#MeetOurG.O.s - Lauren at Club Med Sahoro

The heart of Club Med is in happiness, and part of that comes from the incredible people we bring together from around the world. The job of the G.O. was invented by Club Med 60 years ago, and it is still one of the best jobs in the world. G.Os travel around the world, meeting new people and injecting happiness into your holiday. They are, in short, what makes a Club Med holiday unforgettable.To get to know our Aussie G.O.s, we asked Lauren, Australian G.O at Club Med Sahoro, for the lowdown on being a G.O. at Club Med as well as his insider tips for a holiday to Japan.

#1: How long have you been a member of the Club Med family?

"5 months so far. I have just finished my first snow season with club med in Sahoro resort and will be starting my next season in Phuket."

#2: What makes Club Med Sahoro such a great place to holiday?

"As it is an all-inclusive resort, everything at the resort is made so easy from the bar to the mini club and all the resorts around the world are conveniently placed to enjoy each season. There are so many activities within the resort you really don't even need to leave and always guaranteed fun."

#3: What’s your one “insider’s tip” for someone visiting Club Med Sahoro?

"Stay at least 10 days. 1 week isn't enough to enjoy every activity. Also, participate in every activity! Even if you don't know how to do something, just try. It's always fun and always a good opportunity to meet new people."

#4: What is your favourite moment of the day?

"My favourite part of the day is greeting new families and kids. I love giving that first happy fun welcome to introduce club med and show what we are about."

#5: What is your favourite way to spend a day off in Japan?

"In Sahoro my favourite part was skiing on the slopes and then relaxing in the Japanese onsen and outdoor hot tub."

#6: What’s your favourite thing about working at Club Med?

"My favourite thing about club med is the feeling of always being a part of a family with the people that I work with and also with the guests. Coming from a close family myself, I never have the feeling of being homesick because there was either a GO that reminded me of my sisters or brother or guests that can relate to my mum and dad."

Discover Club Med Sahoro in the video below or by clicking here.

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Exquisite Design at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido

Perfect ski conditions meet world-class design at the brand new Club Med Tomamu. Get ready to ride a different wave at Hokkaido’s newest and most exciting ski resort opening this December.

Zip down ice slides, go ice skating, or enjoy a drink in the ice bar at the neighbouring ice village.

Nestled among a perfectly scenic winter wonderland in Hokkaido, Japan, the brand new Tomamu ski resort has been designed with en vogue style and traditional Japanese culture in mind.

Surrounding nature influences the interior décor including this magnificent cherry blossom tree.

Jean Phillippe Nuel is the man behind the designs of some of the world’s most glamourous resorts in Dubai, India and France, and now he employs his design expertise to bring the magnificent Club Med Tomamu resort to life. The award-winning French designer provides a twist to traditional Japanese style with a modern, contemporary take on the interiors of the resort.

Nuel employs a modern take on traditional architecture in his designs.

Inspired by Hokkaido’s four distinct seasons, Nuel captures the wonders of the beautiful surrounding nature indoors, like cherry blossoms in spring to décor lighting setting the mood for some winter magic. The four seasons are brought to life with vivid colours, shapes and textures resulting in a unique clash of Japan’s natural wonder and Nuel’s contemporary architectural flair.

A different season sets the tone for the design of each room.

Clean, modern décor and spacious interiors are a theme throughout the rooms, offering scenic views of Tomamu and the surrounding wilderness. Every detail of design has been thoroughly thought through, ensuring a memorable snow getaway in a resort that oozes warmth and Japanese sophistication.

Traditional Japan meets contemporary design throughout the whole resort.

Be one of the first to experience the brand new chic resort opening this December and discover Club Med Tomamu here.

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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

Want to discover our Facebook Snow Squad Group? Join us here!