+44 (0) 1635 37774SERVICES LATEST
Once again we have been
adding to and updating our ski equipment hire range. Check out the latest
2009 Salomon skis that are now in stock - full
range here
This season we introduce
a packed lunch service. Freshly prepared and delivered to the meeting
point in Courchevel 1850 each lunchtime - find
out more
Selected skiing & boarding
books and DVDs from Amazon - more
here
Ali's massage skills are
once again available exclusively to skivo2 guests. For treatment list
and info - click here
Children - FAQ's
Are there any free activities, or discounts for children?
The lift pass company offers free passes for children under 5, and reduced
price passed for children under 14. The family lift pass called Passe
Famille offers a discount of up to 20 percent. It covers two adults
and two or more children aged 5 – 18. It can cover either the
Courchevel Valley or the Three Valleys, and runs from 6 to 21 days,
or for the whole season. (For all children’s passes bring proof
of birth date).
The Tourist Office organise regular children’s shows and events
(usually in French)
For details pick up the free resort leaflet available from Tourist
Offices.
Two toboggan runs have been created for children. The first is on
the lower slopes of the Croissette in Courchevel 1850, and the second
in Grandes Combes.
>Lift pass info here
At what age should my child start skiing?
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.
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 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 sun cream 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.
Do the ski schools have English speaking instructors?
All skivo2 instructors are english speaking as are non
skiing creche staff.
It is strongly recommended to pre-book skiing children and non skiing care
for the busy New Year and February school holiday period. Classes are often
fully booked in advance.
Should I take a baby or toddler on a ski holiday?
You will need to take special precautions against the altitude,
sun and cold.
When driving up to the resort the rapid drop in air pressure may cause problems
for a young child’s ears. Give young children a drink or something to
suck to help them equalise the pressure in their ears.
Pediatrician 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.
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.
What are the crèche / babysitting / child-minding services in Courchevel?
All skivo2 staff are qualified to work with children, or hold significant childcare experience in order to deliver a professional service second to none.
To join our ski school children must be at least 5 years old. Younger children can go into the excellent 'Jardin des Enfants' in Courchevel 1850. The 'Jardin' is set up perfectly for younger children, where they can develop the basic skills, playing on their skis with English speaking French instructors.
In Courchevel 1850, children from the age of 3 are taken by the ESF's Village des Enfants next to the Forum ice-rink. Staff are experienced, and run a program outdoor activities to introduce children to snow and make their first experience on skis enjoyable and unforgettable.
In Courchevel 1650, children from the age of 3 are taken by the ESF's Club des Oursons. There is also the Les Pitchounets on the base of the slopes which has a large play area for children to enjoy.
What to pack
| Things to bring Bag - labeled with child's name |
We are able to supply Travel cots for under two years |
Illness
If your child becomes ill, you will be expected to take over
their care to minimise the risk of transmission of any infection. A child
needs to be clear of any illness for at least 48hrs before returning into
the childcare clubs and admission will be at discretion of the head nanny.
If your child is used to or favours a particular brand of nappy, milk or formula
milk we suggest you bring your own as it may not be available locally.