 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all,
Heading off to Champagny in few weeks, but taking the Grandparents with us to do childcare with out 2 year old so we can get some full days skiing in. I know there is a swimming pool there from previous visits and they can come up on the Gondola to the restaurant and see the views, but are there any other suggestions for things to do or places to visit in the day for them? They will have a hire car to travel around, ideally not more than about 45 mins each way.
TIA 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Are any of the places nearby down towards the valley floor worth visiting?
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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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Do they like walking? If so there's the hidden valley beyond Champagny.
Pralongnon is another small traditional resort just up the road.
Brides and Moutiers offer nothing in winter.
Further afield would be a day trip to Lake Annecy.
The valley towns aren't particularly pleasant in winter!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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There's a free shuttle to "Champagny le Haut" (upper Champagny) which is the much more isolated sister town to lower Champagny. It's extremely rustic but does have at least one place to eat / grab a hot drink with WiFi. The terrain is quite flat so most of the cross country skiing happens up there, but this also means it can be good for an easier walk, weather dependant of course. I also recall there being sleds / dogs you can hire for a tour. Last time I went up that far there was also a large igloo with ice sculptures inside.
Regular Champagny has a cinema, with some showings in English + French subs.
Brides has a few Spas, not that I've ever used one, and even a casino from memory. If they're happy to drive 45 mins away they'd even get to Courchevel or Méribel, both of which are larger than Champagny - I know Méribel has bowling, but it might only open for the evening.
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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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I would second the bus trip to Champagny le haut - it goes every twenty minutes or so and just the trip should amuse a small child as you wind your way up through the gorge before entering a bit of a winter wonderland as it opens out into the valley above . There’s an ice climbing tower to watch and horses and dog sleds . Cross country skiers are there too . That plus a hot chocolate sounds rather fun !
There’s a very helpful tourist office in the place du centre at the main Champagny which will have lots of information on what’s on that week (cinema , activities for young ones etc) so they are definitely worth a visit .
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Champagny le haut sounds like a brilliant idea!
Lake Annecy may be a good one depending on weather conditions that week.
Thanks for the suggestions
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Are the grandparents going to take sole charge of a 2 year old all day? That (and I speak as an experienced ski grandmother) is quite an undertaking.
To be honest, looking after a 2 year old in the mountains has a lot in common with looking after one at home. Having activities such as making playdough pizzas, for example (take a few bits with you). If you have snow right outside your accommodation that's a huge bonus. Most 2 year old if they're wrapped up warm can spend a lot of time just poking the snow with a stick, and if you can make a little snowscape with roads and tunnels and bridges and have a couple of toy cars and little figures, that'll be fun. If there's no snow outside you might be able to fetch some in a washing up bowl or similar.
Bus trips are a great idea and they'll presumably have a proper car seat for trips further afield.
Make sure the grandparents have really good boots, and preferably some sort of spikes/crampons to add, if it's icey. And maybe walking poles (though they're not much use without spikes)
If they're fit and energetic they can take the little one sledging. But that's a very physically taxing activity! Cheap little sledges to buy, or more fancy ones to rent, arverywhere. Some 2 year olds will enjoy carting their favourite teddies/dolls round on a sledge. If there is somewhere grandparents can sit with a coffee or a beer, where the child can potter round doing their own thing, all to the good. In the resort I know there is an outside café which is ideal for that - with little tiny hills and slopes of snow around where kids just slide on their bottoms. 2 year olds are too young for proper social play but they enjoy having other little ones around. If I were those grandparents I would make it my mission to identify somewhere like that asap! There will definitely be French grandparents doing the same thing.
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Take some favourite screen entertainment too.
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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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Champagny le Haut is the 'hidden valley' I was thinking of.
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Of course if it's really cold and windy and nasty you'll need mostly indoor activities.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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There is a good area to take children in Champagny le haut, you can see it on the webcam here - https://www.la-plagne.com/decouvrir-la-plagne/domaine-skiable/webcams/champagny-le-haut-espace-nordique
It has the large igloo, an easy sledging area, the cafe / restaurant is just next door and they have pony rides available opposite. It is right next to the car park and bus stop and the cross country skiing starts from there.
The ice climbing tower is a 10 minute walk down the road, there is an ice climbing World championship over 4 days towards the end of January which is quite interesting to watch.
It doesn't tend to get wild and windy up there but it can be very cold especially in January as it doesn't see much sun until mid-February.
We spent the covid season on the cross country track and it was down to -15 degrees some days.
There are also some lovely walks up to Laissoney where you can regularly spot Bouquetin although that may be too much with a 2 year old in tow.
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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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As @skichampcouk, points out the ice climbing tower is a good thing for non skiers to try out. Probably very good for the grandparents bu I doubt if they'll have eqipment suitable for a 2 year old. I have to admit I have thought about driving all the way from Les Arcs just to have a go at it.
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@johnE, I was thinking more as a spectacle rather than taking it up as a new sport. It is fun just watching them and there are usually plenty of places for spectators to grab a bite to eat or something to drink.
We've had a few of the ice climbing teams stay at our rental place for the World championships so have been up to watch them. The Russian guy a few years ago was like spiderman on speed.
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You know it makes sense.
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Another vote for Champagny le haut - also a nice campsite there for the summer!
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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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Thanks for all the replies!
Pam - They are very used to having her for a full day, even days. They get along very well! They will have good walking boots and outdoor "ski" kit, so will be good to explore a bit. We've also got our daughter some thermals and ski gear to ensure she stays warm when out and about. There are plastic sledges in the chalet we are staying in, so will hopefully get a chance to have a go. Screen entertainment - oh yes, we have that all ready to go 
Skichamp - Thanks for the heads up about the climbing championship!! Its on when we are there, so will be off to see that. And the igloo looks great. I think a ride on the bus up there will be a must with her. I've been to Champagny a few times and never even considered exploring Le Haut, I suppose I've always been up the mountain everyday.
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Poster: A snowHead
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It's a lovely place to snowshoe and you can often see ibex on the slopes above the valley floor. I quite frequently see bearded vultures (lammergaier) here. The wood carving workshop at the hamlet of Friburge is worth a visit too. Have a great time.
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