Meribel has a fantastic location right in the heart of the 3 valleys. Ski chalets, apartments and hotels are all available to book for those perfect Meribel ski holidays. It is without doubt one of the finest and largest linked areas to ski in the world. The area has plenty of snow cannons, a good snow record and a virtual guarantee of skiing from Christmas through to Easter. The main village is built on a west facing hillside and is mainly made up of wooden chalet style buildings so a pretty village compared to some of the newer French purpose built resorts. As Meribel was founded in 1938 by a Scotsman called Colonel Peter Lindsay, there is still a strong British influence to be found. The satellite resort of Mottaret located a couple of miles up the valley is centrally placed offering easy access to Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
The best place to start the après ski in Meribel is, of course, the Rond Point. There are live bands on the terrace and always plenty of fun before the final ski and board down to the village. Jack’s Bar and the Meri bar near the main lifts are popular as well. There are a few bars around the main square at the tourist office that are good for a drink before dinner such as the Taverne and Le Pub just across the road. It also has a pool table and sometimes has live music. If you still have the energy to head out of your chalet after dinner then Dick’s Tea Bar will keep you dancing and full of amazing cocktails till the early hours.
Apart from all the partying there is still plenty to do as there is an ice rink, swimming pool, climbing wall and a spa. There is also a good few marked walks throughout the altiport area and down to Les Allues. The market comes once a week giving you the chance to sample delicious cheeses and sausages. There are also plenty of shops, boutiques and patisseries to explore.
Meribel suits all standards of skiers and has a highly efficient lift system on offer. Most of the slopes are above the tree line and there are still some tree runs available for those white out days. With 150km of piste on offer in Meribel and 600km throughout the 3 valleys you really can rack up the miles if you want.
There is something for everyone with cruisy blues, bumps, steep blacks and fantastic off piste to keep all varieties of skiers and boarders occupied.
Beginners will be happy learning at the Altiport where there are wide green runs to play on through the trees.
Intermediates will just love the mileage available that will keep any piste basher happy and more advanced skiers will love the Ladies Olympic downhill.
Off piste adventurers should hire a guide and try some of the couloirs on offer or the likes of the powder on Saulire.
Why not trek out for some fresh tracks? Snowboarders return year after year to Meribel for the varied terrain. Most lifts are chairs or gondolas which saves the hassle of the drag lifts! There is also a snowboard park for some fun.
- Season Start / End: 3/11 – 2/5
- Opening Times: 08:30 – 16:30
- Total Slope Length: 600 km
- Easy Runs: 172
- Intermediate Runs: 125
- Difficult Runs: 33
MOUNTAIN STATION ALTITUDE: 3230m
VALLEY STATION ALTITUDE: 1300m
TOTAL SKI LIFTS: 171
FUNICULARS: 3
CABLE CARS: 5
GONDOLAS: 35
CHAIR LIFTS: 64
DRAG LIFTS: 44
MAGIC CARPETS: 20
