Meribel - slopes
Ski highlights for all levels
Beginners: Méribel catches the sun, and learning in howling winds is not much fun, so you’re already one step ahead. There is very good provision by ESF for small children in ski school. The Altiport is the main area for beginners.
Intermediates: there is such a thrill in being able to journey while skiing, and Méribel is great for this. Try a trip to Saint Martin de Belleville, cruising down Crêtes and then Jerusalem from the top of Tougnete. You can award yourself a hot chocolate or something stronger at Brewskis in Saint Martin.
Take a day trip to La Tania: there are delightful tree-lined runs into the resort.
Experts: superb piste skiing. You won’t get bored. For a day’s big adventure head over to Orelle. Watch out for crowds and watch your speed on the ‘motorways’ coming down from Val Thorens and at the top half of Courchevel 1850 heading down from Saulire.
A trip to La Tania for coffee or lunch is advised. If you’re in Méribel and short on time (having to pick up less advanced skiers from ski school) play on the black (écureuil) on the top half of Tougnete. It is usually almost empty.
Off-piste
Much of Méribel has excellent off-piste in a dump of snow, especially in the Mont-Vallon area and the Plattieres. If you are unfamiliar with the area, hire a guide.
Ski schools and guides
Magic in Motion (33 47 908 53 36) is a popular ski school with English and French instructors. Many lessons are in English. ESF has a strong presence in Méribel (33 47 908 60 31). Classes for all levels and kindergarten.
Lift system
There is 150km of skiing in Méribel, and more than 600km of skiing in the Three Valleys. Méribel has 15 gondolas, 17 chairlifts, 13 drag lifts, 8 telecabines and 2 walkways.
Be careful as it nears lift closing time – a taxi fare from valley to valley will eat severely into your holiday spending money.
Snow reliability
There are almost 700 snow cannons. But with 80% of the ski area above 1,800m, you can expect to find great snow conditions on much of the mountain throughout the season.
Snow parks
The Moon Park in Méribel (33 47 908 65 32) is excellent. There is also a second park under the Plattieres gondola in Méribel-Mottaret with a great Half Pipe, the only one in the 3 Valleys.
