Meribel Overview
Bang in the bull’s-eye of the largest ski area in the world, it is not difficult to see why we Brits flock to Meribel like migrating birds. Sandwiched between upmarket Courchevel and purpose-built Val Thorens, Meribel is the perfect location to ski the Three Valleys. It’s picture postcard pretty but without the four-figure price tag. It’s ski to the door convenience without compromising on the view. And it has a justifiably renowned nightlife.
Getting To Meribel
You can cover the 64miles (106km) to Meribel from Chambery airport in under 90mins. If you are driving have a cursory glance at a map to pinpoint your accommodation before you set off, it’s a surprisingly big place. Or take the stress out of the journey by taking a transfer direct to your door. Once there, take advantage of the free shuttle bus service to get around but be warned that the buses can be overcrowded.
When choosing your accommodation, location is an important consideration, as Meribel is a sprawling resort divided into several distinct sectors. The hub of the resort, where most of the shops and bars are located, is Meribel 1450 and not Meribel Village, as the name might suggest. The Village is in fact a modern satellite of the town itself. Meribel-Mottaret is another satellite further up the hill at 1750m of altitude, great for ski-in ski-out. However, while the additional 300m up to Mottaret mean better snow coverage on the homeruns, the 2km by road make for more than a short stumble home from 1450 after a night on the beers.
Despite the expansion, Meribel has managed to stay beautiful thanks to strict building regulations, a lasting legacy of resort founder Peter Lindsay. Back in the 1930s the British Colonel decreed that all buildings in the valley would be made from wood and stone with slate roofs. It was a Brit that founded the place so it’s only fair we should have colonised it too, right? Ok, not in the strict sense of the word but having a pint, in Le Pub you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a bar in London with the prices to match. I challenge you to find a Frenchman.
What's on in Meribel
Spectacular head-to-head bump skiing and aeriels from the world’s freestyle elite in the first stage of the 2008/2009 Freestyle World Cup series.
Marcus Brigstocke and friends bring comedy to Meribel. As well as the funny stuff, during the week-long festival, audiences will be treated to live bands and superstar DJ’s, boardercross and big air competitions, three legged races and snowball fights.
Watch the best of British skiing talent fight it out in the national championships.
Open to everyone who’s game for a laugh, the Three Valleys X-Wing Rally sees teams of three battle it out on the slopes. There are three categories: Pros, Sporting Amateurs and Families. Teams compete across a variety of fun-filled, action-packed disciplines.
The Mountain
First timers to the resort will find plenty to keep them occupied in the Meribel Valley with its 150km of pistes served by super efficient people-movers, including 15 telecabines and seven high-speed 6seater chairs. Meribel is a suitable playground for skiers of all abilities with a good distribution of green, blue, red and black runs. Also, mixed ability groups can stick together since the same destination can often be reached by blue or red alternatives. Beginners are well catered for at the altiport ski area while advanced skiers will find some challenging runs and fantastic off-piste at Platieres and Mont Vallon. There are also two snow parks.
While you would have to have an entire winter at your disposal to really do justice to the massive Three Valleys ski area, with both Courchevel and Val Thorens on the doorstep it would be a shame not to venture out of the Valley at all. It’s worth knowing that with a six day valley pass you’re entitled to a one day Three Valleys extension at a discounted rate. Competent skiers will love valley hopping. Don’t get stuck the wrong side of a ridge when the lifts close though, taxis back down and around are extortionate.
Bars & Clubs in Meribel
Meribel is rivalled only by Val d’Isere and Chamonix in the drinking and partying stakes with numerous venues catering for every taste if not for every budget. It’s not cheap to indulge, but keep your eyes peeled for happy hour offers and you could save yourself a couple of euros. Good deals can be had daily at Le Pub, a long-established Brit favourite with live music and entertainment throughout the week. La Taverne also has a worthwhile happy hour, live music daily and shows all major sporting events on its big screen. When the place isn’t rocking for après it’s also a good place to catch up on your e-mails. The Cactus Café offers all of the above plus pool and table football and also serves good Mexican food between 6 and 10pm. If you just want to chill Scotts, Le Poste and Barometre are all good options, although the latter two are both swankier and pricier.
If you are dancing, head to Dick’s Tea Bar before midnight when the cocktails are 2 for 1. Dick’s draws the crowds till late with live music, guest DJs and theme nights. Another late night alternative is Le Loft. Stylish and laidback, the place attracts a more international, and dare I say suaver, clientele.
Meribel Après Ski
And there’s plenty to keep non-drinkers happy when the lifts close and non-skiers happy when they are open. You can try your hand at ice skating, ice climbing, ice carting, snowshoeing, snow biking or dog sledding. Or why not get an entirely different perspective on the Alps by flying over the mountain range in a hot air balloon or in a light aircraft. Alternatively, relax at the Club Med Spa where you can make an appointment for a beauty treatment, hydrotherapy or massage, at Meribel Village where a gym, sauna, Turkish bath and solarium are at your disposal, or at l’Hotel Chaudanne which has a well-equipped gym, squash court, sauna, solarium, Jacuzzi and hair and beauty salon.
Something for the Kids
Meribel is great for families too. Lift passes are free for the under fives and families of 4 or more are entitled to preferential tariffs. There are plenty of different childcare options, including a well-respected British run Crèche in Meribel Les Allues and an equally well-regarded private nannying service called Les Farfadets which is also a Brit organisation. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
The bowling alley is kitted out for kids with special light-weight balls, dinky shoes and snake buffers. The swimming pool has an area reserved for your water babies, complete with water slide. And little kids and big ones will simply love dog sledding and snow biking. Meribel really is fun for all the family.
Meribel Accommodation Links
Other Links
Other Snowjet.co.uk Resort Guides:
Alpe d’Huez Resort Guide
Chamonix Resort Guide
Courchevel Resort Guide
La Plagne Resort Guide
Les Arcs Resort Guide
Meribel Resort Guide
Montgenèvre Resort Guide
Sainte Foy Resort Guide
Tignes Resort Guide
Val d’Isere Resort Guide
Val Thorens Resort Guide
