Méribel is a purpose-built ski resort in the French Alps, situated in the heart of the world’s largest linked ski area, Les 3 Vallées. With lots to explore across the three villages, Méribel centre, Méribel village and Méribel Mottaret, immerse yourself in the snow scene. These snow-dusted streets are charmingly nestled next to the mountainside and house chic ski wear boutiques, local trinket shops, and award-winning restaurants and hotels.
With an excellent snow record, due to its high altitude and wide range of slope options for all abilities, Méribel ticks a lot of boxes for those seeking to find fresh powder in the winter season, along with a lively all-day atmosphere and stunning scenery. Its position within Le 3 Vallées means that multiple villages are connected by lifts and gondolas. Other additional amenities include the free ski buses that run between the different resorts and for families and groups, there is an ice skating rink and large swimming pool open to the public at the Olympic Park.
Travelling to Méribel is relatively easy too, either by plane, train, car or coach. Flying into Geneva is a popular option amongst tourists visiting from the UK and in 2 hours 15 minutes, visitors will find themselves on the slopes.
You couldn’t be more primely located than staying at Hotel Alpen Ruitor, a cosy natural wooden chalet style hotel with exceptional ski-in ski-out facilities. Step into this inviting hotel and warm away the cold by the fire in the main lobby. To ensure you have the full ‘on the slopes’ experience, choose a slope view room and watch as people ski and snowboard down the mountainside. Its proximity to more beginner slopes and other nearby activity centres make it ideal for those getting to know the basics before taking on the mountain range.
Méribel stays consistently snowy all season long due its north-aspected valley. Whether you are well-seasoned or require a skills refresh to optimise your time on the slopes, there are a wide range of ski runs to experience, from beginner green runs to black and off-piste runs and excellent English-speaking ski schools available.
One of the most prominent ski schools available is Oxygene. Established in 1992 in La Plagne, Oxygene began after three determined brothers, Bertrand, Pierre and Julien, decided to create a new kind of ski school that would share their vision of the mountains. Oxygene would become a client first school that would assist and accompany those adventurous enough to enjoy new skiing or snowboarding sensations. Today, Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School is present in 15 of the most prestigious alpine ski resorts in France, from Meribel to Val Thorens via Courchevel and Megeve and delivers comprehensive and encouraging group or 1-to1 lessons.
Méribel is considered a large resort, with an expanse of pistes, 600km to be precise, that are both well maintained and wide, making for spacious feeling runs, even during busier periods. Those wanting a taste of the off-piste powder can find steep terrain easily. Those daring enough can also experience tandem paragliding over the valley and take in the beauty of the mountain range below and parachute down to land on skis. There is even a chance to guide the parachute yourself, with the help of the qualified professional.
Dining options within Méribel Centre are as rich as the local cheese fondue. There are lots of fantastic options for dining and post-ski partying in the area. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as tartiflette and fondue at Brasserie Le 80, a cosy and candle-lit restaurant that celebrates French brasserie classics.
For a livelier post-ski party, ski down to Le Rond Point. Rated as one of the best après-ski bars in Europe, revellers here can expect big crowds chanting along to live music, hot food and snow cold beers. On the same slope, those who want to take in a more relaxed post-ski lunch outside or cosy up by the fire inside with a hot chocolate can do so at Le Coucou. With outstanding views of the piste from the Beefbar, guests booking a table to dine here can soak up the winter sun whilst sipping on an Aperol Spritz. As this is a Beefbar, expect wooden chopping boards and chunks of seared meats cut at the table to allow for optimum flavour. Plenty of vegetarian and pescatarian options are also available too, just make sure to leave room for the dessert buffet after.
Méribel is a wonderful choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels looking for a well-equipped resort that feels both traditional in style but modern in infrastructure, with access to some of the best skiing in the world.
For more information on Meribel – https://www.meribel.net/en/
Double rooms at Hotel Alpen Ruitor from £360 – https://www.alpenruitor.com/
To book with Oxygene Ski School – www.oxygene.ski
Le 80 – https://www.chaudanne.com/en/restaurant-bar-meribel-le-80
Le Coucou – https://www.lecoucoumeribel.com/
