Slap bang in the middle of what’s said to be the world’s largest ski area - Trois Vallées - it’s not difficult to see why tourists flock to the Meribel ski resort in their thousands. Situated in the Alpine region of Savoie in Southeastern France, Meribel is sandwiched perfectly in between the towns of Courchevel to the east and Val Thorens, and offers convenient access to some of the best ski slopes France has to offer.
But while skiing is the main event, Meribel is a truly astounding place in its own right. Remote and inescapably beautiful thanks to strict government regulations that forbade the construction of too many modern apartment buildings which blight so many other famous ski resorts, visitors will delight in its picturesque wooden chalets that remind us of what a mountain ski resort should be like.
Yet while the chalet-style architecture preserves Meribel’s true Alpine spirit, visitors do not need to forsake anything for the privilege. Meribel might be picture-postcard perfect, but it’s available without the expensive price tag one would expect from such breathtaking sights.
The skiing at Meribel is as good as it gets, on a par with anything else in Europe – or the world for that matter. Meribel itself is served by 57 ski lifts which glide effortlessly up the mountainside, to one of more than 74 marked ski runs. Mont Vallon, at 2,952 meters tall, is where the most popular and famous of all Meribel’s ski runs can be found – Combe Vallon.
Altogether, the lift-linked area of Meribel covers some 600 km of well groomed pistes, making it the world’s largest single ski area, yet it’s just as well noted for its off-piste terrain, which is easily accessible from the ski lifts. Off-piste has both challenging sections and easier sections for beginners, so everyone can confidently have a crack at them.
Beyond the slopes, Meribel offers a wide range of activities that families and friends can enjoy, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, paragliding and swimming. Meanwhile, those who are feeling less than energetic and want a break from all the action can check out the resort’s first class wellness area, noted for its excellent massages, sauna and Jacuzzi, or simply break out their wallets and head to the casino in nearby Brides-les-Bains.
Budget for one week: Over €1000 per week
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: French
Area: 1300 plus acres
Population: (Moûtiers, 4348 )
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other key facts:
- Elevation – 2950 m summit
- Skiable Area – 1337 acres
- Total Runs – 74 pistes, 600 km of slopes
- Snowfall – 250 + in./year
- Night skiing - yes
Images courtesy: Leo-setä; Leo-setä and Éole Wind
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