Ski Accommodation in Meribel, France

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Description

Meribel is the central resort in the Three Valleys and is one of the most popular for British holidaymakers. The three valleys is the largest linked ski area in the world comprising of 600km of connected pistes (that’s four times the size of Paris!)

Meribel Centre is located at 1600m-1700m but the resort is spread across several different villages - Brides les Bains at 600m, Les Allues at 1200m, Meribel Village at 1400m and Meribel Mottaret at 1750m. 85% of the resort is above 1800m and there are 2,000 snow cannons and 80 piste grooming to make sure the slopes are always in top condition.

Meribel is a popular all round resort attracting every type of holidaymaker from families to apres groups. The resort offers a host of accommodation to suit all budgets including self catering apartments and luxury chalet hotels.

Getting There

Meribel is easily accessible from four local airports:

102km from Chambery (1hr)
179km from Lyon (1hr55)
175km from Grenoble (2hrs)
181km from Geneva (2hrs10)

Geneva and Lyon are open all year round and are well connected from many UK and European cities. Chambery and Grenoble are busier on weekends and are only open during the summer.

There are several companies who offer both shared and private transfers:

Alps2Alps provide private transfers from Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon.

Alti Bus provides shared transfers from Geneva, Chambery and Lyon.

Bens Bus provides low cost shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon.

Cool Bus provides private transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon.

Mountain drop-offs provides private transfers from Geneva.

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the world ski awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon and Chambery.

Snowbus provides shared transfers from Geneva and Grenoble on Saturdays and private transfer from Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon every day.

3VT provides private transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble.

There is a direct train that runs from London St Pancras and Ashford in Kent to Moutiers which takes 8 hours. Moutier to Meribel is approximately 25 minutes drive.

Many people will choose to drive out to resort. If you are coming from the UK, you can either take the Channel Tunnel which runs directly from Folkestone every 15 minutes take the ferry from Dover to Calais. It is important to note that there are several tolls along the route through France which will cost approximately €75.

When to Go

Meribel is one of the most popular resorts for British holidaymakers and
is busy all season long. It is a popular choice for families so
similarly to other resorts in the Alps, it does get more crowded during
school holidays. If you are restricted to school holidays and are
planning on travelling during this time then we would recommend booking
in advance as much of the accommodation does get snapped up early.

Where to Stay

Meribel is made up up for 4 main villages - Meribel Centre at 1450m, Meribel Mottaret at 1750m, Meribel Village at 1400m and Meribel Les Allues at 1100m.

Meribel centre is the largest and best known part of resort. The centre is very attractive and traditional with many shops, bars and restaurants. Several chalets are found here although due to the layout of the town, not many are ski in/ski out. The centre of resort is split into 3 areas - Mussillon, Centre and Morel.

Mottaret sits at 1750m making it the highest village in Meribel. Mottaret is purpose built so it isn't the most attractive of places but plenty of the accommodation is ski in/ski out and good value.

Villages is the prettiest part of resort and offers accommodation with excellent ski access via the golf chair lift.

Les Allues is a charming village located down the valley. Due to it being lower down, the accommodation is much cheaper than you would find in the centre. For ski access, the Olympic gondola runs to the Chaudanne and takes 15 minutes.

Getting around

There are three bus lines that run through Meribel linking the villages.

Line A links Les Alliues and Village with the centre and the main Chaudanne area. The bus stops in Le Cruet, Chandon, Nantgerel, Le Raffort, Le Gittaz, Meribel Village and Mussillon.

Line C links Méribel top to bottom, running from la Chaudanne right up through Méribel to the Altiport. On request, this bus will make a detour to the Belevedere hamlet.

Line D links Méribel with Mottaret centre and le Hameau at the top of Mottaret.

There are two gondolas in resort. The Chalets is a free gondola linking Meribel centre with Mottaret and runs from 0800-1930. The Olympe gondola links Brides-les-Baines with Meribel centre, stopping at Les Allues and Le Raffort. This gondola is free with the lift pass and free to take it down without but there is a fee to take it up.

There is normally a taxi rank opposite the Tourist Office in Meribel Centre. It is recommended that you book in advance.

Apres

Meribel is one of the best resorts in the Alps in terms of apres ski and nightlife.

The ‘Ronnie’ (Rond Point) has some of the best live music and parties around.

The famous Folie Douce is located near the mid station of Saulire Express. The open terrace is known for its wild entertainment with DJ’s, singers, dancers and musicians putting on a fantastic show.

In town, Jacks Bar has cemented itself as the upbeat social hub of Méribel. The bar has a fun friendly atmosphere with fantastic live music and great snack food.

Evolution Cafe & Bar is a firm favourite for après ski. It’s a great spot for eating and drinking and plays live music every night from a great selection of bands.

Meribar is a British-run bar and restaurant in the centre of Méribel. The bar is a great place to pop in for a bite to eat of just a couple of drinks.

Lodge du Village (or LDV!) is located in Méribel Village and is one of the most popular après spots in the Three Valleys. The bar hosts some of the best bands in the Alps performing on their huge terrace offering some of the best views Méribel has to offer.

Barometer is a contemporary bar and restaurant in the centre of Méribel. The bar has a chilled atmosphere and is a popular hangout for seasonaires, serving some of the best pizzas in town.

Scott’s Restaurant and Bar is part of Hotel Doron located right next to the piste and the tourist office. The bar plays live music from some of Méribel’s finest musicians. They serve fantastic cocktails in particular the long island ice teas!

British run Le Pub is located in the hotel Doron in the centre of Méribel and is one of the largest and most eventful bars in town. The bar is ski in/ski out so is very convenient to stop off for an après ski drink at the end of the day.

La Taverne Bar is located in the heart of Méribel and offers both a great breakfast, apres with live bands, and dinner & drinks.

O’Sullivans is a top nightclub open from 22.00 to 0400. The club often hosts big name DJs playing great tunes till the early hours.

Le Loft is Méribel’s most distinguished night club. The bar has a unique atmosphere and plays a mix of the most popular dance hits.

Eating out

There is a good selection of restaurants in Meribel both on and off the mountain:

Chez Kiki is a traditional Savoyard restaurant located in Meribel 1600m. The restaurant has been serving traditional recipes including fondues, steak and fish for over 50 years.

Le Bo a Mil is a rustic and traditional Savoyard restaurant located in Méribel Village. The restaurant is in a unique setting in the cellar of an old chalet. Note the portions are huge!

La Kouisena Restaurant is located in the L’Eterlou Hotel, close to the Chaudanne piste area. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine of fondue, raclette and pierrade.

Tsaretta Bar is located in Les Allues and is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The bar offers the biggest range of beer on tap in the valley as well as a fantastic wine list.

Le Clos Bernard is ideally located near the ski slopes and serve sophisticated Savoyard cuisine include meat and cheese platters, foie gras, salads, pasta, tartiflette, croziflette, fondue and raclette.

La Fuitiere offers fine dining on the slopes. The restaurant is part of the Folie Douce and is located at the Saulire mid station with easy access from the Maudit and Biche pistes. The restaurant provides well-presented, great-tasting and organic food.

Activities

Méribel offers a range of activities for non skiers including:

The Olympic Centre – swimming pool; ice skating and bowling.
Spa
Walking and snow shoeing – the ski schools offer guiding.
Husky sledging
Cinema – open every day except Saturday.
Inner tubing
Skidooing
Ice climbing
Weekly market and lots of shops

Ski School

There are several ski schools in Méribel offering both group and private lessons. Group lessons will generally be cheaper but they will be less intense that one to one tuition.

It is recommended to book your lessons in advanced as they can get booked up quickly especially if you are travelling on a peak week.

New Generation has been operating in Méribel for over 20 years. The ski school has some of the best French and Italian instructors, as well as some experienced and fully qualified British ski instructors. The school teaches all levels of skiers and boarders in both group and private lessons and aim to match you to an instructor with the most suited skills or passions.

Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School (previously known as Magic in Motion) have English-speaking lessons for all ages and abilities. They are known for their fantastic kids lessons taught in small groups, but also offer adult ski & snowboard groups as well as private and off-piste lessons.

Marmalade have a skilled and experienced team of instructors who offer a range of lessons for all abilities.

Parallel Lines offer a full range of ski lessons and snowboard lessons for adults and children, group lessons, private lessons, performance courses and off piste guiding.

ESF has been running for over 70 years and have fully qualified English speaking instructors to help you improve your skills. ESF offer group and private lessons as well as mountain guiding for all abilities.

Getting around

Line C links Méribel top to bottom, running from la Chaudanne right up through Méribel to the Altiport. On request, this bus will make a detour to the Belevedere hamlet.

Line D links Méribel with Mottaret centre and le Hameau at the top of Mottaret.

There is normally a taxi rank opposite the Tourist Office in Meribel Centre. It is recommended that you book in advance.

Family ski

Meribel is one of the most popular resorts for families heading to the Alps.

There are two creches in Meribel - ESF operate Les Saturnins for children aged 13 months - 3 years, and Club Piou Piou for children aged 3-5 years.

Families may choose to book with a tour operator who offer in house childcare as they will be able to offer a creche with English speaking staff and provide similar style care that you would receive in the UK. Ski Esprit offer a range of childcare for children from 17 month and ski lessons from 3 years in their Chalet Hotel Alba.

A third option for families is to book a private nanny as this method provides families with flexible levels of high quality care.

Merinannies is a professional private nanny service in Méribel that has been providing first class childcare for skiing families.

Snowbug provides friendly and trustworthy private nannies.

T4 Nannies is the loveliest in the Alps with their handpicked staff offering high quality service.

Meribel Nanny Services provide fantastic nanny services in the whole of the Meribel Valley.

My Travelling Nanny is a family run specialist holiday nanny agency who match families with the perfect Travelling Nanny for their holiday.

Group Ski

Childcare

Although it’s quite a spread out resort, Meribel is family-friendly in many ways. For parents bringing the kids to the resort, Meribel is a resort with a wealth of activities on and off the snow to keep the kids happy, challenged and entertained all week long.
Childcare in Meribel falls under three categories: In-house, external nanny or creche facilities.

If you’re keen on Meribel and you want in-house childcare, you need to consider the Hotel Alba. Everything from nursery to ski lessons and kids’ clubs is catered for under one roof, making life very easy for parents! http://interactiveresorts.co.uk/france/meribel/alba - Other options along the same lines are Meribel’s Club Med properties. Spectacularly well located and offering an all-in price which makes for excellent value for money, they are an attractive prospect for many: http://interactiveresorts.co.uk/france/meribel/club-med-meribel-antares

External nanny companies in Meribel are superb, and many of them have strong reputations going back years. Whether you need all-day childcare or just half-day with ski school pickups, there are services to match your requirements. Standout companies include Merinannies (http://www.merinannies.com/ ) and Jelly and Ice Cream (http://www.jellyandice-cream.com/childcare-in-meribel/ ) who both offer highly qualified child carers with UK-based qualifications.

For toddlers keen to get a taste for the snow, Meribel’s ESF ski school run a nursery area, the Piou-Piou Garden, where kids are looked after for the day and taken onto the nursery slope for their first experiences of skiing. http://www.ski-school-meribel-mottaret.com/children Exciting obstacles, toys and games make their days exciting and interesting, and the level of care is excellent.

Aside from the childcare, Meribel’s ski schools also welcome children of all ages and standards for lessons and, unsurprisingly for a resort of this calibre, the level of tuition is outstanding. The vast majority of the schools meet down at the base of the lifts in La Chaudanne, so they are easy to find. There are many excellent ski schools in Meribel but a good place to start is Magic in Motion: http://www.magic-meribel.com/uk/index.aspx

For parents hoping to enjoy a few non-ski activities with the kids, Meribel has a wealth of options to suit all tastes. The Sport Centre offers a climbing wall, swimming pool and a host of other pursuits. The ice rink offers skating, ice hockey matches and even ice-karting too, and the gentle hills near the base of the lifts are the perfect place to enjoy a spot of tobogganing.

The Piste

Meribel has two designated beginner areas with free lifts; one in Mottaret (zen zone) and one at the Altiport (ski cool zone). There are 24 blue runs in Meribel so plenty of places to progress after the nursery slopes.

The best intermediate pistes are located south of Mottaret and are accessed by the Plattieres gondola. The red Combe de Vallon piste from the top of the Mont du Vallon gondola and the Face run from the top of the Roc der Fer are both challenging runs for intermediate skier s to note.

Meribel itself has limited runs for expert skiers but its central location in the Three Valleys means it is a good base to access some of the harder runs in the valley. La Face run which hosted the women’s Olympic downhill is a great spot for un-pisted powder, and for those looking for off-piste, the valley between the Combe de Vallon and Campagnol pistes is the place to head.

Ski School

Marmalade have a skilled and experienced team of instructors who offer a range of lessons for all abilities.

Parallel Lines offer a full range of ski lessons and snowboard lessons for adults and children, group lessons, private lessons, performance courses and off piste guiding.

Equipment Hire

Meribel has a large selection of ski hire shops. It is recommended to book your hire online as many of the shops will offer online discounts for booking in advance.

Ski Set have been providing top of the range equipment in conveniently located stores for almost 20 years. Skiset offer an array of state of the art equipment to hire, and you are able to change your skis or try a snowboard during your stay if you wish.

Slide Candy are a ski rental delivery service.

Ski Higher are the original delivery service in Meribel offering a comprehensive range of rental products.

Freeride is a specialist ski and snowboard hire service, offering a delivery, collection and in-chalet fitting service.

Precision Ski offers equipment that has been carefully selected from leading brands in mountain sports. They stock a wide range of rental equipment for all levels.

Intersport have a variety of rental shops across Meribel providing ski and snowboard equipment to suit all abilities. During your stay, guests are able to change their boots if they need to with no extra fees.

Lift Passes

When visiting Meribel, there are two types of lift passes available; the local pass which covers Meribel and Mottaret, or the full Three Valley area pass which covers the whole area

The below prices are based on the current rates in resort but may change at the time of booking.

6 Day Ski Pass     Méribel Valley Pass     Three Valley Pass
Adult (13-64yrs)    €249                            €300
Child (5-12yrs)      €200                             €240
Senior (65-75yrs) €224.10                         €270

Free passes are available for under 5yrs and over 75yrs, proof of age is required.

Discounts are available for groups of two or three. The discount is only valid on passes bought online for the same duration in the same transaction.

6 Day Méribel Valley Three Valley Pass

2 Persons Duo Pass €242 €290

(price per person)

3 Persons Tribu Pass €239 €285

(price per person)

Family passes are available for families of 2 adults and 2 children. All passes must be purchased for the same time, duration and ski area. All members pay the child price on the deal.

There are beginner passes available in the Méribel and Mottaret area for €28.50 per day for all ages. The pass gives access to: Drag-lifts: Altiport, Cotes, Sittelle, Aigle; Telecabins: Rhodos 1 et 2, Tougnete 1, Olympe, Chalets; Chairlifts: Altiport, Golf, Morel, Arolles, Combes; Magic carpets: Loupiot, Doron; and Pull –cords: Fontanyl, Ourson.

Passes can be pre booked online or purchased in resort from the lift pass office.

Alternatively, you can pre-book your pass through your tour operator who will deliver it to your accommodation for you.