Méribel
Welcome to Méribel, an absolute gem nestled amidst the stunning French Alps. This charming alpine village, part of the legendary Three Valleys ski area, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, exhilarating adventures, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its traditional wooden chalets, breathtaking mountain vistas, and world-class amenities, Méribel is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
Activity
If you’re not keen on skiing (or if the weather is playing up) but you still want to do something active, Meribel’s Parc Olympique sports centre features a swimming pool, gym, ice rink and indoor climbing wall.
Après Ski
Le Rond Point bar offers day long entertainment on the piste (09:00-19:30) with a fantastic ski-in-ski-out sun terrace, great food and the wildest après-ski parties in Meribel.
Best Pistes
For an early morning blast, the red Creuz, that takes you from Méribel towards Courchevel is wide, long and, as the name suggests, cruisey.
History
Méribel
Back in the 1930s, a British Colonel named Peter Lindsay stumbled upon this picturesque valley and was instantly captivated by its beauty.
With a vision to create a world-class ski resort, Lindsay partnered with French Olympic skier Émile Allais. Construction began, and by 1938, Méribel welcomed its first ski lifts and chalets, attracting snow enthusiasts from around the world.
Today, Méribel stands as a beloved destination, blending its rich history with modern amenities and maintaining its authentic alpine charm.
Things to do
Activities
Once you’ve arrived in Méribel, get ready for an incredible array of activities. Of course, skiing and snowboarding take center stage, with a vast network of slopes catering to all skill levels. For an adrenaline rush, try snowshoeing, ice climbing, or even paragliding.
When you need a break, indulge in a spa day, savor delicious local cuisine, or simply soak in the tranquil beauty of the mountains. Explore the village on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets. Méribel has it all, from adventure to relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
With so much ski terrain on offer, skiing is the first activity choice for most people visiting Meribel. But that’s not to say that Meribel has nothing to offer non-skiers. Other activities include:
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Parc Olympique
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Tobogganing
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Ski-joering
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Snow mobile tour
Getting around
Transport
So, how do you get to this mountain paradise? If you’re flying from abroad, the closest airports are Geneva and Lyon. From there, you have several options.
Hop on a shared transfer bus that will take you directly to Méribel, or rent a car for a scenic road trip through the mountains. If you prefer train travel, head to Moutiers, the nearest train station, and catch a shuttle or a taxi up to Méribel.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, get ready for breathtaking views and excitement as you make your way to this alpine haven.
Après ski
Activities
Meribel thrives with an abundance of live music, making the main bars the focal point of discussions in this vibrant locale. At the center of the après-ski experience lies Le Rond Point Bar (Ronnies), pulsating as the heart of the scene.
On the slopes above the town, post your exhilarating ski day, you can relish in live music and free-flowing beers. However, come 7pm, they bid you farewell, allowing you to ski back to your chalet just in time for a delightful evening tea.
Another enticing option is The Folie Douce, where an eclectic blend of circus-like performances takes the stage, further enhancing the entertainment spectrum. The town boasts numerous additional offerings, though the energy mellows around dinner before resurging as the evening progresses.
How do I get Lift Passes?
Ski Pass
Méribel is part of the Three Valleys, the world's largest ski area with more than 650km of pistes spread over three main resorts: Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. This ensures that buying a Méribel lift pass is money well spent!
To start with, be aware there are two main types of ski pass to choose from:
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Méribel Valley pass - the cheaper, local ski pass, offering access to 150km of pistes; suitable for beginners.
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Three Valleys pass - whole area pass, offering access to a whopping 650km of pistes in from Courchevel all the way across to Val Thorens.
In our experience, most people visiting Méribel stay for a week, which means that six day ski passes are the top choice among skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy our mountain playground.
You can view passes here.
Blogs
Méribel
