The 3 valleys ski resort at Méribel

Méribel is a legendary ski resort in the French Alps, at the heart of Les 3 Vallées – one of the largest ski areas in the world.

Whether you're an experienced skier, introducing the family to the Alps for the first time, or looking for a resort with fantastic après-ski, you’ll have an amazing time at Méribel.

Méribel ski resort – at a glance guide

Why Méribel is an iconic skiing holiday destination

On clear days the views from the summits are astounding

Méribel is enduringly popular with skiers from the UK. Whether you an advanced skier looking for challenging blue and black runs, a beginner, a family with a range of skiing abilities or group of friends just wanting to have a good time on the slopes, Méribel delivers. From its elegant mountain chalets to its buzzing après-ski scene, its Olympic heritage to cosy restaurants, Méribel is an ideal base for exploring the Three Valleys.

Linked to Courchevel, Val Thorens and several other Alpine resorts, Méribel isn't simply somewhere to sleep between days on the slopes. The traditional timber and stone chalets, bars, shops and restaurants give the village an enduring character, and under thick snow a magnificent beauty.  The Olympic Park leisure complex is the perfect place to still be active off the slopes, with a swimming pool, ice rink, spa, badminton courts and children’s play areas. 

The resort hosted the women’s alpine skiing events in the 1992 Winter Games, and is set to be a venue again in 2030. 

Plan a ski trip to Méribel

Méribel still has an Alpine elegance, despite its popularity

Where is Méribel?

Méribel is in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. 

Its central position within Les 3 Vallées is what makes the resort particularly appealing. To one side lies the Courchevel valley, while the route through Méribel leads towards the higher resorts and slopes around Val Thorens.

When is the best time to ski in Méribel? 

Méribel's ski season generally runs from early December through to late April, with conditions varying throughout the season.

Early-season skiing can bring a quieter atmosphere and the excitement of the first powder, while January and February is traditionally popular with skiers looking for a full Alpine experience. Later in the season, longer daylight hours can make for particularly enjoyable days on the mountain.

Snow conditions can vary from year to year, so it's sensible to check the latest resort conditions before travelling. Méribel's position within the Three Valleys and the altitude of the wider ski area are important considerations when planning a trip.

Where to stay in Méribel

Méribel is split into three distinct resort areas, Méribel Village, Méribel Centre and Méribel-Mottaret. Méribel Centre is the hub of the resort, closer to the majority of bars, shops and restaurants, the English-speaking ski schools and the ski lifts, while Méribel-Mottaret, highest in the valley, has ski-in/ski-out convenience, and offers more functional accommodation.

Driving from Calais to Méribel

Make sure your car is prepped for the drive to Méribel 

For UK skiers, driving to Méribel is all part of the adventure.

After your 35-minute crossing on LeShuttle from Folkestone to Calais, it’s around a 9 hour drive to Méribel. You could break the journey with an overnight stop, giving you the chance to explore another French town or city along the way.

Driving also gives you the freedom to pack skis, boots and winter clothing. Remember, there are no baggage limits on LeShuttle! Once you're in the Alps, having a car can also be useful for exploring beyond the resort, although winter driving conditions mean you should prepare carefully and check your car is fully prepared for Alpine driving before setting off. You may need winter tyres or snow chains, so check before you travel. 

Allow extra time for the final mountain roads, particularly during snowy weather.

Méribel resort guide 

There are some legendary slopes at Méribel

The most famous slopes of Méribel

La Combe du Vallon

The longest slope of the 3 Valleys is legendary – 3,000 metres up, with 3km of steep piste at the top and 11km of total descent down to Méribel Centre. Skiers and snowboarders love the exhilarating red section, wide and technical, and the incredible views on the lower slopes. 

Roc de Fer 

Used for the Men’s downhill at the 1992 Winter Games, and many major competitions since, the Roc de Fer is Méribel’s most exhilarating run for experienced skiers. The summit is at 2,294 metres, dotted with picnic tables and heart-shaped mini cabins to savour the views. There is also now a tunnel as part of the descent, which is always a highlight for Méribel veterans.

Jerusalem 

And did those skis, in ancient time, slide upon France’s mountains white? The Jerusalem blue run is one of the standout runs of the whole 3 Vallées, with an altitude of 2,400 metres and a length of 3.59 km. It’s a remote rolling run with incredible scenery, and starts at the summit of Tougnète. 

Méribel for beginners

Skiers of all abilities happily share the slopes 

Méribel is a great place to learn to ski, with 8 green runs and 25 blue runs. Most of the ski schools are based at the Altiport, the snow-covered airstrip near Méribel Centre. The efficient lift system keeps everyone moving, and it’s a family-friendly area.

Méribel for intermediate skiers

Méribel is made for intermediate skiers – with plenty of blue and red runs, reliable high altitude snowfall and easy access to the neighbouring resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. There are flowing descents and beautiful ridgeline runs, and spectacular views of Mont Blanc just for good measure.

Méribel for experts

Black runs like La Face, used for the Olympic women’s downhill in 1992, Combe du Vallon and Roc de Fer, pose exhilarating tests for advanced skiers. Featuring steep descents, tight lines and twisting terrain, Méribel and the wider 3 Valleys is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

It’s all downhill to Les 3 Vallées with LeShuttle

Pack your skis, boots and all the essentials and make Méribel your next skiing holiday destination. With no baggage allowances to worry about, LeShuttle is the ideal way to get to the slopes!