Austrian ski resorts for children. Nanny for holidays and toys for rent. Cross-country skiing and snow field cooking
In families who are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, as a rule, there are no questions whether to continue skiing with the advent of a baby in the family. The answer is usually unequivocal - "continue". It is with the beginning of the ski season in domestic and European ski resorts that you can increasingly see parents with small children.
Rest in the mountains is, of course, clean air, picturesque landscapes and comfortable hotels, however, when planning such a trip with the whole family, you should especially carefully prepare for the trip, and especially if this trip to the mountains will be the first for the child.
Choosing a ski resort
From the point of view of organizing children's and family entertainment, Europe is clearly in the lead today. Austria and Finland remain the most popular countries among family athletes. Austria offers accommodation in comfortable Kinder hotels, and also pleases tourists with specialized children's ski schools and amusement parks for the little ones. Those parents who are accustomed to skiing only in the elite Swiss resorts can continue to enjoy skiing in St. Moritz with their kids. On local resorts there are magnificent hotels that provide babysitting services, and the slopes are equipped with special slopes for children. Also, most resorts have children's instructors.
As for Finland, tours here cost an order of magnitude less, but you need to remember that the Finnish climate is not suitable for everyone - severe frosts often occur here, and daylight hours in the winter months last only a few hours. No less popular is the Norwegian ski resort Trollia, which accepts children from the age of three months. While parents conquer the slopes, children play on fresh air or in specially equipped rooms under the supervision of professional teachers. In addition to these countries, you can also pay attention to the resorts of Italy, France and Sweden, intended for recreation with young children.
Family skiing in Switzerland and Austria
One of the most popular children's ski resorts in Switzerland is Villars, which today has three kindergartens, including those for children under one year old. Those who want to teach their child to ski from a young age will surely like the children's ski school, which accepts children from the age of three. By the way, children under five years old can ride here for free, and those who are older - for 118 euros (about 5,906 rubles) for five of them.
In total, more than 220 kilometers are accessible in the city ski slopes, more than half of which are designed for beginners and children, so you can go here even with those who saw skis only in the picture. Pleasant features of this place include convenient paths for walking with strollers, and children's trails for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Also, nannies work here and a huge collection of various toys is available for children. A nice bonus for vacationers here will be located 20 kilometers from Villar thermal spa Les Bains de Lavey with hot springs. By the way, sunny Villar was created from the very beginning as family resort, and for Special attention for little guests, he was awarded a special Families Welcome certificate, which is issued by the Swiss Tourism Federation.
Those who dare to rush to the mountains with one and a half year old children can visit another Swiss resort in Leukerbad. Local kindergartens accept the smallest guests, and ski schools promise that even babies at the age of two will be put on skis. Subscriptions for children under eight years old at this resort are free, and for children under 18 years old they cost 120 euros (about 6,006 rubles) for five days. Leukerbad is the largest ski resort in all of Switzerland, and it is located in the place where ancient Roman baths were located in ancient times. Keeping in mind the history of these places, the resort administration decided to include a visit to the hot springs in the price of the ski pass. In total, there are three dozen outdoor and indoor pools, as well as several pools for small children. As for the infrastructure of the resort in Leukerbad, there is everything you need for a cozy and carefree family vacation. In addition to high-quality slopes for skiing, there are play areas for children, restaurants offer carefully thought-out children's menu, the rooms are equipped with cots and toys, a babysitting service is available, and special family rates are available for families with children. Especially for children over the age of three, the resort has a special Erli zone with gentle slopes, a playground, children's lifts and Russian-speaking instructors.
Very similar to the named resorts and the Austrian town of Serfaus, where you can go even with newborn babies - local kindergartens accept babies of any age. As for the cost of ski passes, traditionally children under eight years old can conquer the slopes for free, while for children from eight to 18 years old, the cost of a five-day subscription is 107 euros (about 5,356 rubles).
This Tyrolean resort differs from its neighbors in that it has the shortest metro in the world with a length of only 1,208 meters. This subway includes only one branch with four stations. Of course, they come here not for the sake of the metro, but for the amazing atmosphere of the huge entertainment center for children. Serfaus is walking city where the child can be safely released on the street without fear for his safety. The resort has several play areas and is constantly animation program, there is a ski school and special children's restaurants. By the way, ski elevator to the children's town is equipped in such a way that strollers can also be loaded onto it. As for the trails, many of them are especially wide and gentle - oriented for children. There are also children's parkours for snowmobiling, a special snow engine, jumps and slides for young freeriders.
Italy or France?
An excellent alternative to Austria and Switzerland will be ski resorts Italy. The place Madonna di Campiglio is perfect for relaxing with children. There are also kindergartens and ski schools for children from three years old, and a ski pass for children from eight years old costs 88 euros (about 4,405 rubles) for five days.
This resort is located among Dolomites 200 kilometers from Milan and invites both confident skiers and beginners with children. The kids who already have some skiing experience will love the local snow parks and wide trails, while the little ones should go to the training lanes with funny cartoon characters. In addition, throughout the territory of this resort, children's playgrounds are scattered with magic conveyor carpets and fabulous houses for relax. A pleasant bonus for parents will be more than 30 restaurants and about 25 bars that can be appreciated in the evening, leaving the baby for a couple of hours with a nanny.
For the period of Russian winter holidays in the Italian ski resort of Kronplatz there is a special Dolomiti Super Kids offer, offering discounts on ski passes and other resort services. This family resort South Tyrol in Italy, it unites 14 villages and towns at once, located at altitudes from 780 to 1,650 meters. Here is everything you need for comfortable rest, both with toddlers and with teenagers who are already bored on the training trails for the little ones. For teenagers, there is a ski park, while for smaller children there is a Kids Safety Park, where kids will learn about safety rules on the slopes, and they can also ride sleds, carousels, take part in children's performances and eat in a children's restaurant.
The atmosphere of a revived fairy tale reigns in the French ski town of Morzine. You can come here with kids from the age of one year - a nursery works for them, and for children from three years old - ski schools. Morzine is located 35 kilometers from Geneva on the border of France and Switzerland. In this place, the amazing atmosphere of the good old Europe, as shown in the films, has been preserved. You can't deny yourself the pleasure of going to walking tour to look at town square, old market, a stone bridge across the river ... At the same time, Maureen remains a full-fledged town with all the modern infrastructure - cinemas, restaurants, skating rinks and slopes.
Morzine is suitable not only for fearless adults who dare to conquer the almost vertical Swiss Wall course, but also for small athletes. After all, it was at this resort that they began to actively accustom even the smallest to skiing with the help of a special invention by Babysnow. This device is a combination of a scooter and a large ski with a handlebar, allowing children not only to learn how to ride, but also to enjoy it. Adjacent to Morzine is the resort of Avoriaz, which is more suitable for active teenagers - there are many steep slopes and freestyle parks.
Mountains nearby
In order to enjoy a holiday in a ski resort with the whole family, you can not go far, but go to nearest countries- Finland, Sweden or Norway.
In Finland, beloved by the inhabitants of the Russian North-West, today there is a delightful family resort Levi, where you can relax even with babies. There are both nannies for the youngest guests, and ski schools with Russian-speaking instructors for children from three years old. A ski pass for five days for children over 12 years old will cost 120 euros (about 6,006 rubles).
Levi Resort is located in magical Lapland, but due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream, the climate here is very mild and pleasant. It is especially beautiful in these places on Christmas Eve and during new year holidays. In addition, just an hour's drive from the resort is the residence of Santa Claus, where you should definitely go with your children. An unusual gift will be the opportunity to admire northern lights. In order not to miscalculate the dates, it is better to check the weather forecast in advance. As for the infrastructure, there are both classic slopes and more gentle and wide slopes for children. In addition to them, the resort has a children's area, schools and nurseries with professional teachers. For those looking for a change of scenery, a water park with slides and thermal pools, deer farm, ice gallery, snow town and other entertainment areas. You can get here from St. Petersburg by car in just 12 hours.
After a holiday in Finland, you can wave to neighboring Sweden at the Ore ski resort. In addition to the kindergarten and the ski school, here children can spend time riding reindeer sleds. Also worth a visit is the snow-covered hut in the heart of the Carins Stuga forest, which can only be reached by snowmobile or sleigh and where guests are treated to salmon or game dishes cooked over an open fire.
This resort is suitable for those sports families in which children have not yet mastered the most difficult slopes - in Are, the children will watch where to hone their skills. The local school offers 15 levels of classes, differing in the degree of workload and the level of preparation of students. There is a playground and a Teddy bear track especially for kids in Are, which runs through a beautiful fairy-tale forest.
Fans of paragliding and snowkiting can be recommended to go to the Norwegian resort of Geilo. Apart from extreme species The sports resort offers opportunities for families as well. There are light trails for children, and some of them are illuminated in the evening, allowing you to ride under starry sky. Also, a wide variety of outdoor activities are offered for children: cross-country skiing, treasure hunting in the forest, a master class in baking snow cakes and building snowmen, etc. Particularly liked by children air bag, which you can jump directly on skis. However, when going on vacation to Norway, you should be prepared for the fact that holidays here are a little more expensive than in other Scandinavian countries.
The best ski resorts for the whole family: popular among tourists from all over the ski resorts of France, Austria and Switzerland, perfect for families.
What do you need for a comfortable family skiing holiday? Low prices, different types of entertainment for all ages and calm trails. All three of these components are the hallmarks of the smaller ski resorts listed below.
Morillon, Grand Massif, France
Generations of French families have been coming to this Savoyard village for a clean mountain air and active pastime. According to experts, this ski resort is one of the best for those who are happy owners of children aged from six months to 10 years. There is a lot of entertainment for them, including babysitting services for a while while their parents conquer the snowy slopes. Beyond the slopes varying degrees difficulty, there is an ice rink in Morillon. You can also ride in a dog-drawn sleigh and watch the skiing by torchlight. The village is connected to other resorts by a network of ski lifts. Another plus is the short distance to Geneva, overcome in 35 minutes by public transport.
Greolières Les Neiges, Provence, France
Greolières-les-Neiges is not the most famous place among foreigners. Perhaps only the British occasionally come to this resort. A low location and a limited number of places to relax are a guarantee that most of skiers - locals. A friendly atmosphere, more homely than in other Alpine resorts, and relatively free slopes are the main advantages. Chair lifts, slopes for beginners, 26 km long ski runs and pistes with beautiful view to the Mediterranean and Corsica - what else is needed for have a nice rest. The mild climate, without much cold, is ideal for families with small children. cheap restaurants, inexpensive hotel, surrounded by picturesque forest, and the possibility of a trip to Nice are additional pluses.
Aussois, Maurienne Valley, France
Ossois is a vacation at the level of ski resorts in the famous Three Valleys, with the famous Courchevel, but at a much more low prices. The resort itself is a pretty village built of stone and slate. On Tuesdays there are still fairs where you can buy fresh and highest quality products. Entertainment for children of different ages and the award as one of the best places for family holidays attract tourists and locals here.
Les Houches, Chamonix Valley, France
Les Houches - small town in the Chamonix valley, as if created for a family holiday. He is also an award winner and much more likeable than more famous resorts Next door. The length of the ski slopes is about 55 km, of which 2 are black, 13 are red, 7 are blue and 4 are green. Les Houches has plenty of lifts different types and there are opportunities for paragliding, ice skating, jogging dog sledding, climbing. The largest St. Bernard breeding farm will delight any child.
Puy-St-Vincent, Hautes-Alpes, France
Puy Saint Vincent is considered one of the best European family resorts. Basically, the French themselves rest here. Among foreigners, the British predominate. High reputation - the merit of two ski schools, excellent slopes and the ability to leave children unattended right on mountain slopes.
Safety and convenience are the main distinguishing features. In addition to skiing, in Puy Saint Vincent you can ride a scooter and go to the movies.
Lungau, Salzburg, Austria
If you are not ready to learn to ride skiing during a snowstorm, the classic resort of St. Michel in Lungau - the best choice. He is famous primarily for his a large number sunny days in a year. lift network, cable cars, the ability to get to other resorts by bus, several schools, an ice rink, opportunities for other sports, bars under open sky and week balloons in January - not so little.
Nassfeld, Carinthia, Austria
Nassfeld in Carinthia is a wonderful ski resort on the border of Austria and Italy, designed for families. A whole network of hotels, created specifically for those who come with children, offers its visitors not only accommodation and meals, but also tennis courts, playgrounds, swimming pools, cinemas, discos, health centers and much more. Nassfeld will be good for both advanced and beginner skiers. One of the longest lifts in Europe will take you to the very top.
Adelboden, Switzerland
Another place for family holidays. The picturesque Swiss village is the venue for the Ski World Cup competitions. It's quite quiet and comfortable here. Various entertainments are organized for children.
Bulgarian ski resort Borovets was widely known already in the 19th century, and today it has a modern infrastructure and wonderful trails. Here you can learn many winter sports. Ski schools offer classes with Russian-speaking instructors, which, you see, is especially important when it comes to children. Lessons can be both individual and group. Borovets has slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers - i.e. Parents who have enrolled their child will not be bored either.
Training in the ski schools of Borovets is conducted for 4 hours a day, where the course can be calculated for a period of 3 to 13 days. Snowboarding will also be taught, but the lessons will last only 2 hours a day. True, only those children who have already reached the age of 5 will be admitted to schools - in these places special ski gardens are open for them. And those who are younger will have to be rented to animator teachers for the time of skiing.
In Slovakia V High Tatras and in Poprad, there are ski schools for children and adults, and you can study here individually or in groups, and even with the whole family (if suddenly none of you have ever skied before). As in many other mountain resorts, it is not at all necessary to bring your own equipment with you - the rental price, although significant, does not seem so high after the introduction of airline tariffs for transporting skis.
A pleasant surprise for beginners (both adults and children) skiers will visit Aqua City - large complex term, where you can relax with pleasure and health benefits after a day spent on the slopes of the mountains.
Close to the Finnish ski resort Luosto (in Lapland). It is located on the territory of the Finnish national park Pyhätunturi, at the foot of the Luosto fell. For children, there is a special ski school with a “sparrow” hill, where you can ski and sled.
With children, you can go to another Lapland resort - Levi. Among its well-maintained and well-lit trails, there are also trails for beginner skiers. A ski school with Russian-speaking instructors, some of whom specialize in teaching children, will help the little ones get on their skis. For beginners, 4 free educational lifts are equipped in the center of the mountain resort. For kids 4-6 years old, individual lessons are offered, from 6 years old - group lessons. If the child is not interested in skiing, you can leave the children under supervision in children's town in the open air or give it to the care of a Russian-speaking nanny.
Apart from ski entertainment, in these Finnish mountain resorts there are water and recreation complexes, and other entertainments for children - from a trip to the Santa Claus village and dog and reindeer sledding to the extraction of amethysts on the Luosto fell.
To Austria fly a little further, but there are already real mountains - the Alps, and the level of comfort is completely different. For example, in Bad Hofgastein, beginner skiers will be taken by bus to the Angertal, where ski schools and easier pistes are open. Is there a ski kindergarten for kids from 3 years old, where they will not only be educated and entertained, but they will not forget to feed. The ski school accepts children from the age of 4 and asks them almost like adults - 4 hours of training daily, with a course of study of 6 days.
Not far from Salzburg, in Obertauern, children will be taught to ski, with an emphasis on the game component of the technique. In fact, how much can you learn!?! All year round, children are taught at school - so you can relax during the holidays! Here in this mountain resort, skiing will turn for children into an amusing trip full of varied and pleasant discoveries. Children are collected in small groups - up to 4 people and are taken to classes from the age of 3. There are groups for older children and teenagers, both with a good level of skiing, and for complete beginners.
French ski resorts Traditionally, children are given a lot of attention. So, for example, in the ski school EFS Arc 1600, a children's club located in the La Cachette hotel accepts children from 4 months to 12 years old. This is for those who want to leave the children and ride on their own, but from the age of 4, children go for walks and ski lessons with instructors and there are suitable skis, boots and suits for everyone. For guys older classes become more serious, and the mini-club from 4 to 7 is replaced by a kids club, where children from 7 to 12 years old are taught to ride.
Not crowded slopes, plenty of entertainment, and prices are several times lower than in famous ski resorts, even in the midst of the winter season and days school holidays. The best places for family holidays on the slopes of France, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and the USA.
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Morillon, Grand Massif, France
A resort loved by many generations of French families. The picturesque Savoyard village is one of those awarded the badge Family Plus, How the best place for family holidays in France. The "village des enfants" or "children's village" has all the conditions for great holiday babies from 6 months to 10 years old. In addition, children can have great fun with their parents, dog sledding and ice skating. ice rink, and in the evenings ski down the slopes illuminated by the light of torches. For vacationers in Morillon four other resorts in the region are also available Flaine. Comfortable skiing is provided by 77 lifts. If you get bored with snow activities, then the bus is easy to get to Cluse, where you can swim in the local pool. And all this in 35 minutes from Geneva.
Greolières Les Neiges, Provence, France
It doesn't have the steepest slopes, there aren't many accommodation options, and almost everyone who skis is local. But this only means that the atmosphere is warmer and friendlier than in many alpine resorts, and the slopes are completely empty on weekdays. Resort with 26 kilometers of ski slopes, a chair lift and breathtaking views of Mediterranean Sea And Corsica perfect for those who have not yet learned to stand firmly on skis. Two more positive points for a holiday in this resort with children: warm weather and cheap restaurants. But if you suddenly find yourself with little snow, there are many other snowier resorts within a short drive, including Isola 2000. The most convenient way to get to the ski resort in Provence is from Nice.
Villars (Switzerland). Nanny for holidays and toys for rent
Where to leave the child: 3 kindergartens, including a nursery for children under 1 year old
Where will children learn to ride: two schools for children from 3 years old
Subscription for five days: free for children under 9, €118 for older children, €207 for adults
Bonus: only 18 km away is the thermal spa Les Bains de Lavey with the hottest springs in Switzerland (water temperature reaches 70°C). True, only children from 4 years old are allowed here.
The sunny resort of Villars is conveniently located just 20 km from Lake Geneva and 110 km from Geneva at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Villars was historically created as a family resort. For attention to children, he was even awarded the prestigious Families Welcome quality certificate, which is issued after a multi-stage examination of a commission headed by the Swiss Tourism Federation. The city has five major international schools and boarding schools, whose students live here almost all year round.
Villars has more than 225 km of slopes, more than half of them are easy: you can go here with children of almost any age and level of sports training. For beginners in the city center there is a free ski area with a children's park, houses, a small slide and belt lifts. There will be entertainment for those who are not only skiing, but also not standing on their feet. In Villars there are trails for walks with strollers, children's trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The local tourism office has a service for finding nannies at the resort (although not Russian-speaking), as well as a large collection of toys that you can rent. In the village of Grillon next to Villars, you can rent a chair, stroller, bed or playpen. Not far from Villars, there are as many as five amusement parks, including the Caribbean Islands water park and swiss park locomotives. And adults, leaving their children in one of the local gardens, can safely conquer the most difficult routes in the region. For example, the Glacier 3000 glacier in Diablera can be reached by car from Villars in just 20 minutes.
Waterslides and ski slopes
This resort is located beyond the Arctic Circle, in Lapland, but due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream, the climate here is mild.
The resort looks like a village decorated for Christmas, and the residence of Santa Claus is only an hour away. Around the village there are hills with round tops, the trails leading from them are simple and not long, there are several dedicated training slopes, a huge children's area with free lifts, schools and nurseries for young skiers (by the way, there are no problems with Russian-speaking instructors). Every day there are competitions for young riders. Eat big water park with slides and thermal pools. As well as a variety of entertainment: a park with husky dogs, a deer farm, a snow town, an ice gallery, as well as many children's entertainment areas. A separate plus - from St. Petersburg to Levi can be reached by car in 12 hours (if, of course, you're lucky at customs).
The main ski resort in Bulgaria
Bansko (Bulgaria)
Where to leave children: one kindergarten for children from 3 years old
Where will children learn to ride: two schools for children from 4 years old
Ski pass for three days: for children under 12 years old - €62, for schoolchildren and students - €77, for adults - €86
Bonus: In Bansko you can go cross-country skiing on a professionally prepared track. There is a biathlon stadium here, where the stages of the European Biathlon Cup are often held.
Bansko is the main ski resort in Bulgaria. It is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains surrounded by three peaks - Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes. Bansko for last years thanks to powerful investments has turned into a modern mountain resort, in terms of infrastructure and service, it is quite comparable with the Alpine ones. There are modern lifts, uncomplicated and well-groomed pistes with a length of 70 km, most of which are located on the sunny side and protected from the wind by the forest.
There are large hotels in the town, many of which are designed for families with children. For example, the local Kempinski has its own Kids Club, and other hotels have game rooms. Bansko has a huge private sector- apartments with their own kitchens and a transfer to the ski lift, which is very convenient for families. And more than 100 taverns with live music and an excellent menu.
Holidays in Bulgaria have many advantages: a short flight, simple and understandable cuisine with delicious dairy products and no extra spices, the almost complete absence of language problems, affordable prices.
