If you are on holiday with very young children, you can discover the resort with a fresh perspective, and realise that Courchevel and Meribel are more than just ‘ski’ resorts.

This is an updated version of a blog we published back in 2015 (there have been a few changes in the resort since then!)

Sledging

Babies as young as 6 months can enjoy sledging.  There are safe, designated ‘luge’ zones at the foot of the slopes (front de neige) in most of the villages.  Make sure you use a baby sledge with a wide base for stability because getting a scraped face as the sledge topples over, tends not to go down well!  These are generally available from the local ski hire shops, or from Holiday Baby Hire.

Forest Walks

Courchevel and Meribel are criss-crossed by forest trails, and with a covering of snow the forest becomes a beautiful and peaceful haven.  Young children can enjoy looking for animal tracks, and pine cones while babies can stay cosy in a back pack baby carrier.   The Tourist office has maps and can recommend the best routes.

Indoor Play

If you need a warm and dry refuge, head to one of the indoor play centres.  In Meribel there is the Kenotèque recreation area in the Olympic Centre.  Entry is free, and there are books, games, and craft projects to enjoy.  In Courchevel 1850 there is the soft play room in the Croisette building, with a big climbing frame and lots of foam shapes to play around with.

Bus and Bubble rides

For some reason a bus ride is always more fun when you are on holiday! All the villages are linked by a free bus service.  Ask your rep/host for a timetable, or pick one up at the tourist office.

Children love to go on the bubbles and watch the skiers whizzing down below, even better if they spot friends or family!  Many of the bubbles have a café or restaurant at the top, so you can arrange to meet up with the rest of your party for a coffee or lunch.  If you are staying in Courchevel, a visit to Le Western Skipark at the top of the Ariondaz bubble is a must.  A short walk across the snow (and a ‘magic carpet’ ride) from the top of the bubble you can go into the tepee to meet Moon Pearl and Grey Wolf, for an immersion into American Indian culture.  Under 5’s are entitled to a free lift pass.

Swimming

The Meribel swimming pool, in the Olympic centre, does Aqua Baby sessions, and the Courchevel  Aquamotion pool has a baby area with slides, water spouts and squirting flowers!

Special Events

The tourist office publishes and weekly program of special events – such as ski shows, firework displays and other animations for children, especially during the school holidays.