Here’s the thing: most ski resorts are built for skiers. Who’d have thought it?!

But just because you’ve got a baby, (or maybe a toddler, or a partner who doesn’t ski… or maybe just zero interest in skiing yourself!!), doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the winter magic!

I wasn’t ready to give up on the snowy sparkle last Christmas. When we had Roman, I still wanted a winter holiday… so I went searching for THE ski resort that actually works for parents, babies, and non-skiers.

So you might be wondering… How do you do a winter holiday if you’re not actually going to ski? And what on earth do you do with a baby in minus five degrees? Keep reading to find out!

Introducing Chamonix, the golden glittery unicorn of ski resorts!

This magical little corner of the French Alps is hands-down the most baby-friendly and non-skier-friendly ski resort I’ve ever been to. Here’s why:

Chamonix is a real town with bakeries, bookshops, markets, cafés, kand life beyond the slopes – it even has a great toy shop! This means:

You can walk around with the pram easily and find actual things to do.
You’re not stuck in a ski café drinking overpriced hot chocolate for days on end while everyone else is on the slopes. Though I’d have no problems doing this at Shouka coffee shop!!!
There’s easy access to baby supplies if (when) you forget something!

Altitude + babies: What you need to know

If, like me, you had no idea that altitude was even a thing to worry about with babies – welcome to the club!

So, what’s the big deal with altitude?

Basically the higher you go, the more careful you need to be with a baby. At higher elevations (anything above 1,500m), the air gets thinner, which means:

There’s less oxygen.
It’s harder to breathe, especially for small lungs.
Altitude can cause sleep disruption, fussiness, and in some cases, mild symptoms like a headache or irritability.

Sounds scary, but most healthy babies tolerate altitude very well if you ease them in gently and don’t rocket up the mountain in a super speedy lift.

Parent tips for the mountain

1. Don’t go straight from sea level to high altitude quickly. Lots of the lifts have age limits so some won’t allow babies under 12 months, others from age 2. Big-name attractions like the Aiguille du Midi cable car have stricter rules, with a minimum age of 5 years old.

2. Watch for signs – unusual fussiness, feeding refusal, laboured breathing, disturbed sleep. If your baby seems off it might be the altitude. Head back down the mountain!

3. Keep baby hydrated – if they’re only having milk (breast or bottle), feed often – dry mountain air and altitude can increase risk of dehydration.

4. Feed during lift rides. Breast or bottle feeding during the ride up/down helps little ears adjust to pressure changes.

5. Sun can be strong! Mountain sun reflects off the snow – don’t forget hats, baby sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even in winter!

Beginner skiing or sledging in Chamonix

Chamonix is actually the perfect resort if you’re not skiing. There’s so much to do on and off the slopes, with or without a baby or children. It also has fab beginner areas perfect for families wanting to start skiing or sledge:

Les Planards

Just 5 minutes walk from town centre.
Two drag lifts + one chairlift (green, blue, and red runs).
Toboggan run + snack café!
Great spot to start or re-start skiing.

Le Clos du Savoy

Also 5 mins walk from the centre (behind La Folie Douce hotel – fyi this hotel is great for apres drinks and yes you can take baby!)
Ski treadmill + two beginner lifts.
We rented a baby sledge here – Roman loved being pulled around in the snow and went down a little hill for his first sledge!

Other things to do with kids in Chamonix

Aiguille du Midi

Epic cable car up to 3,842m.
Unreal views of Mont Blanc.
Kids need to be 5+ to go.
Honestly, it’s worth coming back when they’re older just for this!

The Little Red Train Chamonix

This is a little electric train with a panoramic roof that gives amazing views of Mont-Blanc and the mountain range!
Great way to see Chamonix with kids, the guide gives you an audio available in 11 languages, with special kids’ commentary in English for ages 5–12 – less ‘boring’ but still informative!!!
Tickets sold directly by the driver – no need to book ahead.
Short activity that’s perfect between meals or naps.

Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice)

Reachable via scenic Montenvers train.
Explore the Ice Cave – bring a carrier, definitely not pram-friendly as there’s lots of steps.
Babies must be 12+ months old to go. (We did actually take Roman up here at 9 months and he was fine but it’s whatever you feel comfortable with).

Where to stay in Chamonix with a baby or children

We stayed at Plan B Hotel Living Chamonix, and I would really recommend this place for travelling with a baby – central, family-friendly, and not outrageously priced.

What made Plan B Hotel Living Chamonix baby friendly

Baby cot available (we requested it in advance and it was set up when we arrived).
The room had enough space for the pram, travel gear, and actual room to move around – not always a given in ski towns!
There was a kettle, food and bottle warmer, which made bottle prep and weaning time super easy.
They even gave us a changing mat and baby bath!

Why Plan B Hotel Living Chamonix is good for families

Great location next to the main bus hub and walking distance to shops, cafés, the Aiguille du Midi lift, and even some beginner ski areas like Les Planards.
There’s a games room and bowling alley downstairs – super fun if you’ve got older kids too.
Casual restaurant and bar on-site
Some rooms are over the bar/bowling area – we requested a quiet room and had no issues, but it’s worth asking when booking.
We didn’t use parking but it isnt included and adds a bit to the budget – but it was secure and close by.

What to pack for a ski holiday with a baby or toddler

Packing for a baby is not an easy task. Make sure you’ve downloaded my baby travel checklist to remember all the essentials, plus pack these extras for winter fun:

2 x baby snowsuits – with fold-over hands and feet is so helpful. I love these from Konges Slojd for soft, cosy ones that aren’t a total nightmare to get on and off for nappy changes.
Warm hat that stays put – Ideally one like this that covers ears and ties under the chin.
Sunglasses or baby goggles – We used Babiators and my baby actually kept them on sometimes.
Soft baby carrier – For snowy walks or places where prams are a no-go. I love Artipoppe and then Wildride for older babies.
Compact stroller with decent wheels – We took the Joolz Aer and it coped surprisingly well on Chamonix’s pavements.
Layered clothing – Merino base layers, fleeces, waterproof outer layers. Layers help you adjust for sudden snowstorms or sunny mountain naps.
SPF 50 sunscreen – This one is my absolute favourite for Roman.
Warm snow boots or fleece booties – Something cosy and soft that won’t fall off every five minutes.
Mittens – And a backup pair.
Nappy cream and travel changing mat – Cold weather can cause a surprise nappy rash. Some cafés have changing tables but not all, so a travel changing mat is key.
Snoozeshade – Useful if your baby needs dark for naps, especially useful in bright snowy places.

Want to make packing easier?
Download my winter baby travel checklist!

If you’re wondering whether a ski holiday with a baby is worth it – I promise, it is. You just need the right place. And for us? That place was Chamonix. We have already rebooked! ❄️💙👶🛷