Discover Méribel
Méribel is a unique resort sprawling from the lowest altitude resort of Brides les Bains (600m) right up to Méribel-Mottaret (1,750m) with the centre of the span in Méribel Village (1,400m). The resort is connected by a series of bus and gondola links quickly connecting you to the further outlying linked skiing of the 3 Valleys and there has been a recent (2012) 50 million Euro investment into the 3 Valleys lift system making is one of the most modern in the world. Méribel is a large and very busy resort with a lively après ski atmosphere and plenty of boutique shops and ski in – ski out accommodation.
Situated on the other side of the Saulire peak and lift to Courchevel, Méribel lies in the heart of the 3 Valleys. Founded by British skier Peter Lindsay in 1938 eight years before Courchevel, the resort is made up of several villages with traditional Savoyard style chalets and buildings and surrounded by wooded slopes. It is a perennial favourite with British skiers and families due to its charm, its position right at the centre of the ski area and the design of the lift system which ensures that all the villages interconnect. There are virtually no high rise buildings here due to planning restrictions. This has influenced the architecture of this largely man-made resort, resulting in pretty chalets and chalet-style apartment buildings. You will find a plethora of dual season activities such as skiing, ice skating, tobogganing, snow shoeing, bike parks, hiking, golf and an Olympic multi sports activity centre to name a few. As important as the skiing is the sense of fun, with a branch of La Folie Douce providing lively après ski and numerous mountain bars and restaurants in which to relax and soak up the rays. This is a buzzing and action-packed resort with fantastic access to the 3 Valleys and all it has to offer.
A dual season resort with fantastic winter and summer activities for all abilities
A high altitude resort at 1400-3000m making is snow sure throughout the season
The relatively recent investment in lifts provides quick and easy access to the slopes and has vastly reduced queuing time
A busy resort with a broad selection of boutique shops, lively bars, restaurants and buzzing apres ski
1 hour 45 minutes from Lyon airport and 2 hours from Geneva airport
In the heart of the French Alps, the 3 Valleys is the largest interlinked ski area in the world. There are 321 marked slopes here offering up to 600km of skiing making Méribel, with its easy lift access, a top ranking ski destination. Méribel itself has a new beginners park and is mostly famous for its intermediate skiing, however there is easy access to more challenging pistes and off piste as well as 4 snowparks. There is also glacier skiing which makes for a longer ski season. The advantage of this resort is its ability to cater to all abilities and its speed of access to the slopes due to the huge investment in infrastructure.
Méribel offers something for everyone whether you are looking for a thrill or a sedate family walk. With its extensive summer lift system it is easy to enjoy all that Méribel has to offer. Méribel is also famous for being the gateway to the Vanoise National Park which offers diverse wildlife and breathtaking mountain views. Méribel is home to some of the best downhill mountain biking in the French Alps with an extensive network of tracks and free rides. There is also a 18 hole golf course at Altiport, described as being one of the most beautiful mountain courses in France, with lakes and mini waterfalls combined with breathtaking views. This is a summer haven for many, offering biking, hiking, canyoning, canoeing, fishing, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, and parapenting to name just a few of the summer activities on offer.