A Guide to Meribel Resort
Our definitive guide to a truly beautiful ski holiday in Meribel, in the heart of the Three Valleys
Meribel Resort Information
Meribel Resort
Famous the world over for the skiing, the bars, the restaurants, the shops, the après-ski activities… There’s a reason that many skiers wouldn’t dream of skiing anywhere else.
The pretty resort of Meribel-Mottaret lies in the centre of the Three Valleys between Courchevel and Val Thorens, with 600km of marked runs between 1300m and 3230m altitude. An impressive 85% of the ski area lies above 1800m and there are 25 mountain peaks accessed by the ski lifts, ten of which are above 2500m.
Popular with all levels of skiers and boarders. Beginners and intermediates will love the many blue and green runs around the forested areas and there are also plenty of challenges for more advanced levels with an impressive variety of high peaks, steep reds and blacks and long-distance day trips.
There’s plenty of freestyle terrain with some gigantic kickers, rails, boxes and a half-pipe in one of Europe’s best freestyle parks, as well as plenty of fun, interactive areas for smaller children, such as the Animal piste near the Altiport and the Yeti park in Mottaret. There are also lots of English-speaking ski school options which have lessons/coaching for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
It is also a great resort for non-skiers, with a large centre packed with shops, restaurants and bars and easy access around the different villages using the free bus service. Méribel has the Olympic Centre with an ice-rink, bowling alley, a swimming pool, wellness centres, and climbing wall. The cinema and toboggan runs make fun apres-ski options in the village. Plenty of mountain restaurants – including the legendary apres-ski venues La Folie Douce and ‘The Ronnie’ – are accessible using a pedestrian lift pass, and are great locations for meeting up with skiers for lunch, drinks or dancing. Or all three! There are regular events and activities organised during the winter season.
Experience Meribel Resort
Eating & Drinking
The main centre of Méribel has a huge selection of bars and restaurants. There’s truly something for everyone, ranging from reasonably priced snacks on-the-go to famous Michelin starred restaurants.
On the cheap and cheerful front, don’t miss Chez Bif burgers in Mottaret, or Le Rond Point’s snack bar on the terrace. Jack’s near the snow front has a large dining room and terrace which is suitable for families and groups, and offers an international menu with craft beer. The Cantine d’Alvar has an equally large dining area and terrace and a decent menu, located on the snowfront next to the Olympic centre which is home to the swimming pool, ice rink and a gondola lift).
For a cosy, Alpine experience, on the piste you could head to Le Blanchot near the Altiport. Or Aux Petits Oignons with its roaring log fire and candlelit tables. The wonderful La Fromagerie satisfies any cheese cravings you might have! Expect more local ingredients at Le Cèpe, which specialises in mushroom dishes. Le Cromagnon is an informal, friendly spot to try French classics. La Taverne is a reliable bistro-pub for a pint and a tasty lunch, with kids menu and veggie options. Further on up the road is L’Igloo for pizzas, which can be eaten inside a large igloo.
For drinks, try teeny Spanish bar Copiña (we love its sister restaurant in Courchevel Moriond). This is a great spot for tapas and cocktails and craft beer. Talking of beer, don’t miss the Brewer’s Den Smokehouse for brews and BBQ style dining. Just below, Sully’s (formerly O’Sullivans, and before that, Dick’s Tea Bar) opens at 11pm until late.
Shopping & Activities
With ski and sport gear to suit any style, chic clothing boutiques, souvenirs, foodie shops, sunglasses, home décor. There are plenty of options for shoppers in Méribel Centre. Wandering the streets you’ll also find spots for a crèpe, a juice or a delicious patisserie treat.
The Olympic centre is home to a swimming pool with area for babies and small children as well as a waterslide and a couple of lanes. The ice rink is a popular spot in the afternoons and is suitable for even quite small kids who can use the push-along trolleys. There is also a bowling alley with pool tables and arcade games, you could even try the indoor climbing wall. You will also find a cinema next to the tourist office which shows family films during the winter season.
For entertaining younger generations, there a several toboggan areas including the Himalaya which is open Thursday evenings in Mottaret. In addition, Mission Black Forest in Méribel, open every afternoon.
For indulgent or sports massage, beauty treatments, even yoga and pilates sessions, we can organise for an in-chalet service so you don’t even need to get your outdoor boots on!
Transport in Meribel
Wandering around the buzzy streets of Méribel is a pleasure in itself, with plenty to look at and enjoy. Our chalet is just a few moments stroll from the main streets. To travel between the different villages, the regular and free shuttle buses are a reliable way to get around. Alpine Escape’s driver service provides with drop offs at the snow front in the mornings, and pick-up from the slopes in the afternoons.
With a pedestrian pass walkers, makes the most of the scenery as well as meet up with skiers and snowboarders for lunch or après-ski drinks.
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