Méribel Resort: ski area, holidays, activities
Discover Méribel, the resort and its surroundings
When Colonel Lindsay discovered the upper Doron des Allues valley in the 1930s, he found the ideal combination of altitude, pastures, forests and high mountains of his native Scotland. At last, he had found the ideal alternative to the German and Austrian ski resorts, which were not very popular at the time.
Seduced by this pristine, remote territory, he built his first ski lift, Les Grangettes, at a place called Méribel. The name is said to derive from the Latin 'mirare', meaning viewpoint. In fact, the name is quite apt, evoking the English "merry" and the qualifier "belle".
Méribel Centre and Méribel Village
Méribel Centre is the vibrant heart of the Méribel valley. At an altitude of around 1,450 meters, this lively resort is a perfect blend of traditional Alpine charm and modern amenities.
The chalets and buildings, made of wood and stone, respect typical Savoyard architecture, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere.
Méribel Centre is packed with stores, restaurants, bars and clubs, offering a lively and friendly nightlife. Skiers and snowboarders have easy access to the slopes, with several lifts departing directly from the center. In summer, Méribel Centre is ideal for hikers, cyclists and other nature lovers. It's also a popular place for families, with ski schools, beginners' areas and activities for children.
Situated slightly lower down, at an altitude of around 1400 meters, Méribel Village is a haven of tranquillity that will appeal to those seeking a more intimate, traditional atmosphere. This charming little hamlet is marked by its authentic character, with Savoyard wooden chalets and residences surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
Méribel Village is renowned for its tranquility, friendly atmosphere and family spirit. In the heart of the village, a small square with an artisanal bakery, restaurant and chapel recreates traditional village centers. Although quieter than Méribel Centre, Méribel Village offers direct access to the slopes via the Golf chairlift, quickly linking sports enthusiasts to the vast 3 Vallées ski area. In summer, it's an ideal starting point for hikes and bike rides in a bucolic setting.
Altitude and views from Méribel
During your seminar in the Alps, let yourself be seduced by the Méribel ski area, which stretches from 1100 meters to around 2952 meters (summit of Mont Vallon). Of course, the lifts also provide access to nearby peaks, such as La Saulire (2,738 meters), which offers spectacular panoramic views.
Accommodation in Méribel offers a choice of several altitudes. The authentic village of Les Allues lies at 1100 m, and marks the departure of the Olympe gondola to Méribel Centre at 1450 m. Méribel Village is located at the same altitude, while Méribel Mottaret culminates at almost 1800m and offers convenient access to the entire 3 Vallées ski area.
Thanks to its central location in the French Alps, Méribel offers access to peaks with breathtaking views of the Vanoise glaciers, the entire Méribel valley, Courchevel and the Alps in general. Of particular note is the famous Col de la Loze, perched at 2,304 m, a legendary Tour de France pass offering 360° views of the surrounding mountains.
Méribel ski area: piste map and ski passes
Méribel piste map
The downhill ski area
With its many tipping points, Méribel is the ideal starting point for the 600 km of pistes in the 3 Valleys ski area, which includes Courchevel, La Tania, Brides-les-Bains, Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. The same ski pass allows you to ski from one valley to the next. A paper guide to the area is available free of charge from the lift ticket offices.
For the first descents, the sensations are already thrilling. It's easy to start at the summit of Tougnète and glide down to Les Allues, 1340 m below, on a succession of blue runs, without taking your shoes off along the way. On another day, from the summit of La Saulire to Méribel Village, you can ski down exactly the same slope in one go, still in blue.
The Golf and Altiport chairlifts take you directly to the Saulire slopes (2,740 m) on one side, and to the Col de la Loze (2,304 m) on the other, from where you can switch to Courchevel.
Snowparks and fun areas in Méribel
In addition to slopes for all levels, Méribel also offers a number of fun areas for new winter sports:
In Méribel Mottaret :
The AREA 43 Park, also known as the Plattières snowpark, is open to beginners and champions alike, and boasts 7 ha and 1,200 m of terrain, including a European-standard half-pipe, jumps, whoops, banxes and a bigjump. Freestyle can be practised in complete safety.
In Méribel :
The Moonpark has 4 courses offering a series of jumps, rails and boxes. A confirmed red cross-country course with banked turns and obstacles completes the layout.
Acticross is a fun course with whoops, tunnels, banked turns and a small slalom, designed for youngsters and their families. Located in the Altiport area, close to the green runs and Moon Wild, Acticross is accessible from age 6, and is easy and fun.
Meribel Nordic ski area
In Méribel, 33 kilometers of marked and regularly groomed cross-country ski trails are spread over two sites:
- Lac de Tuéda, in a nature reserve of Cembro pines
- the Altiport protected forest, from which the Méribel / Courchevel link runs (8km).
Méribel ski pass: options and prices
Ideally, when you arrive at the resort, you should choose the intensity of your lift pass, opting either for the Méribel or 3 Vallées ski area. Méribel already boasts 150 km of pistes, with 71 runs for all levels, while the 3 Vallées add up to 158 lifts, 25 summits and 600 km of ski runs: you're in the world's largest ski area!
How many hours or days do you want to ski? Whether in Méribel or in the 3 Vallées, prices start with a 4-hour pass, moving up to a full day, then 6 days. Age also determines the amount of the pass: up to the age of 26, sportsmen and women remain children here, becoming adults and ending up as seniors only from the age of 64.
Modernity also applies to the Family Pass. All you have to do is bring one child and two adults, with or without family ties, and they can all ski at the child rate and benefit from a bonus day as part of the "6 days for the price of 5" offer.
Special discounts are available for disabled guests and their companions.
The only unavoidable choice is the initial departure point: Méribel Centre or Méribel Mottaret.
Après-ski activities at La Folie Douce Méribel
La Folie Douce Méribel, located at an altitude of 2100m, near the Saulire intermediate station, brings together a variety of entertainment and catering venues to surprise and entertain every day in winter. The Rock the Top show revisits the cabaret genre in an ultra-contemporary spirit, the clubbing is tried and tested, and the catering is adapted for all audiences, especially children. Meanwhile, men can even get a makeover at the Barber Shop.
Where to stay in Méribel Station: rentals and hotels
Chalets and apartments for rent in Méribel
Here are a few pleasant, recent addresses: In Les Allues, no large residences, but chalets in the Alps to share: Kawa, des Anges, Les Jumelles, Florissant, d'Eugénie...
In Méribel Village, head for the pretty Pierre&Vacances Les Fermes premium residence, or the majestic Queen Mijane chalet (660 m2), with 6 bedrooms, private pool and grand piano.
At La Gittaz, we love the 7 brand-new Célénia chalets (184 to 303 m2), inspired by traditional wood and stone architecture, with indoor pool and spa.
Luxury spa breaks in Méribel
If you'd prefer to book a luxury chalet rental in Méribel, or more generally a luxury chalet in the Alps with pool and jacuzzi, you'll need to call on Homanie for vacation accommodation or to organize a seminar in Méribel. Thanks to this specialist, you can enjoy exclusive après-ski activities such as sleigh rides or wine tastings.
For a seminar in the mountains and on the slopes, Homanie organizes your stay from A to Z: the most suitable chalet, private chef, customized activity program, logistics... Contact us!
The finest spas can also be found in some of Méribel's many 5-star hotels, such as La Kaïla, L'Hélios, Le Coucou Méribel, or the M Lodge chalet complex. Among the 4-star accommodations, Hotel La Chaudanne, Alpen Ruitor and Le Tremplin are well worth a visit. Also worth a visit is the Refuge de la Traye, a group of chalets accessible on snowshoes or off-piste.
Méribel's best restaurants
In Méribel, it's possible to feast at an altitude of 2345 m, with a 360° view to enchant a menu based on grilled meats. Local tradition also lends itself to an aperitif in a beautiful hotel, which transforms into a gourmet table every evening. For special occasions, Michelin-starred restaurants and bistronomic delights are easy to find.
Lisez notre article sur les meilleurs restaurants de Méribel.
Winter and summer activities at Méribel Resort
Golf de Méribel
Colonel Lindsay, a golf enthusiast, also designed the Méribel golf course. Today, the course has 18 holes, all over 1,500 meters above sea level. It is open in summer from mid-June to the end of September.
Activities for all ages, all seasons
The Méribel Olympic Park offers a wide range of off-piste sporting activities. A huge skating rink, a climbing wall, fitness and wellness facilities, a swimming pool with a 25-meter pool and water garden, a spa and a bowling alley invite you to enjoy some fun times.
Preparing your stay: weather, access and planning
Weather in Méribel: advice for every season
Winter (December to February)
In winter, average temperatures fluctuate between -5°C and 5°C, with frequent snowfalls, sometimes supplemented by artificial snow to improve the range of downhill runs. Whether it's snowing or not, and given that it's easy to reach high altitudes, warm clothing in several layers is a must. You need to be able to absorb sweat in the underlayers and wear waterproof textiles outside, as there are plenty of opportunities for falls! Méribel enjoys some of the best sunshine of any ski resort in the Alps.
Check the weather and avalanche bulletins regularly before venturing out on the slopes.
Spring (March to May)
Méribel enjoys excellent snow cover until April! Enough to extend the ski season. In May, the snow cover gradually disappears, but at altitude, it's time to take advantage of the less-frequented areas. And if the weather's sunny, it's time to take advantage of summer activities!
Summer (June to August)
Temperatures are pleasant, fluctuating between 15°C and 25°C. Sunny days are ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking... there's plenty on offer. But don't forget a waterproof jacket with hood, sunglasses and sunscreen. And don't forget a water bottle and a snack - the weather can change rapidly in the mountains, and thunderstorms can be spectacular!
Autumn (September to November)
Temperatures gradually drop to between 5°C and 15°C. Landscapes take on autumnal colors, offering a peaceful atmosphere before the onset of winter.
Tourist services may be reduced in the off-season. Be sure to check availability of activities and accommodation.
Getting to and around Méribel Station
Although located in the mountains, Méribel is easily accessible, provided you plan your stay for the middle of winter, when transport and parking facilities are in high demand. Please note that winter tires and/or chains are mandatory.
By car :
From Chambéry: approx. 1h15 (95 km) via the A43, then the N90 to Moûtiers, followed by the D90 to Méribel.
From Lyon: approx. 2h15 (185 km).
From Geneva: approx. 2 hours (135 km).
By train :
The nearest train station is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, just 18 km from Méribel.
Direct TGV from Paris to Moûtiers in around 4h30
Regular shuttle service from Moûtiers to Méribel
Cab or VTC: cost around €50 to €100 depending on the season
By Plane
The nearest international airports are :
Chambéry (CMF): approx. 1h15 by car.
Geneva (GVA): approx. 2h.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS): approx. 2h15.
Grenoble (GNB): approx. 2h.
Transfers :
Shared shuttles (Alpski, Altibus) and cabs are available.
Book your transfers in advance during busy periods.
FAQ :
When is the best time to visit Méribel?
If the sight of snow-covered peaks makes you dream, summer and winter are good times to discover the charm and liveliness of Méribel. Heavy snowfalls and school vacations multiply the number of activities on offer, but Méribel's villages are full of ideas for everyone. Spring can be very sunny from April onwards, offering opportunities to ski and tan at the same time. Autumn, on the other hand, is a low season.
Where to find the best spas in Méribel?
The finest spas in Méribel can be found in 5-star hotels like Le Kaïla and Le Coucou Méribel. Here you'll find all the amenities of a luxury spa, including a beautiful swimming pool, counter-current swim lanes, hammams and Jacuzzis. Top spa brands such as Nuxe and Deep Nature Spa also welcome travelers in search of relaxation.
What activities are available in Méribel for non-skiers?
There are countless activities for non-skiers in winter and summer alike. The Olympic Park, with its swimming pool, skating rink and free climbing wall, attracts new talent. The Mission Black Forest toboggan run for teenagers in search of new sliding sensations. The Nordic ranch, just a stone's throw from the Trout slope, offers horseback riding, pony sledging and ski-jöering. The Méribel golf course is also renowned. Geocaching at Explor Games around Lac de Tuéda is a popular activity in all seasons. Add to this the Jazz Variations festival, comedy shows, theater and new films at the cinema, all in the Méribel auditorium.