Méribel

Méribel

Méribel's own slopes are varied and entertaining. There are 150km of pistes in the Méribel Valley. Most are blue and a quarter are red, while black and green runs make up less than 10 per cent of the total. The sun can be an issue at times, but the surrounding mountain slopes and high altitudes help keep snow cover in good condition most of the time. The average annual snowfall is 384cm and the 3 Valleys boasts one of the biggest snow-making operations in the world.

Méribel is not very well served for beginners, but there are some good nursery slopes at Mottaret and Altiport, before trying out one of the 10 local green runs, especially the Blanchot piste. It is intermediates who have the most to enjoy here, with high quality reds and blue runs in abundance.

The 1992 Olympics Women's Downhill course is a good test, while the Combe du Vallon, Blaireau, and Pic Noir pistes are less demanding intermediate favourites. Advanced skiers will enjoy the resort's excellent off-piste sections, best explored with a guide or local advice. Good blacks include Bartavelle and Les Bosses. The Couloir Tournier matches the steep thrills of the famous Grand Couloir over the other side of the mountain.

Méribel is a freestyle and snowboarding hotspot, thanks to the challenging Moonpark, with its baby brother P'tit Moon offering gentler challenges and a boardercross course. There are 25km of cross country trails to suit all standards of skier, including a trail to Courchevel.

3 Valleys

Méribel is centrally positioned in the massive 3 Valleys ski area, where 600km of runs make it the biggest in the world. Across 335 pistes connected by 170 lifts, this 105km2 linked area offers every sort of skiing imaginable. Because it's so big, it really is worthwhile doing a little research so not to waste valuable piste time on long journeys to slopes that don't suit your ability.

The area around St Martin is good for off-piste skiers. The resort of La Tania is often quiet, but it's got some of the best pistes of the whole 3 Valleys, including Folyeres piste, a really beautiful run. Courchevel's slopes are beautifully groomed throughout, and Le Praz has two incredible black runs, Jean Blanc and Jockeys, with superb views and excellent snow cover thanks to their northern aspect. The slopes around Val Thorens and Les Menuires are high altitude and a good bet for quality snow in all weathers.

Other Activities

The Méribel resort offers plenty of off-slope diversions, mostly in Méribel Centre, the largest of the villages. There are lots of ski and snow-related facilities, from the Big Air Bag aimed at practising boarders, to dog sledding through the forest trails. The vast Parc Olympique, another remnant of the 1992 Winter Games, provides a good swimming pool as well as high quality spa and wellness facilities, and a gym. The high quality ice rink is another legacy facility that's still very popular. Children as young as six can enjoy indoor climbing and a bowling alley, plus two cinemas.

Eating and Drinking

In the resort and on the slopes, Méribel's dining scene is healthy and diverse. La Fruitière, part of the famous La Folie Douce bar, offers top quality fine dining on the mountain. The neighbouring Nuvoself is the bargain, self-service version, offering excellent value. For traditional Alpine atmosphere try Le Coeur de Cristal, or Les Cretes, both in chalet-style buildings.

In Méribel itself, Helios Restaurant is a popular fine dining option with a beautiful terrace. Chez Kiki specialises in Savoyard cuisine, particularly delicious charcoal grills, and is family friendly. Aux Petits Oignons is good value and a lively apres spot, while Pizzeria du Mottaret in Mottaret is one of many faster food options.

Nightlife

Méribel can be very lively if you want it to be, but the quieter villages offer cosier apres choices, too. The Rond Point is well-established as the premiere apres spot on the slopes, with plenty of live music. Le Coeur de Cristal is the spot for European DJs. There are branches of La Folie Douce throughout the Alps, and the fantastic dining options make the Méribel version an attractive place to stop off on the way home. In the resort, La Poste and the Taverne have a nice local flavour. For party nights try Dick's Tea Bar, Le Loft or Le Privilege.

Ski Season

The Méribel season runs from early December to late April. In 2015-16 the lifts started opening on December 5th and were due to close on April 24th.

Lift Passes

Passes are available for the Méribel Valley isolated, but those for the whole 3 Valleys area are good value. There are deals for couples, groups of three or more, and families. Adult prices are paid by 13 year olds and up for individual passes, but family passes include children from five to 18. A six-day family pass for the 3 Valleys was Eur234 in 2015-16. Contact Madame Vacances for help with ski passes, equipment hire, and more.

Ski Equipment Hire

There are 33 ski hire outlets in the Méribel collection of resorts, most in Méribel Centre. You'll find big names like Intersport and Oakley, but also small independents.

Lessons and Ski Schools

There are four big ski schools in Méribel, including a branch of ESF, the biggest French school, with more than 400 instructors. There is also a good English-language scene, including New Generation, Parallel Lines, and Magic in Motion. The lively freestyle scene also makes Méribel a great place to start or polish your boarding skills.

Childcare and Family Facilities

The youngest children can enjoy a day at ESF Les Saturnins, a kindergarten for children aged 18 months to three years. Children aged three to five are welcomed at Les P'tits Loups ski nursery. Most of the ski schools offer lessons or fun clubs for children from around the age of five.

Parking

You can park on the street in Méribel - if you can find a spot! Outdoor car parks are free: seven of them in Méribel Centre, five in Mottaret, two in Méribel Village, three in Méribel les Allues. You'll have to pay for covered parking in four car parks in Méribel Centre or one in Mottaret.