Méribel ski holidays are perfect for serious skiers and snowboarders who want to explore the world’s largest piste playground, the Three Valleys, while enjoying the traditional charm of a French ski village.
Made up of five ski villages connected by shuttle buses and ski lifts, Méribel ski resort caters to everyone: from groups of mates to families and beginners. You name it, Méribel’s got it.
High altitude, reliable snow, and packed with intermediate and advanced runs, the main appeal of Méribel skiing is its prime location – it sits right in the centre of the incredible Les Trois Vallées area, which boasts 600km of pistes and eight snow parks.
What’s more, ski holidays in Méribel also offer links to neighbouring resorts such as Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and more – perfect if you want to extend your ski adventure a little further afield.
There’s always a festive buzz when it comes to December ski holidays in Méribel, while in January, the slopes are quieter and the snow is fresh. Méribel ski resort is at its busiest in February, but that brings with it a fun party atmosphere, and with access to such a large ski area, overcrowding is never much of an issue.
March Méribel ski trips see numbers drop off again, making it an attractive time to go. Towards April, Méribel’s ski season draws to an end, and the snow quality may not be its best, but you can expect long days in the sun and loads of events and outdoor music away from the pistes.
Snow conditions in Meribel
If you can’t wait to clip in and get the season started, the first dumps of snow can happen as early as November in Méribel ski resort. And if you don’t want the good times to end, you can even ski in Méribel in April. The heaviest snowfall tends to occur in December, making Méribel a fantastic resort for Christmas fun. But if you want to top up the goggle tan and enjoy apres on sunny mountain terraces, January and February are the best months for bluebird days.
Things to do in Méribel
Snowmobiles - Let loose, carve up, and feel the rush!
Husky power -Mush! Transport yourself to the land of Narnia with a sledge ride through snow-dusted alpine forests.
Park Méribel Olympic - Ice rinks, climbing walls, swimming pools, and spas.
Ice Hockey - Visit the local rink to watch the local team "Les Bouquetins" take to the ice.
Le Kaila Nuxe Spa - Relax in the aquamarin pool or take to the geysers, jacuzzis, and massage chairs.
Le Grand Spa Thermal - One of the largest thermal spas in France - the ultimate wellbeing day!
Restaurants in Méribel
La Terrasse du Village - This suntrap terrace is a popular spot for lunch, with freshly made international cuisine and panoramic views of the Méribel Valley.
Tsaretta Spice - Craving a curry? This is the spot!
Brasserie Le 80 - Gourmet cuisine rustled up by Michelin-starred chefs with cosy cabin vibes.
Le Cepe - Stylish tables, sheepskins, and an amphitheatre of snow-dusted mountains. This Michelin Guide spot conjures up some of Méribel's best cuisine.
Nightlife & Apres in Méribel
Aprés in Méribel is as lively as it gets. From vibrant piste-side pubs to modern cocktail bars and energetic nightclubs…
Le Rond Point - Located on the main Doron Piste, skiers flood the huge outdoor terrace to enjoy sundowners with epic mountain views.
Folie Douce - A renowned, go-to mountain bar. Drink cocktails, dance on the tables, and get ready for an epic night.
O’Sullivans - Dance to some of the best DJs in the Alps.
Copina - Sip some seriously mean cocktails and order tasty tapas in this classy Galician-inspired bar – the Queimada is, quite literally, fire!
Doron Pub - Live music and DJ sets - you’ll be bopping in your ski boots all night long.
FAQs about Méribel ski holidays Your questions answered by our Méribel ski resort expert
Is Méribel good for skiing?
Yes. Méribel is one of the best all-round ski resorts in the French Alps. Sitting snug in the middle of the vast Three Valleys ski area, it gives skiers access to over 600km of pistes - the largest linked ski area in the world!
How snow-sure is a Méribel ski holiday?
Reliable all season. Thanks to Méribel’s high altitudes and extensive snow-making facilities, slopes here consistently have good snow on upper runs. Connections to neighbouring resorts like Val Thorens ensure pow is always on the cards, and with slopes reaching up to 2,900m, Méribel remains dependable throughout the ski season.
When’s the best time to book a Méribel ski holiday?
January to March is the best time to book a Méribel ski holiday, offering Méribel’s best snow records.
April ski holidays to Méribel aren’t to be overlooked either, as this period offers warm temperatures, longer days, and some of the best ski deals of the season!
Is Méribel good for beginner skiing?
Yes, Méribel is perfect for beginner skiers. Meribel’s gentle, wide nursery slopes, highly-rated ski schools, and calm atmosphere make it an excellent place for both adults and kids to learn skiing and snowboarding - whether that’s for the first time or aiming to build confidence on the piste.
For beginners seeking the best place to practise, we suggest exploring the Altiport area at Méribel Centre. Sitting at a snow-sure altitude of 1,700m, it’s surrounded by a lush pine forest, and features the cruisy blue Lapin piste.
Looking for more great beginner ski holidays in France? You've come to the right place. Click here.
Is Méribel good for family ski holidays?
Yes, Méribel is very family-friendly - with dedicated kids' ski zones, childcard options, highly-rated ski schools, and plenty of wide pistes to practise on.
Many accommodations are ski-in/ski-out (no pesky ski-lugging needed!), the village is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of non-skiing activities for kids, such as sledging, tobogganing, and swimming. Essentially, there’s lots to keep your pack of piste pups entertained during a week away, no matter how much they love the slopes!
Looking for more great recommendations for family ski holidays in France? Click here.
Is Méribel ski resort good for advanced skiers?
Yes. Sitting at the heart of the Three Valleys ski area, Méribel ski resort gives access to hundreds of challenging red and black runs, steep mogul fields, and some fantastic off-piste pow playgrounds, giving you plenty to sink your teeth into on a week away.
Looking for the best advanced ski holidays? Click here.
Is Méribel good for snowboard holidays?
Yes, Méribel is an excellent destination for a snowboard holiday. With heaps of wide pistes, plenty of terrain parks, superb freeriding zones, and access to the entire 600km Three Valleys ski area at your mittentips. Méribel’s modern lifts reduce drag-lift for snowboarders, and its central location offers direct access to a wealth of snowboarding terrain, regardless of your level.
What airport do you fly into for Méribel?
The nearest and most frequently used airports for travel to Méribel are Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble. Although Chambéry is the closest airport to Méribel ski resort, Geneva is the most popular choice due to its larger size and wider flight options.
Looking for ski holidays close to Geneva Airport? Click here.
How easy is it to reach Méribel ski resort?
Méribel is easily accessible from Geneva Airport thanks to good road connections. Transfers typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on whether you opt for a private car or a shared shuttle.
Can you take a train from the airport to Méribel?
Yes, you can. From the airport, you can take a train to Moutiers (the nearest train station to Méribel), and then catch a local bus or taxi to the resort. While it may not be as quick as a private transfer or shuttle, it offers a more environmentally friendly and scenic alternative.
What is the difference between the Méribel Centre and Méribel Village?
Méribel Centre is the lively hub with the most amenities and après-ski. Visit here for large hotels, a wide variety of restaurants and shops, and a multitude of non-ski activities and facilities.
Méribel Village is much more tranquil and family-friendly. It is a traditional French ski hamlet situated lower down the valley.
Méribel-Mottaret is higher up and provides the most ski-in/ski-out convenience. This is the spot for serious skiers and snowboarders seeking classic charm combined with some of the best skiing in the Three Valleys.
Les Allues is atraditional Savoyard village, connected to Méribel centre by a gondola and a free shuttle bus.
La Tania is a purpose-built resort offering a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, perfect for groups wanting to save some pennies while still enjoying the best slopes. It is linked to Méribel centre via the La Tania telecabine, Dou Des Lanches chairlifts, and a public bus.
Hotels & Apartments in Méribel
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists
Antarès Méribel Resort & SPA
Les Allues, France
Ski-in / Ski-out
Apartment Ophite Méribel - by EMERALD STAY
Les Allues, France
21 minute walk
Cybèle 11
Les Allues, France
5 minute bus
Épervière 41
Les Allues, France
3 minute walk
Falcon Lodge by Alpine Resorts
Méribel, France
3 minute walk
Hotel & Spa Merilys
Meribel, France
Ski-in / Ski-out
Hotel Allodis
Meribel, France
Ski-in / Ski-out
Hôtel Eliova Le Génépi
Meribel, France
8 minute walk
Hotel Eterlou
Meribel, France
4 minute walk
Hotel La Chaudanne
Meribel, France
3 minute walk
Hôtel Le Chamois d'Or, USSIM Vacances Méribel
Méribel, France
18 minute bus
Hotel Le Coucou
Meribel, France
Ski-in / Ski-out
Hotel Le Savoy
Meribel, France
5 minute walk
Hotel Le Tremplin
Meribel, France
3 minute walk
Hôtel Les Grangettes
Méribel, France
3 minute walk
Le Kaïla
Méribel, France
3 minute walk
Les Appartments du Merilys
Meribel, France
Ski-in / Ski-out
Madame Vacances Chalet Arolla
Les Allues, France
16 minute walk
Madame Vacances Chalet Etienne
Les Allues, France
5 minute walk
Petaru C50
Les Allues, France
4 minute bus
Résidence partenaire Le Golf
Meribel, France
6 minute walk
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Peillon
Meribel, France
6 minute walk
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Les Ravines
Meribel, France
6 minute walk
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Fermes De Méribel