Meribel
Why Méribel Ski Resort?
- Perfectly located at the heart of the 3 Valleys ski area
- Chalet-life atmosphere & a popular ski resort, especially with the British
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- Family-friendly with good amenities & activities
Meribel (3 Vallees) Information
Méribel is located in the Tarentaise area of the northern French Alps, at the very heart of Les 3 Vallées – the world’s largest ski area!
Set amongst a forest of Arolla pine trees, the ski resort of Méribel is in fact made up of five villages, each with its own identity and atmosphere: Méribel Les Allues (1100m), Méribel Village (1400m), Méribel Centre (1500m), Méribel Les Hauts (1600m) and Méribel Mottaret (1750m). Visitors at all the villages are well catered for with shops, restaurants and bars as well as being served by an efficient shuttle bus system. Peak Retreats feature Meribel Centre and Meribel Mottaret.
Overall, Méribel is a tasteful purpose-built ski resort made up of traditional wood-clad, low-rise, chalet-style buildings and prides itself on its chalet-life atmosphere. Méribel remains one of the most popular ski resorts for British skiers and it is not hard to understand why, because of the combination of being a great village ski resort and its perfect location within the 3 Valleys ski area. The main two districts are Méribel Village and Méribel Centre.
Meribel Centre
Méribel Centre (1500m) stretches up the hillside beside the home piste and is composed of several small and charming hamlets: Musillion, Centre/La Chaudanne, Le Plan du Moulin, La Renarde/Les Chalets, Morel/Altitude 1600 and Le Plateau. As the name suggests, Méribel Centre is the largest, liveliest and most attractive of the Méribel villages (and perhaps even in France!), located at the heart of the ski resort. The village has a real chalet style to it as all the chalets and apartment buildings are traditionally constructed using light wood, stone and local slate. Méribel Centre boasts a vibrant main street atmosphere and offers by far the liveliest après-ski (with one of the famous Folie Douce's up on the slopes). This is also where you will find the most shops, services and activities (like The Mission Black Forest toboggan run) plus high-quality sporting facilities within the Olympic Sports Complex. Méribel Centre does not offer the same ski-in/ski-out facilities as some of the other villages, but still has quick and easy access to the Méribel and Les 3 Vallées ski areas.
Meribel Mottaret
Designed in 1972, the village of Méribel-Mottaret has accommodation mainly located at the foot of the slopes. Leave your car in the car park and enjoy the resort life of Méribel-Mottaret by skiing or walking. No matter where you stay in Méribel-Mottaret, all the shops and services are within easy reach: tourist office, cinema, bars, restaurants, mini-markets, bakeries, newsagents/tobacconists, numerous sports and ready-to-wear shops, and wellness activities. From Méribel-Mottaret by free shuttle, by ski or by car, reach Méribel Centre in 10 minutes to enjoy the swimming pools, ice rink, climbing wall, and bowling. Méribel-Mottaret offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Mont Vallon, which rises to almost 3,000m. Its wood-clad chalet residences blend harmoniously into its unique natural environment.
Meribel ski area
Meribel is part of the large ‘Les 3 Vallées’ ski area (the largest ski area in the world), which many skiers rightly regard as the greatest intermediate ski playground in the world! This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 8 ski resorts:
- Val Thorens
- Orelle
- Les Menuires
- Saint Martin de Belleville
- Meribel
- Brides-les-Bains
- Courchevel
- La Tania
Les 3 Vallées offers you a total of 600km of high altitude and snow-sure ski slopes - every ski enthusiast’s dream! Amazing skiing can be had right from the beginning of the winter season in the Les 3 Vallées ski area and there is something for everyone - no matter what your style or ability. Renowned for its quality of snow and modern ski lift system, Val Thorens is a perfect ski resort for everyone.
The 3 Valleys benefit from excellent snow coverage - the minimum altitude level for skiing is 1300m and the maximum is 3230m. This means that a huge 85% of the ski area is located above 1800m. Some 2000 snowmaking machines cover a third of the ski area as well. The 3 Valleys offer wide ski runs that are maintained nightly by 80 piste grooming machines.
Méribel is located at the very heart of Les 3 Vallées ski area, making it a perfect location to make the most of and explore the whole of the amazing 3 Valleys ski area: within a single lift trip you have access to Courchevel and La Tania in one direction and Mont du Vallon, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville in the other.
Meribel's slopes are divided into 3 main sections (based on lift bases): below Meribel centre, up in Mottaret and in the woods of Meribel Village which is on the road to La Tania. Meribel has a fast and efficient lift system, like most of the 3 Valleys.
For those chasing the sun in Méribel, the Tougnète side of the mountain gets the best sun in the mornings. The Saulire area has the best afternoon light plus the long runs on this side of the mountain mean less time on the lifts and allow more time on the pistes!
For shelter in bad weather, Meribel Village is unrivaled for its tree-lined woodland skiing.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):
Meribel Valley local area - 150km, 42 lifts (13 gondola, 17 chairlifts, 7 draglifts, + 4 carpet), 71 slopes:
Green slopes: 8
Blue slopes: 26
Red slopes: 28
Black slopes: 9
Les Menuires skiing info
Beginners
Méribel is an easy-going ski resort to learn to ski or snowboard in and has excellent slopes for beginners, with some great long and gentle green slopes. For beginners as well as second-week skiers, the Altiport beginner area is the most appropriate, allowing you to cruise along tree-lined runs. At Rond Point (at the top of the village), there is a covered carpet lift mainly used by children.
This area is particularly sunny during the afternoons. From the Altiport area you can easily take the Loze chairlift over to Courchevel and La Tania, allowing progressing beginners to explore a little further afield. There is also another beginner area in Méribel-Mottaret.
The Yeti Camp: a perfect area to learn skiing or snowboarding! In front of Le Hameau from Méribel-Mottaret, on the Arolles skilift and the Table Verte magic carpet. Right in the middle of the Yeti Park is the perfect area for beginner skiers or snowboarders. Large green slope, easy ski, dedicated lifts ... You will progress at full tilt!
Once you have gained some confidence in the beginner's area and want to venture out a little, there are 4 green runs slightly higher up which all come straight back down into the resort – so there is no fear of ending up somewhere you don’t feel you can get back from. The easy Le Blanchot green run is perfect for beginners and children, is accessed via the Saulire Express lift and will bring you back down to the Altiport area.
There are some lovely wide and winding blue runs in the 'Tougnète/Roc de Fer' area: start with Faon, then take the Tougnète 2 lift onto Crêtes and continue down Choucas. These very pleasant runs can be enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders of any level.
There are several free ski lifts in Méribel, to allow you to practice and gain a bit of confidence before purchasing a lift pass:
- Méribel: Le Loupiot magic carpet, Côtes drag lift (Rond-Point), Altiport drag lift and Fontanyl rope tow (Altiport)
- Méribel-Mottaret: Chalets gondola, Doron & Ourson magic carpets (Laitelet)
- Méribel offers a special beginner lift pass called the ‘Mini-Pass’ which gives beginners access to the chairlifts and slopes that are suitable for those trying on skis for the very first time.
Intermediates
With the majority of the Méribel ski slopes being blue and red, intermediates are very well catered for and have a great choice to keep you busy all day long.
For progression from the 'Altiport' green runs, the Dent de Burgun chairlift is one to try where the Geal run has some good snow coverage and some of the best on that mountainside. The runs around 'Chaudanne' lift base can get pretty crowded so best avoided if you're a nervous progressor.
The sunny western side of Méribel (towards Val Thorens) has a good selection of blue and red slopes and it is best to head here in the mornings if you want to catch the best of the suns rays. From here it is also easy to explore Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires. If you take the Tougnete 2 lift you will find a good red run called Jersalem, which is quiet, wide and fairly steep.
For intermediates (as well as experts) there is a great run from 'Mont-Vallon' at 2952m (Méribel’s highest skiing point) down to Méribel with a vertical drop of 1450m: the Combe Vallon red run is the longest in the Méribel Valley and is very enjoyable – it just keeps going and going so be prepared to stop a few times for a much-needed breather whilst admiring the glorious snowy mountain view!
For less adventurous intermediates the runs from the second station of the Plattieres gondola back to the first station are ideal. You could also try the lovely wide Choucas and Faon blue runs.
A selection of red and black runs (labelled 'Peuf Experience' on the map) are left ungroomed for a while after snowfalls.
Intermediates comfortable on blue runs need not stay in Méribel- the journeys over to Courchevel and Val Thorens are easily doable, with a bit of confidence!
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For experts (as well as intermediates) there is a great run from 'Mont-Vallon' at 2952m (Méribel’s highest skiing point) down to Méribel with a vertical drop of 1450m. These two long red runs are steep, narrow at the start, challenging and are quite often full of moguls. This is a good place to head first thing or towards the end of the day. The best route back is via the Plan des Mains lift and then the Sittelle.
The run down the side of the double Roc de Tougne drag lift is good as is the steep black run all the way down the Tougnete gondola back to Méribel. For the 1992 Olympic Ladies Downhill Skiing, the steep black Face slope was created and is definitely recommended. As is the black Combe Tougnete run.
Méribel’s most notorious black run is called the Vertical Xperience (also known as Couloir Tournier) which is accessible from the top of the Saulire Express gondola. This 37° couloir offers guaranteed thrills and is only for the bold and brave of experts…..Some of you may just prefer to watch!
A selection of red and black runs (labelled Peuf Experience on the map) are left ungroomed for a while after snowfalls.
Eclipse is the new black run designed for the 2023 World Championships in Méribel. Before welcoming champions from around the world, expert skiers can test it! ‘Eclipse’ starts from the top of the Col de la Loze and is 3.3km long, with a vertical descent of 970m and an incline of 30%. Going through the forest, with a vertiginous view of the village of Courchevel Le Praz, the Olympic jumps and the Alpinium, it is a beautiful run and one of the longest of the ski area.
A whole freeride playground at your feet…offering a virgin environment, consistently good snow due to a northern exposure and arguably two of the best pistes of the Valley which ironically are amongst those the least known by the general public. The 'Mont de la Challe' sector is reached via the Roc de Tougne chairlift. This natural area is ideal for good skiers who want to carve on beautiful red and black runs or enjoy the sensations of freeriding on slopes with a relatively gentle gradient!
The red Lagpede and black Bartavelle are advertised as a freeride zone with some of the best snow in the area.
Meribel offers some amazing off-piste skiing (lots of it is close to lifts and slopes), as does the whole of the 3 Valley’s ski area, with deep powder and fantastic views. For your complete safety, we would always recommend that you hire a mountain guide, whether privately or in a group, when skiing off-piste. Guided off-piste tours not only offer safety and peace of mind, but they allow you to experience the very best areas of this immense ski area.
Some great routes include the long descents (with great views) down to the mid stations on the gondola from Brides les Bains at Le Raffort and Les Allues. Or a ridge walk from Courchevel's Creux Noirs chairlift brings you to the classic Col du Fruit run to Meribel Mottaret.
Meribel mountain fun zones
In the Altiport area, there are various fun family zones. You will find the Family Cool fun-themed area on the Blanchot green run off the first stage of the Saulire gondola. Off of this is the Eskimo-themed Piste des Inuits, with an Inuit village complete with entertainers. Near to this is the Moon Wild (Piste des Animaux) which is an informative trail through the forest. Finally, off of the Loze chairlift, the Pic Bleu run is also branded the Altai Dragon piste, with 'full-sized dragons'.
In Mottaret, you will find the Yeti family fun park off of the Himalaya funslope.
Boarders will love the place, not just for its vast array of on and off-piste skiing, but also for the separate specialist parks. Méribel has two of the best snow parks in Europe! Snowpark DC Area 43 on the Chatelet chairlift above Mottaret is a serious snowpark with a boardercross and big airbag too. There is also a small rookies zone here. Elements Park is aimed at families and beginners and also has a boardercross and Funcross.
Elements Park
The Elements Terrain Park offers you a world that’s more colourful and fun. This year, the focus is on different themes to offer skiers courses they’ll want to enjoy again and again. The four different worlds - fire, water, earth and wind – can be discovered in turn, so you can try all the different types of obstacles. The Boardercross will inspire you to challenge your friends and family to a race. The line of Whoops is ideal for novice thrills. The Mini-zone has become a hit with beginner skiers who want to learn the joys of freestyle in peace and safety. And the Fun Slope is sure to be the hit of the 2018-19 season: this wide piste will please everybody with lots of fun elements: corners, whoops, arches, bumps and figures to set spinning…
The Yeti Park
The fun slope for family fun! On the slopes of Méribel-Mottaret, Yooni - our friendly blue yeti - awaits your arrival… Fun for small and big skiers alike!
You can enjoy the marvels of the Yeti Park on skis or on foot. The winding green run is a safe and accessible wide piste with fun features including gongs, trumpets and prayer wheels, just like in Yooni’s Himalayan home. Ski the dual slalom and see a film of your race; listen to magical tales in the secret grotto and take a mystery tour through the tunnels and igloos, not forgetting to fly down the tyrolienne zip wire…Magical adventures guaranteed in this fun area!
Piste Des Inuits
According to legend, a long time ago the Inuit people took refuge in the heart of the Altiport forest because it reminded them of their distant lands. Since then, skiers have been transported into the Inuit world, enjoying games involving chimes, igloos, ice fields, penguins, bears and seals. Halfway along this piste you will find the Inuit Village, the ideal place for little adventurers to take a pause in the Far North. While their children enjoy the games organised by Inuit entertainers, parents can relax in the Méribel.
The Altai dragon Piste
Set out to discover the Altai Dragon trail and find the full-sized dragons hidden all along this fun piste! Take it easy on the hammocks and comfortable Pic Bleu Chalet, perfect to enjoy a picnic in the forest.
Holidays in Méribel are perfect for spending time together as a family - playing, making new discoveries, enjoying a relaxing break, picnicking and generally having fun together…. Set out to discover the Altai Dragon trail and have even more fun finding the full-sized dragons hidden all along this new fun piste!
The animal's slope
Follow the slope through the forest; learn about the animal tracks and have fun learning to recognise their calls... Children are naturally curious, as we all know. But it’s not always easy to find ways to entertain them during the holidays! Parents worry not! We have everything you need here at Méribel! The Animal Piste will fill your children with joy! There are so many activities to share as a family on this fun trail: follow a path through the forest; learn about the animal tracks you may see on your descent; have fun spotting the forest animals and learn to recognise their calls
Turn&Run
Challenge your loved ones in this new, easy, fun zone where modules are accessible to everyone! Designed for all ski lovers who want to have fun and live new experiences.
With a mini half-pipe, high turns, rollers, little bridges and tunnels, our new boardercross is seriously fun as well as being nice and easy! If you want to take off your skis and chill out whilst enjoying the view, take a seat in one of the giant beanbags at the bottom of turn&run, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a breather!
Meribel nordic skiing
There are 33km (21 miles) of magnificent cross-country trails to explore in Méribel and a total of 130km throughout the whole of the 3 Valleys. The main cross-country area in Méribel is the protected Altiport forest, which is suited to beginners. This is the starting point of the long tracks to Courchevel and La Tania.
The Lake Tuéda Nature Reserve of Cembro pines in Méribel-Mottaret is another great site with some gentle tracks. All the cross-country trails in Méribel are free to use and a detailed booklet/map is available from the Méribel Tourist Office.
Meribel ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Meribel ski hire and/or Meribel lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Meribel group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 5 years to 13 years in Meribel with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+. There are lessons available for 3/4 year olds but you need to book direct with the ESF ski school.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Meribel private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Meribel for private lessons - 0033 4 79 08 60 31
Meribel childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 18 months-3 years (non-skiers)
Meribel has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.
Creche "Les Saturnins". Open 6 days per week.
Please contact ESF Les Saturnins direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 08 60 31.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Meribel
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Meribel as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.
Eclipse Black Run
Eclipse is the new black run designed for the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel Méribel. Before welcoming champions from around the world, expert skiers can test it! ‘Eclipse’ starts from the top of the 'Col de la Loze' and is 3.3km long, with a vertical descent of 970m and an incline of 30%. Going through the forest, with a vertiginous view of the village of Courchevel Le Praz, the Olympic jumps and the Alpinium, it is a beautiful run and one of the longest of the ski area.
A chairlift photo
There’s an art to taking a selfie on the chairlift: removing your gloves at -15°C, taking your new smartphone out of your pocket and risking it falling into the snow below, never to be found again…
If there’s a trickier place to take a photo, we’re yet to find it! Take away the stress: lift up your goggles, strike a pose, give a great big smile, and CLICK – the photo will be taken automatically, all you need to do is head over to the big screen at the top to collect it!
Available on 2 chairlifts:
Combes chairlift, star from Méribel-Mottaret.
The new Legends chairlift, star from la Chaudanne
Avalanch'camp
Learn the risks encountered off-piste and what to do in an emergency!
With full autonomy (with your own material), practice an avalanche rescue thanks to the automatic terminals. Want to learn the good approach and useful movement with a Ski Patrol?
Free activity.
Photo booth - roc de fer & saulire
That’s the perfect time to stop and be photographed - for free - at the top of the Olympic chairlift. And you can take the time to admire the amazing views!
Access Roc de Fer: Roc de Fer chairlift then Olympic Express chairlift
Access Saulire : take the Saulire Express 1 & 2 gondola
Mission Black Forest Luge Track
In its first complete season, Méribel’s new toboggan run attracted even more clients: more than 6,400 experienced it as against only 2,2792017! 17! To meet the needs of more sledders, the run will now open 7 days per week. That means even more chances to race down its 3.4km and 470m vertical drop, around 28 bends.
Himalaya by night luge track
Enjoy a beautiful 2km sledging run, and during the French holiday: day: some grilled marshmallows and hot drinks at your arrival… And let’s do it again!
Fun for all the family guaranteed!
Buy your pass at the Ski pass office of Mottaret or at the start of the chairlift. Rotation with the Combes chairlift.
The Doron sledging run
During the day or for the « Après-ski », your kids will love this safe sledge slope! Easy & wide slope, separated from the skiers with a free magic carpet open the whole day … Your little darlings will love it!
Slalom world champion
There’s nothing like a parallel course to make you feel like a slalom racer and to push your limits. We have created a fixed parallel slalom course. Settle into the starts, get the pressure up and GO: challenge friends or family 1 to 1 to the finish line!
Access: Altiport chairlift or Saulire Express 1 gondola.
Ski touring
ski touring is the best way to access more remote and unseen places. One quickly succumbs to the spirit of discovery it inspires, and to the wild beauty of the virgin spaces it places within our reach. Certainly, ski touring requires some effort but it offers all the pleasure of skiing, plus contact with untouched nature and all the thrills of discovery. Méribel allows you to experience touring excursions adapted to your physical and technical level, on a half- or full-day basis. For beginners and experts, the possibilities are endless thanks to the valley’s professional guides, and to this year’s 3 permanent itineraries.
Snowshoeing
Want a walk in the snow on foot, snowshoes or ski touring with a good meal in a mountain restaurant? Practice this activity safely and, ultimately, with a good meal in an altitude restaurant
Departure from the Melbel Mottaret snow front, reach the Tueda reserve entrance (parking) then the Tueda lake, the blue groomed cross-country ski trail and snowshoe and, just before the Vallon stream, take a good path on the right. Join the plateau of the Mures Rouges chairlift, cross the bear trail and go up a groomed trail to the altitude restaurants of the Plan des Mains or the Sittelle.
Horse-back rides in the snow
Riding through the snow on horseback: enjoy a unique experience!
Ski-joering
This novel snow sport combines the dual delights of skiing and horses in a magical winter setting. Ready for a challenge? Try the slalom, jumps and experience speed.
You need only have a minimal level of skis (1st star) and the desire to communicate with the horse. First of all, you will learn in the safety of the enclosure how to control the three speeds of the horse before setting off on an adventure along peaceful and specially adapted paths!
Don't forget to book ahead. You can access the stables on foot and on ski.
Sleigh ride
Live a unique adventure: come riding your sledge behind a pony. It's fun and for any age!
Snake gliss
Are you looking for a fun après-ski snow activity? The snake gliss sledge is made for you! Take your place on board this snake sledge in the presence of an ESF guide and slide down from the top of the Rhodos gondola lift to Chaudanne.
Snowmobile
Discover the resort on board a snowmobile! Different packages are available. Whether you are looking for speed and adrenaline or looking to explore, you will be delighted with this experience! Also available to younger participants as there are mini snowmobiles for children from 4 to 12 years of age who can follow circuits.
Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.
Meribel Tourist Office
www.meribel.com
Top activities to experience in Meribel
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Meribel as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.
Maison de la Reserve, Tueda Nature Reserve
Opened Summer 2023. New museum and interactive exhibition – showcases the fauna and flora in the Tueda nature reserve and La Gébroulaz glacier. The restaurant located below the Maison de la Réserve is open in winter.
Olympic Centre
The Olympic Park is a sports and relaxation complex that includes a swimming pool, an ice rink, a spa and a fitness area.
Swimming pool:
25m indoor swimming pool with sports pool (lane for a swimmer), big flume (from 6 years old), paddling pool and an outdoor terrace.
Bowling:
The bowling alley is located within the Olympic Park sports complex, in the La Chaudanne area of Meribel. It offers 6 automated bowling lanes, pool tables, arcade games, bar, large TV screen to show live sports, Wi-Fi internet access, themed evenings, entertainment and live music.
Ice skating rink:
Located within the Olympic Park sports complex in La Chaudanne area of Meribel.
Climbing wall
Free access or evening climbing courses for all, from beginner to advanced. Minimum age of 5 years. 1 to 2 hours depending on the level.
Museum
The Museum, which can be found within an old house in the village of Allues, aims to promote the history and traditions of the valley of Méribel. This museum boasts four rooms, each themed according to the traditions of the valley.
Meribel carousel - children's ride
The carousel is beautiful with its rocking horses, fire truck and plane, guaranteed memories and beautiful holiday pictures.
Spa
In Brides-les-Bains, the famous Grand Thermal Spa is opening late every Thursday (until 10pm) with a free bus connecting the resort with Meribel to make it easy to get to this retreat and enjoy its facilities.
Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.
Meribel Tourist Office
www.meribel.com
Meribel news
What's new for the 24/25 season:
- In Méribel, the tunnel built beneath the Roc de Fer competition run has now been transformed into a work of street art by Franck Blériot,
- The summit of the Roc de Fer will be divided into 3 zones by next winter. This will comprise of a suspended swing with a photo viewpoint, an area to observe the summits using a holographic sighting system and an area to relax on the hammock,
- New photo spot at the summit of Mont Vallon at 9,685 feet, a new photo spot invites skiers to capture magical moments. This unique location offers breathtaking panoramic views and captures the very essence of Alpine beauty,
- Michelin has launched a similar scheme for hotels called Michelin Keys. In Meribel, Hotel Le Kaila has been awarded one – the first hotel in the resort to achieve this new accolade,
- In Meribel and St Martin de Belleville, new viewing decks have been built,
- In Brides-les-Bains, the famous Grand Thermal Spa is opening late every Thursday (until 10pm) with a free bus connecting the resort with Meribel to make it easy to get to this retreat and enjoy its facilities,
- The Saulire cable car is getting ready to reopen after being closed for two winter seasons between Courchevel and Meribel. More than 70 years after the creation of its first cable car, the Société des 3 Vallées, in collaboration with POMA, has delivered a lift characteristic of the resort with this 3rd edition of the cable car. Two key themes have been defined including offering a unique customer experience (with an all-glass cabin, for example) and incorporating the latest technological innovations featuring new panoramic and comfortable cabins equipped with the latest lighting and sound technology,
- Méribel is continuing its effort to improve its snowfront this winter, making it easier to navigate with some improved facilities! The snow front at 'La Chaudanne' is being transformed to offer a new space for beginner skiers: introductory skiing and a free sledging area,
- The return of First Tracks. Back after a two-year break! This season, First Tracks will take place in the Saulire area of the resort, starting with breakfast at La Folie Douce,
- New FamilyFlex lift pass.
Historic news 23/24:
- New black run in Méribel Mottaret - The new IBEX run is here for thrill seekers, with a steep and natural slope for those with a sense of adventure. Featuring a 300m drop, its sure to give you an adrenaline rush whether you are watching from the Bouquetin chairlift or bravely taking on the run yourself.
- Piste des Inuits revamp - The Piste des Inuits, Méribel's own fun area for all the family, has received a makeover. The fun area has taken on a new identity, and has had several other additions like new facilities and fun activities for visitors to take part in.
- La Loc Run - A new and easy ski touring route in Méribel Mottaret, boasting 2km in distance with a 370m height. This consists of a safe ascent towards the Chalet du Lac, after completion you will be rewarded with excellent views to enjoy and a great place to rest at the chalet.
Meribel apres-ski, bars & restaurants
Méribel is a lively ski resort with more than 60 restaurants, 12 mountain restaurants and a selection of bars and nightclubs.
There are various mountain restaurants to choose from in Meribel, so why not plan your route ahead and take a much-needed pit stop. You could opt for a full lunch, light takeaway options or simply just a hot chocolate or cold beer – all whilst taking in the wonderful snowy mountain scenery around you…
Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Meribel for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2012, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018, Les Arcs in 2019. Meribel FD is accessible to everyone (minors accompanied by their parents). Pedestrians, 5-minute walk (recommended snow shoes). Last descents by gondola at 4.45pm. Otherwise access via ski.
Amenities
You are sure to find all the shops and services you will need in Méribel, the main selection of amenities are located in Méribel Centre.
Méribel Centre has the tourist Office, post office, bank, supermarkets and several smaller food shops, bakeries, chemist, launderette, garage, cinema, sports shops, clothes shops, newsagents, interior design shops, jewellery shop, wine store, cheese & regional products shops, hairdressers and beauty salon.
Méribel Village has a small supermarket, bakers, sports shop and clothes shop.
Getting to Meribel, France
By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel LeShuttle. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English.
From Calais, take A26 Motorway to Reims and Troyes, then A5 Motorway to Dijon, then A39 motorway to Lons-le-Saulnier and Bourg-en-Bresse, then A40-A42 Motorway heading towards Lyon. Take exit 8, drive through Ambérieu-en-Bugey, follow N504 towards and up to Chambéry, then take A43 motorway and A430 motorway to Albertville. Continue on N90 to Moutiers and follow signs to Meribel (sharp climbing starts at a right turn on D90). This will take you to Méribel Centre.
By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Meribel is roughly 60 miles, approximately 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Meribel is roughly 113 miles, approximately 2hrs 30
Geneva Airport to Meribel is roughly 115 miles, approximately 2hrs 30
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Meribel is roughly 120 miles, approximately 2hrs 30 mins
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
The nearest train station to Meribel is just 12 miles away in Moûtiers
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
Resort shuttle bus:
The ‘Méribus’ free resort shuttle bus runs from the beginning of December to the end of April (with a reduced service up until the Christmas week).
Meribel opening dates
Meribel is open from 10/12/22 - 28/04/23