Saturday 7 December 2019

Your Christmas list sorted


The Perfect Family Christmas Present 
 Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way….

If this is ringing in your head and you are trying hard to tick off each pressie on Santa’s list, why don’t you go for a BIG surprise this year!
This is the time to snuggle up by a crackling log fire, indulge in as many cheeseboards as you possibly can, and sip mulled wine and hot chocolates all day long. Christmas is a special time for all the family, packed with quality time, love and festive cheer. For the perfect gift for the whole family this year, why not whisk them away to their very own magical winter wonderland?
Oh yes! We’re talking about a family ski holiday. The little ones will be open-mouthed from the moment they set eyes on the glistening, snow-topped mountains. You’ll leave all your work worries on the plane and get lost in a world of winding forest runs, cheese fondue and never-ending apres-ski. We know, we know. You’re wondering how you could possibly relax for a week away WITH your very young, very high-energy children? Well, that’s where we come in.

Here at MeriNannies, your wish is our command. We provide services to help you to get as much as you can from the mountains; resting easy knowing that your children are in great hands. While you’re off trying your first red run, your children will be excitedly riding toboggans, checking out the local ice rink or even meeting Santa Claus with our experienced nannies.


 Lucky for you, we operate only in the most picturesque and family-friendly resorts in the French Alps, including Meribel, Chamonix, St Anton, Megeve and Courchevel. With record-breaking November snowfall, we are in for an incredibly white Christmas this year indeed. Ski lifts have been opened up early in many resorts, and will be fully open everywhere within the next week.

Fancy holidaying in a resort that isn’t on our list? No problem, we’re still here to lend a helping hand. Our tried and tested Travel Ski Nanny service means we’ll send a qualified, experienced nanny (of your choice) to meet you in your chosen resort on arrival. Our nanny will be flexible to your holiday requirements including ski time during the day and evenings out, so you can make the most of your time away.
For a picture-perfect family Christmas, consider treating yourself and your loved ones to a week in the Alps. Discover more about us and find out how to book here.

www.merinannies.com
info@merinannies.com
+44 7860925055

Saturday 30 November 2019

Chamonix adventures with kids



Fun For The Whole Family: Our Top 10 Picks Of Things To Do In Chamonix

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-famous ski resort area nestled in the foothills of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Aside from the obvious ski slopes, this lovely little picturesque town is packed with family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities to pass the time if your little ones haven’t quite got their ski legs! Children’s activities are spread throughout the whole of the Chamonix Valley, but Les Houches has actually been awarded the “Famille Plus” label, for its outstanding facilities for children. Here at MeriNannies, we consider ourselves somewhat experts when it comes to family-friendly things to do in the valley. So here’s our top pick of activities to keep you entertained throughout your whole stay:

1.     Luge Alpine Coaster of Chamonix
Speed through the breath-taking scenery of the Parc de Loisirs on this hold-on-to-your-hats toboggan run; perfect for adrenaline junkies big and small. With space for two on each sled, it’s ideal for the whole family. Children aged 3-7 just need to ride with an adult, but ages 8 plus can tear up the track all on their own. https://www.chamonix.com/luge-alpine-coaster-de-chamonix,48-163228,en.html

2.     Parc de Merlet
This is one of the most-recommended days out, year-round, for children of all ages. Perched high above les Houches, the Parc de Merlet is particularly exciting for those nature-curious kids; encourage them to follow tracks, spot animals and identify species like the little scientists they are. The park is pushchair-friendly and one of our favourite activities here at MeriNannies. http://www.parcdemerlet.com/en/

3.     Soft Play
La Petite Folie, located in Chamonix Sud, is a colourful and exciting soft play area that’s open 7 days a week and is even available for party bookings. For the tired parents who just want to put their feet up for a bit – you’re in luck! A café overlooks the soft play area so you can sink your teeth into a buttery croissant or indulge in a classic chocolat chaud…you’ve earned it.
http://www.lapetitefoliechamonix.com/wp_lapetitefolie/

4.     Husky Sledding
Let your children’s imaginations run wild with the magical world of husky sledding. Enjoy a ride over the ultimate wintery landscapes, being pulled at just more than a walking pace, so you can really soak up the views. Ideal for dog lovers in particular, the little ones will even get to interact with affectionate Alaskan and Greenland Huskies up close. 
https://www.chamonix.net/english/winter-activities/dog-sledding

5.     Montenvers Train & Mer de Glace
Wind your way up and around the mountainside with the Montenvers Train; it never fails to get the little ones excited about their great adventure. After just 20 minutes, you’ll reach the Mer de Glace (or “sea of ice”), one of the most stunningly beautiful glaciers around. Grab a bite to eat in the café or restaurant at the top. https://www.chamonix.com/mer-de-glace-et-train-du-montenvers,48-179002,en.html

6.     Grotto de glace 
At the top of the Montenvers Train, you can hop on a lift to the Grotto de Glace (ice tunnels) for an experience that feels like a movie scene. Trust us, it will take away your breath as well as the childrens’. Bear in mind that there are 430 steps to reach the ice caves, so it might be best suited for slightly older and more adventurous kids. 
https://www.chamonix.net/english/leisure/sightseeing/mer-de-glace

7.     Take a dip at the Centre Sportif 
Make a splash in Chamonix’s indoor heated swimming pool. Suitable for all ages, the complex provides non-stop fun for the whole family with a kid’s playing pool, a paddling pool and even a big hydro slide for all ages.  https://www.chamonix.net/english/leisure/sport-centers/richard-bozon

8.     Get your skates on
Open all year round, Chamonix’s 60 x 30 metre indoor Olympic ice rink is a great bad weather day option. You can just help your kids practice their professional “ice skater twirls” or even come along and watch the local ice hockey team, Les Chamois, playing home matches. https://www.chamonix.com/ice-rink,28,en.html

9.     Explore! 
We know it sounds obvious, but there’s nothing that fails to get children up and outside like a fresh snowfall. And luckily, we’ve got lots of that here in Chamonix. Head out for some serious exploring, and then dine at altitude – take your kids for their first ever fondue! They’ll be so full; we guarantee they’ll sleep well after. 


 10.  Helicopter rides around the valley 
For an extra special occasion, you can absolutely wow your children with a surprise helicopter ride around the Chamonix Valley. Whether you just want 10 minutes or a full 30 minutes, the panoramic views are always mind-blowing.  https://chamonix-helico.fr/en/vols-panoramiques

And, of course, if you fancy a few hours – or days – relaxing without the kids, that’s where our services come in. You can just grab yourself a vin chaud, snuggle up by the fire, and let us do all the entertaining. 
https://merinannies.com/book-page/
www.merinannies.com






Sunday 27 January 2019

A holiday that they will never forget with St Anton Nannies


Our nannies in St Anton have spent hours coming up with plans to make sure that your child has the best holiday possible while with us.  They have countless options on ways to have fun in and out the snow for children of all ages.   With a wide range of arts and crafts ideas we decided to give you a brief insight into some of the many activities that we have planned when you come to St Anton.
Outdoor fun.
What is more fun than being out in the snow for the first time. Our nannies make sure that your child will get to experience the snow in the best way possible by being creative and safe. Of course we like snowman competitions, snow angles, snowball fights and treasure hunts, but we also like to think outside the box and explore  new ideas. Some of our favourites are 

v Painting the snow - the child will have so much fun painting pretty pictures in the snow. 
v Making snow jewels, frozen balloons and ice ornaments.
v Making snow volcanos and snow animals.

And so many more but we can’t ruin the surprises.
Indoor fun.
Our nannies love to get messy making edible slime or playdough which is safer and we all know how children like to taste things.  We have a selection of glitters, paints, cards, paper plates and of course endless imagination to help create amazing art that you will get to bring home as a reminder of all the fun you have had with us in St Anton.
Our nannies also love sensory art with the younger babies  which helps their development, so as well as having fun they are learning new things. Feeling new sensations, tasting and exploring their senses. One of our favourite for babies is making edible paints with yoghurt, food colouring and flavours.  This is fun for all and safe if they eat it.


So contact us and find out how we can give your child a holiday they will never forget. 
And some latest comments on some of our nannies in St Anton
She was always bright and bubbly no matter when we saw her, and this washed off onto Florence; she was always happy and smiling around Katie when we arrived home. She was professional at all times. It was obvious she had a passion for kids and loved what she was doing.
Finn had an amazing time over the last 4 days and we all thought Mikaela did a great job. She came prepared with books and activities, and she kept him active with outings into the snow.  
 https://merinannies.com/book-page/
+447860925055