Club Med announces its first Canada resort to open in Le Massif, Charlevoix Ski Region

The renowned pioneer of all-inclusive resorts announced the much-anticipated return of its world-famous ski offering to North America through the creation of its first-ever Canadian resort.

November, 2017 – Club Med brings its unique all-inclusive mountain holiday offering to the heart of an already renowned ski region situated at the highest point in Eastern Canada, including a unique ski experience with spectacular waterfront views overlooking the Saint Laurence River. Club Med and Groupe Le Massif plan to open this new resort by the end of 2020.

Daniel Gauthier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groupe Le Massif, and Xavier Mufraggi, President and CEO, Club Med North America, have officially announced the opening of the first Club Med resort in Canada.

“It’s often said that you’ll only ever find a Club Med resort in the most beautiful places in the world. Charlevoix doesn’t need to have a Club Med to be included on this select list. That said, it is an honour and privilege to be amongst those creating worldwide awareness for this spectacular part of the country,” states Xavier Mufraggi. “Club Med is the world leader in all-inclusive mountain hotels and resorts. With more than 20 sites already established in France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan and China counting for more than 6000 rooms, we’re excited to add Canada (and specifically Quebec) to the list. Each season will reveal the wonders of this natural site, offering an international clientele a place of beauty to discover. Also, this project serves as a strategic symbol of rapid growth around the world for Club Med, with fifteen openings taking place through 2019, representing one to two mountain resorts openings per year.”

“The announcement is in direct alignment with the continued development of this significant project that will position Le Massif, Charlevoix, among one of the greatest international destinations,” comments Daniel Gauthier, the initiator of the project. “Club Med is a world-recognized symbol, promoting an active lifestyle, family and well-being. With shared values, the partnership between Club Med and Le Massif, Charlevoix, is one of authenticity.”

The project represents a $120 million investment with the objective of developing 300 rooms including 4-Trident Club and Deluxe-level rooms with a 5-Trident luxury space. The future resort promises to be a haven for family and couple getaways as well as ideal for groups, with spaces provided to accommodate seminars and events.

Investment and positive economic impact

While this recreational tourism project is born of a great vision, it is based on a solid economic outcome. Partners, including the governments of Quebec and Canada, Guy Laliberté and Lune Rouge, Investissement Québec, Pierre Thabet, Groupe Germain all have confirmed their investment, while Desjardins and the National Bank of Canada have established their support. The project also counts on Bell a long standing major sponsor of the Massif de Charlevoix.

Groupe Le Massif and Club Med aim to offer a four-season product that emphasizes Quebec’s strongest touristic features of the region from Quebec to Tadoussac. The announcement of these plans will also stimulate real estate development within the region and on the mountain.

This project forecasts the creation of 325 direct jobs and 400 indirect jobs. The construction of the hotel will generate near 700 jobs. The agreement with partners guarantees a mutually profitable endeavour for all.

This much-anticipated project will benefit several major players within the regions of Quebec and Charlevoix, including the Quebec airport, which forecasts a 6% increase in flights directly connected to this project. From day one Club Med plans to develop partnerships with a variety of local suppliers. The resort will be easily accessible; a mere 90 minutes from the International Airport of Quebec.

About Club Med

Club Med, founded in 1950, is recognized as the pioneer of the all-inclusive market, offering nearly 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean.

Club Med operates more than 70 resorts. Established in 26 countries across five continents, the group employs more than 23,000 employees comprised of 110 varied nationalities. Club Med has had a corporate presence in Canada for over 40 years and employs a staff of more than 50 team members in their Montreal head office.

Club Med Le Massif will reinforce the link between Quebec residents with the Club Med concept. More than 40,000 Canadians stay at a Club Med resort each year, with the biggest majority coming from Quebec. Every year, close to 300 Canadian G.O.s are recruited (“Gentil Organizers” - an internal, endearing term used for all Club Med employees), again with the majority coming from the province of Quebec. “In many ways, Quebec has been at the heart of Club Med. Now, finally, Club Med will be at the heart of Quebec,” states Mr. Mufraggi.

About Groupe Le Massif

The Massif de Charlevoix project was launched in 2002 by Quebec developer, Daniel Gauthier. Mr. Gauthier is a recognized co-founder of the world-leading Quebec sensation known worldwide: Cirque du Soleil.

As the first Club Med mountain resort in North America, and by virtue of the symbiosis between creativity, authenticity, an appreciation for culture, society and tourism, Le Massif, Charlevoix, promises to be awe-inspiring with a picturesque setting, an outstanding line-up of activities, excellent food and unsurpassed reputation for service.

This magnificent project is built on a foundation of three pillars with the objective to provide an experience that is deeply personal, emotional, original, and environmental, while focusing on the development of sustainable tourism within one of Quebec’s most popular regions, and designated as a world biosphere reserve in 1989 by Unesco.

For more information, visit https://www.clubmed.ca/l/le-massif-resort

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All You Need to Know About Skiing in the Italian Alps

Ciao Bella! Villages with cobblestones covered in white, mountains blanketed in fresh powder snow and even bigger mountains of pasta… what more could you want on a holiday? The Italian Alps are truly something all skiers and boarders have to experience, and we have the lowdown on all you need to know for your ski holiday here.

Best time to go to Italy

The best snow on the Italian Alps is between January and February, when skiers can expect consistently fresh snowfall and cold temperatures. If you really can’t wait to hit the slopes, December is still a good time to visit, especially as you’ll get to experience some Christmas charm.

Remember to book well in advance for trips around Christmas and New Year, and for February (French, Belgian and Swiss school holidays).

How to get there

Flights to Italy are around 26 hours from Sydney, depending on your stopover. For a ski trip, we recommend Emirates, Singapore Airlines or Qantas – you’ll need the luggage allowance for all your ski gear! Consider flying into Turin with an airline such as Air Italia when booking a trip to the Italian Alps, as transfers to the slopes are less than 2 hours. If not, Milan is your next best bet.

Visas for Australians heading to Italy

You won’t need a visa to travel to Italy, unless you’re planning on spending over 90 days in the Schengen area.

An out of this world ski holiday: The Milky Way

There’s nothing more authentically Italian than a romantic snow-covered valley…it’s truly bellissimo! Home to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Pragelato Via Lattea is a ski area of champions.

❅ There are runs for skiers of all levels, with 42 black runs, 118 red runs, 54 blue runs and 30 green runs – it’s Europe’s second largest ski domain so you’ll never get bored!

❅ Follow the tracks of champions, and ski Olympic courses at your own pace.

❅ Convenience is key! At Pragelato, you can take a gondola from the ski room at Club Med straight to the heart of the mountain.

❅ Stay in private cosy chalets in a protected valley, with romantic cobblestone streets amongst snow-covered fir trees.

Ski on the edge… literally!

Breuil-Cervinia-Valtournenche-Zermatt…it’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s one heck of a ski area! Located on the very edge of Italy, you’ll be able to ski the pistes between Cervinia (Italy) and Zermatt (Switzerland) with ease!

❅ The Australian Alps have nothing on these ranges! Get some serious altitude, as this mountain soars up to 3920m.

❅ Take the challenge of ‘Nero Cervino’, a black run with a 65 degree drop. This one’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure…

❅ There are ski areas dedicated for the little ones. Valtournenche has jumping castles and a wild west snow play area!

❅ Don’t forget to take a pic with the Matterhorn!

Italian cuisine after a day on the slopes

Pizza, pasta, prosciutto, risotto, minestrone, gelato, cannoli…really, the list of incredible Italian foods could go on forever. Italians are known for their extraordinary cuisine and where better to enjoy the art of Italian food than in the Alps?

While you’ll get the classics such as Spaghetti Bolognese and Pasta alla Carbonara everywhere, indulge in a local specialty, Pasta al Tartufo (pasta with truffles), at Club Med Pragelato. What’s more, there are freshly sliced Italian cured meats at every meal, and of course - vino!

Apres-ski aplenty in the Italian Alps

There’s a certain charm about the Italian Alps that has captured the hearts of so many, but not just for the skiing. Europeans invented apres-ski, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of things to do if you need a break from the slopes:

❅ Take a stroll through the snow-covered cobblestone roads of Via Lattea or Cervinia, and don’t forget to stop for an Italian espresso!

❅ Get active and explore the mountain on snowshoes with a guide

❅ Looking for romance? Take a sleigh ride through the snowy glades

❅ After a long day on the slopes, warm up in a Turkish Bath.

Other spots to visit on a holiday to Italy

Make the most of your ski trip to Italy by taking some time to see some of this beautiful country. Here are our top picks:

✔️ They do say all roads lead to Rome! Discover culture and history at The Colosseum, the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and St Peter’s Basilica

✔️ Explore the lost city of Pompeii, only a short train trip from Naples

✔️ Shop ‘til you drop for the world’s finest high-fashion in Milan

✔️ Take a food tour of Florence…your tastebuds will thank us!

Bella Italia!

There’s no doubt about it: the skiing in Italy is some of the best in the world. While you’re at it, indulge in Italian tradition; whether it be food, art or history.

Learn more about Club Med’s Italian ski resorts here and discover Club Med Pragelato Vialattea in the video below

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What Every Beginner Skier Needs to Know Before A First Ski Trip

Do you still think ‘goofy’ is a Disney character? Don't know how to pizza down the mountain? Don't even know what to do with a lift ticket (or why you even need one)? For the uninitiated, whether you're a ski beginner or embarking on your first family ski holiday, it can all be a bit bewildering. Here's everything you need to know for your first ski trip.

The lowdown on the lingo

First things first, you'll need to brush up on the basics of snow lingo:

❅ Lift passes are tickets that allow you to ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain to ski down. There are plenty of options, from day passes to annual passes (for the super enthusiastic beginner!)

❅ A run (or piste in Europe) is any marked trail, slope or course designed for skiing.

❅ When snowboarding, riders use either a regular or goofy: The regular stance is with your left foot in front and goofy is with your right foot at the front.

❅ Apres-ski refers to the activities undertaken after a day of skiing, and can include swimming, massages at the spa, or an Aussie’s favourite past-time: enjoying drinks with friends.

What to bring

You will need to pack:

✔️ Thermals

✔️ Insulated clothing

✔️ A ski jacket and ski pants

✔️ Gloves

✔️ Beanies

✔️ Super thick socks

✔️ Warm boots

✔️ Protective eyewear.

☼ It seems silly, but you'll also need sunscreen and lip balm – sunburn and chapped lips are common gripes on the slopes.

Skiing or snowboarding?

The next thing to decide on is skiing or snowboarding.

The general rule is that skiing is easier to pick up at first but harder in the long run to master; on the other hand, snowboarding can take a good couple of days to pick up, but after that you can become quite competent quickly on your snowboard.

Tips to keep in mind for your first ski trip

✔️ Beginners heading on a ski holiday should allow plenty of time on the slopes (at least a couple of days) – first-timers make take a while to get the hang of it.

✔️ It’s not essential, but we highly recommend you sign up for some ski lessons. Instructors will guide you through how to start and then demonstrate correct techniques – plus they’ll take you to runs on the mountain that suit your ability level. Club Med snow resorts offer snow schools with qualified instructors included in the package, and also many offer kids ski classes.

✔️ The view from the top will be steep... and intimidating for beginners. Whenever in doubt, don’t forget you can 'pizza' (point your skis together at the front to slow you down) to gradually make your way down to the bottom.

✔️ Don't forget to reward yourself after day's skiing by indulging in a sauna, Turkish bath, massage or yoga. Trust us: your muscles will thank you!

Best international ski fields for beginners

While skiing in Australia and New Zealand are viable options, the best part about heading overseas to ski is that you can discover a completely new country and experience some of the best powder in the world. Here’s our pick for the best international ski fields:

✔️ Sahoro, Japan: The skiing mecca of Hokkaido offers soft snow perfect for beginners. Resorts in the region contain traditional Japanese rooms, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and snow gardens for the kids.

✔️ Valmorel, France: with a family-friendly atmosphere, this resort area of the French Alps offers plenty of gentle runs and a host of activities for the little ones.

✔️ Via Lattea, Italy: Nestled on the border with France, the second largest ski field in Europe is popular with families who come to relax in cosy chalets.

✔️ Aspen Snowmass, USA: spread over four mountains, this field features an amazing array of runs from beginner to advanced.

✔️ Big White, Canada: has a huge number of lifts, runs to suit all ages and a popular skiing school for kids.

And finally...

Whether you're hitting the slopes for the first time or taking the kids on their first skiing holiday, good luck, and remember…everybody had to learn once!

See you out on the slopes. ⛄ ❄️ 🎿

Learn more about Club Med’s all-inclusive ski holidays in the video below, or on the Club Med website here.

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Samantha Wills tells us about her ski trip to the French Alps

This article was reposted from samanthawills.com. Read the original story here. All photos below are courtesy of Samantha Wills.  Samantha Wills is the driving force behind her namesake Australian jewellery brand, Samantha Wills. Here, she shares her snow holiday experience from the luxurious Club Med Valmorel Chalets in the French Alps.

Destination: French Alps

Les Chalets Club Med de Valmorel

I am thrilled to be partnering with Club Med again, showcasing all of my favorite things in their Exclusive Collection of Villas & Chalets, in some of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Last year, I showed you all my favorite things from paradise at the The Finolhu Villas in the Maldives and this year I am beyond excited to take you to a true winter wonderland at The Valmorel Chalets, in the stunning French Alps.

I grew up in a small beach town in Australia, and now living in NYC, I get to experience snow (still a novelty to me!) every winter… But nothing prepares you for the breathtaking beauty of the Alps. It. Is. Truly. Breathtaking.

Luxury

At Club Med Valmorel, there are accommodation options spanning all budgets. The Chalets are the ultimate luxury option & sit at the top of the property…. Annnnnnnd when you check into your Chalet, you get your very own butler. I’m not talking about a virtual-butler-app-push-a-button-to-get-room-service type of butler. I am talking about a real life butler, who will unpack your bags when you arrive so you instantly feel at home, will be upstairs in your Chalet’s kitchen when you wake up, with the open fire place roaring & cooking your whatever you would like for breakfast, and have your favorite type of Nespresso coffee steaming hot for you to enjoy before heading out for the day.

That same butler will also be back at your chalet at your specified time in the afternoon to prepare you the most delicious afternoon tea, a different delicious every day from a local patisserie, that you enjoy by your fire place after your day of alpine adventuring (or spa treatments!). Then when you are out at dinner, your chalet will be magically turned into a haven of relaxation ready for slumber, with nothing left for you to do but to slip into your turned down bed, enjoy the gourmet chocolate on your pillow, and dream away on your bed that feels like a cloud, so you are rested to do it all over again the next day. THAT type of butler.*

Cuisine + Cocktails

Club Med is known for its all inclusive holidays. The Chalets at Valmorel are obviously included in this, however their location on the property sits at the top of the resort, where your private balcony looks down over all the happenings. Like the butler privilege, there is also a driver on call, to whizz you back & fourth from the village, where you enjoy an open bar & all dining, inclusive in your experience. In full disclosure, the word ‘buffet’ scares me. To me, it is reminiscent of primary school birthday parties at Pizza Hut… Trays of cold pizza, wilted salad & as much soft serve ice-cream you could physically whip into your bowl….

So I am going to refrain from using the dreaded ‘B’ word, and try to explain to you the luxury that is Club Med Valmorels all inclusive dining; Imagine a collective little gourmet restaurants… Italian, Japanese, Seafood, Home Style Roast, French, a salad & juice bar… A bakery, a patisserie & a locally, hand made ice-cream parlour. Now imagine all these little gourmet restaurants where in a large room, like individual pop-up spaces, each with their own team of chefs, preparing the food there in front you, fresh fish going from grill to you plate, the cheese on the pizza’s bubbling as they are taken straight out of the oven, French baguettes at the bakery so addictive you are convinced they must contain something illegal, and a patisserie offering that is more like edible art…. And no soft serve here; choose from 8 flavors & the hand made ice-cream is served to you parlor style, by an ice cream connoisseur…. What you CAN do for yourself (I mean, word from the wise; it is VERY hard to get back into normal life after spending a week in this heavenly experience!) is scoop your own warm chocolate from the fondue fountain (it alternates between milk & white chocolate) to drizzle over your ice cream…. Me? I’m a Mint-Choc-Chip-with-warm-milk-chocolate-topping kinda gal.

So that gives you an idea of the type of luxury you will experience by checking into the Club Med Valmorel Chalets, but I have two things that I love even more that I want to share with you. If you’re like me – you have a bucket list. My current bucket list is made up of incredible experiences, Scuba dive with manta rays, wake up in one of those bungalows that stretch out over aqua waters, like the ones I had seen on pinterest a million times over, learn to snowboard, have lunch on the top of a snow covered mountain in the French Alps, with views to mountain tops in Italy….You get the drift. Sometimes you don’t know where to start with your bucket list items, and find yourself wishing you had someone just to tell you where to go, what to do, and how to do it. The experience of Club Med is that for me, and should you wish to do it in a 5 star way; Their Exclusive Collection of Villas & Chalets, allow you to do so in the utmost luxury.

Customer Experience

The second thing, is how truly, genuinely warm & lovely the Club Med team are. I am lucky enough to travel a lot for work & pleasure, and from all my travels, the hospitality & focus on people is incomparable to how the team at Club Med treats their guests. Bear with me as I jump out of vacation-mode & quickly defer to business mode. I have a business, I am involved in a few businesses, I love learning about business. One of my favorite areas to learn more about how other businesses do things, is in their customer engagement focus, strategy & above all, mindset. On this trip, in speaking with some of the Club Med team, I learnt that everyone who works for Club Med signs a contract that states that they will do everything they can to ensure the guests are having an awesome time, to make sure the guests are smiling. How incredible is that?

The second thing I thought was very cool, was how the company structures their reporting pyramid… From the majority of their team (and it’s a big one!), to their managers, to senior management who report into the executive manager of the entire resort….

Then at the top of the pyramid; Us. The Customers. With that focus on customer experience, in addition to having experienced 5 star luxury, having enjoyed some amazing cuisines, wine & cocktails, ticking some breath taking stuff off my bucket list (snowboarding down from over 2000ft in the French Alps!? Tick!) You leave with a full heart & new friends, both other guests at the resort, & also members the Club Med team. It’s hard to explain – But when you experience it, you will know exactly what I mean… And if you are Les Chalets Club Med de Valmorel bound, be sure to say hello to my new friends there; Laura & Thibault – Who made our stay so spectacularly incredible.

Bucket List

Not a skier or snowboarder…. Neither was I! But I wanted to be! Snowboarding was one of those things I’d always said I wanted to do, and what cooler place to learn the sport then in the French Alps?! So with 5 private lessons booked, the fear of god, and determination to be able to at the very least snowboard down a kiddies slope, I put my big girl snow pants on, and met my instructor Laurent (picture; a French Justin Timberlake. I know, poor me!) for him to impart his 16 years of ski / snow board instructor knowledge to me.

My first lesson started on the kids slope; The Piou Piou (meaning tiny bird).  There is NOTHING tiny about this bird, I am 5’10” in the shade, and if the fear on my face was not an indicator, my finger nails digging into his arm where. Laurent assured me, that in the coming days we would be up there *points to French Alps glacial sized mountain. I said he was kind to say such lies, and we got to work.

And guess what, by day 3 we were up 2000ft on the mountain! My dismounts from certain chair lifts required just as much work as my fledging Olympic snowboarding career, but it was INCREDIBLE! Flying (sometimes falling) down the mountain, surfing on snow, with pine tree branches with white dustings, and the world famous Mont Blanc mountain in view. It was so surreal. No words I find will do it justice.

On my last lesson on day 5, Laurent had me speeding down the mountain, and on the final run, pointed over to what now looked like a flat plateau of snow, the Piou Piou. It was an incredible feeling, to think on five days before that was my starting ground. Like all graduates of the Piou Piou, admittedly most of them where aged under 5 years old, Laurent gave me my own Piou Piou medal as a symbol of how far I had come in only a few days. I pinned on the inside of my jacket, and while going up in the lift solo the next day, I took a glance at and felt pretty damn good.

While I may not make the next Olympic team, I definitely will now be snowboarding at any chance I get, plus its one more thing I can tick off my bucket list. With the gratitude to Laurent for his patience, & empathy… And for not laughing (on the outside) when I stacked it off the chair lift.

Take the adventure

So there are my favorite things & recommendations from my time at Les Chalets Club Med de Valmorel.  If you are wanting a winter wonderland adventure, and granted there are many places in the world where snow falls, but at Club Med Valmorel you get to experience all these things in the French Alps (And as the ancient French proverb goes, Snowboard & Ski instructors in the French Alps are all French Gods of the snow (read; Really Hot).

So whether you want to tick some alpine adventuring off your bucket list, experience pure luxury by the fire place as the snow falls outside, eat gourmet cheese & the best breads you will ever taste with every meal, enjoy wine on a snowy mountain top whilst overlooking the Mont Blanc (You can do this even if you are not a skier / snowboarder), or if you simply want to road test a new treatment on the spa menu daily & have the best seat in the house to watch the final runs of the day; the outdoor Jacuzzi…. Then The Valmorel Chalets, in the stunning French Alps are waiting for you. – SWx

*Since publishing this post, Club Med has evolved the services offered at the Club Med Valmorel Chalets to include a 24 hour concierge service and a butler available at extra cost.

Want to discover more? Watch this video below, or jump on our website to learn more about the Club Med Valmorel Chalets. ✳ ⛄ 

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An Alpine Experience with Chic Euro Style

This article was reposted from journalist Dan Avila’s post on justluxe.com. All photos below are courtesy of Dan Avila Photography.  Read the original story here. Dan Avilais a frequent traveler across the globe, camera in hand - shooting unique people and places. He relates below his great experience of spending a week during the snow season at Club Med in Valmorel.

To many, the Alps are the prime locations for snow sport excellence. Endless runs in pristine conditions, fabulous infrastructures and picturesque villages with a chic Euro style; it is ski heaven. The tiny Alpine town of Valmorel, set high in the French Alps, is transformed in the winter. Valmorel village may be small, but it punches above its weight in premium offerings. Some of the finest French cheese, wine and produce are from this region and the skiing is simply sublime.

Set above this town is Club Med Valmorel's latest resort village. No expense has been spared ($113 million was spent) to create a truly stunning alpine experience which, in addition to the main resort village, includes a few stand-alone chalets. Club Med Valmorel has direct access to over 93 miles of ski runs reaching an altitude of over 9,800 feet. From the highest ski lift, views extend across three countries and even the most committed skier must pause in appreciation of these unforgettable vistas.

The property’s chalets are removed from the main hotel in a secluded area above the resort village. The accommodations are built to the highest-certified environmental standards and are designed in an authentic alpine style. Exclusive to chalets are in-house meals. Each morning, breakfast is prepared by your butler who gets to know you so they can tailor the service to your exact preference. On returning to the chalet after a solid day of carving up the slopes, our butler had prepared a decadent afternoon tea including the finest local produce and a special daily pastry from Maryan, awarded as one of the finest pastry chefs in France. The chalets also have exclusive access to a range of premium features including The Welcome Lounge. The club is beautifully constructed and features a fireplace and premium wine and spirits. A chauffeur is also available any time of day for those wanting to explore the area.

Club Med’s holiday experience is seamless, and allows guests more time to do what they go there to do. Group ski classes are part of the package and are highly recommended. The Valmorel ski fields are so expansive that just getting familiar with the runs can take days. The nationally-accredited instructors also double as guides, as small groups of similarly skilled skiers or snow-boarders are expertly instructed and guided throughout the reaches of this expansive region. From a very beginner seeing snow for the first time to competitive experts looking to hone their off-piste ability, all skill levels are catered to with group or one-on-one lessons.

After a glorious morning on the slopes, ski in and kick off your skis at the exclusive chalet ski room, near the restaurant while a smiling waiter offers fresh juice or Champagne even before you step inside. The chefs ensure a luxuriant spread for lunch before satisfied guests again succumb to the call of the mountains. Being on the slopes is a great way of experiencing a view of the Alps. Low altitude flying above them is even better, and there are a couple of options to get airborne, which include parasailing or flying in a microlight at 80 mph before setting down on the slopes to ski onto the next thrill.

Club Med controls a substantial portion of the European Alpine vacation market and this dominance has provided opportunity to refine their craft into what has culminated into the Valmorel experience. It is a total package of carefree fun that leaves guests satisfied and yearning to return.

Want to discover more? Watch this video below, or hop on our website to learn more about the Club Med Valmorel Chalets.

Japan or Europe: Which Is Better for Skiers?

Are you a powder-hound? Or perhaps a professional après skier? Whether you like to hit the parks or the piste, we’re sure you’re dreaming of fresh tracks – especially now that the Australian ski season is winding down to a close.

To find the world’s best snow you’ll have to venture north from the Australian Alps, where incredible powder peaks come to life between December to May, in Japan and Europe. The Northern hemisphere is a playground for skiers, but it can be hard to decide which slopes to take on. Luckily, we’ve done all the research for you! Read on to see which region is best for skiers…

Chase soft powder and cultural discovery in Japan

Japan is renowned for its incredible powder snow, with promises of over 15 meters in some prefectures! Regardless of where you ski, you’re guaranteed the world’s driest, lightest and deepest powder snow. Be sure to take in the beautiful mountain landscapes and the wonderfully unique culture that makes Japan one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is peppered with phenomenal ski slopes that promise reliable snowfall, which makes it a popular destination for tourists. Ski fields like Niseko are often crowded, meaning queues for lifts; for a quieter ski field, head to Sahoro and enjoy mountains all to yourself – literally!

With a flight times of less than 13 hours from Sydney, the Japanese slopes are ideal for those travelling with young families. What’s more, parents can make the most of the mountains while the little ones are having a ball in professional ski lessons.

Japan is also the perfect place to combine skiing with a longer holiday. You could easily spend days in the shrines and temples of Kyoto, or head to Tokyo and Osaka to soak in bright lights and unique cityscapes.

Get serious altitude in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps

There’s no mistaking it, the French, Swiss and Italian Alps offer some of the best skiing in the world. Paired with enchanting European charm, delicious mountain food (tartiflette, anyone?) and a long season with reliable snowfall, a ski holiday to Europe is one you’ll never forget.

Europe has an incredibly diverse range ski fields for skiing and snowboarding holidays, and includes: ❅ The world’s biggest ski area, Les Trois Vallees in the French Alps, featuring over 600km of terrain and 335 runs.. ❅ A natural glacier at Paradiski in the French Alps, where there are 425km of slopes with 139 runs, suited for every level. ❅ Another one of Europe’s largest ski areas, the Via Lattea in the Italian Alps, is home to over 400km of ski slopes and 92 runs. ❅ Beautiful alpine skiing trails in Haute-Engadine in the Swiss Alps, with over 570km of slopes and 56 runs.

Given the sheer size of the European Alps, it’s hard to know where to start. Make the most by booking in professional lessons with the ESF National Ski School – they know the ski conditions and can take you to the best locations, as well as give you the best tips.

The best thing about skiing in Europe is that… well, it’s not all about the skiing! Europeans invented après ski, after all, so it’s no surprise that the world’s best après ski can be found here.

From hearty dishes including tartiflette and raclette, to restaurants and bars on the mountains and outdoor heated pools, there’s no shortage of things to do. Mountain clubs such as the iconic La Folie Douce are definitely not to be missed! A European ski trip is the ideal escape for people who want world class ski fields… and world class après-ski.

So between Europe and Japan, which is better?

It really depends on what you’re after! Located so close to home, the Japanese ski fields are ideal for families and friends who want to discover unique culture and incredible powder. But if you’re seeking the ultimate ski experience, there’s nothing quite like the iconic European Alps. Trust us – it’s worth it.

See you on the slopes! ⛄ ❄️ 🎿 Learn more about Club Med’s all-inclusive ski holidays in the video below, or on the Club Med website here.

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