 Poster: A snowHead
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We were looking for a European ski resort with a creche for a 21 month old, some non-skiers (who are into walking and history rather than shopping) and mixed ski abilities.
We are going on the 7th of february for 7 days. Any suggestions for resorts are welcome, as are offers of accomodation somewhere suitable.
Thanks in advance.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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hughbedo,
We've used creches with Crystal and First Choice and have been happy with them (Courchevel and Alpe D'huez). However, there's loads of people on here that really highly recommend going with Esprit. We've always gone with tour operators for the creche as you know they will be well regulated. Considerations of going with Esprit is that they are a family holiday company so you would have to anticipate the hotel being full of children (no issue at all for me). Once things warm up on here I'm sure you'll get loads of good alternative suggestions. Good luck on finding your perfect hol.
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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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hughbedo, you don't have to use a Tour Operator with a creche, you'll find creches/nurseries in most ski resorts, usually they'll be linked to the ski school. The French in particular have very high standards for child care. From experience I know that Les Galopins in La Rosiere will take children from the age of 18minths up to 12 years and will look after them all day if required. There are also some good walking trails and guided tours either on snowshoes or by helicopter are available. Not sure if you'll find any accommodation for the date you want but if you go to www.larosiere.net you can access the Tourist Office's central booking system
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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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hughbedo,
A few companies to consider are Esprit (as mentioned), Family Ski, Ski Famille and Ski2 - I have personally used ski2 and family ski - both run excellent creches and are very well run and organised - I hear the same about the other two. Personally I have a preference for smaller operators and in my experience the creche staff are always properly qualified and work to the required standarsd in terms of numbers of staff for care - for the family specialists like these companies their reputation depends upon the child care first and foremost.
as an alternative, most large european resorts will have resort creches which you can use - again often very well run and in the larger resorts language need not be an issue. - resort websites will often have details. Finally, in some resorts nanny services are available - I have used jack frosts in morzine - very good but works out a bit pricey for just one child.
Only other issue is that you want to go in the middle of the french school holidays - you might have better luck in Italy ro Austria for that reason? good luck and enjoy 
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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 have used Snow Bizz who go to Puy St Vincent. They offer very good reasonably priced childcare with English Nannies. They sort out the accommodation, lift passes etc. so you are well looked after. The resort is good for beginners and intermediates. Not so much skiing for advanced. However if you take a car there are other resorts such as Serre Chevalier nearby so the more advanced skiers could do a day trip there. There are various historic towns in the valley so maybe something there for the person who likes history.
This year we went to La Rosiere and our children spent some time in the creche in Les Eucharts area (les galopins - run by ESF). The creche was well run and some staff spoke good English. We loved the skiing at La Rosiere (including skiing to La Thuile - a few lifts/runs and you are there). We stayed in the Cimes Blanches appartments booked through a company called Ski Collection. Would highly recommend these appartments. There is a lovely pool, spa complex for the non skiers to enjoy. There are also some walking routes in La Rosiere. In Les Eucharts there is a bowling alley and a tiny ice rink. Not sure about the history side...you would have to drive for that.
We have done the above holidays with two children. However our youngest was 3 so both children skied on both hols. I would really recommend both options. I haven't done any Italian or Austrian resorts with children so hopefully others can help there.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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hughbedo, from personal use, can recommend Tom Pouce in Vallandry. Have English speaking staff and they take the kids out into a little snow garden they have.
For skiers it links easily with Les Arcs
For walkers, there are walks across to Les Arcs which are used frequently and the older villages of Peisey are worth an explore - the Tourist office have guided trips
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As many s already know I am hugely biased but Les Gets would seem to fit the bill - a real village/town and great for skiers of mixed abilities. Non skiers have access to various walks, snowshoeing and can easily visit nearby resorts or travel further afield to Geneva / Annecy etc. The Mechanical Music Museum is a must for history nuts (although I am ashamed to say that in 20 years of going to the resort snow conditions have never been quite bad enough to get me through the door!).
Ski Famille has various options for 7th Feb and, depending on your group size, you may be able to have a chalet to yourselves. Details of current offers on the link below:
http://www.skifamille.co.uk/family_skiing_special_offers.asp
Drop me a pm if you have any queries - cracking snow at the moment (but that's the case pretty much everywhere)
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We went with Chill Chalet in Les Arcs and they arranged a nanny to come to the chalet which worked out much cheaper than last year with Esprit. Plus we didn't have to commit to 9 to 5 but got to pick our own hours so had some evenings too.
The nanny was from an agency called Alpine Child Care, so it might be worth googling them.
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We went with Chill Chalet in Les Arcs and they arranged a nanny to come to the chalet which worked out much cheaper than last year with Esprit. Plus we didn't have to commit to 9 to 5 but got to pick our own hours so had some evenings too.
The nanny was from an agency called Alpine Child Care, so it might be worth googling them.
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