A local’s guide to Meribel
Think Meribel’s all about rowdy seasonaires and Jägerbombs? Not so! Sure, the nightlife is spectacular, but so is the skiing: 600km of pistes, some of the best powder stashes in the Three Valleys, a snowpark and couloirs that’ll get your knees knocking.
Slap bang in the heart of the Three Valleys sits Méribel, a charming mountain town surrounded by 600km of piste. Hang on. Méribel? Charming?
Actually yes, it’s true, so try to put those images of rowdy seasonaires and exuberant youth to one side and embrace something of the town’s rebirth. There’s no doubt its nightlife is still spectacular, but as far as traditional French ambience, coupled with a top-class ski area suited to all levels, goes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a resort that ticks as many boxes as Méribel.
While its motorway pistes are perfect for cruisers, skiers looking for something to get their pulse rate up will find plenty to entertain them, including almost 30 black runs, cracking off-piste on Mont Vallon and hard-to-reach couloirs that will get you shaking in your ski boots. Plus, there are two top-class snowparks for anyone keen to throw down some big tricks.
The views aren’t bad either – on a good day you’ll catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc, as well as the Grand Casse, the Écrins and many more classic Alpine vistas. See, we told you it was rather good… We catch up with local boy Jeremy to find out about his favourite spots on and off the hill.
FOR AN EARLY- MORNING LEG BURN
For a flat-out hoon I like to head to the top of the Saulire express. This new bubble means you can get from the base station to the Saulire summit (2700m) in just 12 minutes! Once up there, there’s a good choice of fast runs down and I know this route so well it’s the perfect opportunity to put all my worries to the back of my mind, switch off and just straight-line it down the mountain.
FOR FIRST LIFT FRESH TRACKS
I’m always keen on first lifts, but it very rarely happens! When it does, I head up to the top of the Tougnète 2 chair, which takes you to the top of Tougnète at 2434m in the direction of Val Thorens. It’s the quickest way to the top from Méribel and there is a great choice of routes down for all levels, and some easily accessible off-piste, if you know what you’re doing. The high-speed chair means you can usually get a good two or three runs in before it gets too tracked.
FOR A LATE-AFTERNOON POWDER HIT
I would be lynched if I gave you that information! Mont Vallon at 2952m is always a safe bet, as it’s the furthest away and highest point in the valley. For more experienced riders, there are always some great lines to be had off the back of Mont Vallon and on the nearby Côte Brune (bring your backcountry kit, if you have it). But if you’re hitting the off-piste in the late afternoon, make sure you keep an eye on the snow conditions after a day of sunshine.
(Not the secret area)
MÉRIBEL’S MUST-SKI RUN
For one of the most spectacular views in the Alps—including a glimpse of Mont Blanc—head to the top of the Olympic chairlift. From there, cruise down Roc de Fer and onto the Stade, a race-ready piste that has hosted major international competitions, including the Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals.
If you’re up for a true challenge, test yourself on the Couloir de l’Échelle, better known as the ‘Death Couloir’—though it’s not quite as terrifying as the name suggests! This steep, narrow chute is strictly for experts, requiring both technical skill and a head for heights. To access it, you’ll first have to climb a steep metal ladder from the top of the Saulire chairlift—just reaching the entrance is an adventure in itself!
FOR JUMPS AND JIBS
The most popular jib run with seasonaires is known as the ‘6 Man’, from the top of the Adret chairlift. The run is scattered with rollers and small jibs, and the fact it’s on one of the busiest areas of the mountain provides an ideal opportunity for riders to show off their skills in front of easily impressed tourists! If park is your thing then the DC park in Mottaret is the place to go.
Méribel’s OPEN PARK has long been a top-tier snowpark, attracting some of the world’s best riders. With massive booters, creative rails, and ever-evolving features, it’s a playground for both pros and those looking to progress. Push your limits or kick back at the DC Chalet, where you can enjoy music, BBQs, and a front-row view of top riders in action.
BEST BAR FOR APRÈS-SKI
The Folie Douce kicks off the action early with DJs, dancers, and table-top madness before the home run descent. Then there is the legendary Jacks with a great vibe in the centre of town. The Rond Point, or The Ronnie, as it’s popularly known, on Rond Point des Pistes, is famed for its raucous dancing, and its terrace is buzzing as they usually lay on the most popular bands in town.
The big-name DJ nights at Sullys– Krafty Kuts, Dub Pistols and Shaka Loves You to name a few – always bring everyone out from the woodwork.
Jacks Terrace
FOR MOUNTAIN EATS
I tend to avoid the mountain restaurants as they can be overpriced. Instead, I head down to La Terrasse du Village in Méribel Village, which serves up generous portions of quality food with a relaxed atmosphere and great views. If I’m in town, Jack’s Bar is a solid choice for its hearty, well-priced meals and buzzing après-ski vibe. For a quick bite, a bowl of noodles does the trick, but if I’m starving, a massive homemade burger always hits the spot.
For a real quick munch, I’d recommend trying the legendary Mountain Burger at the Chez Bif, which is at the bottom of the slopes in nearby Mottaret village. You’ll have to eat on your feet but €6 buys you a taste of a true seasonaire secret – a monster burger smothered in raclette cheese.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT MÉRIBEL?
I couldn’t hope for a more amazing place to live than Méribel. We have one of the best ski areas in the world right on our doorstep. The amount and variety of terrain never ceases to amaze me. It’s the snow that brings us all out here, but it’s the people that really keep us here. There is a such a cool crowd of like-minded people who live here, and a great sense of togetherness that you often don’t find in other resorts.
Pistes and Passes
Ski area: 150km of pistes in Méribel; 600km in the Three Valleys ski area.
Lift Pass Prices for the 2024/2025 Season:
- Méribel Valley (6 days): €333
- Three Valleys (6 days): €395
Where to stay: One budget-friendly Meribel Hotel is the Grangettes. hotelgrangettes.com
