Worldwide Ski Resorts • France • Meribel

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Overview

Founded in 1938 by an Englishman, the village of Méribel forms the centre resort of the famous Trois Valees ski super region of the French Alps. It is the most traditional of the mega resorts in terms of architecture, appearing as a pleasant chalet dominated community — despite being one of the many post war purpose built ski centres. Popular with the British winter sports fans, Méribel has an excellent reputation with a number of smaller, quiet villages surrounding it, that provide a variety of excellent alternative accommodation for those tourists who shun the noise and bustle of the main, central resort. Of course, Méribel itself has an extensive choice of accommodation, ranging from top quality hotels and first class catered chalets, to clean and basic self catering apartments.

On the minus side, the village is rather expensive, inclined to be crowded and is rather disconnected and sprawls over a large area, which means that some of the accommodation is a bit of a trek to the nearest ski lift, although the ski buses are free. Access to all of the Three Valley Resorts (Meribel, Coucheval, La Tania, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville) is included in the ski pass. The general facilities are good with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

Profile

Meribel stands at around 1500 m. The local slopes are not high by French Alpine standards and many of them are east or west facing. In consequence it does not have a great reputation for good snow reliability. However, the 1500 snow making cannons do ensure that if you come here, you will be able to ski come what may, and some of the slopes to the south of the valley towards Les Menuires, are north facing and are more snow sure. Méribel itself has 150 km of pisted runs and the Three Valleys in total has 600 km. It goes without saying that there is always plenty to occupy skiers and snowboarders of every skill level. Experts, intermediates, beginners, boarders and cross country skiers alike are exceptionally well catered for here. The generally queue free lift network is impressive with 197 lifts that efficiently transfer skiers and snowboarders across the entire area. Ski Schools and child facilities are reportedly good.

Mountain Information

Most of the runs are above tree line level and are wide open. Experts should initially focus on what is termed as the best ski area in the entire Three Valleys — Mont du Vallon. Although an official red run, the Combe du Vallon is a sure fire test of anyone’s skill, especially when mogulled. There is also plenty of excellent off piste country to play on, although you generally need a guide. Intermediates have a huge choice. Just about every run has an intermediate option to suit all degrees of skill level. Beginners can choose their nursery slopes and there are countless runs that are suitable for gentle progression. Snowboarders will find a warm welcome with two terrain parks - The Plattieres and The Moon Park — both equipped with a full range of features.

Apres Ski

There are unlimited bars that provide a terrific variety of music and entertainment. Party on!

French Resort Guide

Resort Information • Meribel

Resort Height Resort Height 1450m
Top Station Top Station 2952m
Bottom Station Bottom Station 1400m
Vertical Descent Vertical Descent 1552m
Drag Lifts Drag Lifts 18
Chair Lifts Chair Lifts 16
High Capacity High Capacity 16
Opening Dates Opening Dates Dec-April
Rating Expert Rating Expert 8
Rating Intermediate Rating Intermediate 10
Rating Beginner Rating Beginner 8
Apres Ski Rating Apres Ski Rating 9
Snow Reliability Snow Reliability 8

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