Mountain vacation with baby: Everything you need to know for a successful mountain vacation
How to enjoy the mountains with baby in complete peace of mind
Is it really safe to take a baby to altitude? Which resort should I choose for an enjoyable experience? How do you equip and organize your days when accompanied by a child? Which choose your family ski pass ? If you're also asking yourself these questions, you'll discover the precautions you need to take for a successful mountain holiday with baby, namely :
choose a resort suited to your altitude and children's services;
provide equipment to cope with the cold and UV rays;
organize the day in a way that respects the baby's rhythm and comfort.
Which ski resort is suitable for young children?
There are a number of criteria to be taken into account when choosing the ideal resort for your mountain vacations Several factors need to be considered when choosing the ideal mountain resort for a vacation. For parents of very young children, it is advisable to take certain precautions and consult a doctor to ensure a pleasant and safe stay.
Accessibility is another important criterion. Parents should always choose resorts that are easy to reach reachable by car or train. Make sure the roads are clear and not too winding. Last but not least, all the infrastructure required for the child's comfort must be available:
crèche or day nursery ;
changing areas ;
family-friendly housing..
In addition, certified resorts guarantee services adapted to young children. Méribel stands out in particular for its facilities for toddlers, its accommodations and its "child-friendly" services childcare services qualified.
When is it safe to take your baby to the mountains?
Although the mountains offer magnificent scenery and are a popular vacation destination, they are not always easy on children. As each baby is unique, some can easily tolerate the high altitude air from an early age, while others require special precautions.
From 3 years
From the age of 3, it's perfectly possible to taking a baby skiing but be careful! In fact, a few days before your trip to the mountains, you should consult your paediatrician to assess your child's state of health and his or her ability to withstand the altitude or the winter conditions.
For a variety of reasons, the season and weather conditions must be taken into account. In harsh or very wet winters, for example, the risk of weakening the baby is high. This risk becomes even greater if the baby has medical history recurrent bronchiolitis, chronic ear infections or respiratory ailments.
Below 3 years
Infants are particularly sensitive to the decrease in atmospheric pressure at high altitude. It is advisable to follow the advice of a pediatrician in this case. This allows anticipating the child’s specific needs: oxygenation, preventive treatment, altitude limitation, etc.
Baby-friendly activities in the mountains
Even if toddlers don't ski yet, they can still enjoy the mountains to the full. In Méribel and the 3 Vallées resorts, from many safe, gentle activities can take place at the foot of the lifts. The aim is not to launch them onto the skis, but to stimulate their senses while respecting their rhythm, for a gentle first discovery.
Here's a summary of the main activities available, depending on the child's age:
Age-appropriate activities
Safety sled
Recommended duration: 10 to 20 min
Precautions to be taken: Flat terrain, harness compulsory, always accompanied
Sleigh ride
Recommended duration: 20 min maximum
Precautions to be taken: Keep baby well covered, avoid cold days
Pulka (towed sled)
Recommended duration: 20 to 30 min
Precautions to be taken: Helmets recommended, only on safe routes
Gondola ride
Recommended duration: 30 to 45 min
Precautions to be taken: Maintain a moderate altitude of less than 1700 m, always keep an eye on baby
In all situations, it’s essential to choose activities that are supervised by professionals or recommended by the resort as suitable for “families with young children.”
No competition here, just discovery! These activities allow your baby to explore and awaken safely while enjoying the mountains. However, before heading out, check the weather, avoid cold snaps, and adjust the schedule to fit your child’s naps and mealtimes.
Health precautions at high altitude
A few health precautions are necessary for a successful mountain holiday with a baby. Breathing, hydration and body temperature must also be closely monitored to prevent any imbalance.
Infants are susceptible to ear infections and bronchiolitis. They must be protected from the cold. Clean their noses regularly with saline solution and keep the air in your home humid. You can use water bowls on radiators or a humidifier.
When getting in or out of a car or bus gondola lift if your baby's ears are not comfortable, it's advisable to use the breast, bottle or pacifier to balance the pressure in the ears. You should also watch out for signs of discomfort in the baby's ears, which may indicate mountain sickness:
unusual crying ;
irritability or paleness;
sleep disorders.
In the event of persistent symptoms, consult a local doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about skiing with a baby
The best time to take a baby to the mountains or on a ski trip is mid-January or early March. Away from the school vacations, it's less crowded and more pleasant more moderate temperatures.
It's easy to arrange baby-sitting at many labeled resorts "Family Plus" Most of them offer crèches or day nurseries for babies aged 3 months and over. It's a good idea to book early, especially during school vacations. Baby-sitting services are also available through approved agencies or certain accommodations.
When transporting your baby around the ski resort, be sure to pack a hull sled with harness for walks on flat ground, or a physiological baby carrier equipped with protection against the cold. You'll also need a all-terrain stroller with wide tires if you're riding on groomed trails. In all cases, avoid slopes and always ride accompanied.
To anticipate possible health emergencies, keep in your belongings :
health insurance card;
baby's health record ;
current orders.
You should also take along a medical form with your health history, any allergies and the pediatrician's contact details.
It's no more complicated to breastfeed your baby by ski resort. This can be done anywhere with a good coat or shawl. For bottles, bring a portable bottle warmer and water with a low mineral content. However, microwaves and highchairs are available in the family accommodation.
In either case, avoid exposing your baby to the cold for too long. Cover his ears and nose, and humidify the air inside. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor before departure. Keep everything you need to clear the airways close at hand, whether it's saline solution, a baby fly or a preventive treatment.
Before the age of 2 or 3, it's more a question of learning about snow than of introducing children to skiing. You'll have to make do with a first glide on a safe toboggan. For children aged 3 and over, some schools offer kindergarten sessions for a gentle introduction to tobogganing. They are supervised by a rigorously trained instructor.
