Discover what you need to know before hitting the slopes this year. Take your family on holiday in the Alps and have the time of your life.
As the holiday season is drawing near, most of us are planning our new holiday adventure. When travelling with family, preparing in advance is not only necessary but crucial. With the pandemic in our lives for a while now, we must consider COVID-19 health guidelines, so there is that.
For families with children, though, there’s more to it. If you cherish gorgeous winter settings and snowy slopes but feel deep down that there is a lot of effort to it, you have come to the right place. Our team has put together the most essential tips for the 2022-2023 winter holiday season. Here is what you need to know for a smooth, hassle-free holiday.
1.
MAKE ACCOMMODATION PLANS EARLY
Booking early is the oldest trick in the book when it
comes to finding accommodation at reasonable prices. Even if you are not
travelling on a tight budget, booking a hotel or chalet before you travel can
ensure that you find the accommodation of your choice. Hotel rooms tend to get
quite pricey last minute if you are going to a popular holiday destination.
2. RESERVE SKI LESSONS IN ADVANCE
When
you reserve ski and snowboard lessons in advance, the cost is usually less
expensive than on-site. For a variety of locations, you can also book lessons
for your little skiers. In that case, make sure you have reviewed the age
limitations as refunds might not be a choice. Also, pre-booking your lift
passes and ski equipment can result in saving lots of time in the first few
days.
3. BE AWARE OF YOUR ACCOMMODATON'S PROXIMITY TO THE SLOPES
If you are serious about skiing, you already know that
finding the right instructor or ski school is important. What you also need to
keep in mind is where the ski school is located compared to your accommodation.
This will help you get organised to be on time for pick-ups.
Staying near the slopes is key to stress-free skiing holidays. Even if you are staying a bit further, check the distances beforehand and make transportation plans.
Merinannies Tip: As much as you would like to teach your kid to ski, it
is always best to trust the professionals.
4. CHOOSE A FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT
We believe it is extremely rewarding to spend any holidays with the kids. But there is something truly magical about family holidays in ski resorts - the colder the climate, the warmer the feelings. Our team has selected the most exceptional family-friendly resorts in the Alps that you’ll absolutely adore; Chamonix, Courchevel, Megeve, Meribel, St Anton, La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are our top choices.
5. STAY FIT BEFORE TRAVELLING
Preparing
for a holiday can be challenging enough, so why add another burden? Well, that
may be true, but if you want to enjoy your skiing holidays to the fullest, then
maintaining healthy habits right before can do wonders for your trip. There
is no doubt that you need a healthy body if you’re going to ski, hike or stay
active in the snow. For the upcoming months, weeks or even days, drink water, catch
a lot of sleep and skip unnecessary treats (trust us, you will enjoy that
fondue on the Alps even more!)
6. BOOK YOUR NANNY/NANNIES EARLY
Whether
you are planning to hire a nanny for the first time or have your heart set on a
professional that you love, you must hurry. There are only so many excellent
nannies waiting to spend time with your children. Our nannies know all about
the most beloved family-friendly destinations and can help out a great deal
when you most need it. Book one now.
7. KEEP YOUR BABIES AND TODDLERS ENTERTAINED
How many of you have been told by friends and family that you shouldn’t take your babies and toddlers on holiday? Many parents though can’t imagine having fun without the little ones. Luckily, there are several baby-friendly activities in most resorts. And if you want to take the older kids skiing, you can always find a nanny to stay back with them.
Merinannies Tip: Pre-order necessary foods and nappies for your baby as
many parents have difficulty finding specific items on location.
8. START WITH AN INDOOR SKIING CENTRE
Rather
sceptical about taking the kids skiing? Why not try it in a controlled
environment like an indoor skiing centre? This way you can benefit from all the
perks (like one-on-one lessons and lots of training) without the risks of skiing
on a mountain. Most of the indoor skiing centres are open year-round, so you
can start practising today.
9. ARRANGE SKI-SCHOOL PICK UPS AND DROP OFFS
As we mentioned earlier, the ski school’s proximity to your accommodation isn’t an issue to be ignored. But arranging pick-ups and drop-offs isn’t always a piece of cake, even if it’s quite close. It can feel exhausting to stay on schedule when on holiday. Nannies can prove extremely useful with getting the kids ready in the morning, dropping them off at ski school and picking them up in the afternoon.
10. MAKE A PACKING CHECKLIST
You don’t need to be a “Monica” to appreciate a
comprehensive checklist. A packing list should be the number one priority for
the 2022-2023 holiday season, as people forget necessities like face masks more
often than you might think. It’s particularly important to add things that are
difficult to find on location if forgotten.
11. ARRANGE SOME APRES DRINK TIME FOR YOU
While we adore our kids, a little grown-up time is always
a good idea. Whether you’re keen on a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of wine, you
deserve to delight in your favourite drink before the children arrive home from
ski school. Why not get a night out too?
Relaxing with that famous Glühwein in a beautiful setting
can elevate most parents’ moods in a flash. And if you need a reliable nanny to
take over, we are here to help.
