Boasting a landscape worthy of a postcard, Méribel is often hailed as the most scenic ski resort in the Three Valleys. Its classic Alpine charm, combined with exceptional snow conditions, vibrant nightlife, and outstanding shopping, places Méribel among the most renowned ski resorts in France.
We've created this guide to make planning your Méribel ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or relax with family and friends after a day on the slopes. At the end, you'll also find downloadable resort maps, along with some handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Méribel is situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great selection of hotels and chalets | Limited ski-in/ski-out accommodations |
| Vibrant après-ski scene and nightlife | The resort is widespread |
| Family friendly | Lower home slopes can exhibit slushy conditions in April |
| Plenty of non-ski activities & amenities | Very popular and sometimes super-busy |
(Ref: Méribel, Cœur des 3 Vallées)
Newcomers to skiing will find Méribel's Altiport area a comforting starting point. Easily accessible via the Rhodos gondola, beginners can practice their basic moves on gentle slopes and gradually venture onto longer runs snaking through the forest. By the end of their skiing day, an uncomplicated green trail awaits to guide them back to the heart of the village.
Méribel is an intermediate skier's dream. The resort offers expansive, well-maintained slopes from the majority of its lifts. Skiers can immerse themselves in the gentle terrains below the Plattières gondola or head to Mont du Vallon for longer descents that promise to be memorable. Being centrally located in the Three Valleys, Méribel allows for easy exploration of the neighboring ski domains.
Adrenaline junkies and expert skiers have plenty to conquer here. From challenging mogul-filled slopes like the renowned Les Bosses black run to the Olympic Women's Downhill on La Face, advanced terrains are aplenty. The off-piste opportunities around Mt Vallon also beckon for thrilling adventures.
Méribel offers a rich off-piste experience. Between the Loze and Dent du Burgin, vast plains of untouched snow await skiers, especially popular under the Loze chairlift. Adventurous skiers can explore trails leading all the way from the Olympic area to Méribel village or venture further to Brides-les-Bains if conditions permit.
Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned snowboarder, Méribel caters to all. Wide blue and green slopes provide the perfect training ground, while two state-of-the-art snow parks beckon freestylers to showcase their tricks. The vastness of Mont du Vallon offers powder fields and steeper terrains for advanced boarders. With a majority of chairlifts and gondolas, traversing the local area is efficient and straightforward.
The ski season in Méribel for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 23rd and run until May 4th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Méribel this season, be sure to explore our Méribel ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Méribel offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 35 cm and 30 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 24 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Méribel, with an impressive 49 cm of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm of snow over 3.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 30 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 24 cm | 3.2 days |
| March | 26 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 17 cm | 3.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
A recent addition to Meribel's slopes, it's renowned for its wide array of Savoyard dishes, all served at a reasonable price.
Functioning as the table service counterpart of Folie Douce, it offers an exquisite menu coupled with top-tier entertainment and cabaret.
Conveniently located at the mid-station of the Pas du Lac gondola, this restaurant is particularly famed for its steak tartare, which is freshly prepared for diners.
Strategically placed just above the resort, it's not only a hotspot for après ski but also known for its high-quality a la carte lunches.
Esteemed for its fine dining, it stands out as one of Meribel's top hotel restaurants.
An upscale hotel restaurant, well-regarded for its sumptuous culinary offerings.
Another notable hotel restaurant located in the Eterlou hotel.
Positioned downstairs, it boasts a varied menu designed to cater to a myriad of tastes. It also stands as an economical choice for those on a budget.
This establishment is celebrated for its array of local specialities, alongside diverse offerings of pizzas and steaks.
For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Méribel offers:
Located by the mid station of the Saulire gondola, this energetic après bar boasts live entertainment and cabaret. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, with guests dancing on tables in ski boots, it's a top destination for those seeking lively entertainment post-skiing.
Once the go-to spot for après activities, while it might have been surpassed by Folie Douce in popularity, it still remains an iconic venue in the Meribel après scene.
An emerging après destination located opposite the Tougnete 1 lift, it's a spot to watch and visit for those looking to try something new.
This bar invites guests to indulge in the local Mutzig beer or enjoy relaxed drinks in a comfortable environment.
Perfect for those in search of a laid-back evening, Scotts offers a chilled vibe for patrons to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Doubling up as a sophisticated night venue, it offers an upscale drinking experience for those seeking a touch of class.
Download Méribel town map here
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