One of the most popular spots in the world for winter skiing is Meribel. Tucked into the French Alps, this ski resort is at the heart of the Trois Vallees (Three Valleys), arguably the planet’s largest ski area. Besides the two resorts of Meribel and Meribel-Mottaret, there are several traditional French villages scattered around the Les Allues Valley.
Most British skiers know about Meribel, which has been around since 1938 and remains a favourite of Brits thanks to its charming alpine atmosphere and extensive range of ski runs. The prevalence of British tourists can be a turnoff for those in search of French alpine culture. But with more than 600kms of piste in the Trois Vallees, you’re ensured a nearly endless variety of ways to explore the mountains with a good ski guide to Meribel, France.
As the largest of the villages in the Trois Vallees, Meribel is home to the best selection of restaurants, shops and après-ski bars around. Yet this range of amenities is also one of its downsides, as there’s little quaintness in the resort’s sprawling village core. Twice each week, however, a local street market livens things up in the centre of the village, selling traditional products and other goodies.
While the village core has the busiest atmosphere and the most convenient ski-in, ski-out lodging, visitors can find quieter and more atmospheric ski accommodation in the town’s other quarters. A 10-minute walk downhill from the centre brings you to Mussillon, one of the valley’s traditional hamlets. Uphill from the centre of Meribel is the tranquil forested area of Altiport, upscale Belvedere, festive Rond Point and other tiny clusters of slope-side accommodation. Each hamlet has its own little scene of restaurants, bars and shops, and excellent access to the ski runs. Shuttle buses rove the slopes, providing frequent access between locations.
Meribel is most popular for its extensive selection of chalet accommodation, though there are also many hotels and self-catering apartments around the resort. The winter ski season typically kicks off in mid-December and continues through to the end of April. February and March are particularly busy months as skiers come to enjoy the deep snow pack, while the new year period is reliably packed with holidaymakers and tour groups. Be sure to make accommodation bookings well in advance during these peak travel periods.
The modern lift system at Meribel is simply vast. With 15 gondolas and 19 chairlifts in operation, it’s a breeze to access nearly every corner of the mountain. Meribel also works great as a base for exploring the neighbouring ski areas of La Tania, Courcheval, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, as they can all be reached quickly and easily using the lifts and trails of Meribel. Basing yourself in Meribel certainly gives you excellent access to some of the best slopes in France.
Need a break from skiing? Meribel and the Trois Vallees area offer many other kinds of outdoor recreation, including horse-drawn sleigh rides in Lac Tueda, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice karting and aerial tours of the valley. Plenty of indoor fun is also on hand, with a heated swimming pool at the town’s Olympic Centre, bowling and a climbing wall.
No ski guide to Meribel, France would be complete without some insider secrets. Head to Rond Point for a great après-ski scene that is buzzing with live music, drinks and stunning views. For late-night partying, try Dick’s Tea Bar or The Loft. When it’s time to eat, Meribel offers everything from cheap pizza joints to opulent five-star dining at the top of the world.
The nearest airport to Meribel is in Chambery, about an hour away by shuttle bus. Flybe provides good service from Birmingham, Norwich, Southampton, Exeter and a few other small airports in the UK. Eurostar offers another convenient way to get here, with winter trains leaving London St Pancras Station to Moutiers every Friday afternoon.
John is a guest blogger from Alpine Action ski chalets Meribel who have 7 beautiful chalets to rent in Meribel for your ski holidays.
