Club Med Commits to Building Dreams of Future Winter Sports Aficionados by Developing Club Med Ski School in China Powered by Ecole du Ski Francais and will open a new resort in the French Alps suitable for family ski travel

BEIJING, CHINA -  Media OutReach^[1] - 20 September, 2018 -Club Med is collaborating with global leading ski school, Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF), to deliver advanced skiing programmes to China's winter sports enthusiasts. This partnership will attract Chinese snow lovers who are yearning for a more professional and sophisticated level of instruction.

Mr. David Guigaz, Club Med Mountain Project Director (left), Ms. Catherine Oden, Director of Atout France -- China Office (middle) and Mr. Sebastien Portes, Club Med Strategic Director Mountain Asia (right) at World Winter Sports (Beijing) EXPO

The snow holiday market in the Asia Pacific region has seen dramatic growth in recent years, led by China. In the past year, the snow market saw 138 million Asia-Pacific travellers, reflecting the region's growing affluence and the desire of young individuals and families to go out and seek new and exciting experiences. Millennials have been at the forefront of this change, who are looking to try local delicacies, connect with nature and soak up the mountain scenery, and sometime hit the slopes to ski and snowboard with friends and family.

The timely announcement of this partnership between Club Med and ESF in China hopes to tap into the evolving demands of Chinese travellers. With 73 years of experience across 230 ski schools in France, ESF has developed and perfected its own advanced teaching method. Offering different levels of instruction depending on age and ability, ESF believes that it is important to sensitize skiers as early as possible, so as to help learners acquire good habits that will guarantee a safer and more responsible practice. This teaching method will be adapted to the Chinese needs and will be delivered by experienced Chinese instructors after a thorough training with ESF, ensuring fun, productive and safe ski lessons for all participants willing to learn.

The arrival of ESF at Club Med Ski School will significantly raise the standards of skiing experience in Mainland China. This advanced and innovative ski teaching method will be first implemented in ski resorts around Beijing, where a high number of Chinese taste the pleasures of skiing or snowboarding for the very first time.

"Club Med's partnership with ESF in building Club Med Ski School marks a pivotal moment in the development of China's winter sports market", said Gino Andreetta, Club Med Greater China CEO. "The advanced teaching methods employed by ESF will no doubt attract more and more of China's sophisticated young travellers to Club Med in China as they seek out the very best instructors and facilities, further helping to position the country as a regional leader in the skiing sector."

Already with 21 ski resorts across five different countries, Club Med has ambitious plans to expand further in catering to the growing global and regional winter sports sector. Having recently opened Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido and Club Med Grand Massif Samones in the French Alps, Club Med is hoping to deepen its presence in the region by opening new resorts in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and Thaiwoo, China, both Olympic sites from the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics respectively.

The opening of more Club Med resorts in China and the Asia Pacific region coincides with a new Club Med resort in the French Alps this winter, Les Arcs Panorama. Nestled in a scenic, alpine forest overlooking the Tarentaise Valley, this architectural masterpiece will open its doors to guests this winter, inviting them to enjoy the diverse range of snowy mountain pistes ideally suited for all levels of skiing ability, as well as the breath-taking views from atop the mountain. Offering all-inclusive ski breaks in the Alps, the combination of winter sports and relaxation makes Les Arcs Panorama the perfect place to re-energise while cultivating lasting memories with friends and family.

With heated spas and Turkish baths, gorgeous local French cuisine and wine, and spacious suites with amazing panoramic views of the valley, millennial families and travellers will enjoy the wide range of activities and facilities and the hassle-free service that defines Club Med. The stylish design of the resort, coupled with its cozy atmosphere, guarantees a comfortable stay that will reinvigorate the body and mind of all guests staying at Les Arcs Panorama.

Aside from Les Arc Panorama, Club Med has several resorts in the French Alps that provide different snow holiday experiences. With its wide range of mountain resorts in France, Club Med is perfect choice for guests wanting to try different winter sport activities.

Club Med's luxury all-inclusive holidays are completely hassle-free and offer a unique winter holiday experience for all the family, promising thrilling sports and outstanding snowy scenery. For bookings, please visit www.clubmed.com^[2].

About Club Med

Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites. Today, Club Med is the world's leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and working couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts, of which 85% are rated Premium & Exclusive Collection. Present in 30 countries around the world, the Group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employés (GEs), and representing 110 nationalities.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} www.clubmed.com (www.clubmed.com)