Industry News
Tropical Paradise?
Club Med is a vacation concept that undoubtedly conjures up images of sun, sand, and surf in an all-inclusive resort setting. That may be true and, in fact, it is. But how about going to Club Med for a ski vacation?
That’s what Club Med hopes to help you with when it opens its three new ski resorts this December 2022. The new resorts are part of a larger strategic plan Club Med has to open 17 new resorts and renovate 13 others by 2024, including one in Utah (more on that in a moment).
Brief History
Gérard Blitz founded Club Med in 1950 introducing the all-inclusive vacation concept “with low-priced summer colony of tents on the Spanish island of Majorca.” That concept has now grown to showcase close to 70 premier resorts across the globe. The Club Med brand uses comfortable, luxury accommodations and amenities based on a local design and setting. They are known for their signature features like top-notch fun, sports programs, engaging childcare activities, and gourmet dining options with friendly, world-renown customer service staff. The company opened its first all-inclusive ski resort in 1956 – Club Med Leysin in Switzerland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyI_afAudK8
New Ski Resorts
The three new openings anticipated this December include Club Med Tignes in Tignes Val Claret, France, Club Med Val d’Isère in Val d’Isère, France, and Club Med Kiroro in Hokkaido, Japan. Club Med Tignes in Tignes Val Claret situated 6,890 ft. above sea level presents 430 spacious rooms along with 25 Exclusive Collection Five-Star Suites. It includes the high-end amenities expected at Club Med, and in addition, this particular location holds the largest indoor pool in the Alps!
Club Med Val d’Isère, located at 6,070 feet of elevation was recently refurbished into an Exclusive Collection property featuring 216 luxury rooms, a spa, and several gourmet dining options.
Club Med Kiroro in Hokkaido, Japan, however, may be one of the best offerings Club Med has opened in years. In an interview with another editor Club Med proclaims, “It will provide a one-of-a-kind snow experience offering guests access to some of the best powder snow in the world, with long ski seasons and fresh ski tracks.”
Plans for Utah
Then, of course, are Club Med’s plans for Utah, with its’ first new U.S. resort in over 20 years. Club Med intends to build an all-inclusive Exclusive Collection resort in a new area at Snowbasin in Huntsville, UT. Carolyn Doyon, President, and CEO of Club Med North American had this to say about Utah’s plans in another interview,
“Club Med is known for pioneering new destinations, and we are eager to introduce Snowbasin to travelers as well as bring the very first luxury all-inclusive mountain resort to the U.S. Continuing our 70-year legacy, Club Med Utah will give travelers additional opportunities to discover Utah’s natural beauty and welcoming communities through a transformative mountain getaway experience.”
Looking Ahead
Club Med is undoubtedly making a serious jump into the ski industry with long-term plans to add 17 new resorts and refurbish 13 others. With Club Med currently offering 45% savings including all kids under four staying for free through its Ski Getaway Sale, perhaps there’s a package right for you.
For the rest of us (like myself), however, I wonder if this means fewer crowds on powder days?
We can always dream… can’t we?
Club Med is owned by the Chinese now. They already have one in Japan and it is filled primarily by the Chinese skiers. The Chinese ski expansion is coming big time.