Skiing Operators

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Skiing Skiing Operators Crystal 

	Crystal
tel: (0870) 160 6040; family hotline (0870) 160 4070

A big programme, with chalets, club hotels, and hotels in 140-plus resorts in 13 countries. Crystal reports that it is the first major tour operator to work with Future Forests to increase their eco-friendly standing. For an optional £5 per person to Europe or £10 long-haul they will contribute to planting trees in UK woodland to help neutralise flight emissions.

All chalets are non-smoking chalets and in the Club Hotels smoking is only allowed in the bar.

Location of Care

One site in nanny chalets and hotels which provide the service exclusively for those staying in the property. Resort creches are available to all Crystal customers in twentyfour resorts in France, Austria, Andorra, Italy and Norway. These normally involved a walk, bus or ski-lift to get to and from the creche.

British Qualified Staff

There is at least one English-speaking NNEB qualified nanny or equivalent or qualified nurse or nursery teacher per chalet or cr?che for the under 4s.
For 4-10s the staff are described as ‘experienced Whizz Kids leaders'.

Staff to Child Ratio

Under 2s 1:3, 2-4 years 1:4. No figures available for Whizz Kids.

Ages to Qualify

Nanny service for six months to four years, and Whizz Kids Clubs for 4-10 years.

Childcare

There will be a play area with toys, games, drawing equipment and organised creative play and outdoor activities, weather permitting.
Clubs are inspected by an external British Health and Safety specialist and equipment and toys are from Motherare, NES Arnold, Puffin, Ladybird, and babyfood from Hipp Organic.
Pepi Penguin Club is for 6 months to four years, six days a week, 8.30pm to 5pm.
Whizz Kids for 4-10 years operates in thirteen resorts in France, Austria, Andorra and Italy. It is open six days a week 8.30am to 5pm and is based in a dedicated area with games and videos plus organised activities and outdoor games. Full days are available for children who are not skiing but also provided is a drop off and pick from ski school, morning, lunchtime and afternoon, and a supervised lunch.
A Nanny Service operates in resort cr?ches - a dedicated apartment or room set aside for the creche, some with separate rooms for play and sleeping, available to all customers in the resort, and individual Nanny Chalets and Hotels, with the Nanny service only for customers at that particular property. These are normally set up and cleared away each day in the lounge or dining room of the chalet, with cushions, rugs and stairgates for extra safety. Outdoor play and activities are encouraged, weather permitting. 9am to 5pm six days a week or for half days 9am to 1pm, or 1pm to 5pm.
A Private Nanny Service is available at five resorts in France, this is available for groups and families booking an entire Crystal catered chalet. The nanny brings a box with books, games, toys and art and craft equipment and with parental consent organises fun outside. This is available to children 6 months to five years. One nanny can care for two under twos or three over 2s. Hours are 8.30am to 5pm six days of the week and include one night's babysitting.
Costs vary with season but high season rise to £185 in high season for six full days of nanny service or £205 for the full Whizz Kids package. Pyjama club is £40 for two hours on four evenings. The price for the private nanny service is £450 in high season.

Exclusive Child Ski Lessons in English

No.

Babysitting

For those in nanny service properties one night's free babysitting (baby listening in larger ones) is available from 7.30 to 11.30pm. Babysitting is bookable for an extra fee (around £7 per hour), subject to availability.
For over 2s there is the Pyjama Club in some Club Hotels with bedtime stories, quiet play and videos, usually four nights a week 7-9pm. £30 per first child, £20 for additional. Normal nanny child ratios may not apply. Pyjama Club Plus offers an extra two hours for children up to 11, costing £50 for the first child, £40 for others.

Other

All under 4s receive a Pepi Penguin Activity Pack including a rucksack and book of puzzles and pictures to colour. All Whizz Kids receive a rucksack with pencil case set and puzzle.
Travel cots with sheets and blankets are available for guests staying in Crystal chalets or Club Hotels at a charge of £5 per cot.
Family Plus Chalets are equipped with useful baby equipment such as bottle warmers and changing mats.
Ski equipment hire is available for children

Adult Guide Price

£775 for a peak Feburary week.

Child Offers

In addition to a limited number of discounted holidays, there are some discounts for one parent families for one parent and one child, on some dates. There are also some Kids Ski Free offers in some resorts including free lift passes, ski school and ski equipment. . There is a local charge for children's food.