Sitting at a high altitude of over 1600 metres, Club Med’s brand new Grand Massif is the perfect snow-sure resort for sunny spring skiing for both families and friends alike.
As a complete beginner, I was lucky enough to be invited at the end of the season to try out the fantastic facilities and see if I could discover my “snow legs!” Having only stayed in chalets before, I was eager to try out the famed Club Med All-Inclusive concept – the only one of its kind for ski holidays.
After a short 1 hour, 10 min flight from Birmingham, I arrived in Lyon airport ready to jump in my direct transfer of approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes to the resort.
I would always recommend you book the complete package with flights, as resort transfers are always included and this means you can relax, knowing everything is taken care of and you will avoid the very costly expense of private transfers to the mountains.
Also, if you book a package, you can take advantage of the inclusive food and drink facilities straight away, without waiting until room check-in at 2pm.
With transfers available from a few different airports, you’ll have more choice of regional departures and airlines.
Transfer times:
- From Geneva: Approx. 1 hr, 10 minutes.
- From Grenoble: Approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes.
- From Chambery: Approx. 1hr, 30 minutes.
On arrival at the resort, you will be given a wristband which gives you access to all the Club Med amenities throughout your stay, including access to your room and ski locker. Your free Ski Pass will also be waiting for you at Reception and is valid for a 6-day duration when you book a classic seven day package.
World Class Skiing…
Built right on the edge of the mountain, Club Med’s Grand Massif is a fully ski-in/ski-out resort. The lifts are right next to the boot room in the resort, giving you access to the huge ski domains of both Massif and Flaine and over 256km of slopes, with ski lifts open from 08.30 – 16.30 every day.
Maximising your precious ski-time couldn’t be easier. Club Med’s hire service allows you to book your equipment rental in advance, submitting your sizes before you go to ensure that everything is waiting for you in your locker. So you can say goodbye to long queues at the equipment shop and start hitting the slopes as soon as you arrive!
Whether you are a complete beginner like me or looking to advance further, there are lessons included for all levels with English-speaking instructors, with no more than 12 to a group.
Club Med ski and snowboard schools run from Monday to Friday, starting at 9am, breaking for lunch and then heading out again in the afternoon. Make sure you turn up for Monday’s lesson as beginners progress throughout the week, so you’ll be unable to join the group later on.
Activities for the Non-Skiers…
For those non-skiers, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Why not take the gondola down to the beautiful quaint village of Morillon? There, you’ll find boutique shops and cosy bars and restaurants. It’s perfect for sitting out in the village square, people watching with a glass of delicious red wine and soaking up that afternoon sunshine!
If you still want to breathe in that fresh mountain air and enjoy the untouched scenery at a more relaxed pace, why not try snowshoeing? Available between Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm, it is included as part of your package.
For those wanting to keep fit, try out the various fitness classes including Body Pump, Pilates, Zumba and Step in the mornings and afternoons throughout the week.
Now, if like me, a more leisurely paced holiday is more your thing, then why not sit back and relax with a good book in the outdoor hot-tub on the terrace or enjoy a swim in the heated indoor pool? (Open from 9am – 8pm.)
During the evenings, the resort really comes alive! Enjoy live all-singing, all-dancing shows every night, from a music through the ages showcase, to a circus-extravaganza! The animation team go above and beyond in making sure you’re on your feet and really getting into the swing of things.
Leave your inhibitions at the door and make sure you get involved in the crazy and fun Club Med dance routines! This is a true Club Med custom. It’s a dance that has become tradition for every Club Med Resort and is enjoyed by parents and kids alike.
Each night there is a different dress code, including all white to neon! However this is certainly not compulsory or expected.
A Perfect Choice for Families…
It’s easy to see why this resort is such a hit with families. With the full range of kids clubs from 4 months right up to 17 years of age and run by experienced G.Os, the clubs offer something tailored to each age group with ski lessons for the little ones from 3 years old!
Kids Clubs Opening Hours:
Baby Club – 4 to 23 months*
From Monday to Saturday: 8.30am – 5pm.
Petit Club Med – 2 to 3 years old*
From Monday to Saturday: 8.30 to 5pm and 7.30-9pm.
Mini Club Med – 4 to 10 years old
From Monday to Saturday: 8.30-5pm and 7pm – 9pm.
Club Med Passworld – 11 to 17 years old
From Monday to Saturday: 11am – 8pm.
*Available at an additional charge.
Another must for families is the exclusive new dining concept “Bread and Co” – a family restaurant that allows kids to invite their parents to share dinner and is fully interactive. The restaurant serves lunch exclusively for Petit Club Med® and Mini Club Med® participants.
Family suites (sleeping a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children) and interconnecting rooms are available throughout the resort and all rooms are mountain-facing with balconies.
Gastronomy Delights…
Now to get on to my favourite – the food! At all the Club Med Resorts, the food is always the star of the show and at Club Med Grand Massif it didn’t disappoint! With breakfast, lunch, après-ski treats, pre-dinner appetizers and dinner included, it’s a good job you’ll be working up an appetite on the slopes!
Cosy Mountain Restaurant:
A more relaxed setting where you can enjoy a buffet with a huge variety of international and local specialties, from lobster tail, escargot (a must to try in France!), hand-carved gammon roast, vegetables, steak and the familiar favourites for the little ones – Italian pizza, chips and burgers.
Skyline Gourmet Lounge
A more luxurious feel and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the mountains, live piano music and is the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Enjoy a cheese fondue for two and indulge in more culinary delights.
(Booking required, however there are no limits on how many times you can dine here)
Verdict:
This resort is perfect for families who are looking for the ease of ski-in/ski-out, the snow-sure conditions for April and want all the facilities of a bigger resort, including childcare for all ages.
It may seem more expensive to book a Club Med ski holiday over other operators, but just remember, the inclusions are second to none, meaning you can leave your wallet behind. You get the security and stability that an all-inclusive package offers – meaning with Brexit worries, you can book your next year’s ski holiday and not have to worry about any subsequent currency fluctuations.
What’s Included in your package:
- Flights and resort transfers
- Superior accommodation
- Lift pass
- Ski or snowboarding lessons
- The kids clubs from 4 – 17 years. (Baby and Petite clubs available at an extra charge)
- Gourmet cuisine and open bar
- Non-ski activities including snowshoeing and Nordic walks
Call our Club Med Experts free on 0800 707 6229 for huge extra savings on your Club Med ski holiday.