Club Med has reported that UK trade bookings for ski resorts are up 40% year-on-year following two disrupted seasons due to Covid-19.
The all-inclusive resort operator is preparing for winter 2021-22 with a new property in Canada, opening La Rosiere resort in the French Alps to British holidaymakers for the first time since its opening last year and hotel revamps in Peisey-Vallandry in France and Pregelato in Italy costing a combined €25 million.
Club Med obtained a €70 million long term loan in January from banks, which was guaranteed by the French government, as all but one mountain resorts in the Alps were shut last winter, according to China-based owner Fosun Tourism Group in its half-year results to June 30.
UK and northern Europe managing director Estelle Giraudeau said: “It’s been a challenging year and a half for the travel industry and we’re excited Club Med is continuing to push ahead and diversify its resort offerings with two of our resorts, including Peisey-Vallandry and Pragelato, undergoing renovations and four new ski resorts opening by winter 2022-23, including Quebec Charlevoix and La Rosiere, which are opening this season.
“Our ski resorts continue to be popular with bookings at newly renovated Peisey-Vallandry up 50% compared to the same time last year.
“With the last two seasons heavily disrupted, it’s encouraging to see that indirect bookings with our trade partners are up 40% year-on-year and bookings by new clients up 80% year-on-year.
“We’re certain the upcoming season will be one of the best yet and we’re looking forward to welcoming back British travellers.”
New to Club Med’s portfolio is Quebec Charlevoix, opening on December 4 as the company’s first resort in Canada. It will be open all year round with a four-season offering.
La Rosiere is located at 1,850m altitude on the edge of the Tarentaise mountains, not far from Beaufortain and across from Les Arcs Paradiski.
Nearby Peisey-Vallandry will feature 35 superior rooms, a gourmet lounge with solarium terrace and refurbished family lodge when it reopens on December 19. An expansion of the ski room and shop, outdoor pool terrace and main restaurant has also taken place, with plans for all existing rooms to be renovated before winter 2022-23.
The ski-in, ski-out resort of Pragelato in the Piedmont region of Italy will have a renovated bar and terrace and a redecorated speciality restaurant with new wine cellar. An expansion of the wellness centre with a new spa is also planned alongside a new fitness area and an outdoor swimming pool for the summer. Further renovation is due to be completed for the following winter season.