Meribel is actually 4 main villages, Meribel-Mottaret the highest at 1750m, Meribel Centre the largest, Meribel Les Allues the original Meribel village and Meribel Village at 1400m built for the Olympics. Founded in 1936 by Scotsman Peter Lindsay and built with traditional stone and wood to keep the Savoyard authenticity by French architects Paul Grillo (Grand Prix de Rome in 1937) and his partner Christian Durupt, as well as the lovely wood and stone, most buildings also feature traditional slated roofs too. The English influences remain, in fact at one stage Meribel was famous for being practically 100% British but I am sure the French would have disagreed!
The Three Valleys will delight all skiers and especially families, combining the pleasure and ease of skiing with children in a well groomed ski area. The area offers some of the best off-piste itineraries available anywhere in Europe for experts with a taste for adventure. There is also a snowpark for boarders and skiers and with one of the most modern lift systems in Europe, the area prides itself on having quick and easy access across all valleys.
There are a host of restaurants to choose from including the Michelin starred L’Ekrin. Meribel apres ski spots includes the famous Folie Douce and Rond Point, both famous for their lively outdoor terraces. There’s the Lodge du Village in Meribel Village with frequent live music and in Meribel Centre there’s the famous Jacks.
Meribel has so many other activities and events throughout the season, it’s impossible to list them all, rest assured there’s always something going on for all ages!
There is some great piste skiing for intermediates and advanced with plenty of red and black runs and some superb off-piste possibilities. The green pistes at the Meribel Altiport area is a perfect place for beginners and with 50% of the valley bring forest, the views are incredibly beautiful throughout the Meribel ski area.
Being part of the huge Three Valley ski area, from the Chaudanne ski lift in Meribel Centre, you can reach Courchevel in just 15 minutes and 20 minutes for La Tania. Les Menuires is about 20 minutes and you can easily reach Val Thorens in 45 minutes. The lower villages of La Praz and St Martin De Belleville can also be reached well within the hour.
Starting at Méribel’s highest skiing point there are two runs to choose from, both reds and north facing meaning the snow holds brilliantly all season. After fresh snowfall, wait it out and get there when the lift opens a day or two later and enjoy lap after lap of fresh tracks in the deep stuff! It’s one of the longest runs in the valley but the views are incredible.
Blanchot
A little calmer is Blanchot, a more gentle experience definitely suitable for beginners. The forest scenery is the real draw though and because it’s an easy run, you can concentrate on the views. On a powder day, skiing through the trees is so much fun. Blanchot is perfect for families with young children and beginners who aren’t used to the slopes.
Couloir Tournier - Vertical Xperience
The Couloir Tournier black run is one of Méribel’s toughest and steepest pistes with an average gradient of 33° and the steepest section at 38.6°. Not for the faint-hearted it is a great choice for those looking for a challenge! It’s a ‘no-fall zone’ and once you’re on it you are committed until the end!
Roc de Fer
The best blue slope in the valley with family-friendly terrain and great for every level of skier.
Pic Bleu
The best views in the valley from this unassuming blue run.
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