Review: Club Med Tignes

_Location: In the heart of Val Claret, 2,100 metres above sea level amid the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski domain, Espace Killy. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, the resort is a three-hour drive from Geneva airport and 45 minutes from Bourg St Maurice railway station.

_{First impressions:} The resort sits in pole position in the village, its front entrance facing the main thoroughfare of Val Claret and the rear opening out directly onto the foot of the slopes. Inspired by its alpine setting, the building’s modern design features extensive glazing and aluminium that combine seamlessly and complement the surrounding landscape.

The interior blends traditional and modern design elements peppered with quirky, fun touches, such as graphic patterns, vivid colour schemes and unique pieces by French artist Lucas Beaufort – all combining to create an ambience of welcoming luxury and comfort.

_{The facts:} Club Med has had a presence in Tignes, and been involved in its development, since 1958. This flagship resort represents 18 months of construction work and nearly €130 million of investment. The 430-room hotel has two restaurants, a wellness area with a 25m pool and the expansive Equinoxe Bar. The latter features a generous seating area and is undoubtedly the focal point of the ground floor.

Of the two restaurants, Le Val Claret serves the all-inclusive buffet and the food offering is vast. Le Solstice Gourmet Lounge is a reservation-only venue providing table service for late lunches and dinners. In addition to its ‘refined cuisine’, the restaurant also offers a wine cellar with a broad selection of vintage and regional varieties. In tandem with this premium offering, Club Med Tignes is the operator’s first resort to obtain a ‘Very Good’ Breeam certification – a measure of sustainability – the theme of which is very high on its agenda.

A series of initiatives are in operation including the elimination of single-use plastic, food waste reduction, thermal and acoustic insulation, innovative wastewater heat recovery systems and 150 solar panels mounted to the south and southwest building façades. Even the Rossignol rental skis are 77% recyclable.

_{Ideal for:} Given its prime location, skiers and snowboarders of all levels are well catered for. Families will feel at home with ski lessons included from age four and up. However, if skiing isn’t your thing but you like to be outdoors, there are plenty of other activities available: hiking, snowshoeing, fatbiking and even under-ice diving. The wellness provision is similarly encompassing, combining healthy nutrition, nature reconnection, spa relaxation, massage treatments and yoga.

_Explore: Tignes shares the Espace Killy region with Val d’Isere and there are more than 186 miles of pistes and 97 lifts including two high-speed underground trains (funicular railways). One transports you from Tignes Val Claret to the top of the Grand Motte Glacier at 3,656m, the views from which are breathtaking. Due to its altitude, Tignes has a very reliable snow record and after recent seasons of reduced snowfall, higher mountain resorts are becoming even more popular. According to The Good Skiing & Snowboarding Guide, Tignes-Val d’Isere is one of only two ski areas in France listed as ‘snow-sure’ resorts.

_Wow: From the moment you are welcomed at reception everything is seamlessly organised for eager snow lovers to hit the slopes. It’s conceivable you could check-in and be on a chair lift within minutes. Your key-coded wristband allows you to access both your room, where your lift pass is waiting, and your ski locker, where your ski gear will be prepped and ready. No waiting around in crowded rental shops here.

The procedure is very slick and there is no shortage of friendly staff to assist you. From the lower ground locker area you have direct access onto the snow via a complimentary drinks station – a nice touch to set you up for the day. The all-inclusive ski-in ski-out proposition just went up a gear.

_{Book it:} Seven nights’ all-inclusive starts from £1,980 until the end of April. The price also includes lift pass, group ski lessons, transfers and Swiss flights from Heathrow.
clubmed.co.uk