Powder hounds, it’s nearly our time to shine. Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s now prime time to start planning a few epic getaways to the mountains. But, before you book your airfare, hotel, mountain passes, dining, and more, let me throw out one idea — booking an all-inclusive ski resort instead. By Stacey Leasca
Sure, all-inclusive resorts are a classic choice for beachy getaways in places like the Caribbean and Cabo, but the form of travel is gaining traction in skiing too, thanks in large part to companies like Club Med, which is set to open several new all-inclusive mountain resorts in winter 2022/23. And it’s making skiing more accessible, as booking an all-inclusive stay can save upwards of USD 8,000 (INR 6,36,540) on a seven-day mountain trip for a family of four. (Club Med came to this conclusion by comparing flights from New York to Aspen from March 26 – April 2, 2023, and the cost of a condo stay and lift tickets in the area to its own options.)
“Compared to a do-it-yourself ski vacation, which includes several logistics and high costs driven by accommodations, lift tickets, and meals for every member of the family, our all-inclusive ski packages are designed to offer guests true peace of mind with lift passes, group ski and snowboard lessons, locally inspired meals, après-ski activities, and children’s clubs all included,” Carolyne Doyon, president and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Plus, guests who book our air-inclusive packages will be provided with transportation to and from the resort. We believe everyone deserves to have a seamless, hassle-free, and value-enhanced vacation, so our goal is to ensure guests feel fully taken care of so that all they need to focus on is conquering the world’s top slopes.”
Here are 11 of the best all-inclusive ski resorts to try out around the globe
Club Med Valmorel Chalet-Apartments, France
Located at 1,460 meters (almost 4,800 feet), the Valmorel is a luxury accommodation made up of chalet-style apartments ideal for longer-term getaways. The skiing opportunities include miles and miles of slopes in the gorgeous Aigueblanche region. There’s plenty of fun for ski bunnies off the slopes, too, including miles of hiking trails and a spa by Sothys, along with a plethora of children’s activities like kids camp, ski lessons, and more.
To book: clubmed.us
Triple Creek Ranch, Montana
Live out your wild west fantasies with a stay at Triple Creek Ranch, one of the most beautiful resorts in Montana. Spread out in its spacious log cabins, dine on all-inclusive gourmet meals, and in the winter, take part in a few included snow-filled activities like snowshoeing, dog sledging, horseback riding, and downhill skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. A stay here also provides access to cross-country gear for those looking to ski with a little less adrenaline.
To book: triplecreekranch.com
Club Med Québec, Canada
Nobody does winter better than the Canadians, which is why this winter, you should head up to visit the Club Med Québec. At the all inclusive ski resort, guests can expect the usual, like included dining and fun family activities, but you also get the added bonus of getting to ski down Le Massif Charlevoix, a super unique mountain with 53 runs that comes with a 2,525-foot vertical drop and gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence river all the way.
To book: clubmed.ca
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek is all about ensuring its guests absolutely send it while they visit, which is why it includes two daily activities with each stay. In the winter, guests can choose to spend their time ice skating, snowmobiling, hiking, testing their skills at the sporting clays range, and of course, hitting the slopes at Discovery Ski Area, a mountain 35 minutes away. You can also choose to try out cross-country skiing on the nearby Echo Lake trail, taking it as slow or as fast as you’d like.
To book: theranchatrockcreek.com
Club Med Alpe d’Huez, France
The skiing is so good in France that it made this list twice. If the first Club Med option in France wasn’t doing it for you, try the Club Med Alpe d’Huez, a cosier spot in the Grandes Rousses mountains. Like the others, it too includes fabulous skiing with 155 miles (249 km) of trails and the longest ski slope in Europe. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at “Skijoring,” a sport where a skier is pulled by a horse. (Think water skiing, but scarier.)
To book: clubmed.us
Ski Portillo, Chile
As South America’s first ski resort, Ski Portillo had a lot to live up to. Luckily, it delivers. The ski-in/ski-out resort in the Chilean Andes offers people the chance to ski through the stunning landscapes, including beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, alongside off-piste terrain for those looking to challenge themselves. It’s a destination that also celebrates its après scene, so come ready to party. Just remember, ski season here is on the opposite schedule, so book a trip between late June through September.
To book: skiportillo.com
Club Med Pragelato Sestriere, Italy
Another all inclusive ski resort tucked in the Piedmont region of Italy, this Club Med looks straight out of a fairy tale, thanks to its quaint wooden chalets that will make you feel like an authentic mountaineer. Enjoy the pristine natural scenery in between runs down its ski slopes, including freestyle, slalom, or skicross tracks. Then, unwind in the spa and book a service (or two) for a special treat.
To book: clubmed.us
Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Colorado
Vista Verde Guest Ranch prides itself on its “western hospitality” thanks to an attentive staff, breathtaking views that seem to go on for miles, and intimate log cabins that dot the landscape. The ranch only allows a limited number of guests at a time, making it a prime place to get some attentive all-inclusive service. While there, the team will happily set you up with a trip to nearby Steamboat Springs, but you can also head out for some backcountry skiing for a little more solitude. Follow it up with a sleigh ride with your travel mates for an added touch of magic.
To book: vistaverde.com
Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil, Switzerland
Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil is as idyllic as they come, thanks to its enviable location at the base of the Swiss mountains. The mountain comes with 350 kilometres (about 217 miles) of slopes to explore, along with a few other stellar winter activities, like snow hiking, cross-country skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides for your off days. Don’t miss its slopeside dining options like The Corviglia, located at 8,365 feet.
To book: clubmed.us
Valle Nevado, Chile
Can’t stand the thought of the ski season ending? Then turn yourself into a year-round skier by making your way south for the summer and fall to Valle Nevado, a resort in the Andes Mountains. Guests here can choose packages that include half-board and lift tickets. You don’t need to bring your gear as you can rent equipment for all levels at the base. Just remember, this mountain sits at almost 10,000 feet, so make sure to add on at least a day to acclimate. (Note: If you’re an Ikon Pass or a Mountain Collective holder, your pass will work here, so there is no need for additional lift tickets for your stay.)
To book: vallenevado.com
Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido, Japan
The Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido spreads across more than 358 acres, which you can explore every inch of during your all-inclusive stay. Ski down Tomamu Mountain, dine on delicious seafood and Wagyu beef, and sip locally brewed spirits après ski. Just don’t leave the mountain too early as this Club Med offers night skiing with a guide, which also comes included with the stay.
To book: clubmed.us
This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com
Main and Feature Image Credit: Courtesy of Valle Nevado
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Stacey Leasca
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