Meribel childcare and crèches

Introduction

The childcare provision in Meribel is great, with a lot of companies to choose from. If you're unsure which is right for you, we will be able to recommend a local nanny, babysitter, crèche, or ski school to keep the kids entertained while you get a well-earned break, on and off the slopes.

It is advisable to book your childcare service at the same time as you book your accommodation, as they tend to fill-up quickly—especially during peak weeks.

On this page, we'll take you through the best options for childcare during your stay in Meribel. We'll look at typical prices, just what your little ones can expect, as well as some other "nice to know" info.

Hire a nanny

Like most ski resorts, Meribel has many specialist nannies and childcare companies. They know the resort like the back of their ski gloves, from the best local ice cream sundae to the best place for a snowball fight. They will also drop the kids off to their ski lessons and pick them up. If you want them to, they will even stay with you in the chalet until the kids go to bed, allowing you to switch off and enjoy your holiday in style. Find out more about nanny services in Meribel...

Nannies can provide care at your accommodation while you ski (usually between 8am and 7pm, for eight consecutive hours at a time), and baby-sitting services (usually by the hour, from 7pm onwards), if you're looking to head out for the evening.

The price of care will differ between companies. This will depend on the number of children, the number of hours/days needed, and, in some cases, the age of the children.

The age range of children, who can avail of these services, is normally between four weeks and 14 years old. Again, this can vary from company to company.

Typical day for the child:

Before the grown-ups head out in the morning, the nanny will arrival at the chalet, getting ready for the day ahead. They can prepare the food for the day (purées, sandwiches, or any items that you've approved), and organise the day's activities. In the morning, the nanny can bring the kid/s out for a walk around the village, or drop them at the local ski school for a few hours — all depending on what you have agreed with them. If they prefer the indoors, there are endless activities here too. Most nannies come prepared with colouring books, toys, arts and craft and other essentials to pass the time. They're also well-trained in dealing with any separation anxiety, or other such bumps on the road, that may arise.

Approx. Price (Nanny Service):

• 1 Full Day (1-2 children, 8 consecutive hours): €300.50
• 6 Days (1-2 children, 8 consecutive hours per day): €1600

Approx. Price (Babysitting Service - after 7pm for 3 hours):

• 1 - 2 Children: €107.40
• 3 - 4 Children: €116.40
• 5 - 6 Children: €122.40

Please note: Prices may vary during peak season and other weeks. Contact us for current rates.

Please note, the majority of nanny service providers will assume that one full day is equal to eight consecutive hours (due to French labour laws), and will give you the choice of what consecutive hours best suit you — usually from between 8am and 7pm. Others may be more flexible and could, for example, break the day into two four-hour shifts, with an hour's break between. It is always worth double-checking with your chosen provider.

Babysitter Service

While most nanny services will offer a babysitting service in the evening, it is always handy to have a list on hand should you need a babysitter at short notice, at any time of the day. Here's a list from the Meribel Tourist Office of independent babysitters in Meribel, the majority of which speak English.

Typical day for the child:

Similar to the nanny service, a babysitter will call to your chalet to offer childcare while you're out. Traditionally, this service covers just a few hours at a time, usually while the grown-ups head out for the evening.

Approx. Price:

• 1 - 2 Children: €107.40
• 3 - 4 Children: €116.40
• 5 - 6 Children: €122.40

ESF Méribel: Children's Nurseries & Ski Clubs

The state-owned ski school (ESF) offers a comprehensive range of childcare and introductory ski programmes designed to grow with your child. For the youngest adventurers aged 18 months to three years, the Day Nursery provides a nurturing environment with indoor play areas and gentle outdoor activities like sledging and garden walks. As they reach ages three to five, children can progress to the Mini Piou Piou Club, a specialised snow kindergarten featuring merry-go-rounds and mini-lifts designed to introduce the basics of skiing through play. From age four, the Piou Piou Club moves onto the slopes with 'Ourson' and 'Flocons' classes, where children learn to turn and use ski lifts on flat, safe terrain guided by the colourful Piou-Piou mascot. Every programme is led by qualified supervisors or instructors and culminates in a celebratory medal ceremony at the end of the week.

Schedules & Pricing:

Morning Sessions: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Supervised Lunch (Optional): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Approx. Price (6 Mornings OR Afternoons):

• €200 per child

Approx. Price (6 Full Days):

• €300 per child

For more information, visit www.esf-meribel.com.