5 Reasons to Plan a Family Ski Trip to Club Med Beidahu

Hit the ski slopes at 8:30am and land back in Hong Kong at 8:30pm, the same day…

If you’re looking to plan a quick family holiday that still feels a world away from Hong Kong, it’s well worth venturing off the beaten track, into the snowy mountains of northern China! 
We were lucky enough to be invited to the Grand Opening of Club Med Beidahu in Jilin, to check out this brand new, all-inclusive ski resort for ourselves! If you’re not yet familiar with Club Med, click through the slideshow and check out our top 5 reasons to visit, so you can really make the most of your holiday…

Planning a trip over the Chinese New Year break? Club Med’s special CNY Holiday Package offers flights leaving Hong Kong on Monday, 23 January; Monday, 30 January or Thursday, 2 February. This 4-day-3-night, all-inclusive air ticket package is available from HK$9,980 per adult. And if you’re planning a trip that doesn’t fall during the CNY peak season, a 5-day 4-night, all-inclusive air ticket package is available from HK$7,392 per adult.

Club Med Beidahu’s all-inclusive Ski Package includes your plane ticket, room, ski pass, group ski lessons, kids club, fitness centre classes, evening shows, plus unlimited food and drink. All extra ski gear, equipment and spa treatments are available for extra costs. Chances are, you’ll make your money back at the breakfast buffet alone!

Club Med actually brought about the first ever all-inclusive ski mountain resort in Switzerland, over 60 years ago. Flights, ski passes, accommodation, and all-day dining are all part of the package, so it’s no surprise that these resorts have been popping up all over the world since.

The main thing that runs across their resorts is the family friendly feel to the place. Club Med Beidahu is packed full of activities that keep every member of the clan entertained. With exceptional ski classes and plenty of facilities, the ski resort makes sure to offer indoor AND outdoor activities for guests of all ages.

Click through the slideshow for our top 5 reasons to plan a trip to Club Med Beidahu…

Whilst travelling is something we consider a luxury, there’s no doubt that long haul flights with the whole family can be far from relaxing. Though skiing in China may not have crossed your mind, the ease of it all might just be enough to put Beidahu on your map!

The no-fuss 4-hour-flight on Hong Kong Airlines, heads direct to Chang Chun, Jilin. From there, Club Med Beidahu, is a 90 minute car ride – which really isn’t far considering you’re heading up into the gorgeous snowy mountains. Plus, to make the whole thing as seamless (read: stress-free) as possible, Club Med will actually organise the whole process for you. From the flights, to the car, to the check-in, to the family ski-pass, a snowy getaway has never been easier for Hong Kong parents!

The convenience moves past location, as Club Med’s all-inclusive packages mean that every part of your holiday is equally as stress-free. One massive bonus is that you can even rent skiwear for the whole family. From jackets and trousers to snow goggles and gloves, all you really need are some extra warm socks!

The energy at a Club Med is unlike any hotel or resort I’ve ever been to. It’s true when they say “people make a place” – and Beidahu is an absolute testament to that! The core staff at Club Med are known as G.Os (Gentil Organisateurs), and come across more like brand ambassadors at a party, than staff at work. Their optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to lend a helping hand are a few traits that are quintessentially Club Med. Though the resorts are notorious for their themed evenings and wild performances, it might not be what everyone is after. If you go into it with the right mindset, ready to have a good time, you’re sure to be one of the guests staying out, making the most of the free-flow.

With modern, quirky decor, the ambience is a blur between relaxation and entertainment (especially after that free-flow!). If you’re looking to keep every second of the day jam-packed with activities, Club Med Beidahu is definitely the place! And, don’t worry, if you’re in need of some downtime (aren’t we all?), there’s plenty of time to fit pampering yourself on the agenda too!

With 19 ski slopes (two beginner, eight intermediate, and six advanced), there’s something for every ability. The Club Med Ski School works in partnership with ESF, one of the oldest and most prestigious French ski schools. Their qualified, friendly instructors put safety first and are sure that kiddos (and adults!) are learning in a careful environment. Whether it’s your little one’s first time seeing snow, or whether they’re happily heading off piste, ESF offers a ski progression chart for kids, with a valid worldwide diploma.

With over 18,000 ski instructors all over the world, skiers and snowboarders can actually feel the consistency in teaching style and level of expertise, no matter what Club Med resort you go to.

The family vibe that Club Med exudes is definitely inline with ESF’s positive attitude. With seven levels for skiing and three for snowboarding, there’s no doubt that fearless 5 year olds will be overtaking the rest of us. Kids from the age of 4 to 11 even have their very own Snow Garden to get prepped before they embark on the real slopes. Though the main reason for this is safety, it’s also a great chance for photographer parents to get their snaps in.

The slopes also had simple adaptations to make sure skiing was a disability-friendly sport, with many people who use wheelchairs confidently navigating the slopes. Accessible for all ages and abilities!

The family friendly activities run throughout the day and night. With a Petit Club, a Mini Club, an Art Academy, a Games factory, a Passworld video studio, and a mini disco, the indoor activities are more than enough to tide your little ones through the post-ski evenings. They even have special Summer and Winter Camps running throughout the year, and a karaoke room for families inspired by the evening performances.

If you’re looking for some quality couple time, head over to the Spa, or make the most of the indoor jacuzzis. And if you’re keen to stretch out after a day on the slopes, the gym offers yoga classes and fitness lessons.

Though there seems to be something crazy going on constantly, the rooms are gorgeous enough that you really can snuggle up by the (electrical) fireplace, with a hot cup of tea for some good ol’ family time.

Last, but DEFINITELY not least: the food. Debatably my favourite part of any holiday, the food is always a deciding factor when I book a hotel.

With all food and beverages included as part of the package, this is a place to eat till your heart’s content (guilty!). With an extensive International buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest little ones. From dim sum to chicken nuggets, and sushi to pasta, your little connoisseurs won’t go hungry. If you’re looking to check out some of the local cuisine, the separate Hot Pot dining experience is a perfect way to warm up after a day in the snow.

The dessert section of the buffet was the icing on the cake (pun intended). The macaroons were made to perfection. Let’s just say we happily made trips back and forth with plates of waffles and crepes piled high. From the fresh croissants at the lobby lounge, to all-day-snacking at the bar, you really can expect food at every corner!

If you’re planning a last-minute Chinese New Year family holiday, make sure to check out their special peak-time prices on the main article page. Happy travelling, mamas!