Heading to the French Alps on a skiing trip is a dream for many families. One of the best ways to ensure everyone has the best time possible is to take full advantage of the support of quality childcare in the French Alps. In this guide, we highlight the benefits nannies and babysitters bring to your winter holiday in France, enhancing your overall experience on the slopes. We also offer options in our favourite resorts catering to your unique circumstances.
How You Can Benefit From Childcare In The French Alps
Quality childcare services in the French Alps provide uninterrupted mountain time. From the first tracks to the last run of the day, entrust your little ones to skilled nannies and childminders, ensuring you take advantage of your chosen ski area.
Child-free time isn’t reserved for the slopes. Ski resort childcare allows parents to unwind and enjoy the après ski scene while their children engage in activities tailored just for them.
You can also extend your après activities as the childcare services in ski resorts ensure stress-free nights out. They allow you to enjoy gourmet dinners, explore charming Alpine villages, and experience the vibrant nightlife, knowing your little ones are in capable hands.
Tailored Care Options for Every Need
Full-Time to Part-Time Care
The best childcare providers in the French Alps provide a flexible service. For example, you may want to hit the slopes for an entire day or opt for part-time support; these services adapt to your family’s schedule.
Evening Babysitting to Night-Time Support
French ski resorts are packed with fantastic restaurants and bars, many of which may not be appropriate for kids. Also, you may want to stay out late, beyond your kid’s regular bedtimes.
The flexible service from childcare professionals in the French Alps includes evening babysitting, allowing parents to enjoy a worry-free night out.
What To Expect From Childcare In The French Alps
Indoor And Outdoor Fun
Nannies in French ski resorts are serious about their jobs; they all arrive at your accommodation armed with a treasure trove of activities for indoor and outdoor play. From arts and crafts on snowy afternoons to outdoor adventures in the crisp mountain air, these caregivers transform your chalet into a haven of laughter and exploration.
Ski resorts are not just about sliding around on planks. Nannies can also help kids experience other suitable activities around the ski resort.
For example, they can enjoy activities such as:
- Ice skating
- Sledging
- Swimming
- Snowshoeing
- Kid’s workshops
- Free activities organised by the resort tourist office
Seamless Pick-up And Drop Offs
Navigating ski school logistics can be challenging, but it becomes a breeze with quality childcare services. Your dedicated nanny ensures seamless ski school pick-ups and drop-offs, allowing you to focus on enjoying the slopes without worrying about the intricacies of getting kids to and from ski school. This part of the service dramatically enhances your family’s overall ski holiday experience.
Professionalism And Peace Of Mind
We recommend several nanny services based on the enthusiasm and professionalism we’ve experienced first-hand. The nannies we have worked with are reassuring, and kids love spending time with them as they become a massive part of their trip to the Alps.
Quality childcare is synonymous with peace of mind. In the French Alps, expect nothing less than highly qualified, experienced English-speaking nannies. These professionals undergo rigorous training and possess certifications in childcare, first aid, and mountain safety. Your family’s safety and well-being are paramount, and these qualified nannies offer the assurance you need to fully enjoy your time on and off the slopes.
Tips For Your Family Ski Holiday
Peak Week Availability
Skiing during peak weeks in the French Alps is extremely popular, and quality childcare services ensure your family doesn’t miss out on the fun. Therefore, if you’ve booked your ski trip to coincide with the European school holidays, you should book your childcare as early as possible. The high demand means nannies get fully booked early, meaning you could miss out if you leave it too late.
Make it Easy
For those booking your first family ski holiday, you may want to choose a catered chalet. This is because chalet hosts look after you and prepare breakfast and dinner, so you don’t have to go food shopping when you could be enjoying yourself.
When you book your holiday, ensure you ask us about extra services. These services include having your lift passes ready on arrival or a list of recommended ski schools and nannies. We have lots of experience and knowledge about all the resorts we operate in and will ensure everything is in place.
It is possible to hire ski clothing in some resorts. This is ideal, as you don’t need to buy clothing that will be too small for your kids the following year. We go into more detail on ski clothing for kids in our Practical Guide to Ski Clothing: What To Wear Skiing.
If your kids have their own ski clothes, “play dressing up” games before you fly to France. By doing this a few times before you go on holiday, your kids will get used to getting ready for a day on the mountain. This saves a lot of morning stress and builds excitement for the holiday.
When You Book
When you book your transfer from the airport and back, make sure that you let your transfer company know if you need a child’s seat fitting in the transfer bus.
We recommend booking ski and helmet hire in advance. This way, you will be sure to have everything you need before your arrival.
French Ski Resort Spotlights
The French Alps have many iconic ski resorts to choose from. We operate in the best French ski resorts for their reliable snow cover, atmospheres, and amenities. Here’s an overview of each and the best childcare options they offer:
Val d’Isere And Tignes
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Val d’Isere is a paradise for skiers and families alike. Quality childcare services here blend seamlessly with the resort’s energetic atmosphere. Expect experienced nannies offering tailored care, ensuring your family enjoys every moment in this iconic ski destination.
We recommend T4 Nanny and Jelly And Ice Cream for quality nannies in Val d’Isere. Both of these services are well-established in the area, providing quality service so your family can have stress-free fun in the beautiful Val d’Isere.
Tignes is connected to Val d’Isere via the ski slopes and lifts. Tignes has always been popular with families, groups, and students, as it is one of France’s more affordable ski resorts. But there are some stunning luxury hotels, apartments, and chalets.
One of the best childcare providers in Tignes is ABSki Childcare. Their nannies are dedicated to ensuring that everything is cared for for your child, with personal childcare packages that will fit your needs. They also want to give your kids an unforgettable holiday, so you know they’re in good hands.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Val d’Isere is a paradise for skiers and families alike. Quality childcare services here blend seamlessly with the resort’s energetic atmosphere
The Three Valleys
The Three Valleys ski area spans 600km, which is too much skiing for little legs. However, its resorts have excellent childcare options, so you can explore the area while your kids are in safe hands.
When staying in Courchevel, you can expect luxury and family-friendly charm throughout its various villages and impeccable childcare services. Skilled nannies cater to your family’s unique needs, allowing parents to explore one of the largest ski areas in the world while their little ones are engaged in enriching activities.
The fantastic Meri Nannies provides childcare in the whole of the 3 Valleys. T4 Nanny also operates in Courchevel, so you know there are reputable childcare options for your stay.
Meribel has a family-friendly ambience, which is enhanced by Meribel Nanny Services. Experienced caregivers are on hand to improve your stay, from morning ski school drop-offs to evening activities.
The Three Valleys is also home to the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens. This resort wows visitors with breathtaking views, exceptional snow cover, and diverse terrain. Childcare in Val Thorens is also provided by Meri Nannies and a range of independent babysitters, so you can enjoy this outstanding ski area knowing your kids are in good hands.
La Rosière
La Rosière is a high-altitude ski resort near Val d’Isere and Tignes in the Tarentaise Valley. But it also benefits from a link with the Italian ski resort of La Thuile, offering access to two countries under one lift pass.
La Rosière is the snowiest resort in the area, but it’s also situated on the sunny side of the mountain at 1,850 meters, making it very popular with skiers and snowboarders.
Thanks to the resort’s gentle gradients, La Rosière is ideal for families. Its laidback atmosphere means you don’t get the party crowds, so expect a more tranquil experience than if you went to Val d’Isere or Tignes.
Regarding nannies in La Rosière, T4 Nanny has you covered. The Galopins kindergarten is open every day except Saturday for children from 18 months to 12 years old for indoor and outdoor activities. Lessons are offered to children aged three and four with qualified ski school instructors in special snow gardens separated from the main pistes.
Thanks to the resort’s gentle gradients, La Rosière is ideal for families. Its laidback atmosphere means you don’t get the party crowds, so expect a more tranquil experience than if you went to Val d’Isere or Tignes.
Chamonix
Chamonix is surrounded by iconic mountains and awe-inspiring views. Although Chamonix is heaven for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, it also has some family-friendly pistes and activities. Therefore, childcare in Chamonix is top-notch. Meri Nannies has several babysitters and nannies in Chamonix, but an alternative you may want to check out is The Kids’ Palace. The Kids’ Palace provides a wide range of entertainment, which may mean your kids will want to stay. They will enjoy many activities, including cooking workshops, sledging, hiking, board games, magic shows, movie nights, video games, and more.
Megeve
Megève is a charming and chic ski resort that balances tradition and elegance. A vast ski lift system and slopes link Megeve to St Gervais Les Bains. Thanks to the style of terrain, many of the ski area’s slopes are suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Its numerous green and blue runs take you through picturesque forests, creating a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Childcare in Megève is provided by Meg’ Loisirs, a centre with a qualified and motivated team of professionals. Kids from 3 to 12 years old can enjoy its facilities and supervised snow activities. Alternatively, the ESF ski school in Megève has fantastic kids’ clubs. These clubs alternate between ski lessons and childcare, so your little ones will learn new skills and mix with other kids during their time with the ESF.
Merinannies also provides great services in Megève.
Although Chamonix is heaven for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, it also has some family-friendly pistes such as in Les Houches with views of Mont-Blanc (pictured above).
Avoriaz
Renowned as one of France’s best family ski resorts, Avoriaz is unique thanks to its unique architecture and snowy car-free streets. It is also in the Portes du Soleil, which has 650km of skiable terrain, making it one of the world’s largest ski areas.
As Avoriaz has many ski-in-ski-out accommodations, it is perfect for families looking for easy access to the slopes. With this in mind, you can expect quality childcare in Avoriaz to ensure that families experience the full magic of the resort with dedicated nannies.
A great example of childcare in Avoriaz is Jack Frost’s. Jack Frost’s is a private nanny service in Avoriaz and the surrounding ski resorts. Their nannies come to your accommodation and work around your needs. The nanny will bring any necessary equipment, age-related toys, games, and arts and craft material.
Alternatively, the ESF ski school in Avoriaz has an excellent area dedicated to kids. The AVRIZOU is a childcare centre catering to young children from 6 months to 3 years old. It is ideally located in the centre of the resort, just a few minutes away from the ski lift, making pick-ups and drop-offs super-easy. Older kids can benefit from dedicated lessons from the ESF and other ski schools in Avoriaz.
Les Gets
Like Avoriaz, Les Gets is also in the Portes du Soleil. However, this ski resort offers a different experience with its village-like style. Its rolling pistes are excellent for a family ski holiday, but advanced skiers and snowboarders can easily find more challenging terrain to test their skills.
Les Fripouilles is Les Gets’ local nursery close to the ski school, suitable for children from 1 to 4 years old. You can book your kids in for either whole days or half days, and the half days with some flexibility on pick-up and drop-off times.
Cheeky Monkeys is a trusted team of nannies in Les Gets and surrounding areas led by Sharon McRae. Sharon and her team offer an in-house nanny service for children from 3 months of age.
The Snow Garden is another childcare option in Les Gets from the ESF for beginner skiers from 3 to 5 years. The specially prepared snow garden has 2 baby lifts and giant-sized bears and pandas for kids to play on. Ski instructors and nannies split the day between learning to ski and indoor or outdoor games.
As Avoriaz has many ski-in-ski-out accommodations, it is perfect for families looking for easy access to the slopes
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a sunny ski resort in the Southern French Alps that attracts visitors all year round. Its high altitude of 1869m above sea level makes the snow cover incredibly reliable.
The ski area accessed from Alpe d’Huez is called the Grand Domaine and comprises 6 resorts and their own ski areas. Therefore, there is terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder. Alpe d’Huez has been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ label by the French Tourism organisation. This is something only ski resorts most suited to families receive.
Part of this award is thanks to the excellent childcare in Alpe d’Huez. The ESF has a unique “ski+nursery“, which puts everything under one roof for stress-free logistics. This means you don’t have to run between ski lessons and nurseries.
This service provides everything for kids of all ages, from initiation to skiing, games in the snow, sledding, etc. Kids enjoy games, songs, and practical and creative activities when inside.
Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand Bornand is a charming mountain village with traditional chalets and buildings scattered over the mountainside. But it also features everything you’d expect from a modern ski resort.
Most of the area has rolling meadows and farming pastures, so you can expect lots of easy terrain for skiing and snowboarding. However, the Aravis Mountains or the Mont Lachat provide steeper slopes if you want something more challenging.
Le Grand Bornand has special sledging areas, an outside pool, a skating rink, ice karting, snow bikes, and more. There is crazy golf for older kids, a History of Skiing Museum and organised village tours. All this makes Le Grand Bornand an excellent family ski resort. Our favourites, Meri Nannies, can provide childcare in Le Grand Bornand and ensure kids are suitably occupied with all the resort offers.
The ESF in Le Grand Bornand also offers a daycare service and a ski lesson with lunch for kids. This means the whole family can enjoy this excellent, picturesque ski resort.
Merinannies is also a great option in Le Grand Bornand.
The connected resort of Les Arcs is made up of several villages and is also known to be family-friendly. Arc 1950 is the prettiest of the 4 villages of Les Arcs and is ideal for families with ski-in ski-out accommodation.
La Plagne And Les Arcs
La Plagne appeals to everyone from families to partygoers. Its vast network of slopes makes up part of the Paradiski area, including the neighbouring resort of Les Arcs.
The ski area is large and varied, so you can find terrain that suits your ability and preference. Many slopes suit beginners, and the lift system and facilities are child-friendly. Therefore, childcare in La Plagne is excellent.
My Mountain Nanny in La Plagne provides experienced nannies specialising in flexible childcare solutions to suit your ski trip. Along with their professionalism, they keep kids entertained day or night. La Plagne also has two creches, while Oxygene Ski School has several kids’ ski lessons, including one with an option for lunch.
The connected resort of Les Arcs is made up of several villages and is also known to be family-friendly. Childcare in Les Arcs ranges between 3 months and 12 years, so you can enjoy direct access to the ski slopes from any of the four modern villages.
The Mini Club Les Skimomes is located in Les Lauzieres. It is close to the ESF ski school, making morning logistics easy. This club prides itself on providing kids with lots of ski tuition for kids aged 3 to 8, from beginner to 3rd star.
Every day, the group leaders at The Cariboo’s Club put on a varied programme designed for kids aged 9 months to 13. Activities are tailored to each age group and focus on discovering the mountains; ski lessons and lunch can be included if required.
Valmorel
Valmorel is a family-friendly ski resort sitting 1,400 meters in the Grand Domain ski area.
Beginners can hone their skills in the six novice areas, two reserved for kids. But a children’s club also entertains kids while teaching them how to ski. You can book group or private lessons to suit your child’s preferences.
Valmorel’s family-friendliness is enhanced by the various kids’ activities available when they’ve finished skiing. For example, kids can enjoy sledging, airboarding, and riding quad bikes and snow scooters.
Final Thoughts On Childcare In The French Alps
As we come to the end of our article on childcare in the French Alps, one thing becomes clear: quality childcare services are the secret ingredient to transforming your ski holiday into an unforgettable experience.
Good ski resort childcare provides flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind, unlocking your ski holiday’s full potential. Please remember to book your ski resort childcare as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Our travel experts are on hand to answer questions and ensure everything is in place and ready for your arrival.
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