Meribel Resort Guide
Explore the famous ski resort of Meribel in the legendary Three Valleys…
Where is Meribel Resort?
The famous ski resort of Meribel is in France, specifically in the Northern Alps region.
Part of the legendary Three Valleys, it sits between Courchevel to the East and Val Thorens in the West.
Meribel is well-known for being a fun ski resort for groups and families with plenty of activities and slopes for all levels of skier and snowboarder.
It is also reliable for snow conditions, as 85% of the skiing in the Three Valleys is between 1800-3230m altitude.
Meribel itself is at 1500m altitude, and comprises pretty chalets surrounded by forested mountainside.
WHY CHOOSE MERIBEL FOR YOUR SKI HOLIDAY?
- Meribel is part of the Three Valleys, famous for its huge and varied ski area and excellent snow conditions from December-April.
- Meribel is included on the Three Valleys lift pass, which gives you access to 600km of pistes, 85% of which are above 1800m altitude.
- There is plenty of skiing for all levels in Meribel, including gentle greens and blues, great red runs including those from the highest point, Mont Vallon, and some more challenging black runs such as the famous ski race run, Face and the terrifyingly steep Couloir Tournier.
- Fun pistes for children include the Yeti Park, Inuits run and Piste des Animaux.
- Activities such as paragliding, ice skating, swimming and climbing mean there is plenty to do away from the slopes.
- Meribel is famous for its apres-ski, with the Folie Douce, The Ronnie, Jack’s and the Taverne.
- There’s a great choice of mountain restaurants and places to drink and eat in the village.
- With the forests and chalets, Meribel is a pretty Alpine destination.
Ski Accommodation: Where to stay in Meribel
The ski resort of Meribel has different villages, each with their own character, and choice of accommodation, between hotels, apartments and chalets.
Meribel Les Allues is the original farming village in the valley, and is the administrative centre of Meribel.
Meribel Village is at 1400m altitude, and is a small village in a forest setting, with its own boulangerie and a bar/restaurant, with the Golf chairlift leading up to the Altiport area of Meribel. The run down into Meribel Village is a blue run called Lapin.
Meribel Centre is where it all happens! At 1450m altitude, it has four ski lifts leading from the snow front, and is the main location for ski school meeting points. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants here as well as the Olympic centre with the swimming pool, ice skating and climbing.
Meribel Mottaret is the highest altitude village in the valley at 1750m. It has three ski lifts, plus some shops and good value bars and restaurants.
There is a free bus service between all the villages of Meribel
Things to do in Meribel
Meribel has loads of activities and entertainment options besides skiing and snowboarding.
Meribel is home to the wonderful Olympic Park where you’re sure to spend some time in the afternoons after skiing. There’s an ice-skating rink (opens 4-7pm) which even is free for under 5s (they can use a little push around trolley for support!). Ice hockey matches are shown on Tuesday evenings during school holidays. There is also a a swimming pool with slide for anyone over 6, and a baby pool for younger children (again, it’s free for under 5s). You should note that as often in French swimming pools, you need trunks, not swimming shorts. In the Olympic Park you’ll also find a bowling alley (opens from 2pm ’til late) and a bar with games.
Also in Meribel is an indoor climbing wall, 70 € for 2 people, and 15 € per additional person, with a guide.
You can sledge for free on the Luge du Doron from 9am-8pm (it is lit up in the evenings) or if you want a more adventurous toboggan run, try the 3.4km Mission Black Forest, which descends 470m with 28 hairpins. It costs 12€ for a run, between 1-4.30 in the afternoons. Up in Mottaret you can try out the big air bag on a toboggan or on skis/snowboard.
Love horses? The Ranch Nordic on the side of the Truite ski slope is open all year round. In winter you can do pony sledging and ski-joering (being towed on your skis by a pony!). The Meribel Cinema near the Tourist Office is open in the evenings and often shows films in English. Look for ‘VOST’ which means the film is shown in its original language with French subtitles.Fancy a spa treatment? Many of the hotels have spas open to the public.
Meribel weather and altitude
Between December and April when the lifts are open, you’ll find snow at village level and the surrounding mountains will be decked in their snowy blanket.
MERIBEL SKI RESORT WEATHER
The weather does dip below zero, especially in December and January, but rarely does it sink to below -10 degrees during the daytime, unlike the temperatures in Canada!
By February, daytime temperatures are usually between zero and 10 degrees, and the sun starts to feel warmer. Always important to dress in layers of course, as in the mountains, the weather can change quickly! Wind on the slopes can sometimes cause the higher lifts to close, so keep an eye on the notice boards in the lift stations.
On snowy days, stick to the forest areas for skiing, as they will offer better visibility. The runs around the Altiport and down to Meribel Village are ideal. On sunny days, you MUST wear strong SPF suncream as you can easily burn from the reflection of the rays bouncing off the white snow. In later seasons, temperatures can reach 10+ and if you’re sitting on a restaurant terrace it feels lovely and warm in the sunshine.
HOW HIGH IS MERIBEL SKI RESORT?
We are lucky in the Three Valleys to enjoy reliable snow conditions from early December until usually around 20th April.
That’s because most of the skiing is above 1800m, and also because the lift companies have invested in snow making equipment which means they top up the lower slopes during cold periods to keep the runs open into the resort.
Experience the best bars and restaurants in one of the world’s most popular ski resorts
Apres-ski, dining and nightlife in Meribel
It is fair to say that Meribel has developed a reputation for apres-ski and nightlife! With bars and restaurants to suit all budgets and moods, you’re spoilt for in the village of Meribel.
MERIBEL APRES-SKI and NIGHTLIFE
The apres-ski and nightlife in Meribel is legendary! Dance among the cabaret artists at the infamous Folie Douce or head to Le Rond Point (aka The Ronnie) for live music or DJs. Sip a cocktail or hot chocolate at l’Abreuvoir if chic, French style apres is more your scene. Jacks is also a great first pit-stop after a day on the hill, popular with seasonnaires and visitors for its beer selection and live music.
You’ll find plenty of atmosphere later in the evening too, with a big choice of bars and pubs in Meribel, such as the Taverne, then you can dance until dawn in Sully’s.
SHOPPING in MERIBEL
Wandering around the lively village, you’ll spot pretty alpine homeware, local delicacies, winter clothes and ski gear, as well as crêpe and waffle stands that are very hard to walk past!
RESTAURANTS in MERIBEL
Just like the bars, there’s a diverse choice of restaurants in Meribel centre: from pizzas at the Igloo to cheese feasts at La Fromagerie. Fancy something smarter? Michelin starred L’Ekrin at the Le Kaila Hotel, or Brasserie Le 80 at La Chaudanne Hotel could be just the thing.
Looking for mountain restaurants in the Meribel valley? Try l’Adray Telebar, Le Clos Bernard, Le Monchu or new Maya Altitude. Le Rond Point has a good value self-service, and l’Arpasson offers simple lunches in the sunshine.
Three Valleys Facts
Total ski area: 600km
Resort height: 1300-3200m
Number of lifts: 166
Number of marked runs: 328
Percentage of blues and greens: 57%
Percentage of reds and blacks: 43%
Number of snowparks: 3
Longest run: 12km
Getting to Meribel
The best ways to travel to Meribel
You’ve chosen Meribel as the destination for your next ski holiday, let us help you consider the best travel options to get to Meribel and the Three Valleys…
The best airports for Meribel are:
Chambery airport: 1hour 30mins
Geneva airport: 2 1/4 hours
Lyon & Grenoble airports: 2 1/4 hours
Ski Magic can offer private transfers in our licenced minibus from the above airports and Moutiers-Salins train station: 30 mins. Find out more about Ski Magic transfers.
DRIVING AND PARKING
If you want to drive to Meribel, then parking is available in resort, either paid covered parking, or free outdoor parking.
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- Straightforward journey: Calais, Reims, Troyes, Dijon, Lyon St Exupery, La Tania
- Motorway to within 20mins of resort
- Takes around 9.5 hours from Calais
- Free parking available
- Choose from Eurotunnel or Ferry
- Flexible, good value and no luggage restrictions!
Contact us for more information about driving and parking in Meribel.
TRY THE BEST OF MERIBEL’S SLOPES
These are some of Meribel’s best runs for skiers and snowboarders:
Green runs for beginners: Take Tougnete 1 gondola and follow the green run Perdrix down to Mottaret, then take Truite back to Tougnete 1 again.
Fun runs for children: Piste des Animaux highlights the wonderful local fauna. Inuits has a nice play area and often activities/shows such as ice sculptures. The Yeti Park in Mottaret makes a fun spot with interactive activities.
Blue runs for intermediates: Take Legends and Cherferie chairlifts, then ski down the lovely Choucas or if you have a 3 Valleys lift pass enjoy a run on Jerusalem. On the Saulire side, the run Lapin is a lovely forested trail leading to Meribel Village.
Red runs for advanced intermediates: Don’t miss the two reds from the top of Mont Vallon, Campagnol and Combe du Vallon. Another fun adventure is to ski all the way down to Les Allues from the top of Olympic.
Black runs for experts: Grande Rosiere from Pas du Lac 2 is off the beaten track. More popular is the legendary Face, made famous by numerous ski racing champions over the years.
Snowparks for jumps: Open Park is Meribel’s big snowpark, with half pipes, kickers of all different sizes, rails and boxes plus a boardercross track.
MERIBEL SKI LESSONS
Group Meribel ski lessons depart from the Chaudanne, the base from which the main gondolas Rhodos, Saulire Express, Tougnete 1 and the (heated!) chairlift Legends run.
If you are a beginner or intermediate you may not need a 3 Valleys pass, and can manage with a Meribel Valley only pass, but check with your ski school which pass would be best for your level.
You can access the Chaudanne from Chalet Loden by skiing down the blue Doron run, close to the chalet. If you’re a beginner, contact us for advice on getting to your ski lessons.
MERIBEL SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOLS
Oxygene is great for newbies, with a private beginners zone and good options for children’s lessons from age 3-12+, with all-day lessons on a Friday and a lunch club. They also have private and group lessons for adults.
New Generation ski school also offer lessons in Meribel for all ski levels, off piste and snowboarding.
Looking for more advanced coaching? Try Marmalade Ski School.
MERIBEL SKI HIRE
For ski and snowboard hire, we work with a local partner in Meribel for our Chalet Loden. Contact us to ask for our advice and help booking your equipment hire.
MERIBEL SKI PASSES
If you wish to ski the whole Three Valleys: Courchevel, Meribel, Mottaret, St Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires AND Val Thorens and Orelle, then you should opt for a 3 Valleys pass. It is possible to ski around the Three Valleys using blue runs, so don’t feel it is only for experts!
But for beginners or less confident intermediates then check with your ski school whether a single Meribel Valley pass would be a cheaper option for you. It is possible to upgrade a Meribel valley pass to the 3 Valleys for just one day.
MERIBEL SNOW FORECAST
Snow usually starts falling in Autumn, with the resorts of the 3 Valleys and Meribel opening early December. The natural snow is topped up by well placed snow cannons which ensure the main thoroughfares have plenty of coverage.
Christmas and New Year are peak times, but the top ups of snow and the cooler temperatures through December and January ensure good conditions. Similarly mid February can be busier with school holidays but this is mid season and there’s plenty of snow on the slopes! The sunnier days and freeze thaw conditions mean the start of spring conditions during March, but it’s non unusual to have several top ups during this period and into April to keep Easter a great time to enjoy skiing in the sunshine!
MERIBEL SKI MAP
The Meribel ski map is a comprehensive guide to the area’s extensive network of pistes and ski lifts. It highlights:
Ski Runs: With a range of runs from green (beginner) to black (expert), the map showcases over 150 km of pistes within Meribel alone. The runs are meticulously maintained, offering excellent conditions for skiers of all levels.
Lift System: The map details the lift system, including gondolas, chairlifts, and drag lifts, ensuring you can efficiently navigate the area. Meribel’s modern lift system is designed to minimise wait times and maximise your time on the slopes.
Connections to Other Valleys: Meribel is centrally located in the Three Valleys, and the map shows how it connects to neighbouring areas like Courchevel and Val Thorens, offering access to over 600 km of pistes in the whole Three Valleys network.
LOOKING FOR A SKI HOLIDAY IN MERIBEL?
Try our Chalet Loden, just a few metres from the blue run Doron.
With its old school charm, huge windows overlooking the mountains and the sunny terrace, it’s a great accommodation option for groups of skiers and snowboarders.
Sleeping 12 in six bedrooms, the chalet is spacious, comfy and has a huge log fireplace.
The Ski Magic catered service means food is provided on 6 evenings and 7 mornings.
Your winter getaway awaits
Experience the ultimate ski holiday in our cosy chalets. With breathtaking mountain views and unbeatable comfort, its time to make your winter dreams come true.
MERIBEL RESORT FAQs
Is Meribel good for skiing?
Meribel is one of the world’s best places to ski. It is part of the famous Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area, so there is a huge variety of runs for all levels.
What is Meribel like as a ski resort?
Meribel is a popular ski resort in the French Alps, known for its diverse ski terrain, suitability for all levels, efficient lift system, charming chalet-style architecture, and vibrant après-ski scene. It offers a range of accommodation options and is part of the extensive Three Valleys ski area.
What kind of accommodation is there in Meribel?
Meribel is a large resort with several hotels, some apartments and a huge number of chocolate-box style chalets. Ski-in, ski-out in Meribel is limited but our Chalet Loden is just 200m from the blue run, Doron.
Is Meribel good for beginner skiers?
Yes, Meribel is a good choice for beginner skiers. It offers several gentle slopes and dedicated beginner areas where new skiers can comfortably learn and practice. Green slopes are the easiest, and during your week of lessons you will probably progress to blue runs.
Is Meribel expensive?
Meribel is generally considered to be on the more expensive side as far as ski resorts go. This is because it’s a great resort! Excellent skiing, efficient, well-linked lift system and 600km of skiing, as well as legendary apres-ski and nightlife.
When is the best time to ski in Meribel?
Meribel’s ski season is in the northern hemisphere winter. The ski lifts run from December until late April, so any time in these months is a good time to ski in Meribel. You can find the exact opening and closing dates for the resort on the Meribel.net website. For more information on what it’s like to ski at different times of the year, read our ‘When to Ski’ article.
Which ski pass do I need for Meribel or the Three Valleys?
If you are beginner skier or snowboarder, the very first lifts are usually free. You can ask your ski school instructor for more information on which pass to get.
For intermediate skiers, if you just want to ski the Meribel valley then choose a Meribel only pass. For strong intermediates and above, the Three Valleys ski pass offers you a lot more to explore. Read more on our ski pass page.