 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi
My wife and I are looking to get away this Xmas with our 10 month old boy. Can anyone recommend a great resort, hotel and creche combo? Our preference would be a hotel with a creche onsite, rather than organising a separate creche/nanny company, but equally, if anyone has any good experience / recommendations of these, we would consider!
Thanks in advance snow heads!
Olly
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi - have you considered a TO such as Esprit? They provide onsite childcare/creche and do a number of resorts. I have used them several times (although not with a baby) and have always been satisfied. There were guests wiht babies and they seemed happy with the childcare offered.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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+1
We have used both Esprit (when out girls are 4 & 1 and again at 6 & 3) and Mark Warner when they were 7 & 4. We are back with Esprit in April
One nice feature of Esprit is in there larger place they do baby listening service which allows you to put you children to bed in your room in the evening then go down for an evening meal knowing there is somebody checking in on your baby / child as per your instructions.
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Hi
Thanks for the replies - have considered Espirit, but they're pretty booked up for the Xmas week we want to go (unsurprisingly!). So it may be we have to go down the independent travel route (Which isn't an issue for us).
Any other recommendations appreciated!
Cheers
Olly
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We're doing exactly the same. We booked w/c 13th December with Neilson at Le Deux Alpes. Very cheap (as cheap as skiing is ever going to be) and childcare on site at the ski in-ski out hotel (Aalborg). Just hope the snow is good enough!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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cjdrum, I have eyed that place up, would you mind coming back and reviewing it after you go?
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Sure, no problem. I haven't been to LDA before, but tripadvisor seems pretty favourable about the hotel.
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cjdrum, NickyJ, I have been there! But it was about 5 years ago. Hotel is good, really good location and is ski in and out with the beginner lifts right outside the door. Though I doubt that would be case in April when you like to go NickyJ, but I don't know. The hotel rooms were basic but clean, warm and comfortable and spacious. I think they have been refurbished now too. They all seemed to have really nice balconies overlooking the piste too. The hotel has a nice bar area, lounge and terrace and prices were reasonable. Food was decent. Staff were really good, young and enthusiastic. There are ski lockers in the basement and then you walk directly out from there. I don't think we really used the kids club much, just a few sessions, though we did use the pick up- drop off service a bit, the odd session and the odd evening session. I think it was fine. As I say though it's probably 5 years ago, hard to remember the details.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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sarah, like is slightly strong - personally I like early Jan BUT with school holidays constraint we have been driven to going there by price.  however good to read the review thanks.
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NickyJ, ok! 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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maidstone98,
As language isn't a problem (at 10 months) - Try having a look at ClubMed - Most of their resorts have a creche. Would recommend Valmorel & they have departures from Gatwick for 21st Dec.
Sorry if thats out of the price range - you didn't give any indication (and CM is FULLY inclusive, the creche isn't included in the initial price)
Skitrack
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Have stayed at the Aalborg NickyJ, albeit s couple of years ago and without kids, but the hotel was spot on. Great access, decent food, reasonable bar.
Chatting to other guests, their kids were more than happy with the creche, as were the parents.
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As language isn't a problem (at 10 months)
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not sure I agree with that - 10 month old babies understand quite a lot. But I agree that Club Med sounds a good idea.
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi guys
Thanks for the recommendations so far. Gave Club Med a call but it came in at c. £5k for the wife and i, plus our little one, which is way over our budget. Guess we're used to spending c. £1k per adult (pre the little one), so with the little one added on now, I guess i'm prepared to be paying £1k+ per person.
May check the Aalborg out though as sounds like its a lot cheaper.
Any more recommendations welcome! Cheers
Olly
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Not quite a Creche in a Hotel, but worth considering Arc 1950 - always been pleased with the childcare there, and because of the design of the resort its a very short walk from the Accommodation to the 'Cariboo Club'. Also not really a hotel (though some of the Apartments are marketed by Radisson SAS), but combines most of the benefits of a hotel with the benefits of an apartment, and the quality/size of the apartments is good (shouldn't be an issue putting a travel cot in the bedroom for example). Haven't tried the after hours baby sitting option, when my kids were that young we'd get them to sleep in a push chair and take them to the restaurant.
We're there again this year for the Xmas week.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Hi f948lan, - thanks for the recommendation. Which accommodation have you stayed at / are you staying at?
Thanks
Olly
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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maidstone98, +1 for Arc 1950. Very pretty - imagine it would be lovely at Christmas. 24 hr reception. Option of half board but you might find it cheaper to self cater and have the odd meal out. We stayed in Radisson Manoir Savoie which was a minutes walk from the Cariboo club - although we didn't need that as our kids were older. If you want an indoor pool you might prefer the Prince des Cimes, although you can use the pool in any residence if you ask for a pass at reception.
If your username is a clue as to where you live I'd recommend travelling by Eurostar daytime train, ideally in standard premier (bigger seats,more space, food and wine provided). Children under 4 are free on it. We first took our son on the Eurostar ski train when he was 10 months and he had his lunchtime nap sprawled across two seats..if there weren't spare seats in your carriage (will probably be full Christmas week), one of you could perch on one of the end of carriage folding seats during nap time!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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maidstone98, We've stayed in Radisson Auberge Jerome a few times and are back there again this season.
The spa at 1950 also comes recommended by my wife (though you do have to pay).
Les Arc is certainly convenient by Eurostar, as recommended above, as you can get the train to Bourg Saint Maurice, then the funicular up, followed by a bus - all covered on your lift pass. Could be a faff with luggage and little one though, so a Taxi might be preferable for the last bit - haven't done it myself, but friends with a little one did a few year back and managed OK. We normally take a car, and grab some supplies in BSM on the way - parking is in a garage under the accommodation, with lifts, so it's very easy to get baggage to/from the rooms.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Tue 30-09-14 20:55; edited 1 time in total
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maidstone98, in Courchevel/La Tania there is a private Nanny Service so if you decide to self cater you could consider them. Their name is SnowBugs. I can't provide any recommendation I just remember seeing an ad for them.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Cool - thanks for all the replies guys; really helpful. Keep em coming if you have any others!
Cheers
Olly
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Check out hotel cachette in arc 1600. It has its own excellent creche and brings them to ski school. Kids dinners in evening also
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peanuthead, - Thanks, indeed have had a look at them and is looking like the best bet at the moment. Have you had any direct experience?
Cheers
Olly
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Hi there,
Have a look at family friendly skiing in La Tania, they have a hotel and some chalets. Childcare has always been excellent when we have used them (last four years) and we got a newsletter saying they still have availability for xmas last week..
cheers
Mr Ted
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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maidstone98, yes been there twice.
Drop kids straight after breakfast and collect them at 5 or 6!
You don't need to worry about getting them to ski school.
They spend about 50% time skiing and 50% inside doing art movies playing etc. Babies as young as 4 months I think
When ours were a little younger it was perfect
Plus for you, I don't recall if you said your ski level but Les Arcs is a serious domain
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peanuthead, Sounds perfect for us then. Guessing when their 10 months though that they don't really take them out on the snow as too young to ski, or do they get them out mucking about on the snow still? Ski level wise, les arcs should be perfect - i went their many moons ago with the boys and remember it being epic
mr ted, Thanks for the recommendation on La Tania - never been or looked at it myself but hear its nice. Any particular hotels you've stayed in or can recommend that are good for infants?
Thanks guys
Olly
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Family friendly skiing in la tania - great nannies, the hotel they have is the Telemark and is basic, but food excellent. They also have chalets.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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maidstone98, no they stay in! We had a 5 month old there and we were v happy. Food good too and I recommend you just do half board. You should be able to look them up and give them a ring to go through minutiae
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Little Martin, - many thanks, will check them out.
peanuthead - thought that would be the case. Will give them a shout and see what options they have.
Olly
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You know it makes sense.
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Family friendly are a very good small company. Transfers were excellent: 100mins each way from GVA when I went in jan. Hotel is basic with small rooms but great skiing from the end of the short road right into the 3Vs. Good value and a decent bar if you fancy a night out without actually going out (since I didn't get much chance with a baby). Crèche is done in conjunction with their other chalets (4) in the village. Regular buses to courchevel if you fancy the new pool (was scheduled for completion this year). About to book a kinder hotel for this year but would def go with FFS again. When I was researching I posted all the UK TOs who specialise in childcare. I'll search it out.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Hi Olly,
We have always stayed in chalets with a company called family friendly skiing, they do in chalet childcare which has always been great. They also own the hotel telemark, but to be honest we prefer the chalet as it is much easier to put the nipper to bed and then have a relaxing evening.
La Tania is a great spot, easy access to both meribel and courchevel ski areas and trips over to Val Thorens too.
Hope that helps
Mr Ted
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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mr ted, - thanks, will check them out. Think the mrs is more keen on a chalet anyway, so that could work well.
Olly
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I stayed in the Hotel Alborg in Les Deux Alps a few years ago when my son was about 1. The childcare aspect was brilliant. However the holiday and child care was soooo expensive.
So the year after I put together a package using easy jet and private chalet in Flaine. I used the local French crèche Les Petit Loups, my son was 2. It was an excellent crèche and the holiday worked out much cheaper than going for a Neilsons or any other package.
Last year we went to Arinsal with my son 4, and my daughter 1. I used the local Andorrian crèche and snow garden which were located at the top of the gondala, it was brilliant and a very reasonably price.
This coming year I have booked Avoriaz so am again looking to use the local creche and snow garden, and am hoping they are good as the ones I've used before.
I have found with kids you are best to fly easy jet as the allow 2 items of child luggage per child or infant. So I used to take a pushchair and a car seat. I have even used the car seat in the aircraft to stop my then 2 year old son from constantly escaping his seat.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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christine28, Great advice- thanks very much. Thing i find with flights to alps at peak time (as my mrs is a teacher) is unless you book way in advance, then they're pretty pricey.
Olly
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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what...snow, new pool in courchevel opens in dec 2015 not this year. Hard to believe as they seem to have building it forever, but I expect it is all the gold taps they need for the Russians
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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maidstone98, have also used family friendly ski ing in la Tania. They have been going for quite a few years now and were good value when we went, which was in 2009. We self cater now in la Tania. It is a good spot for families. Lots of info at www.latania.co.uk
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chrisb, pity. All the things that would make La Tania perfect for everyone are slowly coming together though. I'm sure the family friendly chalets are lovely but they tend to get booked up first. Hence I've only been to the hotel. That website is a gold mine of info too.
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Thanks for all the help guys. Have booked up for La Tania with Family Friendly Skiing. Can't wait - will feedback on how we get on. Cheers!
Olly
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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maidstone98, great to hear that you have booked up. Hope you have a great time over Christmas. We will be there for New Year
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