Meribel, France

Meribel Ski Holidays

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 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 single west facing hillside and is 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.

'We had a great holiday. Everything was excellent, chalet was very good and our chalet host Rich was fun and his meals were delicious. We will be booking with you again next year' M Brass 17th Jan 2010

Meribel Tourist Office Image

Meribel Skiing and Boarding

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.

Image from Meribel Tourist Office

Meribel après ski

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 near the main lifts is 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 the 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 Scott’s and Dick’s Tea Bar will keep you dancing 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 Childcare

Childcare is on offer through some of the chalets that we offer such as the Club Hotel Alba. Please call or email for details. Local childcare can also be booked directly. Details are as follows:

Les Saturnins for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Half days or full days. Contact the ESF on www.esf-meribel.com or call 0033 479 08 60 31 or email esfmeribel@wanadoo.fr

Club Piou Piou for children aged 3 to 5 years. Half days and full days. Contact the ESF on www.esf-meribel.com or call 0033 479 08 60 31 or email esfmeribel@wanadoo.fr

Meribel Ski Schools

Esf                                Call 0033 479 08 60 31 www.esf-meribel.com
Magic in Motion          Call 0033 479 08 53 36 www.magicinmotion.co.uk
Snow Systems           Call 0033 479 00 40 22 www.snow-systems.com

Meribel Webcam

Webcam courtesy of Merinet.com