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Children's Activities, childcare & lessons

We warmly welcome children to all of our Meribel ski chalets, we can provide cots, highchairs, toddlers toy boxes, children’s dvds, bumboards, sledges and local babysitters are available for a night out.
Meribel Les Allues is very well suited for families with its lovely village atmosphere and childcare facilities close to hand.

We aim to make the chalets a homely and relaxed retreat in the hope
your family holiday is as relaxing as possible.

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. 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 to help yourselves too. In the evening time, its freshly prepared children’s teas of homecooked favorites, we 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 have a great choice of family friendly restaurants and pizzerias 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. For families new to skiing, 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 & Children's Ski Schools

Day Creche>Half Day/Full day/ & full week Playgroup - 18 months - 3 years

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 from Les Allues 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).
They offer a very flexible service. 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.
Take a look at all the options for both clubs here: ESF Les Saturnins club for 18 months to 3 years
For further information/reservations contact: Laurence Stachetti Direct line: 0033 (4) 79 08 89 47
[email protected] and [email protected]

ESF website

Day Creche>Half day/Full day/& full week kindergarten with introduction to skiing 3- 5yrs

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 Les Saturnins club for 18 months to 3 years and ESF Piou Piou.Club for 3 - 5yrs

For further information/reservations contact: Laurence Stachetti Direct line: 0033 (4) 79 08 89 47 [email protected] and [email protected]

Ski Schools who provide lessons from 3yrs plus to teenagers.

One of the best things about staying in Meribel with children are the brilliant Ski Schools.
We have such a good choice, and 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 3 & 4yrs olds - Our Ski Blanc guests rave about adventures they have enjoyed with their instructors.
Parents are thrilled with their children's progress in just one week! The medal on the last day is just the cherry on the cake.
The following ski schools provide 3/4 hours skiing daily for 5 yrs plus.

Oxygene Ski School: 4yrs to teenagers
Book online with Oxygene
MAGIC FUN FACTORY>Perfect for those aged 4 to 12, our Magic Fun Factory lessons are jam-packed with confidence-boosting tips and techniques. And thanks to our very own Magic garden and carpet ‘travelator’, we turn beginners to pros in no time at all. Enclosed and super safe, find us just opposite the top of the Rhodos bubble and before the nursery slopes.Pro-Rider Morning Group Ski Lessons Age 12+ in Meribel For intermediate-to-advanced teenagers aged 12+, Oxygène’s Pro-Rider Morning Lessons in Meribel run all week. Let them wake up with us every morning Sunday to Thursday am and we’ll ski for a full-day on Friday with lunch out on the hill included. To train with the best on the mountain simply pop in their details and watch them seamlessly shred across the finish line with record confidence, speed and style.

Parallel Lines Ski School: 4yrs to teenagers
Book online with Parallel-lines.com
Our children's ski lessons develop young skiers from the age of 4 through to 17.
Our Children’s Ski Safaris offer small groups (max 8* per class), great fun and the security of knowing your child is in the care of one of our experienced
Instructors.Lessons are 9.15 – 13.15, 5 or 6 mornings & start on Sundays or Mondays for high season dates
We carefully pace the lessons to match kids energy levels and have a hot chocolate/ toilet break mid way through.
In low season weeks, lessons are 9.15 – 12.15.

Ecole de Ski Francais: 3yrs to teenagers
Book online with ESF
Kids from 5-12yrs old
Your child will experience the world of winter sports with our expert ESF instructors.
The main reason we enjoy teaching winter sports is the look on the children's faces when they reach their own goals. Allow us to introduce your child to many activities from skiing, snowboarding, freestyling, competition and many others.
New friends, a lot of fun and warm memories are guaranteed.
From 13yrs old skiing and learning with ESF is a teenager's dream, sensational activities for your teenager.
We offer courses in skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, competition and much more.

New Generation: 4yrs to teenagers
Book online with skinewgen.com
Our children’s ski lessons are split into groups from tiny tots aged 4, right up to all-mountain teens aged 13 & there is a pro-riders section for advanced skiers for 13-17yrs.. We know they get better than you quickly! So whether this is their first time on skis or their fiftieth we’ll help them improve and have fun in a sociable and supportive setting.
We have a wide range of kids’ groups running and base our groups on both age and experience.
Whippersnappers (4-5yrs), Wallabies (beginners 6-12yrs), Arrows (5-7yrs or 6-12yrs), Bombers (6-12yrs), Rockets (8-13yrs),Freeride (10-13yrs), Pro Rider (13 – 17yrs)

Take a look at all the ski school options here



Private Nanny & babysitting options to care for your children in the comfort of your chalet. These would need to be booked in advance of your stay to secure an available nanny.

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]


Merinannies:
Merinannies is a trusted childcare agency founded in 2003 offering private nannies in Meribel, Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens, Chamonix, Megeve, La Clusaz, St Anton and Lech.
From full-time, part-time, evening babysitting to night-time nannying, and seasonal care, their ultimate goal is to provide an exceptional service that ensures an unforgettable holiday for both cherished families and dedicated nannies.

Tel: +44 (0) 7860 925 055
Web: merinannies.com
Email: [email protected]

Jelly & Icrecream

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

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]


What our customers say

  • We were delighted with all aspects of our holiday in Chalet Les Sauges. Accommodation was first class and the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi were superb. The food was of the highest quality and the variety and quality was maintained throughout the week. All credit to Jamie and Natalia.

    Claire Richardson, 21 April 2019, Chalet Les Sauges Meribel

  • Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for a wonderful holiday! In particularly Ellie and Hamish, were, happy, relaxed, thoughtful and kind! The food was amazing.The chalet spotless and everything always ready. Great to chat to and made us feel so comfortable and at home. Just perfect in every way.

    Debbie Stewart 18 Feb 2019 Chalet Covie, Meribel

  • Lovely chalet and fantastic location – just a minute to the main lift . Wonderful area to ski – we have been to Meribel quite a few times now and it never disappoints. Food delicious and facilities very good.

    Jenny Sanders, 09 Mar 2019, Chalet L'Erine, Meribel

  • We all had an excellent time in Chalet Foehn. It was lovely; cosy, homely and providing everything we needed. The resort was great. This was my first visit to Meribel and I'm impressed with the number and variety of the runs available over the three valleys. We managed to ski everyday albeit not quite all day every day. Particularly; I'd like to thank Jesse and Fiona, our hosts. They both looked after us brilliantly. The food was delicious, the packed lunches just right and the cakes wonderful. I am still shocked how nice vegan brownies can be!

    Nick Leigh, 25 Mar 2019 Chalet Foehn, Meribel

  • I can safely say that all 3 families, had an absolutely fantastic holiday from the time we arrived at the chalet to when we left. From the great customer service, that Janey afforded us while organising the holiday, to the face to face contact with you all while there. We have to make a very special mention to TJ and Abby who made our stay extra special and who were fabulous chalet hosts. They make the perfect team, both friendly and professional, ensuring that each and every one of us was catered for…which is quite a task given we had quite a few dietary requirements! Their food was excellent….the children deciding to eat with us rather than eating a separate menu is testimony to that!

    Richard Thomson, 01 Mar 2019, La Vieille Scierie, Meribel

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