Méribel ski | ski holidays in France

Afbeelding - meribel_14 — © Méribel Tourisme / Sylvain Aymoz

Méribel in short

Méribel is perfectly located in the heart of the Les Trois Vallées ski area, allowing skiers and snowboarders to explore new ski slopes every day and venture into nearby Val Thorens and Courchevel. This elegant ski resort is divided into two main areas, Méribel Centre (1450m) and Méribel Mottaret (1750m), both of which offer direct access to the slopes. Thanks to the privileged location, skiers and snowboarders in Méribel have easy access to a wide variety of pistes within the Three Valleys ski area, the largest in the world, with its state-of-the-art lift system.

Meribel's centre consists of traditional, chalet-style buildings which create a kind of harmony with the surrounding mountain landscapes and a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. Being part of the world-renowned Three Valleys ski area, it's not surprising that prices in Méribel are generally quite high - however, don't be afraid to poke around as there is some reasonably priced accommodation and a few affordable restaurants to be found. Meribel's nightlife lives up to the Three Valleys reputation, with a good choice of après-ski bars and late-night partying to be had. It all starts at the Rond-Point Méribel, one of the most famous on-slope après-ski bars in France where the partying gets going with the ski boots still on, 7 days a week. In preparation for the upcoming Alpine Ski World Championships, Méribel has invested €15 million in infrastructure upgrades, including two new high-speed chairlifts.

Review of Méribel

Winter hiking
Cross-country skiing
Aprés-ski
Family/children
Price level

8.6

based on 5 visitor reviews

Latest review by Baerbel Kupisch

“We spent most of our time savouring the delicious Savoyard food! I've known this ski resort for more than 30 years. It's got something for everyone and some great mogul runs.”

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Skiing in Les Trois Vallées

Méribel is located right in the middle of the Three Valleys, making it the perfect base from which to explore the 650km of slopes within this immense linked ski area. But you might not even be tempted to leave Méribel's borders, as this ski area has everything no matter your ability level. Beginners will be pleased to know that there are two nursery slope areas with free lifts: the Zen Zone in Méribel Mottaret and the Ski Cool zone near the Altiport. The Moon Ride du Chevreuil offers approachable freeriding on ungroomed snow that even intermediate skiers can attempt in good conditions. From the Mont Vallon, intermediate skiers can let loose on several unforgettable red runs, including the famous Combe du Vallon. Meanwhile, expert skiers are in their element at Méribel and shouldn't miss the opportunity to try their skills on the Méribel Couloir (aka the Couloir Tournier), a steep black chute. Méribel has several snow parks, including DC Area 43 with two halfpipes and the Elements Park (formerly known as the Moon Park), which also has a few jumps designed for children.

Ski with the champions in Meribel

One of the host resorts for the 1992 Olympic Winter Games, Méribel still frequently welcomes champion alpine skiers on its slopes, in particular on the famous Olympic piste the Roc du Fer. In recent years, British skiers from the Royal Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have come to compete in telemark, snowboarding and skiing competitions in Méribel. Trials for the French downhill skiing championships are held every year in here in the Corbey Olympic Stadium and Méribel is slated to co-host the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2023 along with Courchevel, so watch out, you may just bump into some serious skiers on your ski holidays in Méribel!

Exploring Méribel as a child

Méribel holds the prestigious Famille Plus label, which guarantees that families will have a wonderful time at this ski resort. Mascot Kenotte watches benevolently over the children as they take their first steps on skis, and the Kénothèque offers a space geared 100% towards kids, with books, games and other activities. Within the ski area there are plenty of areas earmarked for kids, such as the Inuit village, the P'tit Moon funslope, the Chemin des Ecoliers boardercross slope and the Moon Wild themed piste with hidden animals. The children definitely won't get bored on their ski holidays in Méribel!

Off the slopes in Méribel

There's no shortage of non-skiing activities to discover in Méribel. The area has many hiking trails good for walking or snowshoeing, plus 33km of exceptional cross-country skiing trails. Cross-country skiing routes are accessible from two beautiful sites: Lake Tuéda, a pine forest nature reserve; and the Altiport, starting point of the 17km-long red loop connecting Méribel to Courchevel. Between the art exhibitions at the Tourist Office, concerts and shows at the Auditorium, floodlit tobogganing evenings, out-of-the-ordinary Valentine’s Day specials, and ski shows with fireworks, there's always something exciting happening at Méribel. Wellness centres and spas are tucked between the stone and wood walls and under the slate roofs in Meribel, and the Olympic Pool offers a great way to have some fun off the slopes.