Meribel Ski Resort, France

Overview of Meribel

Meribel ski resort is the convivial warm heart of the legendary Three Valleys ski area. The resort makes for a perfect base to explore these world-class mountains, but also holds its own in the big leagues of must-ski destinations.

Chances are you will already know Meribel skiing, the British legacy here runs deep. The resort was conceived by Colonel Peter Lindsay in 1938 and is a prime example of a well-planned purpose-built ski resort thanks to strict building regulations and a solid and ongoing investment in its mountain infrastructure and eco-credentials. Add to this the array of après-ski activities and the fantastic nightlife and you may find yourself gravitating back to this resort year after year – and you wouldn’t be alone.

The resort is made up of 4 villages: the old village of Les Allues, the quieter ski chalets of Meribel Village, Meribel Centre and ski-in/ski-out Mottaret which is 4km up the hill. Meribel Centre is the resort’s main hub and from here you'll find roads lined with chalets, beautifully constructed solely of the local stone, wood and slate. All the villages are linked by a free efficient bus service (no need even for a lift pass) as well as well-maintained pavements and footpaths. Some of the accommodation in Meribel consists of beautiful ski apartments, chalets and hotels. Therefore you'll find both catered and self-catered options available.

The 150km of pistes in Meribel are accessed by a world-record-breaking system of high-capacity gondolas that gets more skiers up the hill quicker than any other ski resort.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a Meribel ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About Meribel

1. Les Trois Vallées – Méribel makes up one-third of Les Trois Vallées (The 3 Valleys) and with 600km of pistes, it’s the largest ski area in the world. Méribel is situated in the middle, with Courchevel and Val Thorens either side, which means there is certainly enough skiing for the week.
2. The Village Feel – Unlike many French resorts, Méribel doesn’t have towering hotels or apartment blocks. The resort is made up of chalets or chalet hotels, which give it have a lovely village feel.
3. The Après-Ski – Voted one of the best après resorts in France, Méribel definitely has a lot of options when it comes to dancing to live music after skiing. 

Learn more about Les Trois Vallées ski area

Skiing and Boarding in Meribel

The amazingly efficient lift-system of Meribel ski resort offers one of the smoothest day’s skiing ever and all levels of skier will find pistes to entertain them. The East-West orientation of the valley makes it advisable to start on the west flank and work your way over to the east for the best snow in the afternoon sun.

Beginners can find their balance in the Zen Zones, separated from the main trails to avoid distractions, before graduating onto the green and blue pistes of Altiport. Take the Rhodos gondola for gently sloping runs but some do get a bit steeper back into the resort so you’ll need be ready for this.

Intermediates will love the long groomed linking trails throughout the valley. Be sure to check out the classic reds down to Saint Martin de Belleville or for a nice long run, take the Tougnette gondola where you can also test your mettle on the Ladies Olympic Downhill.

For advanced skiers, almost every peak in the Meribel valley offers exciting challenges. For off-piste, you can’t beat the slopes down from the Mont du Vallon or there are fast steep trails on either side of the Pas du Lac and massive moguls to the left of the Roc de Tougne lift.

When the snow’s fresh, you’ll find natural kickers, rollers and mini wind-lips off the Boulevard de la Loze or open powder coming down from Plattieres and Combes, but as with the rest of the Three Valleys, you’ll need to get up early or you may find it quickly tracked out. 

Snowboarders and park rats will be keen to try Meribel’s snowparks, the Plattieres Park in Mottaret which has two half-pipes and a boardercross, or the freeriders choice, the Moon Park in Meribel where you’ll find competition and a beginner half-pipe plus jumps, boxes, kickers and rails. Children can also practice their skills on the P’tit Moon boardercross.

Lift Passes in Meribel

The Trois Vallees is arguably one of the largest and most famous linked ski areas in the world. In each of these three resorts, it is possible to buy a local area lift pass covering that sole area. These passes are great for first-time beginners or for those that do not want to venture too far.

To make the most of the terrain a full area lift pass is available from each resort that covers all three valleys. Due to the great links between resorts and a variety of runs connecting each, anyone from intermediate ability and above will benefit from the full area lift pass which will allow them to enjoy and explore a world-class ski area.

The Epic Pass

One Lift Pass which gives you access to 44 ski resorts in 7 countries. Find out more about The Epic Lift Pass.

Activities in Meribel

Fancy doing something else besides skiing and snowboarding? Here are some of the top things available in the resort:

• Olympic Centre - Swimming, spa, bowling, climbing, an ice rink and watching ice hockey
• Night tobogganing - Available on a Monday and Thursday and costs €7
• Ice hockey - Available on a Tuesday & Saturday and costs €5 entry
• Bowling - Costing €12 per Lane
• Igloo - Building for Kids Prosneige - Ski School
• Parapenting - Prosneige - Ski School
• Snow Mobiles - Via Snow Biker

Après Ski in Meribel

Want to party after your time on the slopes? Here are some suggestions on where to go:

• La Taverne Bar - Located in the very centre of Meribel  and offering live music, a bar & restaurant
• The Den - Perfect to visit for craft beer & good food
• Folie Douce - One of the best Folie's in France  with live music daily
• Rond Point - Voted one of the best apres locations in the three valleys
• Meribar - With live music daily and serving the best nachos in Meribel
• Scott's Bar - Providing live music, open mic nights, as well as 2-4-1 Burgers on a Monday Night!
• Le Pub - Here you'll find live bands, pool tables and 2-4-1 drinks on promotional nights
• Copina - A cocktail & tapas bar
• Sully's - A night club & live music venue

Places to Eat in Meribel

Although food and drink can be expensive in Meribel, there several notable establishments where you will want to splash the cash. As most guests stay in a chalet, the best places can get booked up quickly on the host’s nights off and early booking is recommended.

• Mottaret La Terrasse - A great spot for burgers and pizza’s and also reasonably priced
• La Tavern - Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner
• L’Igloo Restaurant - For the best Posh Night 
• Kaila Restaurant - A spot for those who really want to splash out
• Le Close up - Here you'll find the owner is very enthusiastic about local produce and even magic at your table! (The owner is a magician)
• La Galette - One of the best places around for Fondue
• T'seretta Spice - An Indian restaurant
• Chez Kiki - A great place for Steaks
• Crocodile Bar - Offering a great setting and you must try the hot stones!
• Copina - Come here for mouth-watering tapas and tasty cocktails

Family Options in Meribel

• Nanny services - T4 nannies and Meribel nanny services who are fully qualified. The costs vary across the season
• In-resort creches - ESF club piou piou - costs vary across the season and children are accepted from age 3
• The Olympic Centre - Here you'll find many activities for families, from swimming to climbing walls