Meribel Ski Resort, France

Overview of Meribel

Meribel 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 league 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 apres-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 connected by a free and efficient bus service (no lift pass required), along with well-maintained pavements and footpaths.

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.

3 Things We Love About Meribel

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

Skiing and Boarding in Meribel

Meribel is one of the "Three Valleys" (Meribel, Val Thorens, Courchevel), which is the largest ski area in the world. With a Three Valleys full area lift pass you will have access to 600km of pistes across Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint Martin. This includes 200 lifts and 321 pistes (51 green pistes, 132 blue pistes, 106 red pistes, and 32 black pistes).

The amazingly efficient lift system of Meribel offers smooth skiing days and all levels of skiers will find pistes to entertain them.

Beginner

• In the centre of Meribel Mottaret you will find two beginner "Zen Zones": these are beginners-only zones with a magic carpet and drag lift for first timers. The magic carpets are all free to ride, so no need for a lift pass.
• There is also a magic carpet in Meribel Centre, near the Chaudanne at the bottom of the Saulire Express gondola. 
• In Meribel Mottaret, the Combes chairlift also gives access to a good green beginner run called Yeti Park.
• Explore the Alitport area of Meribel in the "Ski Cool Zone" with its selection of green and blue runs.
• From the top of the Saulire Express 1 Gondola (the mid station of the Saulire Gondolas), there is a nice green run called Blanchot which runs all the way down to the Altiport area.
• Take the Rhodos 1 gondola to access some nice gently sloping runs. But be aware that the lower parts of these runs are a little steeper, so be prepared for slightly harder sections.
• When you're feeling ready to explore what blue runs the resort has to offer, some great areas to start are from the top of the Combes 2, Plattieres, and Tougnette 2 lifts.

Intermediate

• There is a nice selection of blue and red runs under the Saulire Express gondolas.
• A must-ski area is the red runs from the top of Mont Vallon, accessed via the Mont Vallon gondola.
• There are some nice tree-lined runs in the lower part of resort from the top of the Olympic chairlift: either try the blue down to Le Raffort or the red down to Les Allues.
• The Pas du Lac gondola gives you access to multiple nice red runs dropping down into Meribel Mottaret, or alternatively from here you can drop into Courchevel.
• For a nice long run, take the Tougnette gondola where you can test your endurance on the Ladies Olympic Downhill run.

Advanced and Off-Piste

• Try the Grande Rosiere black run, accessed from the top of the Pas du Lac 2 gondola.
• From the top of the Olympic chairlift you can access some great off-piste skiing through the trees down to Le Raffort and Les Allues. You have the option either to turn right and drop into some steep terrain or to traverse along a little to then drop down into the trees, with both options ending up back in Meribel or the lower villages.
• There is plenty of great off-piste terrain to explore down from the top of the Mont Vallon bubble.
• Find some fast and steep trails on either side of the Pas du Lac 2 gondola.
• Find a very popular off-piste run underneath the Loze chairlift.
• Also, from underneath the Loze chairlift, try cutting off to the right and riding in between the trees down to Altiport or Meribel Village.
• The area around the Côte Brune chairlift is a beautiful area to ski in fresh powder.
• From the top of the Tougnette 2 chairlift you can traverse along and then choose from a selection of on-piste and off-piste routes back into the Meribel valley, ending up either back in Meribel centre or at one of the chairlifts above Mottaret.
• Find lovely open powder fields coming down from the Plattieres gondola or the Combes 2 chairlift.

Park

• The Plattieres Park in Mottaret has two half-pipes and a boardercross, as well as small, medium, large and extra-large jumps, boxes, kickers and rails. The park can be lapped using the Chatelet chairlift. Note that this park won't be open at the start of the season because it will still be being built.
• When the snow's fresh, you'll find natural kickers, rollers and mini wind-lips off the Boulevard de la Loze blue run.
• With a full area lift pass you can also access the snowparks in Courchevel and Val Thorens. The Courchevel park is more beginner friendly while you'll find larger features in Val Thorens.

Additional tips

• For a fantastic view, head to the top of the Olympic chairlift.
• 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.
• If you fancy doing the last run of the day on Mont Vallon, or if you're coming back over from Val Thorens, you may be too late to get the Plan des Mains chairlift which links you back to Meribel Centre. Instead, just take the Ours blue run which takes you to Mottaret, then the Truite green run which takes you Meribel Centre.
• For something a bit different, and great for children, head to the Moon Wild piste: a themed piste with life-sized animal models and quizzes about animals

When skiing or snowboarding in any un-patrolled / un-pisted area, you should always have the correct equipment and employ the services of a qualified mountain guide. Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can result in injury or death even with a professional mountain guide or instructor. Our partner ski schools in Meribel, Parallel Lines and New Generation, offer off-piste lessons and guiding.

Activities in Meribel

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

• Olympic Park - This centre offers swimming, a spa, bowling, climbing, an ice rink, and ice hockey matches to watch.
• Night tobogganing - Take to the slopes on a sledge for a new way to explore the mountain.
• Ice hockey - Get involved in the action and watch the pros battle it out.
• Bowling - Lanes available specially adapted for children from age 3+.
• Horse riding - Ride horseback and set off into the wilderness.
• Local market - Stock up on local cheese, charcuterie, clothing and gifts at Meribel's Street Market.
• Spas - There's a selection of relaxing spas to enjoy in Meribel. 
• Walking - There are some lovely and scenic footpaths between Meribel centre and Mottaret.
• Trip to Brides-les-Bains - If you fancy a day off the slopes, you can use your lift pass to take the gondola down to Brides-les-Bains, where there is a nice array of shops and cafés. Note however that the shops often close at midday.

Après Ski in Meribel

Want to party after your day 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.
• La 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.
• Fifty50 Bar - A quieter, cosier experience. Perfect for more chilled nights.
• Jacks Bar - Open late for those that want to continue the après into the night.
• Sully's - A night club and live music venue.
• Hotel Doron (AKA Le Pub) - Small, lively venue with live music from 10pm.
• Lodge du Village - A great apres venue with live music, cocktails, live sports, and tasty snacks. You can easily then get the line C bus back to Meribel Centre.

Places to eat in Meribel

Some wonderful places to dine in Meribel make this resort a great choice for foodies. As in all ski resorts, especially in peak season (or when heavy snow brings everyone on the mountain!) it is best to book your restaurant in advance.

On the mountain

• La Terrasse - A great spot in Mottaret for burgers and pizzas and also reasonably priced.
• Rond Point - Great views and great homemade Savoyard dishes.
• Le Clos Bernard - Located in the heart of the Altiport forest with a yummy gourmet menu.
• La Folie Douce - Not only a great apres venue but a highly rated restaurant as well.
• Le Monchu - High altitude bistro with a large sun terrace and nice pastries on offer too.
• Le Blanchot - Close to Altiport with a nice and varied Savoyard menu.

In town

• La Tavern - Bistro restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• L'Igloo Restaurant - Igloo themed lounge bar and restaurant, for a fancy meal out.
• La Brizolee - With a larger menu, this restaurant is great for a diverse group looking for a variety of choice.
• Le Rastro - Highly rated pizzeria located in Mottaret.
• Pizzeria du Mottaret - Another great pizzeria option in Mottaret.
• Le Close-Up - Traditional French eatery with the added attraction of an inhouse magician!
• Barometer - They serve good pizzas and also show sports on the TV.
• Copina - Tapas bar with great cocktails.
• La Galette - Traditional Savoyard dishes, pizzas, and crêpes.
• Le Refuge - Specialists in pizzas but also offer a varied menu of French cuisine. Also serve good cocktails.
• Jacks - Restaurant with a chilled vibe, serving American-inspired dishes including burgers, fries and milkshakes.
• Chez Bif - Delicious sandwiches and burgers in Mottaret town centre.

Family Features Meribel

Please also see the 'Activities' and 'Ski Schools' sections for a wealth of non-skiing and skiing options for families.

Depending on the age of your child, there are a few childcare options available in Meribel.

• ESF Garderie - Childcare centre for children from ages 18 months to 12 years.
• Alpine Child Care - Nannies and babysitters.
• Merinannies - Nannies and babysitters.
• Jelly and Ice Cream - Nannies and babysitters.