|
|
 |
Chamonix for Families & Kids
| Families & Kids in Chamonix Valley |
|
Chamonix may be a natural playground for adults but it's a wonderland for children! Both in summer and in winter, there are a multitude of adventures to be had, and experiences to be cherished. Children are well catered for in Chamonix, with kids clubs and a range of childcare options available. |
| Activities in Chamonix for Families & Kids |
|
Chamonix markets its image as an extreme sports destination, however, this doesn't make it unsuitable for families with children to visit. Obviously the main activity in winter is skiing and snowboarding and there are a number of ski schools who offer kids' lessons and may also arrange child-minding, pick-up services, and other activities.
There are a number of other activities geared towards kids and here are a few ideas: ... see "Chamonix Activities - Families & Kids" for more |
|
last updated 21-Nov-2007 |
| Childcare Services in Chamonix |
|
Children are welcome in Chamonix, and there are a number of creches and childcare services available. They do tend to be popular and so you should make sure you book well in advance. Children's clubs are also popular during summer and winter, and offer a range of activities for children of all ages. ... see "Chamonix Childcare" for more |
|
last updated 21-Nov-2007 |
| Children's Skiing in Chamonix |
|
Most ski teachers wouldn’t recommend starting skiing before the age of three or four at the earliest. The right age will vary from child to child, and depends upon the child’s strength, co-ordination and attitude. For this age group skiing should remain a play activity, so don't expect a young child to ski all day - a couple of hours is ample. ... see "Chamonix Skiing for Children" for more |
|
last updated 23-Nov-2007 |
| School Holiday Dates |
|
France divides its school holidays into a regional timetable to ensure that the entire country doesn't go on holiday at once - however this staggered system can mean that some months (particularly February) can be busy from beginning to end as one region after another arrives in resort! Planning ahead can help you avoid the crowds...
| Holiday | French Dates | UK Dates | Notes |
| Autumn Half-Term | 27/Oct/07 - 08/Nov/07 | 22/Oct/07 - 26/Oct/07 |
|
| Christmas/New Year | 23/Dec/07 - 06/Jan/08 | 15/Dec/07 - 06/Jan/08 |
|
| February Half-Term | 17/Feb/08 - 02/Mar/08 (zone A) | 09/Feb/08 - 24/Feb/08 | Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse | | 10/Feb/08 - 24/Feb/08 (zone B) | Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Besançon, Dijon, Lille, Limoges, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen, Strasbourg | | 24/Feb/08 - 9/Mar/08 (zone C) | Bordeaux, Créteil, Paris, Versailles |
| Spring | 13/Apr/08 - 27/Apr/08 (zone A) | 21/Mar/08 - 20/Apr/08 |
|
| 06/Apr/08 - 20/Apr/08 (zone B) |
| | 20/Apr/08 - 04/May/08(zone C) |
| | Easter | 23/Mar/08 |
|
| Summer | 03/Jul/08 - 02/Sep/08 | 17/Jul/08 - 30/Aug/08 |
|
|
|
last updated 9-May-2008 |
| Tips for Families & Kids |
When taking babies and toddlers on a ski holiday, you will need to take special precautions against the altitude, sun and cold.
As you drive up to the resort, the rapid drop in air pressure may cause problems for a young child’s ears. Take a 15 minute break on the road up to the resort, and give young children a drink or something to suck to help them equalise the pressure in their ears.
Paediatrician Nathalie Blot suggests not taking a child under one to above 1200m altitude. A baby may suffer acclimatisation problems due to the drop in air pressure and decrease in oxygen level. Aged one year, one can safely go higher but, she suggests, not above 1800m. (Note that Chamonix is located at 1080 m)
She strongly advises against taking any child under three years on a gondola lift as they find the changes in altitude too sudden.
The cold is another danger for very small children, whose temperature regulation systems are not yet fully developed. Waterproof boots, good quality mittens and ears protection are essential to protect from frostbite. Do not take a baby skiing with you on your back – immobilised, he will quickly lose heat, and the risk of collisions or falls on the piste is always present.
Remember children lose heat faster than adults so dress according to the weather conditions and make provision for it changing - hats, waterproofs and gloves are essentials. Helmets are recommended for skiing and boarding too.
Remember to protect your child's eyes and skin from the sun - not only are the infra-red and UV rays less filtered by the atmosphere at altitude, but 85% of the rays are reflected by the snow. Use category 3 or 4 UV sunglasses/goggles, and reapply SPF30 suncream at least every two hours.
It's a good idea to have a contact phone number and address in your child's pocket in case you become separated on the mountain.
Lift passes are free for children under 4 in Chamonix, but only with proof of date of birth.
|
|
last updated 21-Nov-2007 |
|
