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.
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
Insider's Guide to...
With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout the Three Valleys and suggested some itineries for you to try. There's also sections on how to get around the whole three valleys area using only blue runs, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... see "Where to go in the Three Valleys for..." for more
Snowparks in the Three Valleys
No matter where you are in the Three Valleys there is a boardpark nearby for you to practise your baddest big air moves. They are all free of charge to lift pass holders, so if you have a Three Valleys pass you can take your pick and sample the lot! ... see "Three Valleys Snowparks" for more
Cross-Country Skiing (Ski de Fond)
'Classic' Style
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace.
There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors.
For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable. The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
'Skating' Style
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 33km of prepared cross country trails in the valley; situated at the Lac de Tueda in Mottaret and around the Altiport area of Méribel. A total of 90km of trails are available in Meribel, Courchevel and La Tania. Both classic and skating forms of the sport are accommodated, usually side by side. The trails are free to use and you can pick up a guide booklet and map from the Tourist Offices. Pistes are maintained each night and walkers are requested not to use the marked trails. The ESF (French Ski School) offers private or group lessons in cross country skiing in both Meribel and Mottaret.
The resort has at its disposal two sit skis and the ESF (French Ski School) has four adaptive instructors. Raphaël Serve is qualified to teach seated skiing, has experience of teaching the visually-impaired and those with Down’s Syndrome and speaks English. Other adaptive instructors teach the deaf. A useful source of all resort information for handicapped skiers is Dennis Liegeois who also speaks English.
Disabled parking spaces are available at all the indoor car parks, plus there are spaces in front of Meribel Tourist Office building, outside the Olympic Centre, at la Chaudanne and in Méribel-Mottaret. Toilets can be found at La Chaudanne, and in Méribel and Méribel-Mottaret Tourist Offices. Méribel Tourist Office has direct access (via moderately steep incline) plus access via lift through the garage.
The following hotels offer suitable accommodation: Hotel Alba 04 79 08 55 55 Hotel Allodis 04 79 00 56 00 (2 double rooms, access from garage by lift) Hotel Eterlou 04 79 08 89 00 (1 double room, non-adapted bath, access by lift) Hotel Marie-Blanche 04 79 08 65 55 (1 double room, non-adapted bath, access to restaurant with help) Hotel Le Merilys 04 79 08 69 00 (1 apartment 2/4 people, 2 rooms 2/3 people, non-adapted bath) Hotel Le Tremplin 04 79 08 89 17 (1 twin room, non-adapted bath, lift access) Hotel Le Yeti 04 79 00 51 15 (2 double rooms, access from car park by lift)
Meribel is associated with the British Ski Club for the Disabled.
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
Skiing Tips & Techniques
We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more
Snowboarding Tips & Techniques
Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" 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
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