Meribel ski resort – the perfect family destination

In the UK there is a less then 10% chance of a white Christmas this year so a week on the slopes can be a great way to treat the kids.

Meribel skiing holidays can be great for families as they offer stunning scenery, variety of runs and plenty of nursery slopes for beginners and younger skiers.

Children booked into a ski school will learn from English speaking instructors and nannies will escort them to and from the slopes and supervise over lunchtimes. There are also fun activities such as sledging, snowman building and woodland walks. Adult ski schools will run at a similar time meaning that you could opt for free afternoons to spend together exploring the Alpine towns.

Meribel have introduced the Magnestick system this year. The Magnestick is a vest with a metallic back protection in, this is worn over the ski jacket. A magnet also exists in three of the chairlifts in Meribel so when a child sits on these lifts it is automatically activated and ensures the child stays “stuck” to the seat. It automatically releases on arrival. Chairlifts equipped with this system are Combes, Arolles and Chatelet.

Magnestick system in action

For the younger child there are crèches (with a garden full of snow!) open from 9am – 5:30pm for babies aged from four-months, allowing Mum and Dad to have a full day on the slopes or a drop-in crèche during the evenings.

If you want to take your family skiing to Meribel then we recommend Mark Warner. Mark Warner has over 25-years experience in organising family ski holidays and introducing children to skiing. This year there are money-saving offers including free child places, discounted child-share deals and free ski and boot rental for children. Have a look at the Mark Warner ski holidays to Meribel here.

If you do opt to take your children skiing for the first time here are five top tips help keep little ones safe and for you to have a stress-free time.

• Cooler temperatures can cause batteries to run out more quickly so remember to pack spares
• Remember to keep moisturiser and lip balms handy, flavoured balms are great for kids
• A few thin layers are better then one think jumper. Vests, cotton polo necks and fleeces are lightweight and comfortable to wear under a thicker jacket
• Remember to pack essentials like spare pairs of gloves and hats, in case they get lost en route to the slopes!
• Sunlight is strong so it is vital to use high SPF on any exposed areas such as the nose during skiing and for children to wear protective sunglasses