Club Med - my first experience
Alex Edwards | 08 December 2023 | Ski Holidays
Earlier this week (03rd – 06th December) I took my first ever Club Med ski holiday.
I already knew all about the all inclusive nature of a Club Med holiday – with flights, transfers, all food & drink, ski pass and ski lessons all included. However, just how good was my Club Med first experience? And given that I am a good skier (having worked 3 winter ski seasons) how much would I get from the included ski lessons?
From the moment I arrived at the Club Med in Tignes Val Claret, it was clear my stay was going to be absolutely stress free from start to finish. The modern and immaculate facilities could not be faulted and the usual quite complex process required to get ready for skiing the next day really could not have been easier. As a very good skier, I was impressed by their range and quality of ski equipment in the Club Med hire store. In fact I was more than happy with the skis I hired during my stay. Not only was their ski hire shop within the hotel building but their extremely helpful team saw that I was kitted out with everything I could need to make the most of the ideal skiing conditions.
The guest wristband that I was given when I checked in makes accessing all areas of the hotel (including my room) hassle free. The same wristband also opened my ski locker (which by the way had its own heater) and meant no fumbling in pockets or wallet to find the right key.
Epic ski conditions Tuesday 05th December 2023
Beginner skiers are more than accommodated for too! With a couple of nervous first timers among our group, Club Med were extremely helpful in making sure they were all set up with beginner ski lessons through the onsite ESF office (who were excellent). The nursery slopes are just around the corner from the Club Med hotel which made getting to and from the lessons super convenient.
As a first timer to the Tignes/Val d’Isere ski area I was so impressed by the range of cruisy blues and reds, and also by the hotel’s proximity to the bottom of the slopes and lifts. It really couldn’t be easier to get up and out.
With its location at the foot of the home slopes one can’t overlook how easy this made it to make the most of the all-inclusive lunch (served on the sunny terrace overlooking the mountains). It didn’t take long to stop off and enjoy the full mountain restaurant experience before taking off again for a few more runs before venturing to the Folie Douce après ski bar, just two lifts away.
I skied with the top group of skiers with an excellent instructor from the Ecole Ski Francais (E.S.F.). As we were all strong fast skiers our instructor took on the role of guide rather than teacher. He took us to all his favourite slopes which didn't disappoint. The conditions were sublime, which helped, but we had an absolute blast - certainly my day with the Club Med guide was up there in my all time top 5 best ski days.
Club Med spa - Tignes Val Claret
Despite a hard day on the slopes, there was no risk of sore muscles as the Club Med outdoor hot tub, pool and spa area provided the perfect relaxation and recovery needed. It was also a real treat to enjoy the all-inclusive bar which served a huge variety of cocktails, wine and beer (at any time of the day or night!). I was equally tempted by the delicious selection of afternoon snacks, including their freshly made crêpes.
There’s no need to worry about fuelling up for a big day of skiing, as the Club Med extensive buffet has everything you could dream of, no matter your dietary requirements. Whether you want to stick to classic comfort food, such as their delicious pizza and pasta bars (open every night) or branch out a bit and taste their restaurant style dishes all the food was delicious and served with a smile. My own personal favourites were the tuna steak and octopus salad.
There was no shortage of evening entertainment either as the wonderful Club Med G.O. team put on a cabaret show each evening before the DJ arrived to transform the bar into a full-on nightclub.
Club Med Tignes Val Claret - comfortable bedroom
Did I have any complaints from my first Club Med experience? Well, there was one. I found the height of the shower heads above the bath to be too low. However, being rather tall this is a problem I have often encountered.
Would I do Club Med again? I think the answer is obvious, the value for money is unbeatable and I now have an urge to visit them all. A new Club Med devotee has just been created!
