Childcare in the Pyrenees?

[BigPantsRule]

Due to a complicated change of plan (we were going to visit some friends in the south of France who now are not going to be there) we now have six tickets to Perpignan with no hope of a refund (thanks Ryanair!) Rather than see nigh on £500 go down the Swannee we thought we would investigate the possibility of skiing in the Pyrenees - I understand there IS snow there in April but we would need to find a resort that provides catered chalet accommodation and full day-care for children aged 5-10 (i.e. taking to lessons, providing lunch/tea etc.) of the type available from companies like Mark Warner, Ski Esprit etc. Unfortunately none of the big names seem to go the Pyrenees, does anyone know of any resorts where these facilities might be available?

No personal experience but you might try contactinting this UK company www.miquelhols.co.uk/baq/infomain.htm and considering Baqueria. They don't provide childcare but might have inside info on the resort.

Try here or Ski Club of Great Britain. Not sure anyone does packages there any more though as snow unreliable.

Why not forget the skiing and just book a nice Gite somewhere towards the coast, could be quite nice in April? Have a look at www.gites-de-france.com

Thanks for suggestions so far - will check them out!

Cauterets is a pretty high resort and is on the Perpignan side but early April could be very tricky for snow.

You will not find catered chalets or full day care for children as old as yours, could they not ski with you?

The hotel Aladin in Cauteret has a kids complex where you sign them in and out which is good plus swimming pools and spa facilities and may be your best bet.

The Pyrenees is nothing like the Alps, there's no luxury or glamour to be had but you can still have a great time.

Why not scrap the skiing and stay on the coast somewhere. The area north of Perpignan is fairly disgusting but you could carry on round to south of Marseille or head south to the Roses or Begur areas.

We own a small place in Cauterets and ski there every winter. The resort is very proud of its snow record. I ski there at least twice a year. We go as a family every Easter holidays and have done so for 8 years. We have yet to have any difficulty with snow. In the last 3 years, the resort has become much more child friendly. There is a crèche in the station at the top of the Gondola, although I have never used it as our children have skied there since they were 4. The ESF is fantastic, with plenty of English speaking instructors. The resort has added a large area at the top of the gondola for tobogganing and this is very suitable for young children.

You will find it MUCH CHEAPER than the alps and much less fashionable. Do not confuse this with poor quality. Since NP'Y took over management, the pistes are beautifully maintained and they really make the most of what is essentially quite a small ski area.

Pluses:

The people in Cauterets are extremely friendly
The 'Refuge des Sens' - the best hot chocolate in the world!
Great value for money
Pont D'espagne - take a walk here - it is truly beautiful
Not many English people

Minuses:

You won't see many English people there!
Outside of the Ski school, you'll probably have to speak French - but your efforts will be appreciated and rewarded in a way you are not familiar with in France

Cauterets was reviewed 2 years ago in the Guardian. A google search will find the article.