Family Ski Paradise Found: Club Med Valmorel

Nov 18, 2019 Avatar Cynthia Bartlett Cynthia Bartlett
Club Med Valmorel in France is an all-inclusive family resort in the Savoy Alps, and it’s the perfect resort for families with young children learning to ski hands down! With everything included from ski lessons, passes and equipment to all meals and entertainment, everyone is sure to enjoy the gorgeous slopes of the Grand Domaine ski region, aimed at intermediate and beginner skiers, with stunning views of Mont Blanc. This winter paradise is within a two- to three-hour drive from Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva. Once you have arrived, the friendly and energetic staff creates a fun vibe all throughout, guaranteeing an excellent experience at this property, one that I have personally verified.
The accommodations are modern yet cozy with large drawers under the bed and connecting rooms, ideal for a family of four. For a more exclusive and upscale experience, the two- to four- bedroom chalets offer personal butlers and are gorgeously decorated with winter–themed accents in tans and reds seen throughout the property.
In regards to dining, two main buffet-style restaurants have something for everyone with a wide selection of regional options. Le Laiterie, the specialty restaurant, offers delicious traditional Savoyard dishes, such as fondue and raclette, a semi-hard cheese wheel of Alpine cow milk, which is continuously scraped off, a great option to the main dining areas, which can be enhanced with a wine pairing experience. Après ski dinners have never been more anticipated and well-deserved after a day of robust activity in the fresh air of this incredible ski region.
The tiny village of Valmorel is worth a visit and easily reached by skiing down to the bottom of Altispace or a short shuttle from Club Med. There is a small movie theatre (mostly all in French) and a few shops and restaurants, most notably La Table du Berger. Here, you can enjoy a delicious traditional raclette dinner in a charming Old French setting, which creates a nice immersive experience and evening out.
Adding to the repertoire of winter activities in the area, I enjoyed an unforgettable panoramic view of the Alps while ski-gliding, an extreme sport that amounts to para-gliding off a mountain while skiing. Technically speaking, it’s ski-launched paragliding. However, the adrenalin really went into overdrive while “snake-glissing,” which is essentially sliding down the mountain in individual bobsleds connecting to up to twelve others forming a fast, slithering serpentine. Every evening after 4:45 p.m., a certified instructor leads adrenalin junkies down the mountain, promising fun, laughs, and thrills as the last few pods whip around to either side during the descent.

Every evening promises themed entertainment and dancing in the central lounge, a great place to recap the day’s adventures with friends and family. As a France expert, I would highly recommend the Club Med Valmorel to young families who not only want the all-inclusive ski experience but maybe also to those who love everything French (like me!) even if everyone speaks English!

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