Ski Pass Options in Meribel

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.  You can buy or recharge your pass online: if you will be staying in Meribel-Mottaret, click here and if you will be staying in Meribel, click here.

Meribel or Three Valley Lift Pass?

The decision whether to buy a Meribel or Three Valley lift pass really depends on your skiing level and how much you want to ski. Here are a few pointers to help you choose:

Meribel Valley:
The Meribel Valley is situated at the heart of the 3 Valley’s skiing area and has 150km of piste in its own right. If you are a complete beginner* or have 1-2 weeks of skiing or boarding experience, you will probably find that the Meribel Valley pass has more than enough to keep you challenged and entertained during your stay. Alternatively, if you don’t plan on skiing hard all day, every day, this local area pass will also suit you, and remember, passes of 2 days + can be upgraded on a daily basis to include the whole of the 3 Valley area. There is also a 3 hour Meribel Valley pass, valid for 3 consecutive hours of skiing starting any time.

*There are further lift pass options available for complete beginners – see Beginners Passes for more info.

Three Valleys:
The 3 Valleys is the largest linked ski area in the world and anyone of intermediate ability and above usually takes advantage of the full area pass. It offers unlimited access to 180 lifts, 600kms of piste and 8 resorts: Meribel/Mottaret, Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens, Les Menuires/St Martin, Orelle and Brides Les Bains.

3 Vallées Liberté
If you are a regular skier in Meribel and the 3 Valleys then the 3 Vallées Liberté card may be of interest to you.  Anyone that skis at least 8 (non-consecutive) days a season can benefit from the total freedom to ski whenever they want without having to pass by the ticket office each time.  Payment is debited directly from your bank account after you have enjoyed your day on the slopes and you can check your account on-line anytime.  The more you ski, the greater the reductions you can accumulate (10% - 15%).

See our lift pass prices page for this season's rates >>

Beginners Passes & Free Lifts

Most beginners will buy a Méribel Valley lift pass which covers 150km of piste but also gives the option of buying a one-day extension to the rest of the Three Valleys. Another alternative for beginners is to buy a pass which covers approximately half of the Meribel valley and is slightly cheaper than the full Meribel Valley pass. If you are staying in Mottaret you will buy a Mottaret Pass, and if you are staying in Meribel, you will buy the Meribel Alpina pass.

An even smaller area of the Meribel Valley is covered by the Mini-pass. Complete beginners who want to save money might consider using the free beginner lifts for the first day or so, and then progress to buying a Mini-pass which give access to a limited number of the gentler slopes. The disadvantage of this is that you will need to queue up each day to buy your day pass, and if you are in ski school lessons, your instructor may decide to take the group to another area which is not covered by your pass. It is generally easier to buy a week-long pass.

See our lift pass prices page for this season's rates >>

Family Lift Pass Options

Lift passes are free for the under fives (remember to bring proof of date of birth to qualify).

In addition, there are several free lifts for beginners in the valley. In Meribel they are Loupiot, Cotes drag lift (at le Rond Point) Altiport drag and Fontany telecord. In Mottaret you will find the Doron and Sitelle drag lifts as well as the Telecorde and Chalets gondolas (also for pedestrians). NB not all of these are marked on the lift map.

Even if some of the family are non-skiers, you can still use the lift system - the views from the top are quite spectacular! Make sure you wrap up very warm in winter and take extra layers even in summer - there's a reason why the snow doesn't melt up there!

For further details of all Meribel and the Three Valleys lift pass prices please click here.

Pedestrian Passes

Not everyone comes to Meribel to ski, and when there are such beautiful panoramas to take in and cosy mountain restaurants to enjoy, we can understand why! Pedestrian rates are available for 1-7 day duration lift passes, one-way trips or you can buy a season ticket.  The pedestrian pass is valid on the following lifts:

See our lift pass prices page for this season's rates >>

Discounted & Alternative Passes

Early/Late Season Discount:
If you visit Meribel in the first 2 or the very last week of the season, you will benefit from reduced rates on your lift pass.  However, depending on snowfall, this is usually accompanied buy a reduced ski area.

Groups:
Generally, there are no discounts on lift passes for groups. The only exception is for ski clubs or associations and there are strict terms: the minimum number is 20 and the passes must be paid for by the club. Contact the lift pass company for more details.

Seniors:
There is a 15% reduction on the cost of a lift ticket for anyone between the age of 65-74.  If you are 75 or over then you can ski for free!  Proof of age is required.

Children:
Children aged 5 - 12 years enjoy discounted passes and children under 5 are given a free ski pass (proof of age is required). Often the best value is offered by the Family Pass, which give discounts of up to 20% for families of 2 adults and 2 or more children under 18.

3 Valley Liberty Pass:
A new pass which allows you to ski on any day you like, in any of the different 3 Valley ski areas, without visiting the lift office. It offers discounts on the day lift pass rates, and some free days  too. The cost is debited from your bank account. This pass cannot be bought online - visit the lift pass office in person to set up your account.

Lift Passes – Additional Information

For season passes and free passes, you will need a photo which will be taken digitally at the lift pass office.

All lift tickets now operate on a hand's free, rechargeable "P@S" card which is much more resistant to the snow than the old 'throw away' type pass. You never have to get it out of your pocket and although it costs €3, it's valid for 3 years and so you can recharge it and reuse it on your next holiday.

Don't forget you can now order your passes in advance and have them sent to your home address or hotel / rental agency in the resort on your arrival. If you will be staying in Mottaret, go to this website, and if you will be staying in Meribel, visit this website. Alternatively, you can buy them at any of the cash desks at the base of the main lift stations.

With the P@S system, you no longer have to worry about losing the receipt for your lift ticket. If your pass is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the lift pass office and they will be able to re-issue you with a new one on production of valid ID and a small admin fee.

When you purchase your lift-pass you will be given the additional option to add insurance. Even if you have your own cover this is worth considering as it is a special ski insurance instantly recognised in France. Ask for 'assurance Carré Neige' - it has to be put onto the pass at the time of purchase and only costs €2.70 per day (€2.30 for children).