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.
