MéRIBEL

Méribel has one of the great advantages of all the resorts in the 3 Vallées in that it has pistes in the sun at all times of the day. Of course this has its cons as well – those that get warm and soft in the afternoon will freeze overnight and be like a race course injected with ice in the mornings. What it means is that you have to plan your day accordingly. Head to the west side in the mornings, and make your way around the valley to the east side, on the Saulire slopes for a cruise in the afternoon. Conveniently (although no doubt well planned) this is also the location of the famous La Folie Douce après club, which gets packed from lunch-time with party-goers who end up dancing on the tables in ski boots and which stays open until after the lifts close.

Of course you’ll also want to plan your day based on whether you want to ski the neighboring resorts of Les Menuires, Val Thorens (where the snow is the most reliable) and Courchevel.

Most of the skiing is above the tree line and the runs are well connected with an extensive lift system (including many gondolas). The views from up on the peaks are nothing short of spectacular.

Great pistes exist for all levels of skiers, but intermediates in particular will have a blast cruising around the endless number of well-groomed slopes. There is some good, marked terrain for advanced skiers, including runs used for the 1992 Olympic Women’s Downhill and World Championships. But in general more experienced skiers looking for a real challenge will benefit from taking a guide to access some of the great off-piste terrain that can be hard to find but great to ski.

There are several good terrain parks including a competition standard half-pipe and a skicross course. 

Méribel is a good place for families, especially as there are several gentle beginner areas if your kids are first timers. The resort recently obtained the accreditation of the “Famille Plus” organization. The convenience of on-snow accommodation at Méribel Mottaret would make it a great base, and most of the children’s facilities are just down the hill at La Chaudanne Base area (including ski school, day nursery and Les Piou Piou kindergarten). There are other off-snow activities for kids such as ice-skating, swimming pool, snowmobiling and special children’s night outings during school holidays called “World of Snow” with tales of the mountains. 

A large proportion of the Méribel accommodation is catered chalets, including luxurious private homes and those run by large, discount-style tour operators. As well as chalets, Méribel has some apartments and a wide range of hotels, from a few great value hotels in the middle of the village, through to 5-star, super luxurious hotels. The most convenient place to stay is as close to the center of the main village, or up in Méribel Mottaret.

Thanks to the 1992 Winter Olympics being hosted in the area (at Albertville) Méribel has a full-size ice hockey rink and games are played frequently. There’s an attached spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, gym, tenpin bowling and a climbing wall.

The usual side activities of snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing are also offered. For a real thrill you can take joyrides in a small plane from the small Altiport above the village.

The best way to get to Méribel is via bus transfer from the nearest main airports (Geneva and Lyon –three hours, Chambery and Grenoble – two hours) or via train to Moûtiers, just 18kms from Méribel. There are direct trains to Moûtiers from London, Paris and Chambery. A taxi from Moûtiers to Méribel costs about €35.

There is a free bus service within the resort and linking the different villages, as well as plenty of private taxis.

Méribel opens in the first week of December and operates until the end of April. It is particularly busy during holiday periods as well as during Russian Christmas in the first part of January. The rest of January is a good time to visit when the crowds are minimal and the snow conditions realiable. February is busy with the French and UK school holidays. March and April are great months to ski when the sun is shining and you can enjoy one of the many restaurant decks for lunch.