Skiing with a 14 month old.

[pamelat]

Hello all

We (DH and I) have only been skiing twice. I am most definately a novice. We went once to Les Houches (found too difficult) and then to Chatel (loved it) in France.

DH really wants us to ski next year (Mar/April time) before I get pregnant again . Our DD will only be 14 months old.

Am wondering whether there is any where in Europe that someone could personally recommend where they look after little ones during the day. Ideally, this wouldn't cost a fortune either.

Also, ideally, ski in ski out would be nice ! Never done this before and would be happy to pay a bit extra for it - but not silly prices.

Our previous weeks skiing cost about £1000 each, all in. I have been told that thats fairly "cheap" for skiing.

I've not used them but kinderhotels sound just the thing. There are a few threads on here about them. I think they are mostly in Austria.

Thanks llareggub, have been having a look. They do look perfect but the links to hotels have the most confusing pricing structures of anything I have ever seen! It is not clear whether childcare is included in the price per adult. Have emailed a few of them.

We've done Saas Fee staying at the Alphuebel several times - snowsure but not ski in/out unless you stay at the related Waldesruh hotel and take dd across town by hotel electrobus for childcare (or use the Esprit chalethotel if that's your thing) and a fairly long transfer from Geneva (Sion much closer). Childcare included at Alphuebel though and a very family friendly experience. Also check out the MN Review page for ideas.

Hello llareggub - look into Les Gets, France. They have their own website so you can find the answers to all your questions there. We have been twice and the 2nd time with an 18 month old (very family friendly).

we went to katschberg with neilson - free childcare in the hotel. ok for beginners and intermediate but not challenging for better skiers. nice pool and spa too.

Club Med?

we've done 2 holidays with Esprit one in Courcheval and one in Chamonix, when daughter was just a few months and then around 18 months. Both were fantastic, had a great holiday, childcare was excellent. Both resorts have great skiing, Chamonix not much cop for beginners but great guiding/ski touring/off piste.

Les Gets is fantastic for all levels - lots of off piste but also good cruising skiing, it's also really, really picturesque. Haven't been there with children but Esprit do holidays there.

If you're going March/April go somwhere high to make it snowsure!

Have lots of fun, we're off to St Anton with Esprit this year, now with 2 kids in tow....

We couldn't get a booking with childcare when we tried to go with dd 13mths - kept getting told we should have booked a year in advance. Also the childcare was about £500 which I thought was pretty expensive as we might not have been skiing all day and wanted time with dd too.

We ended up doing a diy trip to Courmayeur where they have a nursery on the slopes and you just pay by the hour. It was fantastic as we had dd close by and could pick her up on the way back down and we could ski, have lunch and have a sneaky drink just before we finished. It was part of the Monte Bianco Ski School www.scuolascimontebianco.com. Courmayeur is mixed ability, but not really advanced skiing, very near Courcheval and beautiful with good restaurants, shops and hotels.

I've just booked ski accommodation in the French Alps for next year at an MGM residence ... www.pv-holidays.com/residences-mgm.php

Haven't stayed here before but am very excited as I think it's reasonably priced, ski to door, baby friendly with a creche, oh and has a pool and spa facilities!

We're also planning to travel by direct ski train but can only book this 90 days in advance. It leaves St Pancras in London on a Friday evening and arrives in the Alps at dawn on the Saturday. No changes, no fussing, you get bunk beds (that you'd need to share with your baby) and rumour has it there's a disco carriage

Have you tried The Family Ski Company? great creche in Ardent

Apparently these guys are great