Review: Club Med Sensations, Val Thorens

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This Review Consists of A Mixed Bag of Convenience and Quirks at Club Med Sensations, Val Thorens

Ski trips come with their fair share of excitement, exhaustion, and logistics, especially when travelling as a family group of 7 adults. Staying at Club Med Sensations in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, was no exception. Here’s a look at my experience, from the (very long) arrival to the slopes and everything in between.

Pre-Arrival and Arrival

Let’s start with the journey. We flew from Johannesburg to Geneva through Doha on Qatar Airways. Club Med kindly offers airport transfers for the 3-hour drive from Geneva, Switzerland. Good, right? Except we were left waiting at the airport for nearly 4 hours for “other flights.” Why? No idea. Every time we spoke to one of their staff about when we would head to the resort, we were told “shortly.” By the time we finally left, it was just us, a couple, and a family of three who had all arrived on the same flight as us. Also, the toilet on board the bus is locked cause “it’s only a 3-hour ride”.

Having provided the hotel with a review on Tripadvisior, the response was “Regarding the airport transfer, we aim to group transfers together for ecological reasons. While this approach helps reduce our environmental impact, we understand it can lead to delays”. I am all for grouping transfers together, but communication is an important component of a good customer experience. Had we been told at the time of booking, or at any point during the 4 hour wait, how long we going to wait for, our party of 7 would have booked, and paid for, either a private transfer with another company, or booked our own cars and driven.

Once you finally arrive, the hotel’s location is pretty convenient. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the town centre, which is lively and festive during the holidays. There’s a shopping mall with all the essentials, stores that stock ski gear, a supermarket, a deli, a handful of restaurants and a few souvenir shops. So, if you forget something, you’re covered.

Imagine starting your day with this view—snowy mountain peaks, crisp alpine air, and a flawless blue sky. At Club Med Sensations Val Thorens, every moment is a postcard-perfect memory

The Room

The rooms? Spacious and functional. We booked a deluxe room with a balcony which had an amazing view of the mountains. There’s a couch, a chair, a coffee table, and enough closet space for ski gear… although you won’t need to store it in your room because Club Med gives you a dedicated locker in the ski room. Genius.

The bed was comfortable, but don’t be fooled by the king-sized setup. It’s two twin beds under a single duvet. Romantic? Not so much. Also, the room was hot and dry at night, even by South African standards, with no way to cool it down. We ended up sleeping with the door slightly open for some relief, which I don’t think helped the hotel maintain its eco-friendliness, as the hotel temperature is controlled centrally.

The bedroom has good-quality block-out curtains, which, in my opinion, should be compulsory for every hotel. The bathroom had heated towel rails, which was a nice touch, but the toiletries weren’t particularly winter-friendly. The moisturiser was your standard hotel variety, not exactly the rich hydration my ski-worn skin needed.

Oh, and the coffee station in the room? Paper cups and two tiny milk pods. As a self-confessed coffee snob, it is worth pointing out that even in restaurants and bars, there was no sign of a good cup of coffee. Classic Club Med low-quality coffee is practically their trademark.

Ski Facilities and Classes

Now for the good stuff. This is a ski-in, ski-out resort, which means minimal schlepping. Beginners might have to navigate a slight incline to catch a free shuttle back to the resort on day one, but hey, that’s character-building.

The ski room is well-organised, clean, and equipped with boot warmers in each locker. The onsite ski centre rents all the essentials: boots, skis, and helmets, and you can book lessons through the hotel.

Speaking of lessons, my beginner group was led by Vincent from ESF Val Thorens, who was professional, patient, and spoke excellent English. The first hour was spent sorting us into groups by skill level (shoutout to the 40 other beginners that week), and then we were off. My group had 11 people, which felt manageable.

Food and Dining

If there’s one thing Club Med gets right, it’s the food. The buffet options were vast, and the French pastries were next-level. Breakfast had everything you need for a day on the slopes, from hearty options to lighter bites.

Our family’s standout favourites were the pizza and pasta. They’re not exactly local specialities, but when they’re good, they’re good.

Facilities and Wellness

Post-ski relaxation is essential, and Club Med offers a spa with bookable massages (cheaper in the mornings if you’re strategic). There’s also a jacuzzi, but it needs to be booked in advance, which kills the whole spontaneous relaxation vibe.

Fitness junkies will appreciate the array of classes available through the Club Med app, and you can even order extra pillows or toilet paper via the app. Who says ski trips can’t be tech-savvy?

Overall Experience

Would I recommend Club Med Sensations? Yes, but with some caveats. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, functional family ski vacation, this is a solid choice. But luxury? Not quite. The staff were polite but not particularly memorable, and there’s room for improvement in areas like arrival logistics and room temperature control.

That said, it’s a comfortable base for skiing the incredible Val Thorens slopes. Just pack your patience for the transfer, bring your own moisturiser, and don’t expect barista-level coffee.

Final verdict? Club Med Sensations is like that reliable friend who’s great at hosting but terrible at details. A solid option for skiers who prioritise convenience over extravagance.

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