Méribel, an insider’s guide

The French ski resort of Méribel regularly ranks among our most popular destinations, attracting skiers and snowboarders of all ages, groups of families and friends alike, bargain-hunters and discerning visitors looking for high-end luxury. With slopes running up to 3,230m and swift chairlifts and gondolas, getting around is easy. But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg…

Location, location, location

Méribel lies in the heart of the Three Valleys ski area, with Courchevel and La Tania to one side and Les Menuires and Val Thorens to the other. Skiers with full area lift passes can take a series of gondolas from Méribel’s’ La Chaudanne and find themselves with some 600kms of skiable runs beneath their feet. Swift access to such expansive terrain is one of the key factors bringing skiers back to Méribel year on year. 

World-class tuition

Ski schools such as New Generation, Parallel Lines, the British Alpine Ski School, and Magic in Motion have been operating in Méribel for many seasons now, building solid reputations for the quality and diversity of the courses they deliver. Whether you’re a nervous learner taking to the snow for the first time or a seasoned expert hoping to perfect your mogul technique, you’ll find the course to suit among Méribel’s high-calibre ski schools.

Lively après ski and diverse dining options

Piste-side bars like the Rond Point and the Folie Douce have cemented Méribel’s reputation as an après ski destination of note, with live music and beers flowing every afternoon. The party continues down in town, with a fine selection of venues including La Taverne, Aux Petits Oignons, Jack’s Bar and Barometer catering to après skiers of all persuasions.

On the dining front, visitors in search of a taste of the Alps can choose from a number of stylish and welcoming restaurants, where specialities like pierrade and fondue accompany international flavours from across the world. For families with kids in tow, there are plenty of child-friendly venues offering the basics at reasonable prices too.

Diverse terrain for all levels

Within the local Méribel valley alone, there’s easily enough varied terrain to last a learner or intermediate skier a full week without getting bored. The tree-lined Altiport sector offers sheltered slopes ideal for practising first turns, and the sweeping blue runs from the Saulire peak to base-level are perfect for those pushing themselves on the snow. More confident advanced skiers and snowboards in possession of a full area lift pass can drop in from soaring peaks across the Three Valleys, where steep couloirs and deep powder fields await. There are also numerous noteworthy snowparks — especially within the Meribel Valley — for freeride skiers and boarders to enjoy.

Accommodation options for all

Although perhaps famed for the quality of its luxury accommodation offerings, Méribel is home to chalets and hotels catering to all budgets. From satellite villages like Les Allues and Le Raffort to ski in / ski out enclaves on the snow, and packaged chalets catered chalets with travel included to independent chalets where guests enjoy a bespoke service — Méribel has it all.

To chat over the pros and cons of Méribel for your next trip to the Alps, our helpful team is on hand as ever. You can call us on 020 3080 0202 or get in touch via our online chat service here.