for its superb children’s lessons with innovative activities to help kids get the most out of their time on the slopes. Groups are kept to a maximum of 6 children for “Little Ones” and 8 pupils for “Magic Fun Factory” and are taught exclusively in English. There’s also the option of having your children join in the Lunch Club, providing healthy, delicious food in a safe and social environment.
ESF (Ecole du Ski Français)
Meribel has one of the largest ESF communities in France with over 450 instructors all qualified to the highest level. Their repertoire includes skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, cross country skiing, snow-shoes, private and group lessons taught in English. Their two children's groups – Les Piou Piou and Les Saturnins – are very popular; they have a crèche for the tiny ones, three children's play areas, a designated heated chalet and two slalom stadiums.
Nannies in Meribel
Time on holiday is precious and we want to ensure that you as parents are also able to enjoy some time to yourselves. We work with the most reputable local nanny agencies to provide you with total peace of mind so you can take some much deserved time to yourselves, whilst safe in the knowledge that your children are being well looked after.
There are a few different nanny services to choose from but almost all organisations will be pleased to take care of children from 12 weeks up to 14 years old. There are a number of services to choose from so we are confident that you will find the perfect fit for you and your family.
Whilst there are a selection of nanny agencies available, they can be very popular and especially so during school holidays, so our advice is always to book as early as possible.
Nanny services we recommend
Meribel Nanny Services
Meribel Nanny Services is a fantastic company set up by Nicole, who prior to founding Meribel Nanny Services, spent 8 years working as a nanny in the French alps. Meribel Nanny Services offer highly reliable and friendly nannies who are all qualified and experienced, CRB checked and First Aid trained. As well as this, the nannies are trained in resort so that your children get to experience the best places to have fun in Meribel.
Merinannies
Merinannies, established in 2003 by an education expert with three decades of experience in education and childcare, has been dedicated to delivering first class childcare services across the French and Austrian Alps. The ultimate goal of the agency is to provide exceptional child care that ensures an unforgettable holiday for both cherished families and dedicated nannies.
Jelly and Ice Cream
After several successful years in Val d’Isere and Tignes, Jelly and Ice Cream now also operate in Courchevel and Meribel. Jelly and Ice Cream nannies will come to your chalet so that your children are in a familiar environment, and they are all DBS/CRB checked and first aid trained. Jelly and Ice Cream also offer equipment hire if there’s anything you’d rather not travel with but would like the use of in resort.
Creche options
For little ones ready to get familiar with skis but still a little too young for ski school, one of Meribel’s highly regarded creches could be the perfect option.
At the creches, children are able to play with others in a group setting. You also have the flexibility of either morning, afternoon or full-time care. You’re not constrained to booking the full week, you can pick and choose what works for you. Plus, with options available for children ages 18 months to 5 years old, there’s something for everyone and we are confident that you will find the best option for you and your littles ones.
As with local Ski Schools and Nanny Services, here at Ski Basic we will only recommend our tried and tested local favourites which are each provided by ESF Meribel. These services can be very popular so we would always recommend booking in advance, particularly during the school holidays.
Creche services we recommend
ESF - Club Piou-Piou, Mini Club Piou-Piou, and Les Saturins
Club Piou-Piou is suitable for children aged 4 - 5 and Mini Club Piou-Pio is geared towards younger snow lovers aged 3 - 4. Children engage in skiing lessons and snow games throughout the day and enjoy a morning snack as well as an optional lunch between 12:00 and 14:00.
Les Saturins accommodates children aged 18 months - 3. Toddlers are looked after by qualified professionals who offer a wide variety of activities throughout the day from reading books, singing and arts and crafts to snow games, sledging and playing in the garden.
Conveniently, as a Ski Basics guest, the meeting place is La Chaudanne.
"Emily our chalet host was superb. She was super friendly, professional and helpful. She was always on time and flexed her hours to ensure we all had breakfast before the kids early start at ski school. Emily went above and beyond, involving the kids in the cooking when they wanted to help and entertaining them when we just needed a few minutes peace to eat her amazing food."
Ali Connor - January, 2022FAQs
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When should I book my childcare?
Whilst there are several companies operating in Meribel, childcare is frequently in high demand, so the earlier you book the better!
If you are travelling during a peak week (Christmas, New Year, half-term, Easter) then booking early is particularly important.
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Do I have to book full days for the whole week?
Not necessarily. Information on individual companies can be found below. Some companies offer a flexible package or can offer just mornings/afternoons.
If you are travelling during a peak week (Christmas, New Year, half-term, Easter), you will probably be required to book the full week.
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What if I just want some babysitting during the staff night off?
No problem. Any of the companies above (apart from ESF) will be able to arrange a babysitting for you, just contact them directly.
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Will the nanny ski with the children?
No, nannies will happily drop off/collect your children to and from ski school but they will focus on other activities when looking after your children.
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What activities do childcare companies usually do with the children?
If you have requests, companies will look to accommodate them, however in general activities may include; sledging, snowman building, bus rides to parks and inside activities (painting, drawing, board games, puzzles etc.).
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Will the nanny come to the chalet?
Yes, with the exception of ESF Club Piou Piou, Mini Club Piou Piou and Les Saturins, the nannies will come to your chalet and take care of your children from there. You can speak to the childcare company about the arrangements and they will accommodate you.
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Will the nanny feed my child during the day?
The short answer is yes. However, each company works differently and may require extra money for lunches/snacks throughout the day. It’s best to discuss this directly with the childcare company.
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Will my child get to play with other children?
If you decide to use the ESF Club Piou Piou, Mini Club Piou Piou or Les Saturins then your child will be with other children.
If you decide to go with a private nanny you can discuss this with them, but generally if there are other children of a similar age with other nannies, they are often happy to meet up during the day to run joint activities.
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How many nannies do I need?
This depends on the number of children you have and their ages, and it varies between the companies. Details for specific companies can be found on their websites.
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Which company should I use?
The company you decide to use will depend on your own preferences, requirements and their availability.
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Can Ski Basics provide cots and highchairs?
Yes - just let us know before your arrival and this can be arranged for you.