An introduction to skiing holidays in Meribel
Meribel has long been one of the most popular ski chalet resorts in France, with its traditional charm and outstanding snowfall just two reasons why millions of skiers and snowboarders visit throughout the season. If you have already succumbed to the allure of this French skiing superpower, check out our guide to ensure your holiday is simply the best.
The Slopes and Coverage
The most important reason why anybody would head to a ski slope is the amount of snow available under foot, and fortunately this is a department that Meribel excels in. With more than 150km of pistes, which is catered for through a network of 66 different runs, it offers a pleasant mix of green, red, blue and black runs to ensure incredible skiing for all abilities.
The bulk of the slopes are blue and red runs, boasting 30 and 25 runs respectively. However, with the additional seven black runs and six green runs also included on the piste, it’s easy to see how Meribel has become acclaimed as an all-rounder resort.
To see the resort for yourself, click here for a printable piste map.
As well as the significant space Meribel provides, another jewel in its crown is that it’s part of the famed Three Valleys ski area. Offering more than 600km of ski runs that cover over 400km2, an area over four times the surface area of Paris, there’s plenty of snow to get stuck into. To cover such an area, the Three Valleys relies on the world’s most modern ski network, which consists of 180 ski lifts, 2 cable cars, 33 gondolas and 40 high speed chair lifts. Although you may be staying in Meribel, the incredible network of lifts means that the likes of La Tania, Courchevel 1850 and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville are all within easy reach.
If you want to want to keep an eye on the snow in Meribel, Snoweye.com offers the chance to view all cameras from around the resort. For a look on the slopes beyond, the Three Valleys website offers access to 12 different cameras across the region. Further to this, you can also download the Three Valleys app completely free of charge for all Apple devices and Android devices.
The Bars
After a long day in the powder it’s likely that the whole family will have worked up quite an appetite. Luckily the array of on-site chefs which Ski Olympic provide in your chalet means a fantastic meal is ready to meet you upon your return, so all you’ll have to worry about is finding a great bar to enjoy a well-deserved drink.
You may wish just to enjoy a quick one before you head to bed, however the wealth of fantastic bars mean that once you arrive, you may never wish to leave. Just one of the best on offer is the aforementioned La Folie Douce, a famed venue which will have you dancing all night long! A family of entertainment venues, it’s the ultimate place to head if you’re looking for a party. If you prefer a more traditional alpine experience, Jack’s Bar, Barometer Bar and Bar La Taverne are all to keep an eye out for.
The Experiences
Other than world-class skiing and acclaimed restaurants, just what else is there to do in Meribel? If you are taking your family to the slopes, there’s plenty on offer to keep them occupied and the possibilities are endless. From a game of bowling to a trip to the cinema, to the chance to enjoy hot air ballooning or a spot of husky sledging, be sure to explore the village when you arrive to see the activities available during your stay
Image Credit: Matt Squirrell (Flickr.com)