Meribel in Winter

Méribel lies at the heart of the 3 Valleys, and as such, is perfectly positioned for you to explore the whole area with ease. With Courchevel on one side, and Val Thorens on the other, there really are plenty of pistes to keep you busy all season, let alone one week! The ski areas offer something for everyone, from beginners through to experts. In this section you can find detailed descriptions of each area within the 3 Valleys, lift and piste maps, and information on cross country skiing in Méribel. We have also included an insiders guide to skiing the 3 Valleys, where we tell you about our favourite runs, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants. ... more

There are a number of different lift passes available so that you can tailor your purchase to the ability and preferences of your group. The cost of your lift pass depends not only on which one you choose, but also on your age. In Meribel, the age ranges are as follows:

Adult – 14 years + ... more

In winter there are various different passes on offer, and the choice can be bewildering. All passes are now hands-free and don't require photos - they stay in your pocket and you no longer need to show your pass to the lift attendants. ... more

Meribel forms part of the Three Valleys lift system, which is considered to be the most efficient overall lift system in France (200 ski lifts transport 260,000 skiers hourly!). Méribel itself offers 15 high capacity gondola lifts, and 19 chair-lifts (including one 8-seater and six 6-seater), 14 drag-lifts, 8 telebabies and 1 moving walkway. The lifts open at 9.00am, and start to close around 4.20 (the time varies for each lift). From February onwards the lifts stay open for a further half hour. You can find the exact closing times for each main lift on the lift map. The lifts open every day of the week, even on Christmas and New Year's day.

A selection of the lifts are also open in summer. ... more

The Méribel Valley is in the middle of the three roughly parallel, North/South valleys, making it the idea base for exploring the whole 3 Valleys ski area. Around the Altiport you’ll find gentle, tree-lined runs ideal for beginners. Higher up on the Saulire are steeper blues and reds which allow mixed-ability groups to ski in the same area. The whole area is one giant natural fun park (snowparks and half pipes included!), and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available. ... more

Ski & Board Rental Listings

An avalanche is a fastinating and naturally occuring phenomenon that is caused by unstable snow conditions. Since it is pratically impossible to predict where and when the next avalanche will occur, significant amounts of information such as weather forecasts and avalanche forecasts are provided for the winter sports enthusiasts to aid their understanding of avalanche dangers and potentially prevent one from occuring.

The following avalanche information is not to be accepted as a set of instructions, it is designed merely provide guidance for those who wish to go off piste, and facilitate informed decision-making. It is also worth noting that avalanches are not the only dangers of off-piste: natural obstacles such as crevasses, buried rocks or cliffs are also potential hazards. It is highly recommended that you take a mountain guide whilst venturing into unknown territory. ... more

Never fear, there is plenty for non-skiers to do in the valley; whether you fancy an action packed weekend or more gentle family pursuits, days of pampering and shopping - Meribel has it.

Activities include walking on specially prepared trails, snow shoe walks, husky-sledding, indoor-climbing, paragliding, balloon and light-aircraft flights, bowling, sledding, swimming, ice-skating, indoor climbing and fitness classes. For listings and more information see our Flying/Parapenting, Museums, and Action, Fun & Sports activities pages. ... more

There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Meribel and the Three Valleys, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Meribel, and don't forget to check out our weekly what's on calender. ... more

What's On in Meribel?

Méribel has an excellent free bus service which runs until around midnight (and the service to the outlying villages has been much improved since the beginning of 2004/5 season). A car might be useful if your accommodation is in one of the villages not served by the Olympe gondola lift, or a long walk from the pistes and away from the bus routes. Most Tour Operators offer a free minibus service to their clients. Information and timetables for the public transport system can be found in this section, along with parking information for car drivers. ... more