Meribel

Méribel Ski Resort

Méribel has long been a British and Ski Club favourite, and its location at the very heart of the vast Three Valleys ski area is only one of the reasons why.

The slopes of Méribel have something for everyone. From sunny, gentle nursery slopes to mile after mile of intermediate cruising and to some of the Three Valleys finest off piste, there is great variety – not to mention the remainder of the 600km of linked runs that make up the Three Valleys. Most won’t even need to explore the other valleys, but if you’re a keen intermediate upwards then it will add another dimension to your holiday this winter.

Méribel is the ideal resort for a chalet holiday, with a huge choice of tour operators calling this resort home. Unlike many other purpose-built resorts, it has been tastefully designed, with wood-clad buildings the norm and not the exception. There is a lively après scene – Le Rond Point and the Folie Douce are the hotspots – but this is also a good resort for families.

The best way to experience this fantastic resort is with a Ski Club Freshtracks holiday. This season we have five departures of the ever-popular Méribel All Mountain Instruction holiday, designed for those really looking to up their game both on and off piste.

If you’ve already booked your trip then make sure you add in some Instructor-led Guiding sessions with the excellent New Generation ski school – on offer this season between 22nd December and 13th April.

There’s also the option to join the popular Ski Club Facebook Group for Méribel, an active group of over 100 like-minded skiers and boarders.

What's New for 2019/20?

Just like it’s neighbours - Courchevel and Val Thorens – Meribel will have some exciting new additions for the 2019/20 season. Two new red runs will be opened in the Roc de Fer area at the top of the Olympic chairlift. The runs will be called Gypaete and Daguet and will add welcome variation in this area which has up until now been served predominantly by blue runs.

Meribel is also upgrading its “Back to the Wild” freeride zone which can be accessed via the Roc de Tougne chairlift.

Meribel is extremely popular with families and in recognition of this a no skis area for children has been introduced in the Yeti Park in Meribel-Mottaret and there will also be free entertainment on offer, including eagle shows and ice carving, in the school holidays in the Family Cool area near the Meribel Altiport.

On the après-ski front, there will be a welcome return for the highly popular Jack’s Bar following it’s absence last winter.

Our Méribel Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Méribel Skiing and Snowboarding

A modern lift system whisks skiers and boarders around a vast network of pistes. Most are best suited to beginners and intermediates but in the form of Mont Vallon in particular, Méribel has some great terrain for advanced and expert skiers, including two new red runs in the Roc de Fer area this year. The location at the heart of the Three Valleys makes access to Courchevel and Val Thorens super quick and easy.

• Total Pistes: 150 km (600km in Three Valleys)
• Green: 9%
• Blue: 40%
• Red: 37%
• Black: 15%
• Lifts: 45 (186 in Three Valleys)
• Altitude: 1100m – 2952m (Three Valleys extends to 3230m)

For Beginners

The resort has some good beginner facilities, particularly above Mottaret where the Yéti Park trail is a good introduction to the slopes. Further easy runs are located around the Altiport chairlift above Méribel Centre. Progression on to longer greens and also gentle blues is very good, with options on either side of the valley.

For Intermediates

The Méribel ski area is ideal for intermediates and many won’t ever even need to leave the valley. Virtually every lift in the area has a long and usually well-groomed intermediate trail from top to bottom, so clocking up the miles is very easy. Confident intermediates should make the most of the quick links across to the Three Valleys, especially to the Belleville Valley and the resorts of Val Thorens and Les Menuires.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

More experienced skiers and boarders have the entire Three Valleys playground at their disposal, which after fresh snow opens up a huge range of terrain. The altitude usually preserves the snow in good condition, but parts of the Méribel valley are prone to strong sunshine which can alter the snow’s condition. Méribel’s jewel in its crown is Mont Vallon, a vast playground with two steep groomed runs and a huge expanse of ready-to-ski off piste. The 2018 upgrades to the Mont Vallon gondola have been a great improvement - significantly cutting queues and making the journey up much quicker.

Méribel Piste Map

The piste map can be downloaded here. There is also an impressive 3D interactive piste map for the entire Three Valleys, using technology developed by Fatmap.

Méribel Ski Pass Prices

The Méribel only option will be more than enough for many skiers, otherwise a Three Valleys pass will give you access to the entire 600km network of pistes. An adult season pass for Méribel only costs €1130, whilst the Three Valleys pass costs €1336. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Méribel Season Dates

• Opening Date: 7th December 2019
• Closing Date: 26th April 2020

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Méribel Resort

For a purpose-built resort, Méribel is much more attractive than most, especially its near neighbour Val Thorens. A lot of accommodation is in chalets, many of which are catered and run by British tour operators – this is the ideal place to try your first chalet holiday experience. There are two bases to chose from, with Mottaret being higher and more snowsure, but it is also home to some of the bigger accommodation blocks.

For Families

Méribel is a good choice for families, especially those wanting a chalet holiday – most of which will specially cater for children. The nursery slopes are nearby and the sunny aspect of the resort is a bonus during mid-winter when other ski areas can be cold. Off the slopes, the swimming pool is good for a cold, snowy day and there is even an opportunity for children to build their own igloo – contact the tourist office.

For Après

Méribel comes alive as the lifts begin to close and the resort has a very vibrant après scene. Le Rond Point is usually a focal point and there is raucous live music and table dancing seven nights a week – head there between 5-6.30 to see it at its liveliest. Add in the Folie Douce and numerous bars and clubs in town, and you can really see why this resort is high on the list for those looking to party.

How to get to Méribel

Chambéry is the closest airport to Méribel and private transfers are the best option – the drive takes around an hour and a half. Geneva is further away, with the drive taking around two and a half hours.

A great option is to travel by train, catching the Eurostar to the town of Moûtiers in the valley before grabbing a quick bus transfer up to the resort. Check out the Ski Club’s Guide to travelling to resort by train.

• Chambéry airport: 1.5 hours (driving)
• Geneva airport: 2.5 hours (driving)
• Snowtrain: 8-10 hours from London
• Calais: approximately 11 hours driving (598 miles)

Méribel Contact Details

• Website: www.meribel.net
• Email: reservation@meribel.net
• Telephone: +33 04 79 08 60 01
• Facebook: @meribel3vallees
• Instagram: @meribel3vallees
• Twitter: @Meribel3vallees