Meribel ski hotels and holiday packages
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So tell me about it...
Méribel is the central resort in the world's largest lift linked ski area, the 3 Vallées. One of the first in the post-war 'second wave' of ski centre development, the village and its skiing have been a success on a colossal scale. Méribel today has grown far beyond the original village with half a dozen 'neighbourhoods', extending the resort over 10km of the valley floor, and expansion is still continuing apace, helping to make the resort one of the most important in the world today.
The resort holds the world record for high capacity gondola lifts, which means it can probably transport more skiers uphill faster than any other resort. Whether such a record matters to the average skier or boarder is open to debate, but the practical off-shoot is that queues are now almost unheard of and skiers get to ski more terrain than anywhere else faster than anywhere else, which must be worth something.
The Méribel valley was 'discovered' in 1938 by future British Colonel Peter Lindsay, who returned after the war to oversee its early development in partnership with French architect Christian Durupt. Although the men's plans were modest compared to what was to come, they did begin the task of building the resort in a traditional style, with gabled slate roofs and white pine and stone facades. Along with its perfect location, Méribel's decision to stick to these building requirements through its 50+ year history and through the era of the rec-tangular concrete tower block has won it ever more fans over the years.
Make a search now and book cheap ski hotels and holiday packages in Méribel.
Entertainment
Nightlife centres on bars such as Les Enfants Terribles (Funky 70s), Dicks T-bar and La Taverne in Meribel, plus the British-run Plein Soleil bar/restaurant and Rastros Bar in Mottaret. The Olympic Centre hosts top-level ice hockey matches and has a swimming pool, climbing wall and bowling alley. The Centre also offers a gym, saunas, jacuzzis, massage and relaxation rooms.
Gourmet & nightlife
For fine dining, Le Grand Coeur hotel has a smart restaurant. The Fromagerie comes highly recommended, especially for its superb fondues, and the Refuge is a cosy, central restaurant serving great pizzas. There is a Pizza Express just above Dicks Tea Bar if you’re missing England. The completely British Cactus Cafι or The Taverne in town both offer simple food such as sandwiches, cheesy chips, etc and are often really busy as they are popular with the locals.
Extras
If you’re not too exhausted after all the skiing or snowboarding you could take part in a climbing class, either on a frozen waterfall or on a climbing wall. Alternatively try dogsledding, go-karting on ice, a 1- or 2-hour hot air ballooning flight, paragliding, mountain flying, paintballing or rent skidoos. Snowshoeing is also popular and you could even try an overnight expedition with mountain-hut accommodation.
Beginners
Meribel skiing for beginners is good, with 11 green slopes to practise your skills. The altiport area is the best place to head and is perfect for learning. There are lots of places to stop for a drink and a snack to boost your energy! Meribel also has several great ski schools with good reputations offering group or private lessons.
Intermediate
Meribel skiing is a paradise for the Intermediate skier who wants to clock up the mileage in the Three Valleys area. With over 600km of piste and great off-piste opportunities you will be spoilt for choice in Meribel.
Experts
Meribel skiing and the surrounding resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens offers plenty of great skiing opportunities for the expert skier. Buy a Three Valleys lift pass and checkout the several challenging mogul fields and the famous couloirs in Courchevel. Meribel skiing also has excellent off piste skiing and there are two snow parks in the Meribel Valley with tables, jumps, half-pipes etc.
Snowboarders
Snowboarding has very good roots in Meribel. The facilities for riders are superb and the park and pipe options (3 in total) are all very well groomed, easily accessed and include a variety of hips and jumps to suit all abilities.
Children are welcome in Meribel, and there are a number of creches and childcare services available. There is a nursery that takes children from aged 3 months, and a kindergarten that caters for children from 18 months and upwards. They do tend to be popular and so you should make sure you book well in advance. Children's clubs are also popular during summer and winter, and offer a range of activities for children of all ages.
