Vivre L'Apres Ski, Club Med style

Club Med La PlagneWhen I was invited to stay at the Club Med La Plagne ski resort, I was somewhat nervous, having had a major op a couple of years ago. So what could I possibly do if not skiing? Surprisingly, a lot

Being 2,000 metres up, in the heart of the Tarentaise region was, in itself, a spectacular treat. If you like to soak up the scenery, then you could happily cosy up on the sofa in the toasty lounge area with a bottomless drink, reading a book and enjoying the view. However, just because you're not skiing, doesn't mean you necessarily want to sit about doing nothing.

Cue the 'leisure activities'. Upon arrival on Friday night, I 'itinerised' my weekend of snow activities with the help of a rather attractive skiing instructor. Unfortunately, it wasn't cold enough for their usual ice rink, based just outside the resort, but I could opt for snowshoe walks, snowmobile and the bobsleigh. There was plenty to look forward to but, in the meantime, I was travel-weary and peckish.

Cosy rooms
I was rather excited at the prospect of my room. Having only stayed in a tiny, shared chalet and, on another occasion, a room of bunk beds, I had high hopes for a luxury hotel catering for 400 people. The room did indeed live up to its luxurious reputation. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the room snug and I had a direct view of the skiers outside, plus a TV on which I could watch Hollywood films, dubbed in French with English subtitles (somewhat confusing after a few cocktails).

The bed and shower rooms were immaculate. However, the room wasn't really large enough to swing a cat in, let alone two people. I suppose the expectation is that people are out skiing all day. Similarly, the shower room was tiny (even for a small woman who had travelled light). Plus, having been skiing twice before, I firmly believe only a soak in the bath after a tiring day on the slopes hits the spot. And there were rooms with baths, so it is an option.

Delicious food
I would challenge anyone to deny the quality of the food. You could choose from Asian, Italian, English and French dishes and a huge range of delicious desserts. All food and drink (including alcohol, except champagne) are included in the package price and you really can indulge in whatever you fancy.

I suspect even the fussiest of children would find something delicious to nibble. The main eating area is a very large restaurant for families and couples alike but there is another restaurant (also free) which you can book and enjoy a more secluded dining experience.

Blaming myself for the slight nauseous feeling following my gluttonous breakfast, I headed off to try my first 'non-skiing' activity, the snowshoe walk. Disappointingly, and despite having booked, the snowshoes had all gone! Forlornly I watched the group head off up the slopes and decided it would be a great idea to follow.

Sadly, all I did was find myself hip-deep in a snowdrift masquerading as a path. The moral of the story: turn up early for any activities, even if you've booked. Despite this setback, I decided to walk down to the next village which was fun and the scenery was magnificent.

An adrenalin-charged bobsleigh run
Once I recovered from the steep trudge back up to Club Med and helped myself to another enormous meal, I enjoyed the highlight of my weekend: the bobsleigh. The one at La Plagne is an Olympic run.

You're provided with a crash helmet and strict instructions to stay tight inside the bobsleigh, then four of you clamber aboard, take your places (bringing a whole new concept to the word 'cosy') and are strapped in with seatbelts. Then, whoosh, you're off! Those few minutes on the course are absolutely exhilarating - any more and it's possible I might actually have been sick - and you enjoy that adrenalin-filled buzz at the end as you jabber about how scared and excited you were.

Inevitably you do struggle for activities if you're holidaying with a bunch of skiers but aren't taking to the slopes yourself. However, Club Med La Plagne does offer a lot more in the way of alternatives than many ski resorts and their Turkish baths and gym will help you work off those delicious meals.

Skiing at La PlagneJudging by the reaction of the skiers in my group, the skiing was great too. You walk directly out of the hotel to the lifts for the slopes and many of them finish directly outside the hotel where we non-skiers await. You can't ask for more than that!

Costs
Prices start from £897 for adults and £773 for 4-11 yrs, £340 for 2-3 yrs and £161 for 4m-1 yr. Club Med usually have an early booking bounce each season which can save up to £450 on a booking for a family of four.