With Extra Childcare

Specialist Reports Just For Families With Specialist Childcare With Extra Childcare Esprit Alpine Sun 

	Esprit Alpine Sun
Oaklands, Reading Road North, Fleet, Hampshire GU13 8AA			MAP
tel: (01252) 618 300

Part of the same operation as Ski Esprit. Commendably, special needs children are welcomed. The resorts have apparently been chosen to offer a range of styles from lively and active to laid back and relaxed. Short breaks are available in May, June and September.
As with the ski programme a child care guarantee means that if you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the care and tell the operator why and what you consider a fair reimbursement, the amount will be paid back within two weeks of a written request.
Extras on offer include free entry to local swimming pools, an overnight mountain hut experience, and free ‘Snow Fun' on Kaprun's summer ski area. Location Resorts in Austria, France and Italy.

Location

Resorts in Austria, France and Italy.

Dates

Mid June to early September.

Activities

Summer tobogganing and skiing, white water rafting, swimming, mountain biking, golf and paragliding along with hiking, including with the resort-based Esprit Walking escorts.

Ages

Four months to 10 years.

Accommodation

Catered chalets or hotels.

Childcare

Each week childcare is themed with activities reflecting this with space and aliens, cowboys and Indians, jungle animals and pirates all possibilities.
An Esprit Nursery operates in each resort for children four months to two years, five days a week (Wednesdays off), staffed by qualified British nannies. The nurseries are in dedicated rooms in either one of the chalets or hotels and cost £100 per child for three days or £150 for five. Staff to child ratios are under 1s, 1:2; 1-2s, 1:3; over 2s 1:4. Short break guests only can book places by the day at £35.
Alpies children's activity clubs are for 3 to 10 years operating three days a week 9.30am to 6pm including lunch throughout July and August. Activities vary from resort to resort but may include nature trails, scavenger hunts, mini Olympics, rock climbing, husky walking, rollerblading, pirate treasure hunts, face painting, donkey walk, and picnics. The older children can try rock climbing and mountain biking, each resort offering a slightly different programme. (The Alpies used to be split into different age groups but the operator reports that capabilities and enthusiasms are not dependent on age and that it is better to provide a wider choice and children will find their own level.) Although the club is free, there may be supplements to pay locally for some activities.
Five nights a week there is a free Cocoa Club where between 7.30 and 9.30pm an Esprit member of staff supervises all children of 3-plus not yet asleep. Activities will depend on the children's wishes but might include board games, videos, and hot chocolate.
There is free babysitting for children from 4 months staying in chalets or chalet hotels 8-11pm on the hosts' day off - generally Wednesday.
For hotel guests babysitting can also be arranged one evening a week.

Sample Price

For a week in August say £406 in a three-star property per adult, full board. Price includes a Fast Ferry crossing for a car and five passengers. Discounts for children sharing with parents vary from 20 to 100% and at some properties vary also between a first and subsequent children.