Skiing is my passion, I just love being in the mountains surrounded by white snowy peaks, cold crisp air and clear blue skies, it’s just magical. Over my years in travel, I have been privileged to have skied most of the North American and Canadian resorts and the majority of the Alps and for the past ten years, I have hosted a client ski week in March.
The group size has varied between 16 and even up to 40 people with an age range between 45 and 80 and we have found that the Club Med ski product works best for the group as everything is included so it keeps things simple, especially with the all-inclusive bar bills!!! Although the initial price upfront price initially appears high, but when you calculate everything that’s included, flights, transfers, accommodation, all-inclusive food, drinks, snacks, all area ski passes, ski lessons or guiding and evening entertainment, then a price of £2,200 per person is actually good value!
This year we decided to try the new Club Med resort in Tignes which was purpose-built in 2022, located slope side in the Val Claret area of Tignes which has an extensive ski terrain and accessible links with Val D’isere offering ski terrain to suit all abilities. The ‘new’ Club Med resort has a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere right down to the colourful decor with a sprinkling of traditional mountain decor. There are a variety of room types from the superior, slope side, with or without balconies and the Exclusive Collection with its’ luxury suites and family interconnecting accommodation options.
There is a range of activities available in the Club apart from skiing and snowboarding, an ‘open air’/ indoor infinity pool with an extensive mountain view, offering ‘lap’ lane swimming, aqua aerobics, swimming lessons and two outdoor heated jacuzzi pools. A fully equipped cardio gym, and fitness room hosting yoga, pilates and body conditioning classes throughout the day. At the end of a busy active day, you can treat yourself to a massage or treatment in the Club Med Spa by Sothys (treatments not included in the price!).
One of the things I love about Club Med is that everything is ‘in house’, the equipment rental of skis, boots and boards and heated storage lockers are all in the basement of the resort with direct access to the slopes, so no trekking around the snowy streets picking up your equipment and carrying it back! The same applies to the ski lessons /guiding, the ESF instructors are based in the club with a fully operational booking office and a meeting point outside the ski room, directly onto the slopes. Ski in ski out is a huge selling point!
Food is extremely important at all the Club Med resorts, the main restaurant, The Val Claret offers a huge variety from alpine favourites to an array of international dishes, sizzling grills, and artisan desserts set against stunning mountain views. In addition, there is a pre-bookable and inclusive Gourmet restaurant specialising in a fusion of alpine traditional menus with a gastronomic flair expertly paired with fine wine. During the day this area transformed itself into a quiet adult-only area to relax and take in the mountain views.
Evenings are always great fun as the club puts on a themed show each evening, bringing guest artists and performers from around the Alps. Although the shows are very amateurish they are good entertainment as the performers are all working in the resort. After the show, the lounge bar turns into a nightclub for those who want to or have the energy to dance the night away!
It’s not possible to write a review on Club Med without talking about the amazing children’s clubs and facilities offering childcare from 4 months old to teens club up to 17 years old. The enhanced programme offers fun, friendship and confidence-building adventures in new activities and sports.
