If you love to ski in traditional surroundings, Meribel is the perfect Alpine destination. Part of one of the largest ski regions in the world, Meribel, along with neighbors Val Thorens and Courchevel, forms the popular paradise of Les Trois Vallees. With a collective 130 kilometers of cross-country tracks, 335 marked runs covering over 600 kilometers and 180 lifts to get you there, Les Trois Vallees is a popular destination, but Meribel is arguably the jewel in the crown.
A touch of history
Host of the 1992 Winter Olympics, Meribel was founded in the 1930s and consists of several smaller resorts, each with their own unique appeal. At the lower end of the slopes, for example, is Les Allues, the original village that Meribel grew from; Meribel Village sits at a 1,400 meter altitude and has the most traditional and picturesque surroundings and architecture; Meribel-Les Hauts overlooks the main resort, and Meribel Centre, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, has the majority of the leisure facilities and entertainments, making it the principal destination for most visitors.
Out of the ski chalet and on to the slopes in Meribel, France
Chalets and other facilities
At nearly 1,800 metres, however, Meribel-Mottaret sits proud, with easy access to not only the higher slopes of Meribel, but also other slopes from Les Trois Vallees, some reaching altitudes of up to 2,900 meters. Meribel is not only an excellent location for snow sports, it has also – unlike many of its competitors – maintained the somewhat traditional wood and stone architecture, particularly the ski chalets France is known for, that raises simple accommodations to a study in perfection.
Imagine this: waking to beautiful vistas of fir trees and fresh snow. Spending an exhilarating day on the slopes or tracks. Relaxing, exhausted but satisfied, in front of a roaring fire with a glass in hand… Of course, Meribel isn’t just for the grown-ups. There are plenty of activities for all the family – including clubs for kids as young as 18 months and instruction packages for kids of all ages. With snowboarding, freestyle jumps and slopes, as well as all manner of on-piste and off-piste facilities, there are over 70 ski runs, hang-gliding, ice climbing, ice skating, snowmobiles and toboggans to enjoy, as well as saunas and jacuzzis when all you need is to be pampered.
Cramming in some shopping
Since Meribel is so well-appointed destination, there are ample opportunities to shop till you drop. Boutiques and gift stores, concessions and specialty providers, Meribel’s exclusive position is reflected in the facilities available. And no matter what you choose to do with your day, there’s a variety of bars, restaurants and late night hot spots to indulge in until the early hours.
With such an exquisite attention to detail in both service and surroundings, Meribel is firmly entrenched as one of the most vibrant snow sport resorts in the French Alps. Indeed, with the ski chalets France is historically recognized for, seamlessly integrated with all the mod cons, Meribel was made for ski lovers.
Images by msquirrel, used under Creative Commons license.
