Welcome to the 2024-25 ski season! Snow fell right on time and the old favourites of Tignes and Val Thorens in France and both opened their doors from 23^rd November for the new season ahead.

With thanks to Club Med, we were able to sample some of the early-season atmosphere in resort and on the slopes and bring you the latest. Spoiler alert – It was amazing!

6am on a Tuesday is rarely where I like to start a blog post however, I’m happy to make an exception this time. easyJet ran perfectly and we touched down at a quiet Geneva airport with just a handful of transfer vehicles waiting to climb up to Europe’s highest ski resort, perched at the top of Europe’s (perhaps the World’s) biggest linked ski area. On the subject of superlatives, Val Thorens also enjoys Europe’s longest winter season, beginning in late November and running into the first week of May, conditions permitting.

Early Season Snow Conditions

And boy did they permit, snow arrived just in time for the scheduled 23^rd November launch weekend and by the time we rolled into resort a large proportion of the high-altitude slopes were open, with some exceptionally good snow quality. Wednesday morning the in-resort temperatures were around minus 12, with top stations more like minus 16. Ideal for the snow cannons to run almost constantly, topping up the already abundant natural snow and ensuring a great base going in for those looking to ski at Christmas or New Year. First tracks each day were greeted with blue skies!

Be aware that if you come to Val Thorens this early in the season, you may not be able to ski the whole Three Valleys, but there was plenty of open skiing to keep us entertained for a short break of 4 nights.

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations

To our accommodation, one of my very favourite places in the Alps – Club Med Val Thorens Sensations. I’ve stayed here on many occasions over the years, but it really does feel special every time. Perhaps it’s the location, the only ski-through hotel I know of. Or maybe the unbeatable atmosphere; many try but no-one has quite been able to replicate the joy of Crazy Signs, the midday BBQ party or the wonderful all-inclusive catering.

The layout here is unique, some exceptional creativity was required to squeeze this all singing, all dancing Club Med village into the space available. Main public areas are stacked vertically with the lobby opening into a 4 storey climbing wall that you follow as you move from venue to venue within the Club.

Rooms

With Superior Balcony rooms, we had everything you could want, although if you’re really after a touch of luxury then upgrades to Junior Suites or the top floor Suites are always possible. Stylish and sophisticated, but still with everything right where you’d expect it.

My top tip, since the hotel is quite large, it’s worth requesting a 3rd or 4th floor room which will be the closest to the public facilities and will avoid the need to use multiple lifts when moving between venues.

If you opt for a Junior Suite or a Suite then you’ll be on the higher floors with some breathtaking views and added services to match. If you’re interested in upgrading your stay at Val Thorens you might be surprised at the value on offer in these premium rooms…

Catering

Club Med have never, ever let me down when it comes to food and beverage. This trip was no exception. As is the case all over the globe when staying with Club Med, the food was high quality, great variety and excellent presentation. All-inclusive buffets can often look unappealing but every choice was appetising and well constructed.

As ever, the bar provided endless refreshment, alongside the mandatory snacking that seems to appear out of nowhere sometimes. From late breakfast, to afternoon tea, canapés and cocktails. If you’re not careful dinner can become a real challenge…

Around The Resort

Early December is a great moment to visit Val Thorens. The resort was getting into full swing and snow conditions rarely disappoint at this altitude. Given that a lot of resorts hadn’t yet opened, Val Tho was a comparative hub of activity, the usual array of restaurants, bars, shopping and leisure activities were on offer plus, for a couple of evenings we were able to enjoy the Ice Derby race, a cross between ski racing and ice hockey that is just as brutal as it sounds!

Getting to Val Thorens

Val Thorens isn’t without its challenges, the highest settlement anywhere in mainland Europe isn’t ever going to be next door to a major travel hub. Val Tho does sit in the Belleville Valley which is the first of the Three Valleys and one of the most accessible resorts along the Tarentaise. Where Val d’Isere can be a 4hr transfer from Geneva, VT is just 2.5 hours away, and even closer if you can find a flight into Chambery or Grenoble. My advice? Forget trying to save 40 minutes in transfer time and fly into Geneva, which is a major hub airport with good facilities and far less likely to suffer some of the winter disruption that can plague the smaller airports.

For the inbound we departed resort at 5.30am but this meant that those of us with commitments on the same were able to make it. The early start is never fun but it sure beats the inevitably delayed last flight back.

Overall

What a great start to the 2024/25 season. Val Thorens never disappoints for skiiing, atmosphere and views. Club Med’s in resort experience still hits the same highs as always and a nice dose of cold temperatures and sunshine make for an intoxicating cocktail!

Until the next instalment…