Méribel

Méribel is the beating heart of the Three Valleys — the world’s largest linked ski area with 600 km of pistes. Set at 1,450 m in the Tarentaise Valley, it is known for its central location, extensive skiing, and distinctive Savoyard chalet-style architecture. Unlike many purpose-built French resorts of its era, Méribel was designed in the 1930s by British skier Peter Lindsay, who insisted on strict planning rules: no high-rise concrete blocks, only wooden chalets and stone-clad residences blending into the mountainside.

The result is one of the most attractive large ski resorts in the Alps. Méribel is spread across several villages — Méribel Centre, Méribel Village, Méribel-Mottaret, and Méribel Les Allues — each with its own character. Together, they form a polished, lively, and cosmopolitan resort that appeals equally to families, groups, and couples.

As the central hub of the Three Valleys, Méribel offers unparalleled access in every direction — west to Courchevel, east to Val Thorens and Les Menuires — making it one of the best bases for those who want to explore the full area.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Skiing in Méribel is about choice, connectivity, and variety.

• Beginners: Dedicated nursery slopes and gentle greens around the Altiport make Méribel an excellent place to learn. The Moon Wild zone is a fun forest area designed for kids, combining skiing with a playful nature trail.
• Intermediates: Méribel is heaven for intermediates, with long, scenic blues and reds connecting in all directions. Runs like Lapin down to Méribel Village and the sweeping pistes of Mont Vallon are must-ski classics. From here, you can easily venture across to Courchevel or Val Thorens, ensuring endless exploration.
• Experts: Advanced skiers will find challenges on steep reds and blacks such as Face (a World Cup piste) and the mogul fields on Bosses. Off-piste, there’s excellent freeride terrain around Mont Vallon and the Tougnète ridgeline. With a guide, vast powder fields and couloirs open up across the Three Valleys.
• Freestylers: Méribel is home to one of Europe’s best snowparks — the DC Area 43 — with jumps, rails, boardercross, and halfpipe facilities. It has hosted international freestyle events and remains a major draw for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

The hallmark of Méribel skiing is its central location: you can easily ski to Courchevel for lunch, then cross over to Val Thorens in the afternoon, all in a single day.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Méribel passes are integrated into the Three Valleys system.

• Méribel Valley pass (150 km): ~€66/day | ~€330 for 6 days
• Three Valleys full area pass (600 km): ~€74/day | ~€370 for 6 days
• Child (5–12): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes with discounts.
• Beginner passes at reduced rates.

Full details at the Les 3 Vallées ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Méribel is divided into several distinct bases, all linked by lifts, pistes, and free shuttles:

• Méribel Centre (1,450 m): The main hub, with shops, restaurants, après-ski, and access to lifts. It has a lively, international feel.
• Méribel-Mottaret (1,750 m): Higher, snow-sure, and purpose-built in the 1970s. Its ski-in/ski-out convenience and central lift connections make it a great base for keen skiers.
• Méribel Village (1,400 m): A quieter, traditional-style hamlet with chalets, a few shops, and quick gondola access to the main area.
• Les Allues (1,100 m): The original valley village, with authentic Savoyard charm and a gondola link to the main slopes.

The lift system is state-of-the-art, with fast gondolas and high-speed chairs feeding into central hubs like Tougnète, Saulire, and Mont Vallon. Snowmaking covers the key runs back into resort, and altitude ensures good snow reliability throughout the season.

Accommodation

Méribel offers one of the broadest accommodation ranges in the Alps:

• Budget: Self-catered apartments and simple hotels in Méribel Village or Les Allues.
• Mid-Range: A wide choice of chalet-hotels, residences, and 3★–4★ hotels throughout the valley.
• Luxury: Some of the finest chalets in the Alps, complete with spas, private cinemas, and concierge service. High-end hotels such as Hotel Le Coucou and Hotel La Chaudanne offer five-star comfort and ski-in/ski-out convenience.

Accommodation here often emphasises chalet charm, in keeping with the resort’s architectural style. Browse via the Méribel accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Méribel’s dining scene blends Savoyard classics with refined cuisine. Mountain restaurants like Les Cretes and Rond-Point des Pistes are perfect for sunny lunches, while in the village you’ll find everything from pizzerias to gourmet dining.

Après-ski is lively, with the Rond-Point (“The Ronnie”) famous for live bands and terrace parties. La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel takes things up a notch with DJs and performers on the slopes. In the evenings, O’Sullivans nightclub keeps the party alive, while wine bars and cosy pubs offer quieter alternatives.

Non-Skiing Activities

Méribel offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing:

• The Olympic Centre in Méribel Centre with swimming pool, climbing wall, spa, and ice rink.
• Snowshoeing and winter walking trails.
• Paragliding and dog sledding for adventure seekers.
• Wellness and spa treatments at luxury hotels.
• Family-friendly activities including tobogganing runs and kids’ play zones.

Its central location also makes day trips to Courchevel or Val Thorens easy for non-skiers in the group.

Village Character & Access

Méribel’s architectural style sets it apart. Thanks to strict planning laws, almost every building follows traditional Savoyard chalet lines — wood, stone, and sloping roofs — giving the resort a warm, unified look. The village itself is spread out, but free shuttles make getting around easy.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Moutiers, then 20 mins by transfer.
• By car: About 9 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Méribel is one of the most complete ski resorts in the Alps. Its central position makes it unbeatable for exploring the full Three Valleys, while its architectural charm and lively après-ski create a welcoming atmosphere. The skiing suits every level, from family-friendly greens to serious freeride terrain, and the accommodation ranges from simple apartments to world-class luxury chalets.

For those who want variety, beauty, and connectivity, Méribel remains one of the best bases in the world’s biggest ski playground.

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