We warmly welcome children to all of our Meribel ski chalets, we have cots, highchairs, toddlers toy boxes, children’s dvds, bumboards, sledges and local babysitters are available for a night out.
It is important to us that your family holiday is as relaxing as possible so we aim to make the chalets a homely and relaxed retreat.
We understand how crucial it is to have the right food for your family on a skiing holiday. Children can have large appetites after a day out in the mountains. Let us know in advance what type of meals your children prefer. You can choose to have an earlier family friendly dinner all together, or a separate tea-time for the children and dinner for the adults later. Simply let us know what will suit your family best.
At breakfast time we provide a tasty selection & freshly prepared children’s teas of homecooked favorites, and can easily look after any ‘fussy’ eaters or ‘food fads’.
For your return from skiing, the afternoon tea, hot drinks, & cordials, cake/cookies are always very popular.
We also have family friendly restaurants and pizzeria on your doorstep in the village, for when we are not catering.
Is Meribel a child-friendly ski resort?
Meribel is a great destination for family ski holidays. The beautiful Altiport beginners’ area has plenty of generous, easy green runs. You can also enjoy some of the most impressive views in the valley. The beginners park has areas designed specifically to entertain children. For example, they can follow the Piste Animal, a forest trail on skis. They can discover life-size examples of local wildlife from the Alpine Squirrel Écureuil to the Golden Eagle Aigle. Motteret also has brilliant facilities with a sledging piste and a new Air Bag.
There is a covered magic carpet just by the Rond Point Restaurant - a slopee side Après Ski Bar.
Easy Access to the slopes, resort & activities
All of our chalets are well placed for the lift, so access to the skiing with children is easy. We have a very friendly family run ski hire shop, very close to the chalets.
The children can get fitted out in comfort in a relaxed atmosphere. Ski Higher have all the children’s equipment including helmets from 2/3yrs+. Meribel also have an excellent choice of ski schools which cater for children, lessons start from 3yrs. We can guide you through all the options.
If you have ‘little ones’ who may only be skiing for a couple of hours per day or are between 0-3yrs and too young to attempt it, here are some activity suggestions:
For under 5’s, there is a free liftpass you can get your children. Children love the thrill of traveling up and down on the bubble, and from Les Allues you can take it up to Meribel centre. From Meribel centre take the free shuttle bus up to the Rond Point des Pistes. The Rond Point des Pistes is a great area for children as there is a gentle slope for bumboarding,sledging,mucking about in the snow, or building a snowman. There is also La Rond Pont restaurant, cafe and sundeck, where you can enjoy a drink whilst the children run around safely and wear themselves out. There is also a free magic carpet, so they can get back up the slope easily.
Picturesque walks
Another great trip to do with the children, is to take them on the Rhodos bubble from La Chaudanne to the top. This brings you out at the beginner ski area of Meribel, but there is a very pretty walking trail which circumnavigates the piste. The walking path takes you through the Alpine forest and it is very picturesque. Its a great place for children to foridge, pick up pinecones, check out the animal tracks. You get to enjoy the stunning scenery and the youngsters will love the outdoor play and exploring. You can also pull a sledge through the forest with you. There is also some lovely sunny picnic spots with wooden benches on the side of the piste.
Swimming
The superb facilities include a heated pool with a special area for toddlers and a water slide for children over 6. There is also a children’s paddling pool, hot showers, and changing rooms. Free for under 5’s.
Bowling
The busy bowling alley has a lively atmosphere for family contests, and all the amusement delights from air hockey to bike simulators. They have specially adapted lighter weight balls and mini shoes for 3/4yrs plus.
Iceskating
The Ice Skating rink is open each afternoon. They have little trolleys to help little tots stay on their feet and music to entertain your pre-teens. Located in the Olympic sports centre. They have specially adapted children’s skates so they can set off onto the ice. It’s chilly in there, so wrap up warm but there is a hot choccy machine! Free for under 5’s.
During school holiday weeks
During the school holiday weeks seasonal events are organised by the resort. In additon, Santa visits on Christmas Eve to the sound of the local children singing English and French carols. There are Fireworks for New Year, and Torch Lit descents from the ski instructors with plenty of mulled wine to keep off the chill. When the weather warms up later in the season, you and the children can choose from several Live Music venues on the Sunny Terraces of Meribel Centre.
Ski Lockers
Ski lockers are available at the foot of the ski slopes, we can reserve these on your behalf. You don’t even have to carry the children’s skis. Plus, the extra bonus of boot driers will give you nice warm feet each morning - particularly important for tiny toes.
Do remember if you do need some childcare during your holiday there are private nannys available to come to your chalet. The excellent Piou Piou club 18m-5yrs run by the ESF, has an outside snowgarden and offers an introduction to skiing in a safe environment. Both these establishments are within 15 mins of all our Meribel ski chalets.
Meribel offers an excellent choice of daytime childcare & Intro to skiing, take a look .......
Half Day/Full day/ & full week Playgroup
Les Saturnins day care centre: 18 months – 3 years. Excellent location in the Olympic Centre, on the snow at the Chaudanne.
It is very easy to reach from all our chalets, just 15 mins on the bubble lift connects you to the Olympic Centre.
Its day care offers a combination of both indoor and outdoor activities. It is a creche set up, so your children are able to play with others in a group setting.
They have a spacious indoor centre, with playing, arts & crafts, reading, singing, DVD's etc. They have a large social outdoor snow garden for sledging, various snow games & walks in the snow. The children are looked after by a team of qualified professionals. Fantastic facilities and very easy to reach from all our chalets. Run by ESF (French ski school).
ESF Les Saturnins club for 18 months to 3 years
Half day/Full day/& full week kindergarten with introduction to skiing
Les Piou Piou: Kindergarten and snowgarden 3 – 5 years offers the same fantastic facilities at Les Saturnins.
In addition, they offer a gentle introduction to skiing for the littleones, with their own mini magic carpet lift.
Les Saturnins & Piou Piou Club offer an extremely flexible service at very reasonable childcare rates.
You can pick either a morning, afternoon session or full-time care for the week.
You do not have to commit to booking the whole week, you can pick and choose what works for you, subject to availability.
As an example, you could book 6 mornings plus add a supervised lunch which extends your childcare to around 2.30pm each day.
Take a look at all the options for both clubs here: ESF Piou Piou.Club for 3 - 5yrs
For further information/reservations contact: Laurence Stachetti Direct line: 0033 (4) 79 08 89 47 [email protected]
Ski Schools who provide lessons from 3/4yrs+
One of the best things about staying in Meribel with children are the brilliant Ski Schools. We wholeheartedly recommend Oxygene, Parallel Lines., ESF & New Generation
Every season, Ski Blanc’s smaller guests rave about adventures they have enjoyed with their instructors. Parents are thrilled with their little ones progress in just one week! The medal on the last day is just the cherry on the cake.
The following ski schools provide 2 hours skiing daily for your 3/4yrs plus
Oxygene Ski School: 4yrs +
Book online with Oxygene
Parallel Lines Ski School: 4yrs +
Book online with Parallel-lines.com
Ecole de Ski Francais: 3yrs +
Book online with ESF
New Generation: 4yrs +
Book online with skinewgen.com
Take a look at all the ski school options here
We warmly welcome children in all of our chalets. We can provide cots, highchairs, a selection of toys, bumboards and children’s DVDs & arrange babysitting. Meribel Les Allues is very well suited for families with it’s lovely village atmosphere and childcare facilities close to hand.
The following Private Nanny & babysitting options are available:
Private Nanny & babystitting options- to care for your children in the comfort of your chalet.
With many years experience working as a nanny in the French Alps, company founder Nicole decided it was about time Meribel had a superior, reliable and personal childcare service.
''At Meribel nanny Services we pride ourselves on understanding exactly what you need to ensure you have a relaxed enjoyable holiday knowing your children are safe and happy having lots of fun.''
From a full weeks booking to just a nights babysitting, you won’t regret booking a nanny through Meribel Nanny Services.
Tel: +44(0)7500 159 112 / +33 (0) 633 52 18 95
Web: meribelnannyservices.com
Email: [email protected]
Holiday Baby Hire: Anna Cosgrove a mum of 3 runs the following excellent service.
Holiday Baby Hire has all those items that you can’t bring with you, but that would make your holiday so much easier. We have a comprehensive range of high quality items available to rent for the duration of your stay. Everything is carefully cleaned and safety checked to make sure it is in perfect condition for you to use. We do not rent anything that we would not be happy to use ourselves. Holiday Baby Hire is a member of the Baby Equipment Hirers Association which sets minimum safety standards, ensuring maximum safety and comfort.
Tel: +33 (0) 633 30 05 77
Web: www.holidaybabyhire.com
Email: [email protected]
Merinannies: British private nannys & babysitting service. Their aim is to provide the best childcare for complete peace of mind and an unforgettable skiing holiday.
Tel: +44 (0) 7860 925 055
Web: merinannies.com
Email: [email protected]
Snowbugs: gives you absolute peace of mind, so you can enjoy your holiday in the snow, whilst your little ones are looked after in the comfort of your own chalet. For help in organising your ski nanny please contact Tayla-Elise Rogers.
Tel: +44 (0) 7908 748 262 / +33 (0) 616 973 601
Web:snowbugs.co.uk
Email:[email protected]
Jelly & Ice Cream - experts in childcare. Provide childcare in the form of private nannies and babysitters. Tel:+44 1483 338 601
Email Contact Tina Eliades:[email protected]
Web: jellyandice-cream.com
