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. ... see "Meribel for Skiing and Snowboarding" for more
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. ... see "Meribel Skiing Revealed" for more
Lift System & Passes in Meribel
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!). With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Meribel Lift System & Passes" for more
Events in Meribel
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. ... see "Meribel Events - Winter" for more
In this section you can find out what Méribel is like to visit, that we hope will help you out when you are planning a trip to the resort. Our knowledge of the resort comes from years of living and working in the Meribel valley (plus responding to email enquiries, getting ourselves lost, finding ourselves, late-night bar conversations, your feedback, plus translations of official French language brochures). A bit about the history of the town and details of the surrounding area are also included here, plus what you can expect from the weather. ... see "Meribel & the Three Valleys" for more
Non-Skiing Activities in Meribel
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.
... see "Meribel for the Non-Skier" for more
Transport & Parking 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). 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. ... see "Meribel Transport & Parking" for more
Families & Kids in Meribel
Meribel may be a natural playground for adults but it's wonderland for children! Both in summer and in winter, there are a multitude of adventures to be had, and experiences to be cherished. Children are well catered for in Meribel, with kids clubs and a range of childcare options available. ... see "Meribel for Families & Kids" for more
Equipment & Clothing Guide
Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen sport/activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed you along in your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and your ability. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more
Avalanches in the Mountains
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. ... see "Avalanche Awareness" for more
Merinet.com App for your iPhone
The Meribel ski App is now available on your iPhone! Everything you need to know and more about the Meribel resort on the new iPhone application. Download it here or read on for more information >>>