Food First on the Slopes?
A new study conducted on behalf of tour operator Club Med has found that the range of restaurants and bars in the local area is the most important factor when it comes to making their ski resort destination choice.
The claim is made following the consumer research conducted by YouGov who contacted 1000 adults between 5th and 11th October 2017 on behalf of Club Med.
“Previously an overlooked aspect of a holiday, 84% of winter sports fans say their week away is the ideal opportunity to try new foods. For 36%, the range of restaurants and bars in the local area is the most important factor when selecting a destination,” a Club Med spokesperson commented.
Other stats the survey threw up were that 68% of skiers eat more on a skiing holiday than on an average day at home. …but since the calorie burn can be anything from 300 to 400 per active hour, there is some leeway to indulge
The research also found 31% claimed food quality was all important and that nearly a quarter – 23% – will dine at international, local and Asian restaurants whilst for 14%, no ski trip is complete without a fine dining experience.
Club Med themselves are keen to point out they have adopted this gourmet trend in a partnership with chef Edouard Loubet, a native of Val Thorens and former member of the under-21 French ski team but today holder of two Michelin stars and five Gault & Millau Toques.
“The Epicurious Gourmet Lounge at Val Thorens showcases Loubet’s light, contemporary cuisine, which celebrates the regional produce of the Savoie landscape and is inspired by the cooking of his grandparents,” said the Club Med spokesperson.
Loubet is now bringing his flair to the newly opened Gourmet Lounge at Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon.
The trend towards marketing ski resort increasingly on their dining options as much as on their skiing is growing. Alta Badia in the Dolomites (pictured) runs multiple events all season long highlighting their regional cuisine and high calibre chefs and other resorts such as Lech are also keen to highlight their culinary offering.
