Meribel – France

People fall in love with Meribel and it attracts a warm loyalty from visitors who return season after season. The resort lies in the Les Allues valley and the villages range in height from 1100m (Les Allues) to 1750m (Mottaret). It is one of the nicest purpose-built resorts in Europe and the chalet-style architecture that was conceived by Colonel Peter Lindsay of the British Army in 1938 has been preserved through every stage of expansion. The British connection remains strong today with almost 40% of visitors being from the UK.

Meribel sits snugly in the middle valley of the Trois Vallées area and is arguably the most conveniently located of all the resorts in terms of access to the vast 600km network. Much of the accommodation is ski in and out and the nightlife is well developed without being as expensive as nearby Courchevel. The only people who dislike Meribel are those seeking to escape fellow Brits!

How to get there

Meribel is in the heart of the Tarantaise area of the French Alps.  It can be accessed by train (Moutiers), plane (Chambery, Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble) and car (12 hours from Calais).

Where to stay

Meribel is spread over several villages with all sorts of accommodation available. Choose from rustic traditional farmhouses in Les Allues (1100m), conveniently located chalets in the quiet Meribel Village (1400m), hotels, apartments and chalets in Meribel centre (1450m) or the abundant apartments in Meribel Mottaret (1750m).

On the piste

The enormous Trois Vallées ski area is the biggest in the world, boasting over 600km of pistes, 192 lifts and more than enough off piste terrain to satisfy even the most adventurous skier. Meribel has something to offer every level of skier or boarder so no matter what your ability there’s something for everyone.

Eating and drinking

Meribel might not offer the Michelin starred dining experience of neighbouring Courchevel or St Martin but it certainly provides ample choice with something to suit every budget.  Steak at Chez Kiki or a pizza at the Refuge, it’s all there to be discovered!

Things to do

The Olympic Centre at the Chaudanne has a swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley, games arcade and indoor climbing wall for anyone wanting to spend some time off the mountain.  You can also take a scenic flight, go paragliding, husky dog sledding, snow shoe-ing or cross country skiing if you don’t want to miss out on the great outdoors while in Meribel.

Families

For families with little ones there is plenty on offer – several ski schools including Magic, Parallel Lines, New Generation, Marmalade, BASS, ESF and many more who are all fully qualified and ready to teach them to ski.  If they are too little for such adventures then Meribel offers a number of childcare facilities including a crèche and private nanny services such as T4 Nanny and Jelly and Ice Cream.