Where is Meribel located?

How to get to Meribel?

Meribel is the most central of the resorts in the massive Three Valleys ski area. Its located near Les Trois Vallées ski region in the Savoie region of France.

Transports /Transfers

Transfer times to resorts will depend on where you will fly into. Although, most Alpine Holidaymakers fly to Geneva or Lyon, however, if you fly to Chambéry (94.5 km) transfer times by land to be cut in half. Or if your first name is sheikh or if you are a well to do businesswoman or a man you can fly directly with your small private plane to altiport Meribel airport itself.  Suitable for helicopters and small planes only. The aliport has a bitumen track 406 m long and 15 m wide. Its average gradient is 11%.

Transfers by land – Nearest airport: Chambéry: 94.5km/1.15 hours; Grenoble: 124 Km/1.35 hours; Lyon-Saint Exupéry: 180 KM 2 hours; Geneva (fastest route) 131km 2.10 hours

Nearest Train station: Moutiers (18km), 30 minutes. Steady buses run from the station.

Ski area & runs of Meribel ski resort

Important ski resorts stats for Meribel

• Piste Guide: There are 51 green pistes, 132 blues, 106 reds, and 32 black pistes.
• Pistes: 600km, On its own Meribel, offers 150 km of pistes and runs
• Resort Altitude: 1400-1700m, Skiing Altitude: 1260-3230m
• Region: Three Valleys
• Country: France

Ski areas, Ski runs, and Off-piste – Who is Best for?

Meribel for different levels – Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced, and Off-piste itinerary.

Meribel lies at the heart of the giant three valley ski area. On its own Meribel offers 150 km of pistes and runs. Most of these runs are Blues and reds, making Meribel an ideal destination for intermediate level skiers (the majority blue, with around one quarter of red and under one-tenth of green or black). Most visitors to Meribel began their day at the Chaudanne. Meribel offers access to a total of over 600km of pistes served by 200 lifts, 319 piste runs, and over 130km of cross-country tracks. This ideally opens up to great links into the rest of the Three Valleys and so it caters for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers and boarders. The Ski slopes are best for intermediate skiers. Hardcore skiers can easily connect via lift to more challenging terrain in neighboring Val Thorens.

Beginners

Meribel’s beginner ski areas with free lifts in the centre of Meribel Mottaret and the Greens Blanchot, Foret, and Rhodos at the Altiport area are great for beginners. Meribel-Mottaret has lavishly spent millions of euros restructuring its beginner area and it has a special beginner-only area, which allows beginners to feel free to learn.

Quick tip – Beginners also should try the relaxed green and blue slopes in La Tania, or go to St Martin.

Intermediate skiers

Biche – This blue Starts at the top of the Saulire Express. Boulevard De La Loze, not the best technical blue you will find, The Slim blue run sure can put you into a trance as you soak up the views of Meribel valley. For another excellent view of east side of the valley take the short red run, Lagopede. It’s a good mix of blues and red runs down into Meribel Mottaret from the top of the Roc De Tougne lift. Other red runs to try are Niverolle, offers excellent views of the western side of meribel valley. Roc De Fer – not to miss this blue run, starting from the top of the Olympic ski lift, allows you to enjoy some of the breath-taking views meribel has to offer.

Off Piste Skiing in Meribel

Meribel has loads of off-piste opportunities. Roc de Fer to St-Martin, Côte Brune, The Spot and Loze are to name a few. Bosses for experts, or Tetras for vertical fun. We will be back with more information on this subject.

Families skiing with children

If you are travelling with children and seeking for a beginner’s area to learn, try P’tit Moon at the Rond Point, great for kids between 7-12-year-olds. The main Méribel Moon Park has a good series of whoops suitable for children located by the entrance.

Here are our ratings for Meribel:

• Beginners: 8
• Intermediates: 9
• Experts: 8
• Off-piste/Powder: 8
• Resort charm: 10
• Après Ski: 6
• Nightlife: 8
• Snowboarders: 9

Ski seasons: what is the best time to ski in Meribel?

Simply said, Meribel is a fantastic place to ski anytime in the season. Then, it depends when, where, and which slope you plan to hit! In general, Meribel Ski season runs from December – April, and you can expect a good condition of snow right throughout the season, and you find sun shining ski slopes easily.  History of snow record shows Mid-January to end of March the conditions are at its best. Almost ¾ of Ski area is above 1800 m altitude. The snow cannons (snow gun) of Meribel comes as a helping hand during the days which requires Snowmaking. Méribel, with a base altitude of 1450-1700m, can easily be said as a snow-sure destination in France. So, does Meribel require snow-making? Rarely! And with crowded slops often groomed it turns out to be a high-quality slope for skiing.

What are the snow conditions in Meribel for the ski season?

Meribel Ski Resort for early Season Skiing – Pre Christmas – Chalet ski deals

Stories and gossips thrive concerning snow conditions in every ski resort.  We can assure in Meribel you will not be disappointed with excellent snow conditions from early December until the season comes to an end. If you a looking for Cheap Luxury ski holidays with fresh snow, such as cheap lift passes with slopes all to yourself, Prior to Christmas rush, then Pre-Christmas ski break in Meribel is worth every penny.

Christmas / New Year Ski season

With the Best snow conditions in Meribel, Christmas and New year ski holidays are for those who wish to spend lavishly and even stay in a catered ski chalet in Meribel. Enjoy this special enchanted winter wonderland Ski Holiday with family or friends. December is a party month and the one not to miss is La Folie Douce.

January Ski season

Less busy ski slopes with still excellent snow conditions and luxury Ski chalets and Ski pass on Great deals! The piste groomed,

February Ski season / Half term

With half-term holidays it’s one of the best times to go skiing for the British. Hit the slopes, the Air is cold, the sun is out and the skiing is good makes February hugely popular.

March Ski season

Lift opening times are set for late morning. You may have knee-deep snow and can enjoy powder snow with sunshine. In march the trees are laden with plenty of snowfall, temperatures stay cold so its absolutely amazing to be in Meribel in March, on a typical march ski season. Things could get choppy in the afternoon if there has been a fresh snowfall.  Best is if possible to start early to get the most out of the day and rest yourself into the late afternoon.

April Ski season

April too is a month like March, with the resort getting plenty of snowfall, making April a month with Good condition of snow (2 meters on top of the mountain and 70cm down at the Chaudanne) to go on holidays. Almost all runs are open still. So, you won’t be disappointed in the typical April ski season in Meribel it will still feel like mid-winter. At times March has the best snow for the season and at times its April, make sure to keep your eyes open with the weather forecast.

However, before making plans for ski holidays in Meribel we advise you to see the snow condition of Meribel.

Live Snow forecast in Meribel

Click on the map to enlarge and read.

Après Ski in Méribel & Three Valleys

Cafes, bars, food, drinks, and Nightlife

After your day of skiing, we recommend skiing to probably the best Après-ski bar in the world, La Folie Douce, just to realise you cannot get ‘’higher’’ Higher. You can continue the Après-Ski after skiing back to the village on Plein Sud run. After the party is over, skiing back after a couple of beers with some beer ski buddies could be quite a thrill!

By the way, if you stay on the upper East side of Val Thorens, there is a New ski run (2018) that goes directly into this area. If you are that way inclined, you can continue the party in the village at the Dutch Après Ski Bar Le Monde or the Danish Snesko Bar, which has fantastic cover band shows every day. If you fancy some quiet time then, enjoy a drink in the O’Connell’s, a traditional Irish bar or the football game at Frogs. After 10 pm, it is a great time to go to the Dutch club Snow Café and if you still have energy, Try  Rond point or le privilege after 1 am try visiting the ‘’Summit’’ in Val Thorens  (aka ‘The underground’, ‘Dicks T Bar’, Now managed by the Saloon bar), also worth visiting is ‘’ Le Malaysia’’ in Val Thorens, the largest club in any Ski resort in the World, you are sure to see the top live bands and DJs in the Alps here. Music kicks in around 11 pm, then the club goes to sleep by 4 am.

If you are looking for the best nightlife in Méribel, you should avoid the crowded months: resorts accommodation prices are cheaper than the main holiday seasons. The younger crowd tends to book to avoid high prices. For the Après ski, Meribel has 10 points. The Foley Douce is the best Après ski bar in the world today. Above the main shopping centre, is a Ski run that crosses the village and above that, along the main street, Rue De Gabrielle sits the Val Thorens strip, where most of the best Après ski bars and nightlife attractions are located.

Best Michelin star restaurants in Meribel & Three Valleys – Where to eat?

Michelin star restaurant in Meribel at Le Kaila Hotel, Restaurant Etoilé L’Ekrin Laurent Azoulay – For reservations and Bookings try: Hôtel Le Kaïla  or call +33 4 79 41 69 20.

As of 2020, this it the Only Michelin star restaurant in Meribel, however if you are in the three valleys and a keen foodie for fine cuisine we would recommend trying some of these options too; You could make direct reservations with the following  Michelin star restaurants in the three valleys: in La Tania Les 3 Vallées, Courchevel – Le Farçon (Chef: Julien Machet), in Val Thorens, Les Explorateurs (Hotel Pashmina) (Chefs: Romauld Fassenet & Josselin Jeanblanc) & Le Jean Sulpice (L’Oxalys) (Chef : Jean Sulpice), in Courchevel, Le Chabichou (Chefs: Michel Rochedy and Stéphane Buron), Les Airelles and Courchevel, Le 1947 (Chef: Yannick Alleno).

Guide to Meribel’s Luxury chalet Accommodation & Private Apartments

Insider’s guide to exclusive standalone ski chalets in Méribel, France

Located in the largest ski area in the world, Meribel lies in the middle of the Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées), Meribel ski resorts supreme location in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps is filled with beautiful chalet-style architecture, designer shopping, and chic stays.

Where to stay in Meribel? 

While Meribel has various budget range accommodation options, we are here to explain what Meribel has to offer for the high-end clientele. Meribel offers most luxurious Hotels, Exclusive Apartments, and ski chalet accommodation in Europe

You can view our collection of best apartments & Luxury ski chalets in Meribel, at the bottom of this page. They are among the Best of the best in Europe.  Our chalets in Europe can be chosen simply by the amenities you wish. Like all our chalets in the Alps, they Include family Friendly Options with amenities like Hot tub, Sauna, steam room & Hammam, Swimming pool, Gym,  Indoor Fireplace chalets, Cinema, with complimentary breakfast or Self-catering chalets. For those who wish to spend more time skiing and less time in the kitchen, there are the fully catered chalets, and to add to this you can even book a Luxury Ski-in/Ski-out chalets or check into a VIP Chalet in any part of the Alps.

Chalets sleep two adults to Large groups. And If you are planning to have a Special event Birthday Celebration, White wedding, VIP Luxury Corporate Ski Chalet for Business, and Incentive Trips, we are a Ski company that can arrange all these with you not having to lift one finger. Our In-house concierge is at hand to assist you with anything you wish for during your stay Luxury ski holiday in Meribel.

These handpicked traditional Alpine Luxury chalets and Modern apartments in Meribel offer a wider selection of options to pick from. The combination of a stay with the charming hamlet atmosphere and some of the finest skiing in Europe, Meribel makes one of our Top-selling ski resorts.

If you are looking for Ski lodges specifically with certain amenities, it is best you get in touch with us, so we can tailor-make your search. We can suggest or even contact the owners to discuss certain features such as Disabled Friendly Chalets or Pet-Friendly chalets.

It’s worth noting, below on our list with Meribel ski chalets we have also featured a number of luxury ski chalets in Courchevel, Courchevel is just 30 mins drive from Meribel (19 Km) and has various budget accommodation, which is great for families and groups looking to rent a ski chalet in the Three Valleys.

Top 3 Luxurious ski chalets in Meribel

How much does it cost to rent a luxury chalet in Meribel?

Ski chalet 2

This luxury chalet in Meribel can sleep 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

• Fully Serviced: EUR 46,370 to 103,580 per week
• Self-catered: EUR 22,040 to 77,600 per week

Hot tub. Steam room. Cinema/tv room, Sat/Cable TV, Apple TV, Sound System, Gym, Garden, Bar, Wi-Fi, Garage, Massage/Treatment Room, Wine Cellar, Laundry Room, Fireplace, Terrace/Balcony, and Wellness/Relaxation Room.

Ski Chalet 1

This luxury chalet in Meribel can sleep 12 guests in 6 bedrooms

• Fully Serviced: EUR 52,630 to 78,090 per week

Sleeps 12 + 2 children and is ideal for families and small groups. Facilities: Swimming pool. Sauna. Hot tub. Steam room.

Ski chalet 3

This luxury chalet in Meribel can sleep 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

• Fully Serviced: EUR 52,210 to 118,760 per week
• Self-catered: EUR 29,070 to 93,980 per week

Superb for families and smaller groups. Facilities: Swimming pool, Hot tub, Steam room, Cinema/tv room, Massage Room, Wi-Fi, Garden, Fireplace, and a Ski Room.

Meribel Ski Chalets FAQ’s 

What is a ski chalet holiday in Meribel?

Basically, a ski chalet holiday is booking your own private home – most times with staff, housekeepers and chef included and at other times as a self-catered option. Ski chalets are freestanding properties, which in most cases are made out of Stone and/or Wood and has homelier look from outside, the interior however is very luxurious with Alpine charm. However please check at the time of booking, as things have changed and not all chalets stand alone, so it may be called a ‘chalet’ as there could more than 2 ‘chalet apartment’ style properties in large building construction.

What is a Fully serviced or catered chalet? And how does it work?

Catered luxury ski chalets are a great choice for those who wish to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the slopes.

In Meribel, Catered can mean either part of your meals or all your meals is included catered price. However, you should not have this confused with some chalets that say Accommodation only or included Breakfast. It’s Wise to check this at the time of enquiry or prior to your booking.

When you book a ski chalet in Meribel on a catered basis, upon arrival the chalet host will welcome you and make sure to take full charge of your accommodation, this means from keeping the chalet neat to arranging your meals. Catered ski chalets usually if not always have a chef to prepare meals, a chalet host who will provide housekeeping services and who will serve your meals. These meals will usually include breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and a 4-course dinner, as well as unlimited wine, you will find in each property chalet page all these inclusions.

Depending on the chalet. Either a day or two the host may not be in the chalet, as a day off. During this period, you can help yourself with *breakfast and dine out side, trying the local cuisine available around. From budget to Michelin star restaurants are easy to be found. It is good to take a note, that some chalets may share the dining area with others. When booking a catered ski chalet holiday, you can book the chalet just for your group. Nevertheless, some chalets are available to book by the room during less busy times, this can be great for those seeking a holiday for a smaller group or a couple. Remember to always book ahead of your restaurant table, best when you arrive to book this (especially if you are a larger group), during the season restaurants are usually full.  The Chalet staff is always available to lend you a hand during your ski holiday stay in Meribel; it is always wise to get first-hand information of the town.

Usually, chalet menus have Menus for Children and you can also have early dinner arranged for children, please check at the time of booking.

for Adults Breakfast Served between 8-9 am. Croissants & pain Chocolat, traditional French bread, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts. A cooked option (except staff day off) and Fresh coffee & tea, fruit juices.

* Staff day off service- your chalet hosts will leave breakfast and afternoon tea for you to help yourselves to. Fresh bread & croissants will be delivered to your chalet in the morning. Please check if your chalet includes this service.

Hosts Day/s Off afternoon tea and dinner won’t be served, giving you the chance to explore the local restaurants

Afternoon Tea: depending on the chalet 5 or 6 days of a seven-night stay, afternoon tea is provided when you come in from the slopes (often things like cake, cookies, toast, soup, and hot drinks like Hot chocolate, tea & coffee).

Pre-dinner & Dinner: Home-made canapes served with pre-dinner drinks ( See each chalet page for more information). For Dinner with Selected red & white wines to complement the meal or champagne: Meals are served in the evenings, usually many courses and, in most catered chalets, free-flowing wine/champagne, pudding and then coffee is served. The ‘free wine/champagne’ component is not universal, so check before you book if this is a significant part of your holiday.

We have more than 50 Top Notch catered luxury ski chalets and apartments in European ski resorts.