Stress free family skiing with Meriski

Here at Meriski we recognise that taking young children on a family skiing holiday can seem quite challenging. So we’ve asked our Head Nanny, Robyn, to give an insight into what you can expect from your Meriski family holiday and to show you how our Meriski créche and private nanny service make family friendly skiing an enjoyable and hassle free experience.

Please could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role?
Hello! My name is Robyn and I am the head nanny for Meriski. I visit all the families when they arrive in resort and go over any childcare requirements that they may have. It’s so important for me to get to know the families personally as it means that there is a good relationship built right from the moment they arrive in their chalets. I am also responsible for making sure the nannies are prepared and ready for the season ahead!

What equipment is available in the chalets for guests travelling with babies?
We have a wide range of different equipment available including travel cots, sterilisers, stair gates, buggies and baby monitors. We do have other items that are available which can be discussed with parents prior to arrival. 

If anything gets left behind, what can guests buy in resort? 
There is a small supermarket just outside of the village centre, which stocks nappies, baby milk and baby food. If guests realise on the Sunday that they have forgotten anything I can arrange for that item to be delivered to their chalet on the Monday. 

How does the Meriski private nanny service work?
Meriski private nannies will come to your chalet on Monday morning to discuss in detail any information they will need for the week ahead. This is a really nice time for the children to spend time with the nannies before their parents leave to ski. I will arrange this time during my meeting with the parents on the Sunday evening. Private nannies work five and a half days a week, eight hours per day. It is between the parents and nanny to decide when the half-day will be and what hours the nanny will do each day, to suit the family.

What kind of activities do the children do? 
In the crèche children will do a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. We have a variety of toys in the Crèche to suit all age groups. We also have an outdoor decking area, which is great for making snowmen on! Private nannies will also spend time indoors and outdoors. Activities include arts and crafts, sledging, snowball fights, and lots more fun! In Meribel we have an ice rink, swimming pool, rock climbing and bowling. If you would like your nanny to take your children to these activities then they will need some money to cover the costs for your children and the nanny. Going for hot chocolate in the town is a great treat for the children too! We also take the children to their ski school lessons and bring them home after their tiring few hours on the slopes!

What do children need to bring to the crèche?
We have most items in the crèche. All we ask is that you make sure the children have a spare set of clothes and outdoor gear for all the snowmen making! Also, for younger children it’s nice for them to have a comforter or their own tommee tippee cup. We have spare nappies and baby wipes for emergencies in the crèche but we do ask that guests provide these. 

Can you tell us a little about the food that is provided for the children? 
This is discussed between the parents, nanny and chef. We will cater for what the children like to eat. The chefs go shopping on Monday morning so they will make sure they buy things that are suitable. In the crèche the nannies cook for the children. We have a basic menu plan but this varies for the age of the children and will of course take into consideration any allergies. Some things on the menu include chicken and rice, sausage and mash potato, sandwiches and pizzas.

What is the best thing about being a Meriski nanny?
The best thing about being a Meriski nanny is taking the children in the snow, making snowmen and snow angels! We also love to watch the progress of their ski lessons and see the smiles on their faces at the end of the week when they have had the best holiday!

Please click here for further details on Family skiing with Meriski and visit our special offers page for all of our current Family offers.