Where to go with a 1 year old

Hi all,

I've managed to pursuade my mother in law to come away with us skiing in order to look after our 1 year old daughter whilst we're out on the slopes. She agreed on the understanding that I can find us somewhere to go that has plenty of shops, a pool or local public pool to take the little one swimming, and a good area near our accommadation to play in the snow.

The problem I have is that I have only ever skiied in europe once and really have no idea of where to go.

I hope you may be able to help. Thanks in advance.

Livigno has tax free shopping!
We loved Are Sweden, not extensive shopping (supermarket, ski gear shops a plenty some clothing and gift stores) but you could make use of the train station by the Holiday club which has an excellent pool with flumes.
Also available is husky dog sledding, the dogs are really friendly, my oh's kids were happily cuddling them, something they could not do in France!
There is a chocolate factory you can visit.
Also a glass factory in the old train station (I bought a stunning paperweight that looks like it has a snowstorm encapsulated in it)
There is a moose farm you can visit where you can even kiss the moose (if you want!)
We saw reindeer wandering free too.
The Swedes speak excellent English, there is a lot of English programming on tv including the muppets etc (with Swedish sub titles)
The Bergbana (funicular railway) means non skiers can access a couple of restaurants on slope for lunch meet ups and at least once a week has free toboggans available. We bought a cheap pull along sled from the supermarket (to transport beer and shopping really) but the kids had fun with it and a tea tray! At xmas time the place lights up and it has plenty of Alpine style charm.
I have a feeling there was a creche at the holiday club but oh's kids were 8 and 12 so we didn't use it or research it.

How about Serre Chevalier area in France

I've never skiied it myself but it gets a very good rep from friends who have and other J2Ski-ers - I know that TonyH for one really rates the area

Big attraction is that (in the right snow) you can use Briancon as a base. Briancon is a "proper" town, nay city with a population of over 10,000 so it will have all the amenities you seek. There are prettier places to stay on the circuit but this may be a good trade off

piste map is here http://www.serrechevalier.com/skimap/skimap.jpg

Don't know a thing about Sweden but it sounds like a good shout from Lilywhite's description. Can vouch for both Livigno and Serre Chevalier (agree that Briancon would be a good base given your requirements). Also thinking of Kitzbuhel for the super kiddies' play area at the bottom of the Hahnenkamm, the Aquarena and the classy shops and cafes (Also handy for a day-trip to Salzburg). I think you're spoiled for choice here; someone else will probably be along soon with equally valid recommendations.

Have you looked at Meribel in France, part of the Three Valleys? We skied there this January (we have a 3 and 5 year old). It has a lovely village with plenty of shops and there is an indoor entertainment centre which has an indoor pool and ten pin bowling centre. You will also have access to one of the largest ski carousels in the world, The Three Valleys. It's amazing! We loved it so much we're going back for 2 weeks this January:) Very well set up for families with independent nanny companies http://www.merinannies.com/ . We booked our chalet with www.skicuisine.co.uk and they were excellent. Took care of everything for us including arranging a nanny. I know you say you will have your mother in law there but you could always arrange a nanny for the evening if you all want to go out for dinner or she needs a break:).

Meribel has a great area where you can take the kids sledging too and watch aeroplanes land and take off and a great free bus service that runs regularly. http://french-alps.meribel.net/ski-france-2011.html

Thanks for your help guys, plenty for me to work with there

andyoneil wrote:How about Serre Chevalier area in France

I've never skiied it myself but it gets a very good rep from friends who have and other J2Ski-ers - I know that TonyH for one really rates the area

Big attraction is that (in the right snow) you can use Briancon as a base. Briancon is a "proper" town, nay city with a population of over 10,000 so it will have all the amenities you seek. There are prettier places to stay on the circuit but this may be a good trade off

piste map is here http://www.serrechevalier.com/skimap/skimap.jpg

Brilliant suggestion! Briancon is a proper town with shops and cafes. What more could a mother in law want?~???

CHAMONIX.

I quote National Geographic, "World's best ski towns:- Best Rest-Day Activity; Chamonix is a real city, so even if you're not a skier there are many other things to do, such as visit the Alpine Museum."

"Chamonix's cobblestone streets and car-free pedestrian center make for a classic mountain village environment typically bustling with leathery mountaineers and gawking tourists. This is France, so the nightlife is predictably spirited, and diverse accommodations range from grimy climbers' hostels to luxury lodgings."


I am still looking forward to going home to despite being injured and unable to ski.

Am afraid non of the above mentioned really come close. Year round town means, equal number of things for non skiers as skier. Shops, bars, restaurants, baby sitters/creche (for your 1 yr old), swimming pools, spa, gym, museums. Can get small train to St Gervais (beautiful Spa Town.

Probably best town in world. Definitely the least appreciated by people who can't read bus/train time table and by those who complain about waist deep powder making avalanche risk high.

For the remainder of us perfect.