Beyond The Lift Pass: The All-Inclusive World Of Club Med Ski
“Our all-inclusive ski concept wasn’t created just for convenience; it was designed to help our guests truly relax and enjoy every moment of their stay.”
This is exactly what Club Med holidays set out to achieve when they pioneered the concept of the all-inclusive holiday 75 years ago.
In the latest episode of the Talk Travel podcast, Travel Club Elite speaks with Nicolas Bresch, Managing Director of Club Med UK & Nordics, who shares compelling insights into how Club Med ski is reshaping the modern winter holiday – seamlessly blending luxury, family appeal, and sustainability into a unique premium all-inclusive ski experience. In this exclusive instalment, Nicolas also emphasises the vital role of human connection in delivering their signature Club Med all-inclusive ski service, while offering a glimpse into the brand’s future – from potential new resort locations to the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing guest experiences.
Watch the full podcast episode on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below, or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts. Alternatively, continue reading the review below!
Introduction and Personal Background
I’ve been with Club Med for over 10 years now, and I began my journey in our Paris headquarters, working in revenue management and pricing. After a couple of years, I moved to China, spending three years in Shanghai, followed by two years in Hong Kong, where I shifted into a sales and marketing role. About five years ago, I returned to Europe and took on the position of Head of Marketing for the UK and the Nordics. Three years ago, I was appointed Managing Director for the UK, and I now lead a team of around 40 people. Our mission is to promote and sell Club Med ski and sun holidays to clients across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and the Nordic countries, both through our strong trade team and our direct channels.
The Club Med All-Inclusive Ski Vision: ‘Frictionless’ Holidays
Let me start at the very beginning, with the vision that has driven Club Med since its founding. Club Med ski was created in 1950, right after World War II, with a very clear and meaningful objective: to offer guests a frictionless holiday. That’s how the all-inclusive concept was born – and we are proud to have invented it. This concept wasn’t created just for convenience; it was designed to help our guests truly relax and enjoy every moment of their stay. When it comes to Club Med all-inclusive ski holidays, our package covers accommodation, gourmet dining, entertainment, après-ski, ski passes, and ski lessons, from beginner to expert level, and from ages three and up.
We go even further with the details. For example, childcare is included, and we help parents by taking care of everything from dressing the kids for ski lessons to applying sunscreen. Anyone who’s travelled with young children knows how stressful this can be, but at Club Med ski resorts, it’s all handled. Another great example of our commitment to a seamless experience is our “Easy Arrival” concept. Before guests arrive, we collect details such as height, weight, and ski preferences to pre-prepare their gear. Everything is ready and waiting in their lockers upon arrival – no queuing at the ski shop. These are just a few of the many ways we ensure our guests experience a truly relaxing, worry-free escape that blends world-class skiing, fine dining, childcare, entertainment, and attention to detail into one unforgettable Club Med all-inclusive ski package.
Values and Evolution: From Mass Market to Club Med’s Premium All-Inclusive Ski Experience
Over the decades, Club Med has evolved significantly. While we began as a brand catering to the mass market, we repositioned ourselves about 20 years ago toward the premium and luxury segment. Importantly, we’ve made this shift without losing sight of our core values, values born from our founding vision in post-war Europe. Multiculturalism, inclusivity, pioneering spirit, and responsibility remain central to who we are.
What differentiates us is that we’ve brought experience-based luxury to life. Yes, it includes stunning resort locations, elegant accommodations, and refined dining. But more than anything, it’s about people. Our staff are carefully selected to embody our brand values and deliver an exceptional guest experience. The Club Med all-inclusive ski model allows us to provide incredible value without compromising on quality – whether that be in customer service, activities, or facilities. When you compare a DIY ski trip to a Club Med all-inclusive ski holiday, you often find that we are more cost-effective, especially when you factor in meals, ski passes, entertainment, and extras like snacks, drinks, and après-ski. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about reducing the mental load for every member of the family.
Tailored Family Experiences Within Club Med Ski Holidays
Club Med all-inclusive ski holidays are built around families, and we go to great lengths to ensure every member, from toddlers to grandparents, has a holiday tailored to them. We welcome babies as young as four months old with appropriate care services, and our childcare programs are designed with specific age brackets in mind. These are regularly updated to reflect changing societal trends and needs.
For example, with teenagers, we understand how glued they can be to their phones and how difficult it can be to get them to socialise. That’s why we’ve designed specialised programs that encourage meaningful interaction through unique games and experiences that feel relevant to their interests. And of course, ski and snowboard instruction is available from age three to expert level, in partnership with ESF, widely regarded as the best ski school in the world. We also offer off-piste lessons with all the necessary safety gear and training. And if skiing isn’t for everyone, that’s fine too. We have snowshoeing, indoor pools, wellness and fitness classes, and more. Our goal is twofold: to give everyone in the family the freedom to enjoy their own time, and to create beautiful shared moments together – like meals, evening shows, and the joy of watching your child earn their first ski medal at a Club Med ski resort.
High Return Rate: Why Club Med Ski Guests Keep Returning
We’re proud to say that 50% of our guests return every three years – one of the highest loyalty rates in the industry. Why do they keep coming back? First and foremost, because they recognise the value for money. They also appreciate the consistently high standard of service, the rich experience, and our exceptional resort locations. Around 90% of our Club Med ski resorts are ski-in/ski-out – meaning you can start skiing the moment you leave your room. That’s the essence of a frictionless Club Med ski holiday. Guests love being able to explore the slopes while their kids are safely learning with expert instructors. At the end of the week, there’s even a medal ceremony for the children, a wonderful way to celebrate their progress and create lasting memories.
Destination Variety and Snow Reliability Across Club Med Ski Resorts
Today, we operate 16 Club Med ski resorts across the Alps, including chalet-apartment accommodations at Grand Massif and Valmorel, as well as Exclusive Collection spaces at La Rosière, Les Arcs Panorama, and Tignes. Most of our Alpine resorts are situated above 1,800 meters, ensuring excellent snow reliability throughout the season. We cater to all levels – from beginner-friendly resorts like Grand Massif and La Rosière, which are ideal for families, to more advanced destinations like Val Thorens and Tignes. We also have Club Med ski resorts in Italy and Switzerland, and are proud of our international expansion. In particular, our resorts in Japan offer an outstanding Club Med ski experience, especially renowned for their incredible powder snow. For those seeking something new and off the beaten path, Japan is truly a gem.
Club Med’s Commitment to Sustainability and Local Impact
Sustainability is one of our five core values, and our approach is twofold. First, we have a responsibility to positively impact local communities. Around 80% of our staff are recruited locally, and we commit to sourcing at least 60% of our food and supplies from the surrounding region. This strengthens the local economy and helps preserve the authenticity of our Club Med ski destinations.
Secondly, we work hard to minimise our environmental impact. The construction phase of a resort is responsible for 60% of its carbon emissions, so we build with strict environmental standards. All new Club Med ski resorts must meet BREEAM certification, “very good” or “excellent”, for sustainability in construction. For example, both Grand Massif and La Rosière comply with this certification. We’ve also implemented energy-saving measures, such as automatically shutting off heating or AC when a window is opened. Operationally, we are Green Globe certified, with yearly audits to ensure sustainable practices. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics in all resorts and are committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In France, we are already sourcing green electricity; elsewhere, we are investing in solar and wind energy.
The Role of Technology and AI Across Club Med Ski Resorts: Enhancing Human Connection
At Club Med ski, technology is used to enhance human interaction, not replace it. One example is the “Easy Arrival” program I mentioned earlier. Another is our app, which acts as a digital companion during your stay, helping guests navigate activities, events, and experiences without needing to rely on printed materials or physical bookings. We’ve also introduced AI in our customer service systems – particularly for first-level interactions via WhatsApp. This allows us to be available 24/7 and provide quick answers to common questions. But we are very clear: AI is here to support the guest experience, not dominate it. We are a human-centric company, and we believe that real hospitality must remain personal.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Club Med All-Inclusive Ski Holidays
Looking ahead, our focus remains on leading the way in frictionless, all-inclusive ski holidays. We don’t face direct competition offering the same level of luxury in all-inclusive skiing, and we aim to stay ahead by constantly pushing ourselves to innovate. That means enhancing every part of the experience – from a seamless arrival process and exceptional family programming to opening new resorts and elevating service at every touchpoint.
We’re also actively expanding our presence both in Europe and around the world. As mentioned, we now have four Club Med ski resorts in Japan and continue to explore opportunities in new markets, particularly by looking into ski domains in the Alps. Whether it’s introducing someone to skiing for the first time, helping a teenager make new friends, or giving grandparents a moment of total relaxation, our goal is always to create unforgettable, worry-free moments for every guest.
In addition, we now open around half of our Alpine resorts during the summer, a move that’s been incredibly well-received. It offers guests a refreshing alternative to the intense heat of Mediterranean destinations, which can be overwhelming at that time of year. Instead, they can enjoy what we call “cool-cation” – still sunny, but cooler and more comfortable, with a different set of experiences. From hiking and mountain biking to simply relaxing by the pool, our guests have truly embraced this unique summer mountain escape.
Considering a Club Med All-Inclusive Ski holiday? Travel Club Elite have proudly partnered with Club Med since 2010 and are a Platinum Club Med specialist. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or planning your first trip to the slopes, our expert ski team will help every step of the way. Call free 0800 707 6229 to book with extra exclusive savings, or alternately, send your enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.