Ski lessons are included for your whole crew and they’ll even get your preschooler dressed and on the slopes while you enjoy skiing in the Alps
If you’ve ever taken your family on a ski vacation, you know all the planning, packing, and schlepping that goes into getting your crew and their gear on the mountain (let alone DOWN the mountain). What if you didn’t have to do any of that? It would be a ski vacation dream. Enter Club Med. We visited their newest property in the French Alps right before it opened to the public this week and it’s pretty much the only way we want to do a ski vacation with kids going forward.
Not only are ski lessons included for the whole family at Club Med, but the staff will literally get your kids from their PJs into their ski gear and out on the mountain without any assistance from you. It’s all-inclusive taken to a whole other level and we are here for it.
Set in the picturesque French town of Val Claret, Club Med Tignes is a brand-new property with ski-in/ski-out access to some pretty epic skiing. Even before you arrive, you are being taken care of as a transfer from the airport is the first part of your all-inclusive stay. Whether you fly into Lyon or Geneva, it's about three hours to get to Club Med Tignes from the airport (but you won't be driving so you can enjoy the stunning views).
Families visiting this 430-room property will be impressed by the colorful lobby and seating areas, a cozy fireplace for gathering with friends, and bright graffiti art on the walls. Your bags will be whisked off to your rooms so that you can relax with a cappuccino or glass of rosé after your long journey. And don't worry, there are always snacks available whenever the hunger hits.
There are two restaurants on the property with a buffet-style option being available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the more upscale Gourmet Lounge available for dinner with a reservation. We definitely recommend that you have at least one dinner at the Gourmet Lounge so that you can enjoy local specialties like crozet risotto with pumpkin cream, and fondue that is meant for sharing.
The buffet restaurant is anything but the buffets you are used to stateside. Here you'll find crêpes with Nutella and thin omelets made to order for breakfast; and hot entreés like grilled fish and beef bourguignon for lunch and dinner. If they are offering raclette served over baked potatoes, snag some as it was the hands-down favorite during our stay. And, don't skip out on the gelato bar. It's available at dinner time and the mascarpone gelato topped with rainbow sprinkles was a favorite we enjoyed multiple nights in a row.
The Ski Experience at Club Med Tignes
It couldn't be easier to ski at Club Med Tignes. Skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets are all available at the ski shop on-site. You can make arrangements to have your gear ready when you arrive or reserve it when you get there. Each room has its own ski locker in the ski gear room that's opened with your Club Med wristband—the same wristband that gets you into your room. Here your gear will be stored and ready for you.
Club Med offers morning and afternoon group lessons for everyone aged 4 and up as part of the all-inclusive package. Teens can take a combo ski and snowboard class to get them exposed to both sports. Skiers and boarders are grouped by skill and head off with professional instructors to hit the slopes. If private lessons are more your speed, those can be arranged as well (at an additional cost).
If you bring little ones with you, you don't have to worry about getting them all geared up before you have to get yourself ready. Parents bring their little skiers down to the Mini Club in their PJs—literally. Mini Club staff will get them into their ski gear and out on the slopes while you do your own thing getting yourself ready.
Kids at Club Med Tignes
At Club Med Tignes, you can book your little ones ages 2 or 3 in Petit Club Med. Here they'll be taken care of by professionals while you hit the slopes or enjoy the spa. A limited number of kids in this age group can be booked, so it is recommended to make your reservation in advance.
Club Med Tignes also offers Mini Club Med for ages 4-10. With games, crafts, and even dress-up costumes available, kids will have the time of their life. For this age group, kids can move between activities as they choose which is great for siblings of different ages who feel more comfortable sticking together.
Pricing for Kids at Club Med
Kids under the age of 4 years old stay free at any family-friendly all-inclusive Club Med resort around the world. Kids between 4 and 11 years of age stay at 50% off the adult price, and kids between 12 and 15 years of age stay at 20% off the adult price.
Aprés Ski Activities
When you've finished your day on the slopes, head to the spa for a 20-minute back or leg massage to work out any muscle tension. Families will especially enjoy the zen vibes at the indoor swimming pool—the largest indoor pool in the Alps. There's a zero-entry mini pool for kids and a larger pool where you can even swim laps. Dunk your head underwater and you'll notice that there's even music piped into the pool! A sauna and Hamman are also available in the pool area, as is an outdoor pool for warmer days.
The fitness facility offers yoga and stretching classes, cycling, and more.
Nighttime at Club Med Tignes
If your crew can handle a later bedtime, you can enjoy all the evening shows and live music performances available on the main stage. The schedule changes by the day, so you'll want to consult the Club Med app for the day's activities.
Non-Ski Activities
There's plenty to do at Club Med Tignes, even if you need a break from skiing. Families can use their ski pass to head up the mountain via the funicular. You'll travel inside the mountain (kids will LOVE it) and make your way up to a gorgeous vista where a restaurant and snack shop serve up hot cocoa, mulled wine, crêpes, cheese plates, and more.
You'll also want to hop aboard the free bus that circles the town to check out the shops on the other side of Val Claret. Walk back along the lakeshore and take in the views.
Club Med Tignes is open in the winter for snow sport aficionados and also in the summer for families looking to enjoy the Alps in all their summer glory.
Club Med Tignes
Online: clubmed.us
Editor's note: This trip was paid for by Club Med but all opinions belong to the writer.
