Founded by a Scotsman in the late 1930s, Méribel has enjoyed a special place in British skiers’ hearts ever since. Its largely British demographic and its thriving multicultural community give it a uniquely welcoming atmosphere, without losing that easy intimacy and relaxed après scene common to the very best Alpine resorts.
Méribel’s high altitude is another reason it’s so highly regarded. With resorts ranging in height from 1,600 metres to Mont du Vallon’s dizzying heights of close to 3,000 metres, visitors enjoy thick, quilted snow throughout a long season. This combination of a pleasant, welcoming village atmosphere and heavy, reliable snowfall make Méribel one of our favourite ski resorts.
Another one of our French favourites is Courchevel 1850.
Casual Skiing
For moderately experienced skiers, or for skilled skiers who fancy a bit of downtime, Méribel offers plenty of excellent intermediate-level skiing. We suggest taking the Saulire gondolas up to the higher slopes: here you’ll find some broad, open runs to really get the blood pumping. You just can’t beat soaring down these high pistes on a clear, sunny morning.
Creux is another fantastic medium-difficulty run, and you can either take it to around the 1,850 metre mark (here’s a good time to break for lunch) or all the way to the bottom of the valley. Either makes for a beautiful bit of skiing. After that, you can stretch yourself at Suisses (a black run), or go back up to Saulire: on the Courchevel 1850 side of the mountain, you can either take the lengthy Chamois or a few green runs. Alternatively, if you want to go from Courchevel 1850 straight back to Méribel, boulevard de la Loze meanders pleasantly back to the resort.
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For A Challenge…
Some veteran skiers bemoan the lack of difficult runs close to Méribel, but this complaint is easily remedied with a short journey to the nearby Orelle valley. However, this is where Méribel’s occasionally trying weather conditions deserve a mention: the altitude of the resort means that poor weather can be treacherous, and fine weather around the resort can be starkly at odds with the weather in neighbouring valleys. Always be aware of the local weather conditions before embarking on a day’s skiing. Also bear in mind that a day of skiing in Orelle calls for a packed lunch, or for a planned stop for lunch along the way.
Starting in Méribel, you can get the Plan de L’Homme or the Tougnete 1 chairlift (Plan de L’Homme is usually quicker and less busy than Tougnete). Ski down Givre and Perdrix (a blue and green run, respectively), then take the Plattieres gondola to the top of 3 Marches. Pause for a moment to admire the stunning view of Les Aguilles d’Arves and Mont Blanc. From here you can ski the red Alouette, before taking the Cote Brune up and skiing the Col de la Chambre, Chardons an Plein Sud (in that order) into Val Thorens.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the area’s many and varied runs. If the weather is fine, take a lift up to Cime Caron (3,200 metres) or Point du Bouchet (3,500 metres). The view from either of these peaks is nothing short of magnificent, allowing you to see all the way to Italy. When it approaches après-ski time, take the Roc des 3 Marches chair to Platteires 3 and the Mouflon red run back to Méribel.
Après-Ski
Méribel has an intimate, yet relaxed, après scene. If you like to befriend fellow Brits abroad, spend an evening at Barometer or the Doron Hotel pub. Both of these have a brilliant atmosphere befitting any local back home, and are frequented by British holidaymakers.
How to Get to Méribel
Méribel is served by Geneva airport, and it only takes 90 minutes to fly there from London airports. From there you can take a pre-booked Geneva airport transfer: this 2-hour drive is undoubtedly the most relaxing, reliable way to make the journey without having to worry about luggage or finding your way.
The train is also an option. Méribel has good transport connections, and the Eurostar offers a direct train to Moutiers. You can either leave in the evening and arrive in the morning, or leave in the morning and arrive late in the afternoon. Shuttle Direct will be more than happy to arrange a taxi from Moutiers to Méribel once you alight.
There’s also the option of a sleeper coach: it leaves from London Victoria in the afternoon and arrives in Méribel the following morning.
Where to Stay
Hotel Les Arolles – Located in nearby Méribel-Mottaret, Hotel Les Arolles is nonetheless easy to reach from the town centre. It’s a pleasant, airy hotel, and guests have access to its heated swimming pool and sun terrace. The hotel’s free Wi-Fi is a bonus to those who love to stay connected.
Hotel Eliova Le Genepi – Complete with a stylish bar, Le Génépi has an enviable location in the very centre of Méribel itself. Wi-Fi access extends over the whole property, and a ski shuttle leaves from just 50 metres away from the hotel.
Hotel Merilys – Also boasting a central location, Hotel Merilys offers free Wi-Fi and ski-in access. An authentic sauna and fireplace seal the deal for this characterful hotel, while some rooms even offer picturesque mountain views from their balconies.
About Shuttle Direct
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