They said it couldn’t be done. “Snow in the tropics? Surf in the city?” Cue the raised eyebrows, the polite smiles, and the you-gotta-be-kidding glances over coffee. And yet, here we are, Club Med and TRIFECTA are about to do it all over again, only bigger, bolder, and with more attitude than a Bondi lifesaver on caffeine.
From 6–7 September 2025, Singapore’s Orchard Road will swap its usual parade of luxury boutiques and coffee queues for an improbable mash-up of alpine thrills and ocean spills, in a high-energy spectacle dubbed Ride in the City. Think ski jumps and surf barrels, cotton candy and craft workshops, all served in the immersive experience that would make even the most jaded city dwellers grin like a kid at their first snowflake.
And this isn’t just any random weekend. It’s Club Med’s 75th anniversary, and if there’s one thing they know how to throw, it’s a party with a view, whether that view is a snow-capped peak or a sunset beach.
From Alpine Chill to Coastal Cool Without Leaving the Tropics
Last year’s inaugural Ski in the City had already proven the point: more than 300 families showed up, ready to trade Orchard Road’s asphalt heat for frosty thrills. But in 2025, the snow’s getting some company — the surf’s in town too.
TRIFECTA, Singapore’s temple to action sports, will be the playground for this two-day urban adventure, open from 9 am to 9 pm. And it’s not just about watching — it’s about diving in, boots or boardshorts first.
Free activities for all ages will dot the weekend like sprinkles on a gingerbread chalet:
-
Face painting to turn little ones into mini ski champions or beach babes.
-
Cookie piping sessions that could tempt even the most disciplined athlete.
-
Cotton candy clouds for the sugar-fuelled energy boost you didn’t know you needed.
-
A bouncy castle that will likely see as many parents as children “supervising”.
-
Creative workshops like bucket hat making, because what’s a snow-surf hybrid weekend without a little DIY flair?
Ticket to Thrill
Those who want more than a spectator’s pass can book hands-on sessions for an extra cost. Snow sledding for all ages? Tick. Surf and ski classes from beginner to “show-off”? Tick. And because it wouldn’t be Club Med without a touch of theatrical magic, snow will fall every 15 minutes — a whimsical flurry designed for photos that can pivot from “gondola in the Alps” to “boardwalk by the sea” faster than you can say “no passport required.”
And just in case you thought this was all fluff, the weekend comes anchored with two significant events:
-
A Snowboarding Freestyle Competition on Saturday that will see airborne tricks worthy of a Winter Olympics highlight reel.
-
On Sunday, a Surf Showcase and Community Party, where wave riders will swap the open sea for TRIFECTA’s perfectly engineered swells.
The stakes? Not just bragging rights. We’re talking an exclusive five-day, four-night stay at Club Med Sahoro or Beidahu for two, a three-day, two-night escape to Club Med Bintan, TRIFECTA class packs, and branded gear. Oh, and a lucky draw for more goodies, because why stop at “just enough”?
All-Inclusive Club Med Style
For those who like their fun neatly bundled (and frankly, who doesn’t?), there’s the all-inclusive event package at $249, covering one adult and one child. Here’s what’s in the mix:
-
A one-hour kids’ snow class.
-
A one-hour sledding session.
-
A one-hour ski, snowboard, or surf intro class.
-
Dining credit for two.
-
Access to all creative workshops.
Add-ons are available $79 per extra child (snow class + sledding) or $99 per additional adult (snow/surf intro). Open sledding à la carte? That’s $20, with a minimum height of 120cm for certain activities.
It’s an urban microcosm of Club Med’s global “premium all-inclusive” ethos, no stress, no nickel-and-diming, just the freedom to say “yes” to everything.
A Milestone Year for Club Med
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, Ride in the City reflects exactly what Club Med stands for: freedom, joy, and the thrill of discovery,” says Olivier Monceau, General Manager of Club Med Singapore and Malaysia. “Last year, we brought the mountains to Orchard Road. This year, we’re expanding the experience to include surf-inspired fun alongside alpine magic, an invitation to step into the energy, conviviality, and spirit of adventure that define a Club Med holiday.”
This spirit, part nostalgia, part fearless reinvention, has kept Club Med at the forefront of holidaymaking for three-quarters of a century. From rustic seaside escapes in postwar France to cutting-edge mountain resorts in Asia, they’ve always known how to blend place, people, and play into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Why This Works
In an age where travel is as much about the Instagram moment as the journey itself, Ride in the City is a masterstroke. It’s accessible (no flights, no packing dramas), multi-sensory, and dripping with “I can’t believe this is happening here” novelty.
It also plays beautifully into the “try before you fly” trend, offering a taster of Club Med’s signature activities before you commit to a full-blown resort stay. One weekend on Orchard Road, you might book a ski trip to Hokkaido or a surf escape to the Maldives.
Event Details:
📅 6–7 September 2025
📍 TRIFECTA, Orchard Road, Singapore
⏰ 9 am–9 pm daily
🔗 More info: Club Med – Ride in the City
By Charmaine Lu
