At the heart of the 3 Valleys, it’s not just about the snow & spectacular scenery – enjoy the chocolate-box chalet feel of Méribel’s alpine atmosphere!
Snow Range: 1260m – 3230m
Location
Méribel lies in the Les Allues Valley at the centre of the world’s largest ski area, the 3 Valleys, giving access to over 600km of piste and unlimited off-piste. The most convenient airport is Chambery (109 kms – 1 hr 15 mins). Other airport options are Grenoble (176kms), Lyon (186km – 2 hrs 30 mins) or Geneva (190km – 2 hrs 45mins); all of which are serviced by a number of the major airlines. Each airport has it pros and cons. Chambery is closest but may close in bad weather. Geneva is our recommendation as it has excellent links to Meribel.
Overview
The resort’s popularity is due not only to its extensive skiing, but also to the attractive chalet-style architecture. Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts Méribel has retained its Alpine charm and consists entirely of chalet-style wood and stone buildings.
As well as the two main resorts, Méribel and Méribel-Mottaret, the valley also includes a number of traditional villages. Méribel is the largest of the villages and is home to the main shopping area and the greatest selection of après-ski bars and restaurants. Stretching from 1450m up to 1700m, it offers some ski in / ski out accommodation and excellent access to the ski area via the superb lift system.
There are a number of different quartiers that make up Méribel that offer alternatives to the lively centre of town. The original hamlet of Mussillon is about a 10 minute walk downhill from the centre and 5 minute bus ride from the slopes. It may not have ski in / ski out accommodation but it is home to the infamous Dicks Tea Bar. Belvedere (more up market), Altiport (tranquil woodland area), the Rond-Point, Le Plateau, Altitude 1600, and Morel, all lie further up the hill from Méribel Centre, and are a short bus ride away. There are however, a range of shops and restaurants in these areas, and you also have a greater chance of securing ski in / ski out accommodation in these areas.
Resort Essentials
Ski Area: 600km of downhill skiing
No. of runs: 497
No. of lifts: 200
Beginners/green runs: 56 slopes
Beginners/blue runs: 120 slopes
Intermediate/red runs : 115 slopes
Advanced/black runs: 49 slopes
Off piste: Good
Other: Cross country trails
Longest run: 5km
Fun parks: Yes
Snow machines: Yes
Ski bus service: excellent free bus service which runs until around midnight
Mountain restaurants/pubs: many
Kids Amenities: Yes
Family Friendly : Very Good
Non skiers: Excellent
Skiing in Meribel
Méribel’s location allows skiers to make the most of the Three Valleys – with its vast and varied choice of ski runs. Whether you prefer to ski alone or with friends; are an expert or a novice; like to take it easy or push yourself to the limits, you will find a wide choice of routes and varied landscapes. To the east is Courchevel’s world famous skiing, to the west the high altitude slopes of Val Thorens with Les Menuires below it. Méribel’s own central valley runs north – south and so skiers can keep in the sun all day, with the whole valley in the spotlight around lunch time.
The choice of skiing here is vast, with 150 km of trails in the Méribel Valley alone and of course more than five times that in the neighbouring valleys. Méribel has invested very heavily in its lift system and today has more high-speed gondola lifts than any other resort in the world. As modern gondolas are the fastest lifts there are, with the exception only of ultra modern funicular railways, faster even than the new breed of high capacity high-speed four, six and eight-seater chair lifts, this point cannot be over-stated.
Downhill choices are as close to limitless as they can be and, whilst the 3 Valleys generally receives the ubiquitous title ‘intermediates’ paradise’ there is really plenty for experts to enjoy too, such as the off-piste Mt. Vallon face above Méribel-Mottaret or the legendary Les Bosses black. The Women’s Olympic Downhill is not to be sniffed at either, nor the powder or tree skiing.
Snow parks where beginners and experimented skiers and snowboarders each have their own areas, fun zones for little ones with mountain wildlife learning slopes, whoops, tunnels, slaloms…Méribel offers a full range of snow parks for each member of your family!
Cross country skiers have plenty of trails in the Méribel and Courchevel valleys, including two exceptional routes around the Tuèda Lake and the Altiport Forest.
Resort Activities
Meribel offers a variety of winter activities and snow sports during the winter months.
Whether you are looking for the high octane adrenalin buzz of sliding around the ice of the Olympic ice skating rink in a go-kart; or speeding up and down the pistes on a snowmobile; or flying high in the clear blue skies over white snow capped mountains in a helicopter… Feel like something more relaxed after a long day on the slopes… or looking for a place to take the kids? Meribel has all the answers.
For those not skiing there are many mountain restaurants accessible by car or on foot where you can meet up with the skiing members of your party for lunch. There are also local walks and other activities such as tobogganing, parapenting, swimming, ice skating, tennis, squash and quad biking.
Winter walks:
The Méribel Valley is a walker’s paradise throughout the year. During the winter season a network of groomed walking trails allow walkers to discover the resort and its surroundings on foot. 25km of trails link Méribel, Mottaret, the local villages and even some of the mountain restaurants. A free map can be obtained from the Tourist Office.
Husky Sledding
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths following the guide’s team or opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience.
Paragliding:
Glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Peacefully glide above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer.
Snow Mobile:
Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks), follow the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder. Accompanied children aged four and above can ride mini snow-mobiles around a mini-circuit during the day.
Snowshoe Walking:
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley.
Arcades & tenpin bowling:
Bowling le Canadien has 6 lanes, a games arcade, pool tables and a big screen for sports matches. You can also grab a drink and some snacks at the bar. You’ll find the bowling alley in the Olympic Centre, open between 2pm-2am (11am on bad weather days).
Cinema:
Méribel has two cinemas – both often show English language films in their original version (V.O.), sometimes with French subtitles. There are two daily shows, with an extra 2.30pm showing on bad weather days.
Segway Tours:
Excursions by segway – the silent, electric, stand-up single human transportation device that looks like it probably belongs on a moon base. Tours of one to two hours are organised and the device is reportedly so simple to use, anyone can do it, with a maximum speed of about 5mph.
Shopping:
Méribel provides a diverse range of shops and boutiques to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Fitness & Sports Centre:
A new public gym, massage area and relaxation zone have been added to the Olympic Centre in Meribel. The fitness zone adjoining the swimming pool offers state-of-the-art running, cross-training and rowing machines, plus weights and Power plate machines. Entrance to the fitness zone costs €10 per session. A separate spa and relaxation zone offers a mixed giant Jacuzzi and separate men’s & women’s saunas and steam rooms.
Eating Out & Après Ski
Méribel has a host of restaurants, catering for all tastes. Although there are plenty of modern and international menu options the Savoyard classics offered by most restaurants are well worth a try.
The costs of dining out in Méribel varies greatly depending on where you choose, but if you know where to go a great night doesn’t have to break the bank. Eating out at lunchtime, or choosing the set menu, helps keep the cost down. There are plenty of gourmet restaurants in Méribel, mostly located in the more up market hotels.
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The Allodis Hotel in le Belvedere and the Grand Coeur Hotel in Méribel centre are two of the best where you can expect to spend between €50 – €100 a head just for food. Choose the fabulous set menus which are good value given the quality of the cuisine.
Restaurant Le Blanchot (on the road to the Altiport) is another gastronomic treat, with a cosy atmosphere and beautiful setting.
Chez Kiki is a Méribel institution, run by chef Kiki for over 30 years. He grills steaks on the fire before your eyes, accompanying them with rich local food. Expensive, but ideal for hungry carnivores.
There are plenty of other restaurants that fall into a lower budget category but still deliver a great standard. Le Refuge in Méribel Centre offers excellent steaks, salads and pizzas for 10 to 20€ a head. La Galette is perfect for an inexpensive or speedy meal, offering good savoury and sweet pancakes and local dishes.
There’s no better way to celebrate a great day on the slopes than with a few well earned après-ski drinks amongst friends. Whether you prefer to soak up the last of the afternoon sun with a quiet beer or dance on the tables in your ski boots Méribel has no shortage of great spots where you can amuse yourself when the lifts shut for the day.
The ‘Ronnie’ at Rond Point is a perennial favourite. Live bands every day from 5-7pm, large sun terrace, BBQ, and infamous toffee vodka shots.
Doron Pub: another legendary spot for partying, the Pub is right in the centre of Méribel Live bands play most afternoons from 5pm and evenings from 10.30pm. Large, loud and fun, with all the live sport on big screens Scotts: downstairs from the Pub, this is run by the same company, but offers slightly more chilled après-ski with comfy sofas and a large cocktail menu.
Le Rastro (Mottaret): The liveliest bar in Mottaret, the Rastro is famous for its Tuesday night DJ party with 70s and 80s music and dancing on the tables.
Barometer: More up market and rather more civilized spot for après-ski, the Barometer is in Méribel centre, and known for its beautiful bar staff and tasteful surroundings.
Le Poste (de secours): is Méribel’s most cosmopolitan and smartest bar. Prices are high, clientele is smart.
Méribel’s nightlife is almost as exhausting as its mountain pursuits! With a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafés to keep you well fed and watered there is also a plentiful array of opportunities for a bit of après or late-night venues for a spot of clubbing. The countless terraces ensure that you can always find a sunny spot to relax in. In addition to numerous bars which stay open until 1 or 2am, Méribel boasts three nightclubs which remain open until around 4am.
Dick’s Tea Bar is the best known and is the most popular nightspot in town for the British. Always very busy with music for all tastes. Opens until 4am with regular big-name DJ nights, live bands and theme nights. Entry is free before midnight.
Le Loft is French-run and very different in feel from Dick’s. Large, airy, and it’s even possible to hear what the person next to you is saying!
Le Privilegge is Mottaret’s only nightclub; amusingly retro-French-disco style.
Winter Events for 2011-12
Christmas & New Year: The festive season in the snowy Alps is always magical and every year there is some sort of celebration in resort to mark the occasion.
The week leading up to Christmas sees Méribel sparkling with Christmas cheer! The lights are up throughout resort and there is a lovely festive atmosphere. On Christmas Eve you can welcome Father Christmas when he arrives in his sleigh and parades throughout the resorts of Méribel and Mottaret. There will be Christmas carols and a special Mass held at the ice rink
British Land National Ski Championships (late March to early April): Great Britain’s National Ski Championships have been held in Meribel for many years
