The 90s theme song “Hands up, baby, hands up…” may summon visions of shivering northerners fleeing to Club Med’s sun-soaked southern resorts — but did you know the company that began offering Mediterranean beach escapes also runs ski destinations? In fact, some of its most spectacular properties are found high in the French Alps.
You might wonder whether France is too far for a week of skiing, or if the snow conditions are worth the trip. The answer? Absolutely, yes. Anyone who has travelled for a ski holiday knows that, at minimum, it involves a transfer and a shuttle — it’s a full day of travel no matter where you go. The beauty of flying to Europe is the overnight flight: fall asleep, wake up refreshed, and you’re there. The scenic drive from the airport winds steadily upward, with the mountains rising around you. At this altitude, snow is a guarantee. Europeans flock to the French Alps for precisely that reason: the highest elevations and the longest ski season.
Club Med boasts an impressive 20 ski destinations, four of which are located in the Haute-Savoie region — including the family-friendly and highly rated Club Med Peisey-Vallandry. Long before the area became a ski haven, les Monts d’Argent were known for their lead and silver deposits, vital to Napoleon’s war efforts. (The original École Française des Mines still stands as a reminder of that history.) When the mines closed, many metal workers headed to Paris in search of work, and tales of their beloved mountains sparked interest among their colleagues. Before long, a ski village took shape.
In Peisey-Vallandry, skiing isn’t an activity — it’s a way of life. For generations, it was simply how locals got around in winter. Unlike North American ski resorts, which are typically divided into individual ownership and pass systems, France’s lifts and land are government-owned. The result? Vast interconnected terrain and the coolest double-decker gondola you’ll ever ride. From this charming traditional village, Club Med guests enjoy 425 kilometres of skiable terrain. Take one lift up, and the slopes unfold beneath you like a giant topographical map — the scale is truly remarkable.
Don’t worry: both beginners and experts can ski from the top of most peaks. Club Med partners with the École de Ski Française (ESF), whose system feels a bit like our Red Cross Swim Program. Skilled instructors assess your ability and match you with others at the same level — a fun way to meet people and truly enjoy the mountain. The guides are excellent. Everyone benefits from lessons, and advanced skiers will love the off-piste terrain (accessible only with a local pro).
Whether you bring your own equipment or rent, Club Med provides a ski locker equipped with boot dryers and plenty of space. It’s convenient and keeps the lobby blissfully free of clunky ski boots and scattered poles. Kids will adore the clubs, and adults will appreciate the freedom to ski all day without worry. Children ages 4–10 head to Mini Club after breakfast and stay active and entertained until 9 p.m. Teens hang out at the Password Club, and babysitting is available for younger children.
If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do. The gym and pool offer all-day fitness activities, or you can head outdoors to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski in the gorgeous Vanoise National Park. Local businesses provide rentals and maps, the tourism office hosts weekly historic walks, and thrill-seekers can book a parapente (paragliding) adventure. For a touch of culture, visit a local farm to meet the award-winning dairy cows or hike up to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié. The original 1727 structure sat atop a miraculous spring, and although it was destroyed by an avalanche, the rebuilt chapel now stands at 1,816 metres and offers Mass every Friday. It’s a French national historic site and well worth the trek.
After an active day, the Club’s lobby is the place to be. Snag an après-ski drink at the oversized bar, sink into one of the plush red velvet sofas, and swap stories about the day’s best runs with your new ski buddies or family. It’s always buzzing with finger foods, live music, and a warm, upbeat atmosphere. The Carita Spa is also busiest at this time, so if you’re craving a mid-week massage, book in advance.
Brush up on your bonjours before heading to Club Med. From the cool staff in the rental shop to the friendly dining room and front-desk teams, the greetings are endless. Their upbeat energy is infectious and only enhances your stay.
The food? Delicious. Meals are buffet-style, so make sure your ski pants have an adjustable waistband before you leave home. A team of 40 works with head chef Marc Buchouau, who insists recipes be respected. A remarkable 25 percent of the produce is sourced locally — impressive given the village’s tiny size and guest-to-local ratio of roughly 100 to 1. A nearby bakery prepares the resort’s daily 120 baguettes and 40-plus loaves of bread, and seven or eight varieties of local cheese (arguably the best you’ll ever taste) are available each night. Themed dinners add a festive flair, and if you’re out skiing at midday, you can pop into nearby Club Med resorts Les Arcs or La Plagne for lunch.
Rooms are thoughtfully designed, with a barn-style door separating the kids’ sleeping area from the queen bed. The resort is built into the mountainside, so if you’d rather not face rock walls, request a room with a view — though you’ll be so tired at day’s end that it may not matter. Separate toilet and shower areas are a reminder you’re in France.
Guests come from everywhere. We shared meals with Brazilians, Israelis, Russians, and, thanks to school holidays, plenty of French families. Book early: the resort is incredibly popular and typically runs at 95% capacity. Getting there is easy, with bi-weekly direct Air Canada flights from Montreal to Geneva or Lyon. Consider adding a few days to explore either city before or after your stay.
So grab your skis, round up the kids, and get those hands up — because a Club Med ski vacation is winter magic at its best.
