hero media

A hotel where you can ski off the roof to the lifts

Better get your skis on…

Offering premium all-inclusive from go to snow escape from Japan and China, to the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, Club Med is right up there as world leader in snow resorts.

 

ADDING TO its already impressive the famous resort group will be opening the brand new Club Med Massif Samoëns Morillon – in France’s fourth largest ski domain, where you can literally ski off the roof to the lifts – and the highly anticipated Club Med Tomamu (its second Japanese ski resort) in December, 2017. Club Med has also announced its first Canadian resort in Le Massif de Charlevoix, enjoying spectacular waterfront views among Quebec’s beautiful, pristine mountains.

Swimming Pool in France
Relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool in Club Med Peisey Vallandry

The difference with the all-inclusive Club Med experience is its commitment to offering the easiest ski holiday ever, so you can relax and enjoy more time on the slopes. From the minute you arrive, everything is taken care of, from your lift pass and lessons, to après-ski activities and childcare. Comfortable accommodation, a variety of chef prepared gourmet dining (we’re talking seriously great food), premium open bar, plus lift passes and ski/snowboard lessons for all levels of experience with English-speaking instructors from world renowned ski schools is all part of the package. An array of non-ski activities are also included, from snow shoe walking and sledding, to hot tubs or outdoor heated swimming pools, and evening entertainment. Although gear hire is an additional cost, the Easy Arrival Service means your gear can be prearranged and waiting in your private locker upon arrival.

 

When it comes to the little ones, kids at Club Med are in their winter element! Unique programs are available for 4 to 17 year olds, with the younger ones learning to ski in the Snow Garden, under the watchful eye of internationally trained ski instructors; meanwhile, teens revel in snow sports by day, and films and parties in the evenings. Plus, kids as young as three can discover snow sports through an introduction to snow course, and childcare for babies is available at extra cost.

 

To discover more about just how easy your next snow holiday could be, visit Clubmed or ask your local travel agent.

Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.

View profile and articles
Charlotte Le Bon in The White Lotus season 3
France

The White Lotus checks in at a French Riviera castle for season 4

If The White Lotus is all about beautiful places hiding ugly secrets, its next setting might be its most seductive yet.

Read more
delos pool zannier bendor
France

A swish private island resort is coming to the French Riviera in 2026

Opening 1 May 2026, Zannier Bendor is reimagining the private Île de Bendor as a luxe coastal idyll. 

Read more
scenic views from the balcony of SO/ Paris
Paris

This fashion-forward hotel in Paris has Eiffel Tower, Seine River and Notre Dame views

SO/ Paris exudes chic modern vibes in one of the city’s best areas.

Read more
the exterior of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
France

This luxury landmark is the only place to stay in Bordeaux

Despite a three-day migraine, this five-star gem still made me fall in love with Bordeaux.

Read more
hero media

What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.