SINGAPORE, Feb 5 — I’m excited. Cold too, but mostly excited. How can I not be? I’m perched at the top of the highest ski resort in Europe, and am about to glide — or quite possibly, spectacularly tumble — down the slopes with thin planks firmly attached to my feet.
Thankfully, after much coaxing from my very patient ski instructor, I find myself gracefully gliding down the mountain and right into the slopes of the brand new 4-Tridents Club Med venue, Val Thorens Sensations. Located two-and-a-half hours from the Geneva international airport, in the centre of the largest skiing domain of the world, Les 3 Vallees, it was launched this winter. Fantastic slopes aside, another thing that catches my eye is the majestic view. I’m no stranger to ski resorts. Yet, I can’t help but periodically stop to take pictures. (I think my ski instructor is complaining about that as he mutters away in French.) Taking the gondola up to the top of the slope affords us the best view as we look at the sea of clouds coalescing beneath. My instructor then points out Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, just off in the distance — which we promptly take more pictures of.
Creature comforts
Back at Club Med, I notice how befitting the design of the hotel is to the winter wonderland beyond its doors. The decor, architecture and lighting are woven together beautifully: Furnished in modern glass decor and awashed in pink and purple lights, it invokes a sense of premium luxury. Its wide windows allow guests to take in the majestic panoramic views outside.
There’s even an indoor four-storey-high rock-climbing wall for those looking for an adrenalin rush; tamer creatures may want to get that fix from the nightly themed light parties at Oxygen Bar. Staffers — or Gentil Organisateurs (GOs), as Club Med calls them — entertain guests with performances, as we gasp in awe at the spectacular light show that never seems to let up, all the while sipping on drinks from the bar, which are free flow.
In true Club Med fashion, no expense is spared in the culinary buffet spread at the restaurants. Those demanding a little more bang for their buck can look to the all-day-dining Epicurious restaurant, where they can enjoy gourmet meals and delicacies designed by two-star Michelin chef Edouard Loubet, who’s a native of Val Thorens. While all meals are included in the stay package, that’s not the case for wines in the dedicated cellar area designed for guests to sample the 107 fine varieties from France and Italy. Connoisseurs can take back a taste of the resort by purchasing a bottle home for their friends and family.
At the buffet restaurant, you can sample all sorts of dishes: From the famous French raclette cheese oozing over your freshly baked pastry to the handmade Italian pasta, they are enough to keep anyone going back for more, especially if you want to load up after a couple of ski runs. Naturally, different meal times serve up different selections; and while the restaurant offers mostly of European delights, you can piece an Asian meal together, if you prefer, with certain dishes such as porridge, tofu and broccoli. The desserts steal the show: I don’t have a particularly sweet tooth, but gladly return for second rounds of fondue, brownies, éclairs and ice-cream.
Into the great white open
As great as the food is, we have come to Val Thorens for one thing: Hitting the slopes. I really like Club Med’s smartphone app, which allows you to book your equipment and gear, which will be in your locker by the time you arrive. The app not only helps you keep track of your schedule, but also keeps you abreast of what’s happening at any given time during your stay. You can use it to find an activity partner or simply share an awesome selfie with the drop-dead gorgeous scenery as the backdrop.
Once the gear is sorted, it’s all about the activity. There are multiple ski courses — green, blue, red and black routes, in order of increasing difficulty — so enthusiasts can fully enjoy the slopes. Beginners are never left behind. Qualified instructors are patient and friendly with even the clumsiest of novices. Even if you have skied before and feel you don’t need lessons, I highly recommend going for an advanced class to orientate yourself and find the best courses for your level. Those wanting to master a particular course or even perfect a technique can ride the magic-carpet tunnels and chair lifts to quickly zip back to the top. The good news is congestion is a non-issue — these rides are regular and you don’t have to wait for long. Because the Club Med package includes equipment, lessons and ski passes, you can ski as much as you want and, if you feel you need better ski attire, there are plenty of shops in and outside the resort.
The last thing anyone would want on a ski trip is to arrive to little snow. Thank goodness, the high altitude means there is ample snow cover when we are here (although residents and GOs said they were expecting even heavier snowfall). Nonetheless, to compensate, the resort has strategically deployed snow machines emitting enough powder to ensure the best — and, more importantly, safest — skiing conditions. There are several other courses within walking distance from the resort with shuttle buses plying to and from these slopes (trust me, you will be worn out after a long day out and the buses are a lifeline), and there are plans to add more activities such as snow mountain biking for the next winter season.
Venturing to the highest ski resort in Europe is already exciting in itself, but skiing down Val Thorens is infinitely more exhilarating than anything I’ve experienced. Whatever fatigue you feel is worth it — for a ski enthusiast, this is truly what happiness feels like. — Today
* This trip was made possible by Club Med.
