| Vivre L'Apres Ski, Club Med style
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 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 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 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.
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