Magic Morzine

by

Skiing holidays can be complicated – with different levels of proficiency, it’s tricky to keep the whole family happy on or off the snow. To take the hassle out of skiing, Rowena Carr-Allinson checks into the chicest of chalets, Chalet Chambertin, in magic Morzine.

Heading to the Alps as a family? With different levels of skills, patience and energy? We tried it. With a baby to boot!

The good new is that it’s possible! The key is your very own Alpine nanny tucked up in the cosy warmth of a practical and luxurious chalet where everything is taken care of. Chalet Chambertin, set just outside of Morzine is ideal with its swish Neal’s Yard bubbles and plush bedrooms, comfy sofas, hot tub and gourmet chef intent on spoiling the family, including baby. In addition to nightly 4 course extravaganzas (and the aperos), the chalet chef makes daily treats including the finest white chocolate cheesecake – only just surpassed by the courgette and lime cake!

While parents and son skied, baby enjoyed the attention, toys and initiative shown by Bronwyn, the Aussie nanny. She was so happy, leaving her behind wasn’t the agony I’d feared.

A quick drop off at the ESF for the 5 year old who was due to pass his ‘ourson’ and we were free to ski ‘en amoureux’. Despite my preconceptions the ski school was brilliant, with bilingual teachers, and a great atmosphere. They even have a daily crèche option too in case the kids want to stay on, or parents want to ski solo longer.

Looking for a one-on-one tuition? Becci at the British Alpine Ski School (BASS) is a real gem. Brilliant with the kids, she’s become our ski godmother, since she first put our boy on skis aged barely 3. We also tried boarding with the fantastic Tammy at Mint.  She had this little mini shredder grinning and whizzing down the bottom of the slope in minutes. There is something about a little one on a snowboard. My heart burst with pride.

Off the snow, Morzine is quaint and picturesque, with the central square alive with events, from the ice skating rink to nightly parades and plenty of places for a hot chocolate. You might even catch sight of Father Christmas in person in the run up to Christmas when the town is abuzz with the ‘Feeries de Noel’.

When the chalet chef takes her night off, we sampled delicious raclettes and tartiflettes at La Chamade where the basement cheese bar is worth writing home about too. You may come home with extra luggage!

Need To Know:

Please comment