Review: Club Med Snow Resorts
We all love the idea of getting away with our families for a holiday to remember. No stress, no worries … just a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with each other and create memories to last a lifetime.
One (super lucky) family had the opportunity to do just that and experience and review the Valmorel CLUB MED PREMIUM all-inclusive snow holiday. Check out the fun they had:
What does a Club Med All-Inclusive Snow Holiday include?
Ski passes and snow sports with lessons
- Skiing and snowboarding lessons by professional instructors for all levels from beginners to advanced thrill-seekers
- Free ski-lift passes to take you up the slopes
- Direct access to amazing slopes and trails from your door in most resorts
- Many non-skiing activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating and much more
Accommodation with refined comfort
- An extensive choice of resorts with various levels of luxury depending on the resort and your budget
- Enjoy Club or Deluxe Rooms or Suites
All gourmet meals, all-day bar and snacking
- International cuisine buffets, specialty and high-altitude restaurants in some resorts
- Sweet and savoury snacks throughout the day and in the evenings
- Premium open bar including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages
Kids Club for all ages
- Supervision and activities designed for kids of all ages (yes even the teens will WANT to head off everyday to join their new best friends)
- Kid’s ski and snowboard school led by professional G.O. instructors with children as young as 3 being able to learn to ski
- Additional cost for children aged 4 months to 3 years
Night entertainment & parties
- Evening G.O. shows and parties with different themes each night
- Enjoy festive moments every night with unique Club Med ambiance
Here’s just a taste of what a Club Med Snow Holiday has in store for you …
Our review team had the choice of going to the following Club Med resorts.
Club Med Valmorel: France
Flying in from Geneva, Club Med Valmorel is located at the foot of the mountain in the Grand Domaine ski area. Club Med Valmorel is a charming winter wonderland where everyone finds snowy perfection. Kids from the age of 3 can take to the slopes under the watchful eye of professional ski instructors, while teens and adults can enjoy over 150km of ski runs amidst a forest of pine trees. With two gourmet restaurants, a premium open bar, Kids Clubs for children of all ages*, and additional activities including snowshoeing, Nordic Walking, and Turkish baths, you’ll discover a family winter wonderland here.
Find out everything about Club Med Valmorel here.
Club Med Peisey-Vallandry: France
Flying in from Geneva, you’ll discover Club Med Peisey-Vallandry. In the heart of 425km of slopes in Paradiski, Club Med Peisey-Vallandry is a charming snow resort with natural wood and stone at every turn. With Kids Clubs for children aged 2-17 years old*, ski and snowboard lessons with Europe’s best ski instructors, and ski-in ski-out facilities, every day can be spent carving up the slopes. For relaxation in the evenings, head to the heated indoor pool to recharge your muscles, or plunge underwater and emerge in the outdoor heated pool with beautiful mountain views. Finish off with a pierrade at the specialty restaurant and some wine on the outdoor terrace – Peisey-Vallandry is a winter dream!
Find out everything about Club Med Peisey-Vallandry here.
Club Med Pragelato: Italy
In Italy, a hamlet of chalets lie at the foot of the valley in Europe’s second largest ski domain, the Vialattea-Sestriere (also known as the Milky Way). Surrounded by mountains of snow, every day is filled with discovery in this Italian mountain resort. Kids age 2-17* will fall in love with the snow, while you conquer 400km of pure white snow. Enjoy a family dinner together at La Trattoria restaurant where pasta is on the menu, then top off the day with a Finnish sauna. Fly into Club Med Pragelato from Turin Airport. Bellissimo!
Find out everything about Club Med Pragelato here.
* Baby Club (4-23 months) and Petit Club (2-3 years old) is at extra cost
Find out everything you need to know about Club Med all around the World here.
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The fine food festival continues!
by mom56889Combined rating
The quality of the food at Club Med Valmorel has been really surprising. Based on 'all-inclusive' package deals we've had before, I thought it would be designed to just fill you up rather than focus on beautiful ingredients and real fresh food. This platter of meat and the big bowls of salad were served with the cheese hotbox but every meal from the buffet is of the same high standard.
Getting around the resort and surrounds is easy.
by mom56889Combined rating
If you're staying in the main Club Med Valmorel hotel area (in the Le Lodge premium area which is still part of the main hotel), everything is completely joined internally so no matter what the weather is doing outside, you are snug and warm inside. If you're lucky enough to be staying in the Chalets which sit on the slopes just above the main hotel, you can either wander down via the slopes or the stairs or you can pick up the phone in your chalet and call the shuttle. The driver is there in a couple of minutes and they'll get you wherever you need to go. Usually we use this at the end of the day when we're all really tired or if it's snowing a lot. They are also only too happy to take the kids down for you if you want to stay behind and relax or if you are running late and the kids are dying to get to kids club. The other day I needed something from the nearby village of Valmorel so the shuttle driver was only too happy to drop me down there and then come back later to pick me up. Such excellent service and all with a wonderful smile.
Look at the view!
by mom56889Combined rating
The views really are spectacular from Club Med Valmorel and so different to any views you'd find in Australia or New Zealand. We have skiied in Canada and the US as well but fell in love with this view the moment we arrived. Picture postcard and so easy to enjoy from many areas of the resort. I took this picture a couple of days ago - we've had a lot more snow since then so the mountains are almost all white now. We are here early in the European ski season - in Feb, March and April, you can only see the tips of most trees! Imagine how much snow that must be.
Evening entertainment is different every night
by mom56889Combined rating
Every night after dinner, there is always a show which is always a great way to end the night. You head from the dining room to the large lounge area where everyone gets themselves a beer, wine, cocktail or mocktail (all included in the price) and then sit back to enjoy the show. Sometimes it's a show that includes the Club Med Guest Officers and other times it's other entertainers. This photo shows a trio that performed Tuesday night in one of the smaller lounges - they are also adding a few more musicians for a big live music night on Friday. After the main show, it rolls into a disco which our girls loved. All the Club Med staff are quite young so love getting up on the dance floor with the guests and especially the kids.
All the special touches make it a holiday to remember!
by mom56889Combined rating
Yesterday was Georgia's birthday and the team at Club Med couldn't have been more amazing! The Passworld manager went out of her way to let everyone at the teen club know and they all sang Happy Birthday. Our chalet team organised the most amazing birthday cake for afternoon tea (complete with party hats and candles) and then later that night, the restaurant team brought a cake with candles to our table after dinner. About 12 of the restaurant staff came over to our table all clapping and singing! I'm sure this birthday will be one she will remember for a long time to come. Thanks Club Med Valmorel - you think of everything!
Always something to do at Club Med Valmorel.
by mom56889Combined rating
So when we come in after a day of skiing, I want to flop on the couch or watch one of the on-demand movies. The kids still have energy to burn so they are simply able to step outside our door to continue their fun in the snow. EASY! I get to sit back and relax, they get their fill of the snow and then they can come straight back in and jump into a big warm bath or shower.
Afternoon Tea every day is such a treat.
by mom56889Combined rating
It's very lucky we've been skiing every day as when you come in all cold and a little peckish there is always a very special treat waiting for us. Each day is different but these little beauties were amazing. The staff looking after our chalet come in before we get home and lay the table, put on the kettle (or open the champagne) so that we walk in to an absolute treat. SPOILT? Yes we are! My afternoon coffee back home will never feel the same again ;)
Ski lessons graded according to level
by mom56889Combined rating
One of the things I loved about the lessons at Club Med Valmorel is that the ski instructors take a lot of time to ensure that everyone is in the right level lesson. This means that everyone gets just what they need out of the lessons. The assessments continue throughout the week too so that if your kids progress faster than the group (or need a little more help), they'll adjust their group accordingly. Their objective is to have everyone LOVING skiing which means that everyone is happy! Love it!
Transfer from Geneva - easy, luxury, friendly
by mom56889Combined rating
Getting to Club Med Valmorel is easy. If you're flying in and want to go straight to Club Med, there is a Club Med transfer desk right at the airport. They know what flight you are on and grab your luggage and you're on your way. We actually had a night in Geneva before we headed to Club Med, so we were collected from our hotel with the same friendly Club Med service we always get. I know BMWs are fairly standard in Europe but it was still a lovely bit of luxury for us.
Ski Hire made just so simple and easy - with a smile!
by mom56889Combined rating
If you've ever skied before and you don't own your own ski gear, you'll know that getting all the hire gear at the start of your trip and then returning it at the end can be a pain. Club Med have taken all that pain away - the team send you a booking form before you arrive for you to complete for the whole family so that all the gear is already organised for you before you arrive. All that's left after that is for you to try on your boots and then once you're happy, somebody like Alexis (he's been a huge help this week with our gear) fill do the final adjustments. The team then transfer all your gear into your pre-arranged lockers and give you the swipe card so that you can access your gear anytime you need it. The lockers are all fully equipped with drying racks, a heating and cooling fan to ensure everything is dry for the next time you need it. Such a great 5 start service.
Fresh fruit everyday all day
by mom56889Combined rating
I love that I can always find beautiful fresh fruit - for us and the kids (it makes me feel better about the pastries and hot chocolate hee hee)
Accommodation
by mom56889Combined rating
Staying in the most gorgeous chalet at Club Med Valmorel which has spacious bedrooms, big bathrooms and good size kitchen, living and dining areas containing everything and more to make your stay wonderful. We have a lovely lady, Stephania, that comes to make our breakfast every morning (and clean up)! She returns in the afternoon to set the fire, provide afternoon tea or drinks. The whole family is loving apres skiing! The accommodation and service is better than expected, we don't want to leave.
Mont Do'or - the most delicious cheese hot box!
by mom56889Combined rating
In my last review, I raved about the food! I thought I'd share a few photos just to give you a glimpse (diet starts when we're back in Aus)!!
The 'Winter Room' - just one of the beautiful dining rooms
by mom56889Combined rating
Every time you come in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you are ushered to one of the dining rooms. We've been in almost all of the dining rooms which all come off the central buffet area but this one is my favourite! It's called the Winter Room and can you see why? Beautiful Wintery colours and the most amazing 'chandelier' you've ever seen. During meals, Club Med staff are always on hand to tidy your tables as you go, offer a glass of wine or a coffee and generally ensure that you have everything you need. The resort is so well staffed, you really never wait for anything. They also understand what it's like to eat with children so offer you the option for the kids to either sit with you during meals or to stay with whichever club they belong to. The older kids 10+ are welcomed into the main dining rooms for serve yourself buffet whilst the younger children all have dedicated restaurants depending on their age. It is such peace of mind for all parents as it's all been so thoughtfully organised.
You won't need to worry about feeding the family for a second
by mom56889Combined rating
Often when we travel I find it tricky to feed the family to the point where everyone is happy. If we eat out for the kids, I feel I'm missing something exotic or delicious and if we go for a restaurant Charlie and I are keen to try, the kids may not agree! At Club Med they've got food covered 100% of the day and night for 100% of the guests. If you have very young children, there is a full food station with jar food, baby cereals, finger foods specially prepared and other meals perfectly suited to babes and toddlers. For everyone else there is a buffet which offers SO much variety that everyone can find exactly what they are looking for. And forget sludgy food being kept warm ... Club Med has chefs everywhere cooking to order. The salad bars are massive with everything fresh every day and include loads of fresh fruit too. Each day there are different specialities on offer and for something special, you can book into the French speciality restaurant for a cheese fondue or another amazing meal which is a rich Brie cheese baked in the oven and served in its own little wooden box. I could go on all day about the food because it does go all day - anytime you need something it's there. From a freshly sizzled sausage when you come off the slopes, to a chocolate tart with hot chocolate at the end of the skiing day to beautiful cheese, bread and nibbles with a drink before dinner, it's all included in your package so there is never a moment where you need to think about how much you're spending! I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a holiday where I don't always need to be thinking about 'what's for lunch, what's for dinner' etc. Thanks SO much Club Med - you've converted us to your way of holidaying with the family and we're loving every second!!
Family Friendly
by fmohsinCombined rating
Excellent facilities for bringing the whole family along! Never a dull moment, thanks to the countless activities, mouth-watering food, friendly staff at this gem of a resort!
Review from Georgia, age 12
by mom56889Combined rating
I am staying at Club Med Valmorel Snow Resort with my Mum, Dad and sister and I think I'm living in luxury! Club Med Valmorel resort is amazing and all the staff working here are so nice! The ski instructor is the best and makes all the lessons fun and the kids are from all over the World which is so much fun. The Passworld Teenage Club (11 - 17) is super fun and has so much to do and so many different activities. Don't even get me started on how nice our chalet is. We can see the main resort, a ski run and the best scenery in the morning!! I have so many photos on my phone to show everyone when I get home.
What mum thinks of Kids Club
by mom56889Combined rating
Our two daughters (aged 14 and 12) were not sure what to expect from Kids Club, they felt that they were too old for it and the activities would be boring and childish. From the minute they arrived, they got right into it! The staff are fun to hang out with and the kids keep asking to go back! It is open from quite early and into the evening. My husband and I enjoyed some time at the bar and dinner just the two of us last night. I love date night!!
Exceptional service even before you arrive!
by mom56889Combined rating
As you can see from this pic, there's snow on the French Alps!! We flew in to Geneva yesterday and the fantastic service had already started! Anais from Club Med Chalets called us to check all our requirements including ski hire, our transfers to the resort and even what newspapers we wanted! Awesome service that we've never had before. Not even there yet and I'm already relaxed ⛷????
Amazing holiday
by mom299833Combined rating
We absolutely loved it being a single mum with twins I’ve gotta budget my money and I thought what better way then to go for a holiday to the snow. None of us knew how to at first and we were so new to it, we joined up and did the learn to ski which was absolutely amazing and we enjoyed every bit of it, I look forward to returning again it’s worth every cent
Mum enjoys time out at the spa
by mom56889Combined rating
The legs were tired and muscles were sore after a few days skiing so I thought the perfect remedy was a massage, I was not disappointed! I felt great afterwards and even happier when I found out the price was very reasonable, not like what you are asked to pay at other hotels. Thanks Club Med Valmorel!
Toboganning at Club Med Valmorel
by mom56889Combined rating
Mid week and the kids are a little keen to have some time out from skiing - time for tobagganing - a great specific area set up with a slope which gradually builds from gentle to steep depending on your preference for slow or fast - kids and dad had a blast whilst mum had time out at the spa - nice to know there were crash pads at the end of the tobogganing slope to pull you up (if you make it that far). Her all had a blast!!
Wonderful family holiday with lots of great memories made
by mom81879Combined rating
I was amazed at the amount of activities available at this resort. Something for every member of the family to enjoy, from grandma to toddler. Lots of outside snow activities, naturally, but also some inside activities to keep you warm. Our room was quite roomy, very comfortable and extremely clean. The food available.....SO delicious. I definitely recommend staying here to anyone. Lots of fantastic memories made that we'll be talking about fir years to come
Meeting people from around the world
by mom56889Combined rating
Another great evening at Club Med Valmorel - this time meeting a family from Israel after our two girls had made friends during ski school and the kids club - a real benefit of Club Med is meeting and sharing experiences with people from other countries and cultures. Love opening our own and our children's eyes to the world.