I have to start by saying that ClubMed French Alps is certainly not what many would have thought about ClubMed from a few years ago. Not only could this be one of my favorite family holidays in recent years, but I can honestly say it’s completely changed my mind on what a ClubMed Ski holiday means. I will explain in more detail.
This was my kids first ski holiday and for me I have only ever been skiing in Courchevel, France. I wanted a ski in ski out resort for convenience and I needed the kids to take full advantage of the ski school so that they really could learn and enjoy snowboarding during our time at the resort.
The beauty of this property in the French Alps is that its located in the shadow of Mont Blanc close to the Italian border and perched 1900 metres above sea level. Club Med La Rosiere – nicknamed as ‘The Balcony of the Tarentaiseski – is known for its exceptional 180° panoramic south-facing view, perfect to watch the sunset every evening over the Tarentaise Valley .
It's a ski in ski out all inclusive resort, which means 5 hours a day of ski school with the incredible ESF instructors, ski hire with brand new equipment provided at the start of each season and full ski pass for the duration of your stay. As is standard, the slopes start off for beginners but I can guarantee you by the end of your week, like me, you will be on a red slope enjoying the incredible views.
Resort
If you are reading this, you know I am a luxury travel designer, so I have high expectations when it comes to rooms, service, staff and F&B. Well let me tell you, I couldn't fault Club Med La Rosiere at all. Every member of staff greeted you at all times, every member of staff are more than helpful and welcoming and every member of staff by the end of the week knew each of my 3 kids names!!!
Even though La Rosiere is a large hotel, it really provides an alpine chalet feeling, cosy yet spacious, seating areas around the fire and large floor to celling windows to take in the breathtaking views. The main bar is in the large ground floor lobby area where mid morning and afternoon tea and drinks are served posted ski school. The area is so big so you have space to relax. There’s also an outdoor seating area with heaters.
Our interconnecting rooms were extremely comfortable and very spacious, with a large bathroom and a lot of wardrobe space - which I needed with all my suitcases. Each room has a balcony with views of the mountains. Going from your room to the slopes was so easy – step out your room, in to the lift and viola.
F&B
Well I certainly put weight on after a week at the hotel as the food was amazing and offered a lot of options. Do you ever find that eating French bread and pasta in Europe doesn't bloat you, well I do hence why I lived on the wonderful warm French bread! Every morning in the main restaurant was a large buffet offering a variety of dishes for all dietary requirements.
Mid morning and afternoon tea were served in the ground floor lobby lounge – think yummy sandwiches, salads, cakes and pastries, which is exactly what you need after a 2.5 hour ski lesson.
Some of the days out on the terrace they served charcuterie boards, with the dj spinning the latest tunes.
Lunch and dinner are served in the main restaurant with every meal time providing various international cuisine. Think dishes from all over the world – pizza, pasta, chicken, entrecote steak, burgers, lobster, muscles, escargot, soups, salads, deserts to name a few, again with all dietary requirements catered for with multiple choices. Alcoholic drinks are also available throughout the day and constitute as part of the all inclusive full board. I’m not a massive foodie expert, but I can’t think of any dish that wasn't served. The restaurant is so big with so many different serving areas so you never feel restricted.
Their other restaurant – San Bernbardo Gournet lounge serves a la carte fine dining which requires pre-booking. We ate lunch on the terrace one day as the chef bbq’d gourmet burgers and steak baguettes while the DJ played and the drinks flowed.
Ski School
During our stay the sun was always shining and it was snowing which meant amazing, thick powder, which for snow boarders is ideal. Ski School is Monday to Friday 2.5 hours in the morning and 2.5 hours in the afternoon. On arrival at the resort, you must visit the ski hire centre were you will be fitted for your ski equipment. As mentioned earlier, at the start of the season every Club Med property has brand new equipment. The team will prepare your boots, skis or snow board, helmet etc. Adults will keep their equipment in a locker which is assigned to their room and located by the exit to the slopes, while the kids equipment is kept in the kids ski room.
If you’re a parent you know what its like getting your kids ready to go outdoors, coats, gloves, hats and putting on their boots by the time you get yourself ready, you’re hot, exhausted and quiet frankly need a rest! Well, not at Club Med. The staff will prepare your kids for ski school, putting on their boots, helmets and each group wears a color coded vest.
Most of the kids were skiing, only 6 kids were in the snowboarding class which was a massive result as our kids got a lot of attention. The kids coach was Elie, who had the patience of a saint. He was so gentle and attentive and explained everything so easily in French and English so the kids could understand. By the end of the weeks lessons, my kids were snowboarding on the same slopes as me and we were on the chair lift together going on a blue slope. I was beyond proud of them and I can officially say they have the snowboarding bug. Looks like we will be enjoying ski holidays annually.
My snowboard instructor was Sylvain who was totally awesome – only 6 people were in my group and on the last day it was just me, so I had a one on one session which meant multiple red slopes and time to film.
If you think about the fact that everything is included - 25 hours of ski lessons a week per person, ski hire and ski pass you have already saved so much money before you even start.
Kids Club/Entertainment
Hassle free is an understatement when it comes to the Kids Entertainment, services and staff. For ski school each child is put in groups by age and if they are skiing or snowboarding. Each group is provided a dedicated playroom and multiple teachers/assistants. At the start of each ski lesson, kids meet in their assigned classroom where the staff will assist them with getting their boots and helmets on and take them to the ski teacher. After the class kids can either go back to the room and have lunch with all the kids or parents can sign them out. In each of the rooms, there are toys and games to keep them busy and the staff are very friendly, considerate and playful.
Some children are at the kids club all day well into late evening, constantly supervised by the dedicated team.
On the last night all the kids (who wanted to participate) put on a performance for the adults – singing and dancing if they chose to. Plus all the ski instructors honor all the children with an award ceremony to congratulate them on their hard work and successful week of skiing.
It's a great way to end the week and solidify some budding friendships.
For older kids, strictly 12plus there is a games room to chill in and come and go as they please.
Every evening there is a live show/performance or a DJ playing. During our stay France was playing in the World Cup and the hotel were fully behind arranging all the kids to have French flags, face painting and a big celebration party during the semi finals.
Cinq Mondes Spa
The spa was beautifully designed and offered all treatments, you can take a weekly package which includes massages, facials and body scrubs. Next to the spa is a large gym and a swimming pool. In the summer months, the pool opens up and so do the outdoor hot tubs. Before dinner the kids would have a swim and a play.
Ski Boutique
If your looking for the latest ski wear then look no further as the boutique located in the hotel lobby, has all the latest designs and styles with many choices. You will need to have ski goggles as these cannot be rented, for which they have a large selection for the entire family.
I can say this with confidence. In all my years as a luxury travel designer with a specific focus on family holidays, anyone looking to find a ski holiday that is hassle free, full of moments that matter and with a standard that is 5-star, than the Club Med in the French Alps, is the perfect solution. I will recommend this to any one of my clients as my own experience was just perfect.
To book a Club Med Ski holiday contact Unique Family Travels. Also all ClubMed ski resorts are open in the summer months which are ideal for hiking, biking and exploring the local villages.
For all Club Med Ski Resorts visit: https://www.clubmed.co.uk/l/ski-holidays
To watch our video – click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv7GIQXe-uc
To book your stay please contact:
Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

