What is a Ski Nanny? A Complete Guide for Families and Childcare Professionals

Ski holidays are a highlight of the winter season for many families, but travelling with children can be intense. That’s where a ski nanny comes in — a childcare professional who combines traditional nanny expertise with the unique demands of mountain life. Whether you’re a family planning a luxury chalet holiday or a nanny exploring new career opportunities, understanding the role of a ski nanny is key to making winter travel both safe and enjoyable.

What is a Ski Nanny?

A ski nanny is a professional childcare provider who supports families during ski holidays, typically in resorts across Europe and North America. Their role blends childcare, holiday support, and travel logistics, ensuring that children are safe, happy, and engaged so everyone (parents included) enjoys their time on the slopes.

Unlike traditional chalet staff or ski school instructors, a ski nanny focuses exclusively on the children’s needs — from morning routines to après-ski activities — and often provides flexible, bespoke care tailored to the family’s schedule.

Key Responsibilities of a Ski Nanny

A ski nanny’s duties vary depending on the family and destination, but common responsibilities include:

• Daily Childcare – Feeding, dressing, and organising nap schedules.

• Ski School Drop-Off & Pick-Up – Coordinating logistics, managing equipment, and liaising with instructors.

• Non-Ski Activities – Planning age-appropriate fun such as sledging, snowman building, or indoor crafts.

• Safety Awareness – Monitoring children around slopes, chalets, and ski villages.

• Travel Support – Packing ski gear, keeping children entertained during transfers, and adjusting routines for time zones or altitude.

• Educational Enrichment – Supporting homework or reading, especially with school work set to be completed over the holiday period.

Why Families Hire Ski Nannies

Luxury families increasingly hire ski nannies to ensure their holidays run smoothly. Benefits include:

• Stress-Free Skiing – Parents can enjoy full ski days knowing their children are cared for.

• Bespoke Childcare – Care tailored to each child’s age, interests, and routine.

• Continuity – Many families prefer trusted nannies who travel with them season after season.

• Peace of Mind – Enhanced safety, safeguarding, and professional oversight in unfamiliar environments.

How to Become a Ski Nanny

For childcare professionals, working as a ski nanny offers adventure, professional growth, and the chance to work with UHNW families. Steps to consider:

• Experience – Strong background in nannying, ideally with infants, toddlers, and school-age children.

• Skills – Confidence in snowy environments, basic skiing ability, and first aid training are highly valued.

• Flexibility – Adapting to long days, travel schedules, and living abroad for a season.

• Networking – Connecting with agencies, families, and industry specialists (like Superyacht Nanny) to secure placements.

The Overlap with Superyacht Nanny Work

Interestingly, ski nannies share many of the same skills as superyacht nannies. Both roles demand:

• Adaptability to luxury travel environments.

• Discretion and professionalism with UHNW clients.

• Creative activity planning in challenging locations.

• Safeguarding expertise and attention to detail.

This crossover means many nannies move between the ski season and yachting season, creating year-round opportunities.

A ski nanny is much more than a babysitter on the slopes. They are a trusted professional who ensures that children enjoy safe, fun, and enriching experiences while their parents enjoy a well-deserved holiday. For families, it’s an investment in peace of mind and elevated service. For nannies, it’s a chance to expand careers into one of the most exciting and rewarding childcare niches.

Whether you’re a family looking for a trusted ski nanny this season or a childcare professional ready to explore the role, Superyacht Nanny can help. From role referrals to career coaching, we connect elite families with exceptional nannies worldwide.

Contact Ella today to learn more.