I Can’t Ski, But Ski Trips Have Become My Go-to Holiday

Skiing has quickly cemented its spot as the It Girl activity.

Everyone who has everyone has been hitting the slopes. My TikTok feed is full of celebrities and influencers spending their winters sliding up and down mountains and enjoying the all-important Après-Ski. So when I got the opportunity to take a trip to Serre Chevalier in France to try my hand at skiing I jumped at the opportunity.

And it’s safe to say that Bella Hadid I am not. Yes, my name is Bronwyn and I cannot ski.

Honestly, I am not the most coordinated person. But, I thought how hard can it be? Tiny children ski all the time (yes I am obsessed with that toddler who snowboards on TikTok)! Reader, it is so hard. In fact, after 90 minutes on the slope I had burned 2,000 calories and my watch told me it would take 90 hours of recuperation before I could “work out” again. I was literally exhausted!

So after a morning on the slopes, it was safe to say that skiing was not for me. And I worried, Oh God, what am I supposed to do for the rest of the trip?

Well, worry not because skiing is not the only part of a Club Med holiday.

Honestly I went into the ski holiday with one goal in mind – Après-Ski. And I was not disappointed with it. Every midday there is a full spread of food and incredible cocktails while a DJ pumps out tunes to get you up and dancing. And worry not I was dancing my heart out, Limoncello Spritz in one hand and delicious Prosciutto in the other.

While others were hitting the slopes I was spending my mornings in the pool at the hotel. Swimming is an activity much more my speed because you don’t need to stay upright. Bonus, because almost everyone else was out hitting the slopes, the pool was empty every day I went. So I got to do laps in peace as well as being able to take in the stunning views of the Alps. I mean, it was pretty idyllic.

The hotel also has plenty of seats around the beautiful open fire in the bar area. So I was able to catch up on my reading with le chocolat chaud. Look, you can’t go to France and not binge on hot chocolate. Right?

Of course, I couldn’t go to a ski resort and not take a trip on the cable cars! So on went my hiking boots and off I trekked through the snow (just dodge the skiiers) and got to see the breathtaking view of the Alps. It might not surprise you that I’m not much of a hiker. So I never thought I’d be at the top of the Alps, but just a 10 minute trip on the Gondola lifts and there I was. And when I tell you, there is something magical about taking in the world from that high up, it truly must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Nature really is the most breathtaking!

Of course, another le chocolat chaud or Spritz is enjoyed before heading to one of the exercise classes. Yes, there’s a gym and yoga studio where I was able to attend yoga, pilates and stretching classes every day. So you don’t feel like you’re being sedentary every day, especially when you’re in a Club Med resort as you never have to leave for everything you need. And it was great excuse to practice my French!

The food in Club Med is absolutely delicious and I just adore French food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is a buffet style. From traditional French food, to burgers and delicious seafood and veggie options, it’s safe to say that I was up and down like a yo-yo to sample everything. Especially when it came to the desserts. Again, I was in France, I couldn’t not try the pastries and macaroons. So many macaroons!

On our final night we were treated to a meal in the restaurant which included a delicious fondue dish which is traditional around the Alps. Look, when in Rome!

One of the highlights had to be going to the spa for a delicious facial. As we’re so high in the Alps, the air can be very dry, so it was nice to give my skin some TLC after a few days braving the elements (just to get to the cable cars and enjoy Après Skiing). Honestly I left the room floating, my lovely facialist actually had to help me back to the changing room because I was so relaxed.

So while I don’t know if I’ll be strapping into skis anytime soon, I’ll definitely be jumping at the chance to head back to the slopes as a non-skiier as soon as possible!

Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Serre-Chevalier, French Alps from €2,636 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from Dublin (DUB) with transfers included. Price based on departure date 06.04.25. Book now at www.clubmed.ie/r/serre-chevalier/w or call 1 800 800 922

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• travel