The ski resort of Meribel is located in the middle of the famous Les Trois Vallees (Three Valleys) region and consists of four main villages and several tiny hamlets located on the forested slopes.

The most lively place is central Meribel (1450 m). From here, the lifts go in different directions, and from below the public is picked up by the third stage of the gondola from the small and inexpensive resort town of Bride le Ben (600 m). In central Meribel there is a large sports complex “Park Olympique”, there is an Olympic skating rink, a swimming pool, 2 cinemas, 2 discos and even an observatory with a planetarium.

Meribel Village (1400 m) is a modest and relatively inexpensive village two kilometers from the central part of the resort, with its own lift and the ability to return home under its own power.

For lovers of sophistication and comfort – a direct road to the upper part of the valley, Meribel-Mottaret (1750 m). Meribel-Altiport (1700 m), as the name suggests, is located next to a small airfield quite high on the mountainside, and in the evening you can only get to civilization from here by taxi.

At the bottom of the eastern slope is a slalom stadium, above it is the famous black “face” run, laid for the 1992 Olympics. Directly from the center of Meribel, a gondola takes you to La Solière (2700 m), from where you can cross into the Courchevel skiing area. The path to Val Thorens leads over the top of Mont de la Chambre (2850 m). There are many good restaurants on the slopes.

Weather in Meribel

Before going to Meribel, find out what the weather will be like there on the selected dates.

Most tourists come to Meribel in late December or early January, when the weather forecast is as stable as possible. At this time of year there are no strong winds, snowfalls and frosts, the climate is very mild and frost is practically not felt. Having studied the weather forecast in Meribel for 14 days, you can understand that the coldest month of the year here is January. During this period, the air temperature drops to -3 ° C during the day.

Knowing the weather in Meribel for a week, it becomes clear how much precipitation to expect and what things are best to take with you. The warmest month in Meribel is considered to be August, as the air temperature warms up to + 18 ° C. The most unpredictable weather in Meribel is considered to be at the end of spring. Since the greatest amount of precipitation falls during this period.

When going to Meribel for 5 days, you must definitely look at the weather forecast, which will show the number of sunny days during your stay at the resort, and will also help to find out the thickness of the snow cover. Knowing the weather in Meribel for 3 days, you should remember that it can change depending on your location above sea level. Also remember that in mountainous areas the air temperature drops very quickly, especially after sunset.

The ski season starts in late November – early December and lasts until mid-April

How to get from the airport to Meribel

There are several ways to get to Meribel from the airport. If you prefer Geneva Airport, then budget travelers have regular bus services, private transfers and train services.

The most profitable way to travel is by rail. During such a 3-hour journey, you will discover magnificent mountain landscapes and a panoramic view of the entire valley, which will not leave any traveler indifferent. A one-way train trip will cost 62 EUR, a round-trip ticket 105 EUR. A ski taxi to the ski resort will cost 350 EUR, and a minivan transfer 420 EUR.

If you prefer Lyon Airport for your flight, then you can also get to Meribel from it by regular bus services. If you prefer a ski taxi, you can get from Lyon to Meribel for 350 EUR. There is also the option of using a transfer. In this case, ordering a minivan for 8 people will cost 420 EUR.

Where to stay in Meribel

The most common accommodation in the valley is apartments and chalets. They are available in all parts of the resort, and when choosing them it is important to pay attention to the location in relation to the lifts. However, for most of them, the principle of ski in – ski out is implemented to one degree or another, that is, skiing from the door (or almost from the door).

In general, Meribel is a rather expensive place in terms of prices.

Madame Vacances Hôtel Le Mottaret 3 star hotel

Madame Vacances Le Mottaret *** is located in a small village above the Méribel-Mottaret 1800 ski resort, in the heart of the Three Valleys ski resort. Ski slopes, shops and restaurants are nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a choice of anti-allergenic foam or goose down pillows. Some rooms have a private balcony with views of the ski slope. The private bathrooms are fitted with a bath or shower and come with a hairdryer and toiletries.

The hotel serves a varied hot and cold buffet breakfast. Lunch, which is included in the all-inclusive rate, is served on the hotel’s terrace or in the partner restaurant Chabichou in the Three Valleys resort in Courchevel 1850.

The hotel features an outdoor hot tub. Guests can relax by the fireplace in the reception or in one of the 2 on-site bars, which offer a wide range of drinks and music.

The ski slopes are just 20 metres away and the resort also has ski schools. Ski passes, ski equipment rental and ski storage are available on site.

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium L’Hévana

Hotel Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium L’Hévana is located in Méribel Ski Resort, 600 metres from Rodes 1 Ski Lift and 700 metres from Roc de Fer Ski Lift. It offers free WiFi, an indoor pool and a fitness room.

The accommodation will provide you with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a hairdryer. There is also a kitchenette, equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge. A stovetop, toaster and kettle are also provided, as well as a coffee machine.

The aparthotel offers a range of wellness facilities including a sauna and a hot tub.

Skiing is possible nearby.

Popular points of interest near L’Hévana Aparthotel include Saur Express 1 Ski Lift, Stade Ski Lift and Plan de l’Omme Ski Lift. Meythet Airport is 94 km away.

Chalet les trois coeurs

Les trois coeurs Chalet is located in Méribel and offers a garden.

The chalet features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher and oven.

A continental breakfast is available daily at the chalet.

Guests at the chalet can enjoy a sauna, skiing in the surroundings and ski storage space.

The ski lift Olympus-3 is located 700 m from the Chalet les trois coeurs complex. The distance to Chambery-Savoie Airport is 59 km.

Ski lifts in Meribel

The ski lift network in Meribel is very developed. In total, you can see about 60 lifts here, with a regular capacity of 65 thousand people. The cost of a ski lift in Meribel will depend on its type.

In general, there are 18 tow lifts, 18 chair lifts, of which one is eight-seater and three are three-seater. There are also 16 car lifts.

Special attention in Meribel is paid to children. There are 8 children’s lifts especially for them. The price of ski lifts can be more acceptable if you purchase a ski pass immediately upon arrival in this amazing mountain region.

Since Meribel deserves the title of central Alpine ski resort, all lifts here meet European quality standards, are regularly checked for serviceability and modernized if necessary.

Ski passes Meribel

How much does it cost to ski in Meribel.

To conquer as many mountain peaks as possible, experienced skiers advise buying a ski pass for the resort on the first day of arrival in Meribel. It will give you the right to move without restrictions not only on 58 lifts located in the vicinity of the town, but also allow you to reach the most remote slopes of the three valleys.

The cost of a ski pass will vary depending on your season of stay in this snowy region, your age and the number of days for which it is needed. If you don’t see much potential in skiing, you can get by with a Meribel ski pass. In this case, an adult will need to pay about 32 EUR for one day. For children, this price is reduced by 30%.

The most favorable ski pass price will be if you buy a subscription for the entire stay at the resort. In this case, a ski pass for an adult for 6 days will be 157 EUR, and for a child – 118 EUR.

In Meribel, you can also buy a ski pass for the entire Three Valleys ski area. In the low season, its cost for an adult for one day will be 41 EUR, and in the high season – 51 EUR. Children under five years old, as well as pensioners over the age of 75, are entitled to a free ski pass, but only after documentary confirmation of age. To issue such ski passes, you will also need photos.

Slopes of Meribel

The ski area Meribel is located in the very center of the Three Valleys, which gives it undeniable advantages both in ease of access to the most interesting slopes of the resort, and in the stability of natural and climatic conditions. The resort’s extensive system of slopes and lifts connects the town of Meribel, located 5 km up the valley, to the villages of Les Allues and Meribel at the mouth of the valley, as well as many smaller mountain stations. The altitude of the stations ranges from 1450 to 1850 meters, and the highest point of the lifts is 2952 meters (Mont Vallon peak).

The slopes of the Aluz Valley have 150 km of marked and well-groomed ski slopes (11% “green”, 47% “blue”, 30% “red” and 12% “black”). The local “green” slopes are great for training beginners, but the “blue” ones are often too difficult – this must be taken into account when choosing routes for those who have just started skiing. Due to the diverse terrain of the valley, there are two “Olympic” slopes here, which were used during the Winter Olympics in Albertville, difficult “red” slopes from the slopes of Mont Vallon and Mont de la Chambre, as well as two slalom zones on the eastern slope of the valley, leading to the Meribel-1450 station in the form of a specialized stadium.

In the lower part of the Alluz valley, there are many different slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. The western slopes of the valley, formed by Mount Den de Bourgogne (2739 m), offer many slopes with a more difficult terrain, on which you can ski in natural light until the evening. Here, closer to Courchevel, there is an airport and a gliding school.

The ski slopes in Méribel are considered the most suitable for confident speed skiing. All the slopes are really wide and, if there is snow, quite flat. This ski resort is good not only for intermediate skiers, but expert skiers will also get a lot of pleasure from fast skiing on the numerous red runs.

If you are a fan of extreme skiing, then the resort of the three valleys will not disappoint you either: the Bartavelle track, the steep Tetras and La Face slopes are all the domain of an advanced skier. Do not forget about Le Grand Couloir, but we recommend leaving it for the end, rather than overcoming this descent on the first day of your stay here.

It is difficult to find a ski resort more suitable for intermediate skiers than Méribel. The best blue or red marked ski runs in Méribel are: Combe de Vallon, Jerusalem and Pramint.

Méribel is also a great resort for beginner skiers. After all, the ski schools here are very high-level, and the green runs in the Altiport area are simply ideal, so they have an easy climb, excellent length and width. As soon as you feel confident, you can move on to the Zen runs and the Ski Cool area, where you can perfect your technique in peace and quiet.

Méribel is fully immersed in the snowboarding and freestyle culture and offers its guests excellent parks. It is worth noting the ski slopes of Méribel in Zone 43. The Moon Park is no less wonderful. Méribel also provides the opportunity to learn snowboarding for its young guests. The Acticross park was built specifically for children-snowboarders.

If you consider yourself a fan of flat trails, then in Meribel, within a 33 km zone, there are several trails specifically designed for such skiing. Part of the ski run runs through the forested part of the valley in the Altiport area. Off-piste skiing enthusiasts will definitely like the Loze slope, which is located above Altiport. Its steepness and the thickness of the snow cover will satisfy even the most experienced skier.

The length of all the slopes in Meribel reaches 150 km, and the length of the ski slope of 5 km is considered the largest. Even in the snow, next winter, Meribel will have beautiful ski slopes for skiing, as 520 snow-making machines are installed around the resort, as well as 20 snow-packing machines are constantly working.

Ski schools in Meribel

Meribel is a developed ski resort, which is perfect for beginner skiers. If you don’t know how to stand on skis or snowboard at all, you should contact the local ski instructors.

There are 6 ski schools in the resort, where you will be taught to ski in just a few days, and you will be able to overcome not only green and blue slopes, but also red ones without any problems. The most popular and largest school is considered to be E.S.F. Ecole du Ski Francais. 450 experienced instructors will show you the basics of skiing and snowboarding. Щоб процес навчання був більш ефективним, уроки катання на гірських лижах можуть проводитися на восьми мовах.

Процес навчання катанню на гірських лижах може проходити в групі по 10 чоловік або індивідуально. За п’ятиденний груповий курс необхідно буде заплатити близько 140 EUR. Таку ж ціну місцеві інструктори просять і за дві години індивідуальних занять.

Крім уроків катання на лижах і сноубордах, всі бажаючі можуть отримати уроки катання на бігових лижах, снігоступах, записатися на хели-скі або скі-турінг.

Ресторани та ціни в Мерібель

Всі ресторани і кафе в Мерібелі відкриваються, як правило, після 17:00. Однак є й такі, які працюють з ранку, але замовити в цей час доби можна тільки гарячі і холодні напої.

Найвідомішим і популярним місцевим закладом вважається недорогий ресторанчик Мерібеля при готелі Tremplin і чайна Salon de The Les Glaciers, де можна замовити піцу, приготовану за автентичними італійськими рецептами. Гурманам варто відвідати кращий ресторан в Мерібель, розташований в шале Chez Kiki з вишуканою кухнею. Тут готують чудові стейки на відкритому вогні. Ціни в ресторанах Мерібеля такого рівня досягають 50 EUR.

Ще одним з кращих і вишуканих ресторанів курорту вважається L’Allodis. Він заслужив такий статус не тільки завдяки чудово приготованим стравам і високому класу обслуговуванням, а й за рахунок прекрасного виду на гори з відкритої тераси. Середній рахунок у цьому закладі становить 40 EUR, але порції тут досить великі.

Віддаючи перевагу найкращим кафе Мерібеля, варто обов’язково заглянути в Lodge du Village. Середня ціна за обід тут не перевищить 10 EUR. Кафе Les Cretes в Мерибелі також славиться своєю доступністю, так як ціна за обід на одну людину в ньому не перевищує 20 EUR, а відвідувачам надається великий вибір американських страв.

Якщо ви заздалегідь ознайомитеся з переліком всіх ресторанів Мерибеля і почитаєте відгуки про них, то зможете знайти не тільки заклади, в яких можна смачно поїсти, а й ті, де можна провести весело час. До них можна віднести кращі місцеві бари – Le Saint Amour і Les Enfants Terribles.

Магазини та доставка їжі в Мерібель

Гірськолижний курорт Мерібель відомий своєю чарівністю і вишуканістю. Крім чудових засніжених схилів, інфраструктура містечка також дуже добре розвинена. У Мерібелі налічується близько вісімдесяти магазинчиків. Основні з них спеціалізуються на продажу спортивного спорядження і лижного обладнання.

Однак є й такі, які орієнтовані на елітних відвідувачів. Великою популярністю користуються бутики відомих модельєрів і магазинчики одягу недорогих торгових марок. Є також магазини, які продають сувеніри, товари для будинку, сирні, винні лавки і лавки з чудовими копченостями.

Мерібель – дуже розвинений і прогресивний курорт. Незважаючи на те, що він займає невелику територію, доставка їжі в Мерібелі вважається досить поширеною послугою. На території містечка відкрито маса закладів різних кухонь світу, але найбільшою популярністю користується доставка піци в Мерібелі.

У ресторані La Chaumiere можна замовити доставку суші в Мерібелі, а також спробувати китайську їжу з доставкою в готель Мерибеля. При бажанні, можна замовити і тайську їжу з доставкою в Мерібелі. Однак місцевий колорит можна повною мірою відчути, якщо відвідати особисто один з місцевих ресторанів, який спеціалізується на традиційній французькій кухні.

Події та розваги Мерібелю

На території гірськолижного курорту розташовано безліч розважальних закладів, серед яких: кінотеатри, нічні клуби, музичні бари, боулінг, ігрові автомати, більярд, і караоке. Молодь віддає перевагу селищу Моттаре, де можна зустріти найбільше скупчення клубів, барів і дискотек, які працюють до ранку. По п’ятницях в Мерібель приїжджає «ринок на колесах», де можна придбати різноманітні дивовижні речі.

Є в Мерібелі і розваги для любителів активного відпочинку. До основних з них відносяться: лижні рейди, прогулянки на снігоступах, польоти на повітряних кулях, катання на санях і снігоходах, захоплюючі піші прогулянки і безліч інших цікавих турів. Всі відпочиваючі можуть відвідати спортивний комплекс Olimpic Centre, де є великий басейн, джакузі, тренажерний зал, водні гірки, каток і стіна для скелелазіння.

Що стосується змагань в Мерібелі, то вони тут проводяться практично щодня. Щоб подивитися на виступи професійних лижників і сноубордистів з’їжджається маса туристів з усіх куточків земної кулі. Часто влаштовуються вистави і концерти за участю місцевих ансамблів.