I have just returned from another hugely successful ski group holiday to the Club Med at Les Arc Panorama. Although prices have massively increased since I started running these groups, it is still very good value when you take into account everything that is included. It is an ‘ultra all-inclusive’ product consisting of flights, transfers, accommodation, all food, snacks and drink, ski pass, ski lessons or guiding and evening entertainment. There are flights with multiple airlines from all the major U.K. airports and a wide range of accommodations from the lead-in superior room through to executive suites.
So why does Club Med work so well? The majority of their resorts are ski-in/ski-out which is a huge plus especially for families with young children or for those of us who get tried at the end of a hard day’s skiing! No long walks in heavy ski boots or hanging around waiting for a bus, you simply ski all the way home. Another key benefit is that the ski hire shop is located with the property, so again no trekking to the local shop when you arrive – simply go to the ground floor and get your boots and skis fitted by the Club Med experts and if your boots or skis are uncomfortable then you can easily change them at lunchtime. For those skiers who have their own skis then there is a full-service facility available to sharpen and wax the skis for that extra grip and speed.
A Tour of Les Arcs Panorama
Whilst staying at Les Arcs Panorama, Jackie took the opportunity to go around the public areas of the hotel to give you a feel of the resort and what it has to offer. This included the entrance and lobby area, restaurant, lounge, restaurant, gym and swimming pool, all available for guests to use during their stay.
As everything is under one roof all the stress is taken away and it’s not long before you are relaxing in the bar with a G &T. All the food and drink, unlimited is included in the package so you don’t need to carry any cash in the resort, the only thing that is charged for are treatments in the spa and purchases in the well-stocked shop. Even the ski lessons and ski guiding is located in the Club Med property, it is operated locally by ESF but the instructors and guides are based in the hotel so once again no stress finding your ski group in the mornings, you simply meet outside the ‘boot’ room where your guide or instructor will be waiting.
The food is just amazing, being French they take great pride in the quality & presentation, everything is prepared and cooked on-site and there is a huge variety of options to cover every taste and all allergies and special diets are catered for. If there is one criticism it’s that it is a self-service buffet for every meal and I must confess I do tire of wandering around, overwhelmed by the selection of offers! However there is an option of a speciality restaurant which is waiter service and offers local delicacies such as cheese or meat fondue, you need to pre-book but there is never an issue getting a reservation.
Club Med is renowned for its children’s facilities, there is childcare from as young as 6 months through to 16 years of age and you can see the kids around the resort having an amazing time, however, there are a few resorts which are adult only so please don’t be put off.
There is something for everyone at a Club Resort whether you have children and value the childcare facilities, or don’t really want to ski but enjoy the mountain air and take in some walking on their snowshoeing trips. You can work out in the well-equipped gyms or enrol in one of the exercise classes which run all through the day offering Yoga, Stretch, Pilates, HIT or simply swim in the indoor/outdoor pool and then relax in the steam room and jacuzzi.
Yes the upfront price looks high but just cost everything up and you will find it an extremely good value.
