Méribel

Méribel is one of the most sought-after resorts in the French Alps, situated in the Tarentaise Valley in Savoie, at the heart of Les 3 Vallées ski area. Renowned for the quality of its skiing, the resort combines authentic Alpine character with a relaxed atmosphere, making it particularly appealing for families and discerning guests looking for exceptional luxury ski holidays.

Outstanding skiing and a wealth of mountain activities

Méribel occupies a central position within Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area. Many of the resort’s luxury chalets enjoy ski-in/ski-out locations or lie just moments from the slopes, allowing guests to make the most of everything this exceptional ski domain has to offer. The lifts and infrastructure provide seamless connections throughout Les 3 Vallées, linking Méribel with Courchevel, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens. With 600 km of pistes, the area encompasses an extraordinary variety of terrain, from gentle beginner slopes and wide cruising runs to challenging descents and extensive off-piste opportunities. Long, beautifully groomed pistes, spectacular panoramas and an outstanding selection of mountain restaurants create an unforgettable skiing experience. The resort is also home to the legendary Roc de Fer piste, which has hosted major international competitions, including the women’s events at the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

With 85% of Les 3 Vallées ski area situated above 1,800 metres, Méribel benefits from reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season. The village itself lies between approximately 1,450 and 1,750 metres, while the wider ski area rises to more than 3,200 metres. From the summit of Mont Vallon to the slopes of the Roc de Fer and the Col de la Loze, the surrounding peaks reveal sweeping panoramas across the Vanoise and the wider Alps. Beyond skiing, Méribel offers an extensive range of winter activities, including snowshoeing, sledging, ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, paragliding and ice skating. The Parc Olympique also features a swimming pool, fitness facilities and a climbing wall.

Shopping in Méribel

While Méribel does not have the concentration of international luxury boutiques found in Courchevel 1850, its shopping scene offers a more intimate and distinctly alpine experience. Méribel Centre is home to a carefully selected range of fashion boutiques, concept stores, jewellery shops and specialist outdoor retailers, alongside numerous ski and sports shops. Visitors will also find local food shops and delicatessens showcasing Savoyard specialities, including cheeses, charcuterie, wines and other regional produce. This combination of practical expertise, local craftsmanship and carefully chosen boutiques reflects Méribel’s authentic and understated approach to mountain living.

Accommodation and Après-ski

Méribel boasts an impressive collection of luxury chalets and high-end hotels, blending traditional Savoyard architecture with contemporary interiors and highly personalised service. Several five-star hotels enjoy ski-in/ski-out locations, sophisticated spas, swimming pools and a full range of tailored services. Among them, Le Coucou occupies a privileged position in the Belvédère area, directly on the slopes, while Le Kaïla is situated in the centre of the resort with convenient connections to the ski area. Luxury chalets remain one of Méribel’s defining features, with many residences offering generous living spaces, private spas, swimming pools, cinemas and other premium amenities.

Après-ski is an equally important part of the Méribel experience. The resort is home to some of the Alps’ best-known venues, including La Folie Douce and Le Rond Point, where live music and DJs continue the day’s celebrations directly on the slopes. Le Rond Point also hosts Ronnie Loves Music, a festival of live performances held over several days in March. Once the sun has set, Méribel’s bars and restaurants provide a more relaxed alternative to the larger party atmosphere found elsewhere in the Alps. Jacks, La Taverne and other popular addresses bring together live music, cocktails and hearty cuisine, while the resort’s restaurants range from traditional Savoyard establishments to refined gastronomic dining. The resort also boasts a thriving gastronomic scene. Méribel is home to L’Ekrin by Laurent Azoulay, its only Michelin-starred restaurant, where the chef pairs his Provençal heritage with Savoyard produce to create refined and contemporary creations. Alongside this celebrated fine-dining gem, Méribel offers a diverse selection of restaurants showcasing Savoyard specialities, international flavours and local ingredients, ensuring an excellent choice throughout the resort.

Main Events

Méribel hosts a varied programme of ski, cultural and musical events throughout the winter season. Its reputation as a major sporting destination has been reinforced by its history of hosting international competitions on the Roc de Fer, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2023. Among the events to look out for are:

    • FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup: international para-alpine skiing competition on the Roc de Fer
    • SAMSE National Tour: national-level biathlon & cross-country skiing competitions at the Altiport area
    • Jazz Variations Festival: a winter festival showcasing contemporary jazz
    • Ronnie Loves Music Festival: several days of live music and après-ski entertainment at Le Rond Point
    • Franglish Comedy Festival: a bilingual comedy event bringing French- and English-speaking comedians together
    • Riders Film Festival: film screenings celebrating the riders’ exploits
    • Soundclash: an outdoor music event marking the end of the winter season

Getting there:

  • Plane: Geneva Airport (180 km), Lyon Airport (180 km) and Grenoble Airport (175 km)
  • Private jet: Chambéry Airport (102 km)
  • Helicopter: Méribel Altiport
  • Train: Moûtiers TGV station (17 km)
  • Car: A430 motorway to Moûtiers, then follow the road to Brides-les-Bains and Méribel.