2019 snow season: here are the awards for best...

The ski season is already over in the Northern hemisphere… and what a great season it was! If you are a Club Med snow fan, we know you may be feeling the withdrawals already… And if you’re yet to experience a snow holiday, maybe you’re curious to see a bit more of what happened at Club Med snow resorts this year!

Here’s your luck – we collected a few images and videos and gave our awards to the bests of the bests! Best selfie, best pose, best bub in the snow… Did you make the cut? We hope the following will make you seriously smile, laugh and maybe longing for another (or a future) snow holiday with us!

Best pose

@kipperadamm at Club Med Sahoro

Best fall

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Just living my best life here at @clubmedtomamu 🌨☃️❄️ Thanks so much for having us, it’s not every day I get to entertain a bunch of strangers by rolling down a snowy hill 🤣 But honestly FUN TIMES AT CLUB MED!! Emmie was off skiing so I went snow trekking with an unexpected bonus slide!! The activity is free, you just have to hire the snow shoe thingies for about $15 AUD. It was so great wandering through little forests and as the season is coming to an end there are little streams and spikes of green bamboo coming through the snow. ❄️ Magic ❄️ #clubmedtomamu @clubmed

A post shared by Family Travel 🌴 Evie & Emmie (@mumpacktravel) on Mar 20, 2019 at 11:39pm PDT

The coolest kid

@tinafranca892 at Club Med Valmorel

The best mascot

@mumtobeparty at Club Med Peisey Vallandry

The best selfie

@lw_mag at Club Med Peisey Vallandry

The best ski outfit

@coocooningaddict at Club Med Val Thorens

The best sunset

@marieluvpink at Club Med Val Thorens

The craziest group

@lukedutton at Club Med Peisey Vallandry

The best snowman

@kathrynjaneee at Club Med Sahoro

The best bub in the snow

@capucinegoalard at Club Med Les Arcs Panorama

The best ski jump

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A post shared by 𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕕𝕚𝕠 𝕆𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟 (@studiorigin) on Dec 23, 2018 at 9:21am PST

The best visual

@lovepaperplane at Club Med Tomamu

We hope your enjoyed our awards selection for the 2019 snow season at Club Med and we can’t wait to see you next ski season on the slopes – starting this November.

Wanting to find out more? Discover all of our ski destinations here.

And if you’d like to connect with like-minded snow fans – join our Snow Squad Facebook group here for exclusive snow content, deals and more…

20 reasons to book an amazing snow holiday for 2020

It’s time to decide on your next holiday destination – so, which will it be: sun or snow? Although sipping cocktails pool-side and basking in the sun is always a great relaxing holiday, why not shake things up in 2020 and take your next holiday to new heights with an unforgettable snow escape?

From the soaring peaks of Mont Blanc in the French Alps to the perfect powder slopes of Hokkaido in Japan, there are so many reasons to make your next holiday one in the snow…and why you shouldn’t delay and book one NOW! So sit back and relax, we’ve listed 20 reasons why you should book a snow holiday for 2020 below…

1. Amazing snow conditions and resorts to experience

With over 20 on-snow resorts, you’ll be sure to experience the most incredible skiing and snowboarding conditions with kilometres and kilometres of fun.

Ski, snowboard or snowshoe in the 4th largest ski area worldwide from the brand new Club Med Les Arcs Panorama or slide nonstop on the 14-kilometre long slope from the mountain top at the new resort Club Med Grand Massif Samoens Morillon to the Valley of Giffre.

Thinking of somewhere a bit closer? Japan is known for its incredible powder snow and conditions are almost always great. No excuse not to go and glide on that fresh powder!

2. Finally experience a European white winter of your dreams

If you’ve yet to experience a white winter in Europe… here’s your chance with more than 15 Club Med snow resorts in Europe. Whether you want to try skiing for the first time, just enjoy the mountain feel or discover a new experience - all kinds of activities are available and promise an amazing snow holiday in the mountains.

3. Slide through the fresh powder of Japan

For an authentic Japanese experience and endless powder snow, the Hokkaido region is one of the best choices for a snow holiday that’s not too far from home. Need more convincing? Tomamu has just been awarded as the number 1 resort in Japan by international travellers on TripAdvisor and Sahoro as the Number 1 hotel for families in Japan by TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice.

4. Try new destinations you’ve never thought about

Did you know that there are some ski resorts in China? If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, snow, and fun - Club Med Beidahu or Club Med Yabuli are waiting for you! Be a pioneer and discover skiing in China before everyone else. Taste a traditional Chinese fondue, a typical dish to share in a warm-hearted spirit, and hit uncrowded slopes in wonderland-like landscapes.

Club Med Beidahu

5. Embark on a culinary journey

From cheesy tartiflette and fine wine in Europe or fresh sushi, Yakiniku BBQ and sake in Japan: your tastes buds will be tingling. More than just a ski holiday, embark on a culinary journey and discover local cuisine and specialties.

6. You won’t believe how easy it is to organise

With Club Med, it’s all taken care of so you can just focus on relaxing, having fun and reconnecting with loved ones. Lift passes are ready, lessons are booked, and ski gear is even awaiting for you in your locker. It doesn’t get much better than this!

7. Beginner? Snow-worries…

Whether you’ve never set foot on snow or had only a couple of lessons, no worries at all – we’ve got you. From having small group lessons with English-speaking professional instructors to getting introduced to the mountain lifestyle - your first ski experience will be unforgettable. Check out our ultimate guide for the first time skier here for more information.

8. Enjoy the mountain to the fullest

Even if you want to ski or snowboard, you can definitely have an amazing snow holiday by trying other activities such as snowshoeing in stunning landscapes or having a bit of fun with sledding or ice-skating. Plus, all of Club Med snow resorts have an array of unique adventures on offer as well as indoor activities.

9. Ski where the Olympians do

As an official partner of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA), Club Med regularly have winter Olympic athletes training in the resorts. Are you ready to ski alongside our country’s athletes? You might pick up a tip or two!

10. Make lifelong memories with loved ones

Booking a snow holiday is also the occasion for you to reconnect with your loved ones. Everything is already taken care of, so take a moment to relax by the crackling fire, a tea or hot cocoa in-hand, and enjoy every moment with your loved ones.

11.  Kids will have the time of their lives

Kids at Club Med are in their winter element! Little ones can learn to ski from 4 years old and make new friends from around the world in the included Kids Clubs, teens can enjoy the slopes during the day and hang out with new friends in the evenings, and adults can enjoy the different mountain elements knowing their children are very well looked after. Families can also share amazing moments together with the new family experience restaurant in our new resorts, where children are inviting their parents to dinner for a fully interactive experience.

12. Revive and relax after the slopes

After a big day shredding the powder slopes of Japan, Italy or France, there’s nothing more satisfying than relaxing in the sauna, getting a well-deserved massage at the spa or swimming in the heated indoor or outdoor pool.

Each Club Med snow resort has unique spa partnerships with the best well-being brands such as Nuxe, Cinq Mondes or L’Occitane. Post-ski bliss!

13. Snap the ultimate Instagram shot

Warning: your friends might be a little bit jealous seeing the blue-bird snow days! With incredible landscapes, trendy design and delicious food, there are so many nice shots you can take during your holiday.

Start first by choosing the subject for your photo, get creative and find a new angle, take advantage of the golden hour for a nice light and there you go - you have the perfect shot! Here is one of the great shots that you could take during your next snow holiday.

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A post shared by Antoine Grondeau (@antoine_grondeau) on Dec 29, 2018 at 9:51am PST

14. Indulge in luxury

Thinking of going the extra mile for your snow holiday? Discover the Exclusive Collection by Club Med - a series of luxurious resorts set within stunning destinations such as Valmorel Chalet-Apartments, Le Belvedere Exclusive Space in Les Arcs Panorama, Le Lodge Exclusive Space in Valmorel resort and Le Refuge Exclusive Space in Val d’Isere.

All these exclusive spaces offer luxurious accommodation, services such as bottomless champagne from the bar from 6pm, dedicated friendly hosts and more…

15. Here’s your excuse to look stylish on the slopes

A snow holiday also means… ski and snowboard gear! And what better excuse to buy new gear for your upcoming holiday? Rental shops are available at the resort so don’t worry about bringing skis and snowboards, but why not buy that cute beanie or warm puffer jacket and feel super comfortable as well as super stylish?

16. Wake up to snowy views every single day 

Get cosy in your room and admire snowy views every single day. Designed by the world’s best architects and designers, feel comfortable in your home away from home with lazy morning sleep-ins, afternoon naps after skiing all morning or getting ready for an evening at the resort. It’s your own private space in paradise.

17. It feels good to plan the next holiday

Maybe you just came back from holidays but it always feels good to look forward to the next holiday, right? Even if it’s for 2020, don’t worry - just the thought of planning your dream snow holiday will make you feel good.

18. The earlier you book, the more you save!

Great news - planning your holiday early means you get the best deals, especially for snow holidays with Club Med. If you book at sales opening on 30 January 2019, you can benefit from up to 30% off your dream holiday – the best offer guaranteed of the year. Which means all that’s left to do is sit back and relax until your holiday!

19. Planning in advance means more time to relax

Once you book your snow holiday with Club Med, it’s all taken care of. You just have to choose from a wide variety of activities, restaurants, and amazing experiences once you get there. Enjoy the all-inclusive convenience from accommodation, gourmet meals, open bar, sports and activities: with us, it is all included in one package. Easy!

20. Go once and you’ll want to come back every year!

The fresh air of the mountains, the warm and fun vibes, the fresh powder… you’ll quickly understand how addictive a snow holiday is and we promise you - you’ll definitely want to come back again.

Convinced yet? Book your snow holiday here with Club Med!

Looking to be part of a like-minded snow community? Join the Club Med snow squad here and receive snow holidays tips, insider knowledge as well as prizes, exclusive deals and more.

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

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. ✳ ⛄ 

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

The Best Places To Go For Christmas and January Holidays

The weather is warming up and summer is on the horizon… and that means it’s the perfect time to start dreaming of blissful end-of-year holidays. From January school holidays to snowy Christmas holidays, we have the best spots for you.

Have a White Christmas in the French Alps

For those chasing a warm climate closer to home, you can’t go past a Singapore holiday over the Christmas break. Bring your partner or the kids and head down to Orchard Road to admire the beautiful Christmas decorations, then celebrate the New Year in style at the Marina Bay Sands.

Afterwards, recover from the festivities with a stay at Club Med Bintan Island, where sun, sand and sea are aplenty. New Year’s Resolution to treat your body and soul… Check!

The ultimate Christmas present: a trip to the Maldives

While the bright blue waters of Western Australia and white sand beaches of Jervis Bay are incredible, nothing quite compares to a Maldives holiday. With azure waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and fresh seafood and fruit, you’d struggle to find somewhere quite as idyllic as the Maldives.

Ring in the New Year with champagne*, and celebrate with exciting evening entertainment – then recover the next day on the balcony of your overwater suite. Paradise in 2016? Yep, it’s here.

Tip: Club Med Kani is perfect for a summer holiday with kids, while The Finolhu Villas are the ideal romantic holiday destination and couples getaway.

*only available in the Manta Lounge

Celebrate Christmas with a family holiday to Bali

Rally the troops and head off on a family holiday to Club Med Bali over the summer break! With endless festivities, a visit from Santa, and beautiful cultural discoveries including tea ceremonies and Bahasa lessons, Bali is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a year of hard work. Cheers!

Celebrate Christmas on China’s best ski slopes

Christmas, ski… and China? Yes, you read that correctly. As hosts of the 2022 Olympics, the recent years have seen China develop their ski fields to a world-class level. Beidahu, located in the Jilin province north of Beijing, is a winter wonderland over Christmas and January holidays. Home to the 2007 Winter Olympic Games, the ski runs snake through a beautiful national forest – and in the evenings, Club Med Beidahu offers local Northern hotpot, noodle, and dim sim dining.

Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to go to China, Christmas is great: the majority of Chinese cities are bustling over the Christmas and New Year break and don’t close until Chinese New Year.