Are you a new parent wondering how to head to the mountains in summer with a baby, and where to go? Mid-altitude village resorts are the dream destination to enjoy peace and quiet far from the crowded coast and to reach activities and shops on foot. That way, you no longer lose a single minute stuck in traffic jams or hunting for a parking space with a baby crying in the back of the car.
As a bonus, taking a summer mountain holiday with a baby will let you find a bit of fresh air during heatwave summers. The higher you go, the cooler it gets. On average, you lose 1°C for every 100 metres of elevation. So if it’s 35°C in Lyon or Grenoble, it’ll be around 25°C at 1,200 m altitude in mountain resorts.
Plenty of activities, cool temperatures and everything you need within walking distance… The mountains in summer are a destination perfectly suited to families with babies — provided you pick the right one! To help you make your choice and find out where to head with a baby, here are a few tips for handling altitude with a baby, along with a selection of 3 village resorts for a summer holiday with a baby.
How high can a baby go?
The first question to ask is certainly: where to head in the mountains with a baby? Choosing the destination is crucial, because the altitude for a baby must remain moderate, which limits the high-altitude options.
Doctors recommend staying:
below 1,200 metres for babies under 1 year old;
below 1,700 metres for babies aged 12 to 25 months.
How to gain altitude with a baby?
In a car or a gondola, you gain altitude quickly and this can cause ENT problems for the little ones. On a hike, the climb is slow. Hikes of 300 to 500 m of elevation gain are possible with a baby.
So to gain altitude with a baby by car, remember to:
take breaks every 500 m of altitude on mountain roads so your baby gradually acclimatises;
give your child a drink or their dummy so they can swallow and relieve their ears.
Until they’re three years old, it’s best to avoid ski lifts to gain altitude, as they cause a rapid change in altitude that’s hard on the little ones.
3 village resorts to head off with a baby in the mountains
Now that you know the rules for gaining altitude with a baby, it’s time to answer the question that matters for your next holiday: “Where to head in the mountains with a baby?” For that, we’ve selected 3 mid-altitude resorts that offer activities suited to the pace of new parents.
Gérardmer at 675 m altitude
In this Vosges resort, you can hike certain trails with a pushchair! A rare thing, this will let you get some fresh air without throwing your back out while your child naps in their pushchair. 3 “Pushchair walks” itineraries are available as brochures at the Tourist Office. For older kids, tree climbing, educational trails and a watersports area make for an unforgettable holiday.
La Clusaz at 1,100 m altitude
30 min from Annecy, La Clusaz is a small, authentic village nestled in the heart of the Aravis. A crèche for holidaymakers is available on reservation for children from 3 months to 3 years old. Whether for a few hours or a full day, give yourself a moment of rest just for you. It could be a chance to try the spa at the Aravis aquatic centre or take the lifts up for a drink at altitude! La Clusaz is as much a family destination as it is a romantic one…
Val d’Allos at 1,400 m altitude
Set in the heart of the Mercantour national park and at the source of the Verdon, Val d’Allos offers plenty of activities for families, starting with the lake at the leisure park. A real oasis of coolness, the leisure park offers a pleasant moment of relaxation and fun. Water slide, kids’ games, roller park, zip line, snack bar… you’ll find everything in one spot to keep the older sibling happy while the little one naps in the shade in their pushchair.
Find your accommodation
You now know how to gain altitude with a baby. By turning to mid- and low-altitude resorts, you’re sure to follow your paediatrician’s advice while enjoying the benefits of the mountains in summer. All that’s left is to find the right accommodation — take advantage of the Passe Montagne discount on the Travelski residences.
