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Club Med Les Arcs Panorama review: Spectacular views of the Tarentaise valley and French Alpine peaks

From seasoned skiers, to absolute novices, it really has something for everyone

Henry Austin
Sunday 07 April 2019 10:29 EDT
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From the outside, its curves are pleasing on the eye, inside the brightly coloured sofas and pine coloured sofas give it a clean, welcoming feel.
From the outside, its curves are pleasing on the eye, inside the brightly coloured sofas and pine coloured sofas give it a clean, welcoming feel. (Club Med)

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Nestled into the mountainside and surrounded by a pine forest, the brand new Club Med Les Arcs in the French Alps offers spectacular views of the Tarentaise valley and Alpine peaks.

Although it is part of the huge Paradiski area, the 433 room ski-in, ski-out resort has a secluded feel both inside and out.

A British Airways flight to Geneva from London’s Heathrow will set you back around £100 and then a three hour transfer through winding, mountainous roads will get you to the resort which sits at an altitude of about 1,750m a short distance from Mont Blanc.

From the outside, its curves are pleasing on the eye, inside the brightly coloured sofas and pine coloured sofas give it a clean, welcoming feel.

The rooms are modern, bright and unlike some ski resorts, fitted with enough storage space for the clothing and kit that comes with skiing - although separate lockers are provided for skis, poles, boots and boards.

Each one has its own balcony, providing spectacular views over the valley or the fur lined ski run, both a You can get on the piste within moments of arrival. The purposeful design means a lift to the ski room and you’re out. Trudging from the hotel to a seperate building does not happen here.

The lift pass covers the Paradiski area - 425km of slopes, including a large number of blue runs for those at an intermediate level, shared with La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry. In the summer it is open for hikers.

A seven-night, all inclusive stay this month costs from £1,910 per person, dropping to £1,376 in April and £900 in June, but the package includes a six-day ski pass and lessons.

Once the skiing is over an enormous all-you-can-eat buffet caters to every taste in the main dining room where breathtaking views over the peaks are available, particularly if you can grab a table by the big south-facing windows. Most alcoholic drinks and pre-dinner snacks are also included.

A slightly more upmarket restaurant is available, but will charge.

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Alongside the skiing, there are swimming pools and an outdoor hot tub. Parents of children aged four months to 17 years can drop the children off at kids’ clubs before heading off to the Zen Lounge and Spa.

In the evenings there is always entertainment, performers and DJs to keep guests entertained at the long main bar.

For those with deeper pockets (around £10,000 per week), Le Belvedere, a 24 suite “hotel within a hotel” comes with a concierge service, bar and lounge, and a 390sqm terrace with hot tub.

From seasoned skiers, to absolute novices, it really has something for everyone.

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