Meribel ski resort

Méribel is located in the heart of the 3 Valleys in France and is made up of 5 villages, Méribel Village, Méribel Centre, Méribel Mottaret, Les Allues and Brides les Bains.

It’s the best resort to stay in for experiencing this vast ski area with 600km of pistes. Méribel is linked with Val Thorens, Courchevel, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, and Orelle, so there’s plenty to experience during your visit.

Throughout the terrain accessible from Méribel, you can expect an outstanding variety of skiing and snowboarding, both on and off-piste. If you stay within the confines of Méribel, you’ll be treated to 150km of pistes. The slopes are often wide and meticulously well looked after.

If you’re an intermediate who likes to cruise for long distances, Méribel is an excellent choice. You can drop up to 1,500 meters if you pick the correct route. Beginners can also enjoy a visit to Méribel, as most of the runs are considered easy, and the lift system is user-friendly.

Advanced skiers may not find the on-piste terrain very challenging. But, there are some excellent off-piste and freeride spots to keep you entertained. You can easily find steep off-piste areas, but a guide will take you to the best places.

If you want to improve your freestyle, the DC Area 43 has everything you need. This well-thought-out snowpark allows you to progress from the rookie zone to bigger features, including the halfpipe, rails, and jumps.

Méribel is well-known for its excellent après and nightlife scene. The fun usually starts at La Folie Douce, but you can also enjoy many bars and even Michelin-Star restaurants in the evenings.

The range of luxury accommodations available in Méribel includes stunning hotels, chalets, and apartments. All feature impeccable service, elegant decor, and cosy surroundings.

Méribel ski season ENDS in…

Info & Stats

Season

December 10, 2022 – April 28, 2023

Ski area

The Méribel Valley has 144 kilometres of terrain at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,750 metres and 23 lifts. It includes six green trails, 16 blue trails, nine red trails and four blacks.

The terrain park Element Park has four zones catering to all levels.

DC Area 43 has everything from a rookie zone to a pro zone for experienced freestylers, with kickers, rails and a superpipe.

On-mountain restaurant, Le Clos Bernard is a lovely place to enjoy a long lunch in the sunshine.

Linked ski area

The 3 Valleys (7 resorts): Courchevel, Bride-les-Bains, Meribel, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Orelle

600 km – 327 runs (17% greens, 39% blues, 33% reds, 11% blacks)
166 lifts

Non-ski experiences

Kids love the Yéti Park and outdoor games on offer at the Inuit Piste Village, with entertainment including an eagle show and huskies.

The Olympic Centre has a pool, spa, ice rink, gym and climbing wall.

Après-ski

A cabaret kicks off the party at après ski bar la Folie Douce at 2pm every day.

There are also plenty of bars and restaurants, including the Michelin-starred L’Ekrin.

Location & Trail Maps

Transfer time to Méribel:

Moutiers train station (closest): 25min*
Chambéry airport: 1hr 15min*
Geneva airport: 2hrs*
Lyon airport: 2hrs*

Resorts altitude: 1,400m to 1,750m

*Transfer time is approximate, by private transfer vehicle and subject to traffic, weather and road conditions.

Shared shuttle/bus transfers have set departure times, take much longer to travel and don’t offer door to door service which is why we recommend private transfers only.

Méribel trail map

3 Valleys trail map

Watch the Video

Méribel Ski Resort Video

Méribel is located in the very heart of the largest linked ski area in the world, the 3 Valleys. With wood clad and chalet-style buildings spread across the valley, it is one of the most tastefully designed of all French purpose-built ski resorts, with lots of fun for families and great nightlife.
Watch this video to find out more…

Watch Video Now

Photo Gallery

FAQ

What makes Meribel ski resort unique?

Méribel with its picture-perfect wooden alpine chalets, is located in the very heart of the largest linked ski area in the world – The 3 Valleys.

This equally gives Meribel guests easy access to the nearby world-class ski resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens, all on the one lift pass.

Meribel is spread across 5 main villages and is one of the most tastefully-designed, purpose-built ski resorts in France. You’ll find everything you need in this buzzing and beautiful resort.

Who would love Meribel ski resort the most?

Families looking for a truly magical alpine setting combined with the convenience of easy access to all the slopes and resorts of The 3 Valleys linked ski area will love Meribel.

Méribel also boasts one of the best après-ski scenes in all of France and attracts many English visitors, so you will have no problem fitting in or understanding the language. When the lifts close, Méribel comes alive with live bands and bars, open until the small hours.

There’s also a huge selection of restaurants offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to traditional Savoyard specialities and trendy on-mountain eateries.

What is there to do for non-skiers in Meribel?

Meribel’s non-ski activities include horse sleigh tours, ski joering, hot air ballooning, dog sledding, snow shoeing, an Olympic Park and Spa with a fitness area, ice rink, swimming pool, indoor climbing.. and the list goes on.

Kids love the Yéti Park and outdoor games on offer at the Inuit Piste Village, with entertainment including an eagle show and huskies.

In the evening, the sledging from Meribel Mottaret is lots of fun, as are the night-time quad bike and snowmobiling tours. A cabaret kicks off the party at après ski bar la Folie Douce at 2pm every day.

For foodies there are plenty of fine-dining and gourmet restaurants to discover such as the Michelin-starred L’Ekrin or the Chalet Restaurant Le Clos Bernard, located in the heart of the Altiport Forest and accessible only by ski, foot or horse-drawn carriage. There are also plenty of local rustic restaurants serving traditional dishes such as cheese fondue, raclettes and good quality local produce and wines without the silver service.

A breath-taking yet very affordable highlight is catching a 15min scenic flight from Méribel’s altiport (tiny alpine airport) over the entire 3 Valleys.

How do we get to Meribel?

Meribel is a 2 hour drive by private transfer from either Lyon or Geneva Airport.
It’s a 25min drive from Moutiers train station, the closest train station in France to Meribel.

A shared shuttle transfer from Geneva will take over 4hrs and will only drop you off at the village bus stop, not at your accommodation – not ideal if you are travelling with ski gear and luggage and don’t know your way around.

Top Snow Travel can also arrange transfers by helicopter from any of the regional airports or altiports.

What are the best festivals and events in Meribel?

Whether you are holidaying with your family, partner or friends, Méribel offers a wealth of varied and original activities to enliven your holidays. With the “Méribel In Lights” atmospheric Christmas celebrations, the New Year’s Eve outdoor disco and Russian Christmas, the holiday season will be particularly festive!

If you enjoy show-style entertainment, you’ll be delighted by the Piste Bash Festival, Soundclash, Jib Session or the Winter Film Festival.

Snow sports fans can watch major events such as the Men’s Europa Cup Giant Slalom, the French Moguls Championships, the Roc de Fer Challenge, the 3 Vallées Enduro, or the French Under-16 Alpine Ski Championships.

You can also explore the Vanoise National Park and Méribel’s wild spaces through outdoor activities during the Mountain Bike Winter Tour, the Yooni Moon Trail Run, the Zen Altitude theme fortnight, the Olympe Challenge or the Mountain Restaurant Nights.

How long does the Meribel ski season last?

Next winter, Meribel Ski Resort is scheduled to open from December 4^th 2021 to April 22^nd 2022.

When is the best time to go skiing in Meribel?

January 2nd to Feb 5th 2022 is the cheapest and best time to go (low season), followed by 5^th March until mid-April 2022 (the shoulder season).

For Australians travelling to France to ski during our January summer holidays, we benefit from the cheaper rates on offer in the French ski resorts’ low season. This happens to be when the French and Europeans go back to work and school after the 2 week Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Europeans and the Brits flock to the resorts through February into March (DO NOT TRAVEL from 5^th Feb to 5^th Mar 2022 as this is the French school holidays). The slopes are extremely busy, the queues at the lifts are long and the price for accommodation is very expensive during that time. Even all the restaurants are booked out!

Typically, in January, the snow is dry with the largest build up. It is also the coldest time, so you will need to make sure that you dress warmly. It is still wise to choose a high-altitude resort in case mother nature has not been kind earlier in the season. Bear in mind though, that snow-making is used to supplement natural snowfall in high traffic areas.

So, not only is January the cheapest time to go skiing in the French Alps, it is also the best time to go thanks to the weather conditions, the lack of queues, more availability and choice of accommodation and you get to breathe fresh air with your loved ones, rather than with thousands of other people!

TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN MÉRIBEL

Méribel Accommodation

Méribel Centre is the most centrally located of the villages, making it an ideal base to explore the Three Valleys. It offers a wider choice of accommodation than many other resorts, from 3, 4 and 5 star Hotels to upscale apartments and chalets.

Le Refuge de la Traye

|Meribel

Hotel Le Kaila. A unique location in the heart of Méribel. 39 spacious bedrooms and suites with refined decor and high quality service. First 5-star hotel of the resort, Le Kaïla provides direct access to the slopes by lift from its ski shop. Take advantage of the spa NUXE , indoor swimming-pool with aquamarine course, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, fitness and a kid’s club”.

29
May

Hotel Le Kaila

|Meribel

14
Mar

Hotel Le Coucou

|Meribel

23
Feb

Hotel La Chaudanne

|Meribel

Hotel La Chaudanne. At the heart of the Méribel resort, lies the 4-star La Chaudanne Hotel, which is ideal for romantic getaways, or holidays with family and friends. The hotel perfectly marries together the fundamental values of welcoming guests, in a friendly and sophisticated setting.There is also direct access to the ski slopes to enjoy the largest ski resort in the world, Les 3 Vallées !

10
Mar

Antarès Residence Naos 203 7 Bedroom Apartment Méribel 11

Antarès Naos 203 Apartment

|Meribel

7 Bedrooms - sleeps 13. Naos 203 Apartment is part of the Antarès Méribel Residence, a collection of 7 chalets each comprising of luxury, contemporary apartments. Located on the slopes with a complimentary shuttle service into Méribel centre and a dedicated concierge team, you will want for nothing at Antarès. Guests have access to the 800 sqm Antarès Spa Méribel, a wellness area complete with 25m swimming pool

15
Apr

Antarès Stella 001 Apartment

|Meribel

2 Bedrooms - sleeps 4. Stella 001 Apartment is part of the Antarès Méribel Residence, a collection of 7 chalets each comprising of luxury, contemporary apartments. Located on the slopes with a complimentary shuttle service into Méribel centre and a dedicated concierge team, you will want for nothing at Antarès. Guests have access to the 800 sqm Antarès Spa Méribel, a wellness area complete with 25m swimming pool

08
Aug

Hotel Le Tremplin

|Meribel

Hotel Le Tremplin. Offering a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, Hotel Le Tremplin is located in the centre of Méribel. The property is 50 m from the ski slopes. At Hotel Le Tremplin you will find a communal sauna and hammam. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage and ski storage. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including skiing, the local cinema and skating rink

06
Mar

Hotel l’Eterlou

|Meribel

Hotel l'Eterlou. A charming three-star hotel in an ideal location, lying at the foot of the slopes within a well-known resort, for a stay where authenticity remains a priority. Enjoy the largest skiing area in the world, and hurtle down more than 600 kms of slopes, in the heart of the 3 Valleys in Méribel.

09
Mar

Hotel Alpen Ruitor

|Meribel

Hotel Alpen Ruitor. Located in the heart of the Biggest Ski Domain in the World: The Three Valleys, in the centre of Meribel-Mottaret (1750m), our House offers a lot of services and advantages.

10
Mar

Residence l’Hévana

|Meribel

1 to 3 Bedroom apartments. Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence L'Hevana. Located right in Méribel Centre, the L’Hévana residence welcomes you in an enchanting setting amidst fir trees and snow-capped peaks, close to the ski slopes. This brand new residence, awarded 5 stars, subtly blends tradition and modernity.

10
Mar

Chalet Tichka

|Meribel

5 Bedroom - sleeps 10. Chalet Tichka. Located in the hamlet of Raffort, Chalet Tichka offers the perfect combination of luxury and authenticity. Our private chauffeur service (8am until 10pm) will allow you to access the slopes and the center very easily. With 5 bedrooms and an area of 250 m², this chalet will seduce you with an elegant decoration, not to mention the relaxation area with its Jacuzzi and Hammam

10
Mar

Chalet Le Grenier

|Meribel

6 Bedroom - sleeps 12. Chalet Le Grenier is a stunning chalet, situated in the Morel region in the heart of Méribel. It’s enviably located just across the road from the Morel chairlift and the Hulotte piste allowing direct access to the pistes. The chalet is large and imposing, exquisitely designed by the well-known Alpine interior designer, Nicky Dobree, bringing you 550m2 of space arranged over five floors, with the added convenience of a lift.

11
Mar

Chalet L’Arpege

|Meribel

6 Bedroom - sleeps 12 Adults + 2 Children. Chalet L’Arpege is a stunning, newly built ski in/ski out chalet, situated at the bottom of the Hulotte piste, next to the Morel chairlift at 1600m level in Méribel. Arranged over four expansive floors, this exceptional chalet offers guests spacious and stylish accommodation in a superb location.

19
Mar

Chalet Trois Ours

|Meribel

5 Bedrooms - sleeps 10. Chalet Trois Ours is one the best located ski chalets in Meribel – on the exclusive Route des Chalets, it is immediately on the Doron piste giving true ski-in ski-out access. This beautiful traditional chalet exudes charm and elegance and was completely renovated in 2011 to be the perfect choice for those looking for a true luxury chalet skiing holiday in Meribel.

12
Mar

Chalet Alya

|Meribel

5 Bedrooms - sleeps 10. Chalet Alya is an enchanting and natural place in a postcard setting. Our chalet has been completely renovated with the greatest care to offer you the perfect chalet rental in Méribel: a jewel in the 3 Valleys. The chalet harmoniously combines wood and exposed stone, which contributes to the magic of the place.

09
Jul

Chalet La Grange de Meribel

|Meribel

6 Bedroom - sleeps 12. Chalet La Grange de Meribel. Located in the hamlet of La Rosière near Meribel Mottaret, our private chauffeur service will allow you to access the slopes very easily. Ski in / ski out access for advanced skiers. The chalet is equipped with a ski room, 6 bedrooms, a large living room, a sauna, an incredible view from the jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace. Its privileged location will bring you calm and tranquillity

04
Mar

Chalet du Vallon

|Meribel

4 Bedroom - sleeps 8. Chalet du Vallon. This beautiful chalet is in the small hamlet of Meribel Village, the original resort of the valley. It is just 2 minutes walk from the Golf chairlift which connects you to the fantastic skiing that the 3 Valleys has to offer. The location of the chalet gives you the perfect combination of peace and tranquillity but with easy access to the slopes, bars, restaurants and shops of the resort. Built in traditional

09
Mar

Chalet La Ferme de mon Grand Pere - Meribel

Chalet La Ferme de mon grand-père

|Meribel

8 Bedroom - sleeps 16. Chalet La Ferme de mon Grand Pere. Le Chalet “La ferme de mon grand-père” is situated in the centre of Méribel : mystical village full of winter sports, just 500m from the ski-lifts, the Olympic Park and the downtown shops. With its 500m2 of living space it can accommodate 16 people, the chalet combines perfection along with the ancient style of savoyard chalets while offering luxury, comfort and

05
Mar

Chalet Tyrosolios

|Meribel

7 Bedroom - sleeps 14. Chalet Tyrosolios. In the charming hamlet of Raffort, less than 300m from the ski lift L’Olympe and 100m from the bottom of the Raffort piste, you‘ll find our lovely Chalet Tyrosolios. A huge chalet (1100m², with 250m² of terrace!) including 7 bedrooms or suites, a dormitory and 300m² of spa and relaxation/lounge/bar areas.

07
Mar

Residence Les Crets

|Meribel

1 to 2 Bedroom apartments. Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Les Crets. This intimate and comfortable 4-star Savoie ski-in, ski-out residence is located in a scenic wooded environment, just a short distance from the Méribel-Mottaret resort, at an altitude of 1,750 metres.

20
Feb

Les Fermes de Meribel

|Meribel

1 to 4 Bedroom apartments. Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Les Fermes de Meribel. The residence, located at the heart of Méribel, reflects the architectural traditions of the Savoie region. Distributed between six stone and wood chalets, the apartments prioritise comfort and tranquillity.

15
Feb

Hotel Le Merilys

|Meribel

Hotel Le Merilys - Meribel. Set high amongst the pine trees overlooking the resort, this small and charming hotel is just across the road from the pistes and the Rhodos ski lift. The hotel is one of the few Bed & Breakfast residences in Meribel. Built in the early 90’s for the Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992. The interior uses a lot of wood and natural materials to create an authentic mountain style and feel.

12
Feb

REQUEST A QUOTE

MÉRIBEL

The 3 Valleys ski area