New Ski Resort Opening in 2017: Club Med Tomamu, Japan

A Bountiful Ski Resort with Modern Chic Design

A continuous business expansion in Asia positions Club Med as the global leader of ski resorts.

Club Med, the pioneer of the Premium All-Inclusive holiday concept, has announced plans to open a ski resort in Tomamu, Hokkaido in a joint signing ceremony in Shanghai today by Mr. Henri Giscard d’Estaing, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Club Med and Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International Limited. With China-based ski resort Club Med Beidahu slated to open in December this year, the expansion of ski resorts in Asia signifies a marked move by Club Med to become the global leader in ski resorts and the premium ski holiday experience.

Growth Opportunities in Hokkaido and Asia

The opening of Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido is an ambitious move in response to the consistent growth of international tourism to Hokkaido over the past few years. Due to varying factors such as easier visa processes, new international flights into Hokkaido and more, markets such as Taiwan, Thailand, China, and South Korea are experiencing heavier travel trends into Hokkaido.

“We see an increasing number of people visiting Hokkaido, and recognize the opportunity to provide a truly premium holiday experience to our guests in Japan,” shared Mr. Henri Giscard d’Estaing, CEO of Club Med. “Young affluent families and couples enjoy resorts with bountiful sports and activities, and Club Med is the foremost leader in providing a hassle-free holiday experience.”

Faced with an increasing demand for quality ski holidays in Asia, Club Med has announced plans to develop more ski resorts in the near future. The group will continue to employ a consistently upscale and premium product strategy to attract more travellers.

Vibrant Ski Resort in Japan with inexhaustible activities

Designed for families and couples who are adrenaline loving ski holiday-goers, Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido spans across 145 hectares of ski slopes.

Guests to the newly constructed resort will enjoy:

• ✔️ A wide range of categories for all types of travellers, from superior to suite

• ✔️ Free ski lessons for all guests and access to 28 ski slopes of varying difficulty levels and brand new ski facilities such as ski lifts and gondolas

• ✔️ Children’s Club facilities to enjoy the beauty of Hokkaido nature

• ✔️ International and local cuisine, free-flow drinks and alcoholic beverages at the Gourmet Lounge, main restaurant and bar

• ✔️ Exciting spaces such as the Ofuro, Fitness Centre, Lounge, Mina Mina Beach* etc

• ✔️ Meetings & Events facilities for MICE*

• ✔️ Romantic Wedding Chapel* designed by Ando Tadao

The second ski resort in Japan, guests at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido will be spoilt for choice over the plethora of activities. Set in the breathtakingly picturesque backdrop of Northern Japan, the resort is only 30 minutes away from existing Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido, but offers a wholly different experience. Club Med Tomamu is highly accessible, with direct flights to New Chitose Airport, where a mere 90 minute bus ride or 50 minute JR express train ride will whisk guests to the new resort.

In summer, the resort offers endless fun with land sports activities such as golf* on a sprawling course, as well as cultural and nature discoveries. Guests can visit the Unkai Terrace* for an ethereal and magnificent panoramic view of clouds, or head to Furano* for the famous fields of blooms. Guests to the resort can also expect brand new facilities with a nature-inspired modern chic design, including meeting venues* for a fun and productive business retreat, as well as an exceptional water chapel* for the perfect winter wedding.

*at extra cost

Discover the first Club Med Japan ski resort here and more on Club Med ski holidays below:

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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!

Best Places To Go For Easter Holidays

Easter can be the perfect time to travel, both to get away from crowds and also get that last hit of sunshine before winter comes.As the weather warms up, it’s not just summer that has us all dreaming of holidays overseas. The Christmas break can be extremely busy for international travel, with thousands of holidaymakers trying to make the most of the holiday season. If you'd rather skip the crowds and rather plan ahead for your Easter holiday break, we’ve got some spots that are perfect for April!

Spring skiing in Europe

You’d be amazed at the quality of snow on offer on the European peaks over Easter! April is considered low season, so you’ll avoid the queues and have the pistes all to yourself. At Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, it still snows well into Easter week, and the ski season often lasts until May.

Alternatively, other ski fields that are perfect over Easter include Les Deux Alpes and Tignes Val Claret, where glaciers keep temperatures relatively low up in the mountain.

Temperatures are warmer in spring, so resist the urge to pack your earmuffs! With days sitting at above 10 degrees Celsius, you might even find it a bit warm on the mountain – especially if you’re working up a sweat. Don’t forget to bring your swimmers too: resorts like Club Med Peisey-Vallandry have outdoor heated pools that are perfect to soak up the spring sun.

Travel Tip: If you’re travelling to Europe to ski, make sure to make the most of it and transit through Paris or Rome. Flowers bloom across the gardens in Paris in springtime, while the masses gather in St Peter’s Square for Easter in Rome.

Head to Malaysia for Easter sunshine

Looking to get that last burst of sunshine before the winter? Malaysia is a great holiday destination – plus, it’s just an 8 hour flight away. Experience a cultural immersion in Kuala Lumpur with Malay, Chinese and Indian influences creating a bustling, vibrant city.

For a break from the densely packed cities, don’t miss Cherating Beach’s secluded shores, surrounded by lush Malaysian jungle. April falls between monsoon seasons, so you’re sure to have clear skies and warm waters. If you’re an avid surfer, you’ll find great waves over the Easter period as well.

Travel Tip: One of the best way to make the most of the jungle experience in Cherating Beach over Easter break is to spend a few days at Club Med Cherating and embark with your kids and the specialized staff in a treasure hunt in the surroundings of the resort...

Discover ancient Mayan relics and sunshine in Mexico

Home to pristine beaches and one of the world’s seven wonders, Cancun is an ideal holiday destination for Easter. It’s always sunny, and you’ll be able to visit the Mayan ruins of the Chichen Itza, as well as snorkel in beautiful clear oceans.

While April is the time for Spring Break, the Yucatan Peninsula (where Club Med Cancun is located) is secluded, so you can enjoy your beach in peace!  What’s more, some of Mexico’s best snorkelling lies in the warm waters just beyond the shores…

Discover paradise on Earth in the Maldives

Let’s be honest: when isn’t it a good time to visit the Maldives? With unmistakable turquoise waters and magnificent white sands, it’s the ideal holiday destination. In April you can expect perfect bluebird days, where the warm waters see vibrant sea life to flock to the coral reefs. Easter is considered the best time for scuba diving, so take a dip with the reef sharks and manta rays!

A short and sweet escape to Singapore

Singapore is less than eight hours direct flight from Sydney, so it’s perfect for a short Easter break! In April you’ll avoid the monsoons and it’s (a little bit) less humid, making it the perfect conditions to spend a few days exploring Singapore. Enjoy a meal on the Marina Bay, watch the Singapore Open Badminton tournament, spend a day at Universal Studios, or head to the Singapore Zoo…kids and adults alike will love it!

Travel Tip: When you’re ready to hit the beach, skip Sentosa and take a short ferry to Bintan Island. Lie under the tropical sun by the warm waters of the South China Sea and relax…snorkel, swim, kayak, or practice your swing at the infamous Ria Bintan Golf Course.

🐇 Happy Easter Holiday! 🐣

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.

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

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.

Skiing In Hokkaido With An Olympian

Whether you are a beginner or a snow expert, the perfect powder snow of Japan makes for an enchanting location for snow holidays. In Japan, experienced ski and snowboard instructors help perfect ski technique and find the best slopes...and none is quite as experienced as Robel Teklemarian. Would you jump at the chance to ski under the guidance of an Olympic champion? Well, you can make your dream a reality at Club Med Hokkaido Sahoro in Japan.

A snow resort where dreams come true

Robel Teklemariam trained to fulfil his Winter Olympic dream in 2006 while working as a Club Med ski instructor. It was the ideal environment for Robel to perfect his talents. Today, as the Hokkaido Ski School Director, Robel is passing on his expertise to Club Med guests.

“I want to ignite the same passion in my students that I felt when I first learned to ski," says Robel. "It’s important to build up their confidence so they can conquer the nerves and become great skiers.”

A paradise for ski enthusiasts

This Olympian feels like he lives in a skier’s paradise.

“Hokkaido has incredible snow and Sahoro provides the very best Rossignol mountain equipment, updated every year. Best of all, the mountain is never crowded – sometimes it feels like I’m in my very own private ski resort!”

Discover more ski options at Club Med here.