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 finds 3 options that are the right balance of comfort, cosiness and luxury.
Heading to the Alps with a baby? 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, an Aussie nanny there for the season. 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 bilingural 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. To check his heart wasn’t in boarding, we also tried a session with Tammy at Mint. She had this little mini shredder grinning and whizzing down the bottom of the slope in minutes. 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 to duck in for a hot chocolate. When the chalet chef takes her night off, we sample the delicious raclettes and tartiflettes at La Chamade across the road where the basement cheese bar is worth writing home about too. You may come home with extra luggage! FACTBOX MORZINE A little lesser known by the Brits, the Alpe d’Huez is one of the French’s favourites. Perched at 1,450 m it boasts Europe’s largest skiing area, linking 5 resorts with 10,000 hectares of mountains to glide around and incredible views from the Pic Blanc. A great option with teens or bigger kids, l’Alpe d’Huez has made a point of lining up oodles of activities for families, from its indoor sports centre with a pool, climbing wall, tennis courts, mini-golf course and archery range, as well as an outdoor pool and an ice rink and plenty of après ski, of course. Indeed, l’Alpe has just opened its own Folie Douce for those who like to party. In addition to ice skating you can try your hand at curling, or just watch the local ice hockey team, the Yetis, play a game. Tobogganing is another option for daredevil kids. Helmets required! Other cool family friendly things to do include husky dog sleigh rides through the powder or a whirl on the skidoo – definitely instagram-able stuff! You can also try a “piste basher” excursion. With their enormous caterpillar tracks, the piste bashers are a novel way to take a tour checking out ice waterfalls and frozen lakes. And while we’re on the ice theme, you’ll also find an ice laser quest, ice maze, and ice caves to explore. For the ultimate in comfort and no stress, families with older kids will appreciate a well-located hotel ski in /ski out, like Grande Rousses. A family run hotel, it’s the only one with unobstructed mountain views so you can make the most of that glorious panorama of the Oisans. Recently renovated, the hotel blends chalet style with modern comfort beautifully in warm shades of chocolate, red and copper. Parents will enjoy the cocktail bar and tapas, while kids might be more interested in the video games room. Snuggle up by the fireplace with a glass of fine wine or a hot chocolate after a hard day on the slopes, or head to the wine and cheese bar. Prefer to go gourmet? The hotel is home to l’Esperance with its panoramic terrace for some Savoyard specialities or something from the seawater tank! FACTBOX L’ALPE D’HUEZ A firm favourite with British skiers, Val d’Isere has earned the nickname of Val de Sloane Square. On the upside, as well as plenty of compatriots you’ll also find there’s no need to struggle with French! Everyone from the bartender to the ski instructor is fluent in English, which can make a ski break a little less stressful! With 300km of pistes known as “L’ Espace Killy”, Val d’Isere has every level of pistes available, and heaps to keep you busy in town. No wonder it’s a favourite for celebs like Bono and Richard Branson. The village itself is a perfect vision of timber chalets, cute bakeries and cutting edge sports stores as well as plenty of shopping opportunities at boutques like Berenice and Poivre Blanc. Right in the heart of it all, Aspen Lodge offers a great location, just a few little steps from the slopes. A catered chalet option, the VIP ski team provide gourmet food, amazing daily cooked breakfasts, slick service where nothing is too much trouble and lovely nannies (for little ones over 6 months) as part of the deal! The apartments have all the trimmings such as boot warmers, wide screen TVs, sleek bathrooms, fresh cakes every day and a driver service too. The nannies work 8 hour shifts and have a packed schedule planned for the kids – from sledging to snow walks, treasure hunts, arts and crafts or trips to the farm, it’s a kid’s dream come true! For even less stress, VIP even organise for your hire skis to your cosy chalet. Book a refresher lesson or a set of lessons for the kids with BASS (British Alpine Ski & Snowboard School) with great instructors like the fabulous Craig. He can take them to the “easy-ski” zone at the top of Solaise lift, ideal for teaching kids and beginners. Foodies will also appreciate the great choice of lunchtime stops, whether at l‘Atelier d’Edmond with its 2 Michelin stars or La Fruitiere, at the top of the La Daille or the legendary ‘La Folie Douce’. Date night? Try the Fondue Factory where it’s all about lovely gooey cheese! FACTBOX VAL D’ISERE
Morzine: Best with baby
L’Alpe d’Huez
Val d’Isere: Best for little kids
