Explore the famous ski resort of Meribel among 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.
Our Meribel Chalet
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.
Learn to ski in an exciting resort of gondolas, bars and restaurants.
Meribel nightlife and village
It is fair to say that Meribel has developed a reputation for apres-ski and nightlife! With bars to suit all budgets and moods, you’re spoilt for in the village of Meribel.
MERIBEL SKI RESORT NIGHTLIFE
Apres-ski is legendary in Meribel. 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 by the tourist office 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.
MERIBEL VILLAGE
Wandering around the lively village, you’ll spot pretty alpine homewares, local delicacies, winter clothes and ski gear, as well as crepe and waffle stands that are very hard to pass by!
MERIBEL RESTAURANTS
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
PLANNING YOUR TRIP 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.
Looking for accommodation in Meribel? How about a Meribel catered chalet?
TRY THE BEST OF MERIBEL’S SKI SLOPES
Green runs: Take Tougnete 1 gondola and follow the green run Perdrix down to Mottaret, then Truite back to Tougnete 1 again.
Blue runs: 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: 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: Grande Rosiere from Pas du Lac 2 is off the beaten track. More popular is the legendary Face, made famous by numerous champions over the years. It’s also used as a mountain bike race track in summer!
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.
MERIBEL RESORT FAQs
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.
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.
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.
About Ski Magic
Ski Magic is an independent, family run company specializing in catered chalet holidays in Courchevel and La Tania.
