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Skiers above Méribel-Mottaret on the Martre piste, France.
Explore / Méribel / Destination Guide

MÉRIBEL

📍Méribel, Savoie, France

🍺 Après Capital🏞️ Scenic Cruiser👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Cruiser🤙 Local's Favorite7 Days on Epic☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: DimiTalen · CC0 · Photo details

⬇️
Vertical drop
4,757 ft*
🗻
Skiable terrain
1,042 acres
❄️
Avg snowfall
157 in*
🚡
Lifts
42
☀

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Summer hiking and mountain biking, including lift-accessed routes.

Before you go: Follow signed routes and current trail closures, including restrictions after storm damage in the Allues forests.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

SAVOIE, LES 3 VALLÉES

Méribel occupies the central valley of Les 3 Vallées, making it the ideal strategic base for exploring the full 600 km ski domain. Founded in 1938 by ...

THE REGION

Méribel occupies the central valley of Les 3 Vallées, making it the ideal strategic base for exploring the full 600 km ski domain. Founded in 1938 by British Colonel Peter Lindsay, the resort was built with a strict chalet-style architectural code that gives it a warmth and character lacking in purpose-built French stations. Spread across several levels — from the village center and Altitude 1600 up to Mottaret at 1,750m — Méribel offers direct lifts into both the Courchevel and Belleville valleys. The resort hosted the women's alpine events during the 1992 Albertville Olympics.

THE LOCAL SCENE

Méribel's British heritage gives it a distinctly international atmosphere. English is widely spoken and the après-ski scene blends French and British pub culture. The chalet architecture creates a cohesive alpine village feel, and the weekly market in the center sells regional products. The Olympic legacy is visible in the ice rink, swimming pool, and ski jump facilities.

GETTING THERE

Travel by train to Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, then take a bus or taxi up the valley. Airport transfers also serve Méribel on scheduled dates. Choose the stop for your actual accommodation: Méribel Village, Centre and Mottaret are separate bases.

WHEN TO GO

For a trip across all three valleys, check that the connecting lifts are scheduled to operate. School holidays are worth booking ahead. In spring, plan the longest crossings earlier in the day and check the last return lift.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Olympic Park

Family

Skate at the rink that hosted Olympic ice hockey in 1992, or use the Olympic Park swimming and fitness facilities. Check public sessions before visiting.

🏔️

Saulire Summit

Outdoor

Ride the Saulire cable car to 2,738m for panoramic views over Mont Blanc, the Vanoise, and the entire 3 Vallées network

🏔️

Forest Snowshoeing

Outdoor

Guided snowshoe excursions through the dense pine forests above Méribel with views of the Tuéda nature reserve

🏔️

Tuéda Nature Reserve

Outdoor

Protected alpine nature reserve near Mottaret featuring rare arolla pines, the Tuéda lake, and wildlife observation trails

🍽️

Savoie Wine Tasting

Dining

Discover Mondeuse, Roussette, and Apremont wines from Savoie at village wine bars and organized tasting events

🏔️

Ice Climbing

Outdoor

Guided ice climbing sessions on frozen waterfalls in the surrounding Tarentaise Valley for adventurous visitors

WHERE TO STAY

In Méribel Centre, Les Ravines offers self-catering apartments near shops, while Le Kaïla combines ski-in/ski-out access with hotel dining and a spa. L’Hélios opens onto the Doron piste. For a higher base, Hôtel Les Arolles sits by the slopes in Mottaret. Les Fermes de Méribel is a quieter chalet-apartment option near a shuttle stop. Compare the lift or piste serving your particular property before choosing a neighbourhood.

THE FOOD SCENE

In the Altiport forest, reserve Le Clos Bernard for open-fire grilling and Savoyard food. Le Blanchot, on route de l’Altiport, has a terrace and a nearby shuttle stop. If your ski day takes you farther up the valley, Le Plan des Mains serves meals and snacks at the foot of the Mont Vallon gondola.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Le Rond Point on route de Belvédère brings lunch and après together on its slopeside terrace. Grab a snack between runs or return later for a scheduled concert or DJ set. Check your route back to your accommodation before staying for the music.

INSIDER TIPS

  • 💡Start your day on the Tougnète side for morning sunshine, then cross to Saulire in the afternoon as the light shifts
  • 💡The Tuéda nature reserve near Mottaret is a magical snowshoe destination and one of the few arolla pine forests in the Alps
  • 💡Book Le Rond Point terrace for lunch on a sunny day — the atmosphere and views are unmissable, but it gets packed by 12:30

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town
Moûtiers
Population
3,800
Elevation
1,450m / 4,757ft
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Currency
EUR
Language
French

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your Méribel trip

❄️Snow Depth🌨️Precipitation💨Wind🌡️Temperature☁️Visibility

Powered by Ventusky — opens in new tab

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️
GVA
Geneva Airport
About 2–3 hours
✈️
LYS
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
About 2–3 hours
✈️
CMF
Chambéry Airport
About 1–2 hours

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Méribel, compare a booked room or rental around Méribel with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Historical planning figures · Figures marked * come from earlier references and may differ from current resort figures.

Other names · Meribel, Méribel-Mottaret, Meribel Mottaret, Méribel Les Allues

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Typically early December to late April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗
Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗
Summer and winter destination
Yes
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter
Summer hiking and mountain biking, including lift-accessed routes.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summer visit planning
Follow signed routes and current trail closures, including restrictions after storm damage in the Allues forests.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Official website
https://www.meribel.net/en/
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres)
1042
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Lifts
42
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs
77
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft)
9685
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Vertical drop (ft), Reported average snowfall (in), Base elevation (ft).

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Les 3 Vallées long pistes ↗Combe du Vallon is a red piste. It requires sustained skiing from the high alpine sector. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Méribel Olympic history ↗The valley hosted women’s alpine skiing and ice hockey in 1992. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Travel to Méribel ↗Moûtiers is the rail gateway, with onward buses and transfers to village bases. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

~ Le Kaïla | Luxury Hotel Meribel | 5-Star Boutique Hotel & Spa ↗heart of Méribel · Ski in / Ski out experience · Rooms & Suites · Michelin-starred chef · indoor pool · Jacuzzi grotto · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hôtel L'Hélios & Spa - Méribel ↗Méribel’s current listing records 18 rooms, a covered pool, hammam, spa, restaurant, ski shop and rental service, and locates the hotel on the Doron blue piste with its information updated 2026-09-03. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Pierre & Vacances Residence - Les Fermes de Méribel - Méribel ↗The Méribel listing describes apartments across six wood-and-stone chalets with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam and spa; it marks the property at the bottom of the slopes, near a shuttle stop, and pet friendly. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hôtel Les Arolles | Méribel-Mottaret ↗Operator identifies a hotel at the foot of the slopes with rooms, a terrace, restaurants and a swimming pool. Its legal and contact pages place it on Route du Laitelet in Méribel-Mottaret. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hôtel Les Arolles | Spa ↗The hotel spa lists a pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hôtel Les Arolles | Le Chamois ↗The hotel describes a dedicated dining room for half-board guests, making half-board a room-plan choice. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Pierre & Vacances | Résidence Les Ravines ↗The property is in Méribel Centre near shops. Apartment facilities include a kitchen area. A Méribus stop is nearby, and there is on-site ski hire. Some apartments have balconies. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Oxyski Méribel ↗The school offers adult and child group ski and snowboard lessons, private sessions and off-piste outings. Groups meet by the Rhodos gondola on La Chaudanne. The office is in Galerie des Cimes. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Oxyski school history ↗The school documents its merger with Magic in Motion in the Three Valleys, including Méribel. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

New Generation Méribel ↗The local school offers private one-to-one lessons, beginner sessions, adult and child instruction, and coaching for skiers and snowboarders. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

New Generation Méribel meeting point ↗Groups meet behind the lift pass office in the Tougnette gondola building at La Chaudanne. The village-level meeting point is accessible on foot. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

ESF Méribel ↗ESF Méribel lists ski and snowboard teaching and options for children, adults and more advanced skiers. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

ESF Méribel beginner ski lessons ↗Beginner lesson booking distinguishes La Chaudanne from Mottaret and provides the school contact number. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Skiset Hévana ↗Skiset offers ski rental at Résidence Hévana, 100 Route Albert Gacon. It lists repairs, boot drying and in-store storage among services arranged directly with the branch. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Méribel tourism | Le Clos Bernard ↗Forest restaurant on route de l’Altiport, serving Savoyard cooking and meat grilled over an open fire. Book ahead. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Méribel tourism — Le Rond Point ↗Le Rond Point combines a view restaurant, quick-service snack bar and sunny terrace with live concerts, DJs and a festive on-snow après setting. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Méribel tourism | Le Blanchot ↗The restaurant at 3921 route de l’Altiport has a market menu, a terrace, a fireplace and a nearby shuttle stop. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Le Plan des Mains | Restaurant & Snack ↗Restaurant and snack service at the foot of the Mont Vallon gondola in Méribel-Mottaret, accessible on skis or on foot. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

  • Les 3 Vallées resort schedule ↗

    Planned winter operation; weather dependent.

  • Trails | Méribel ↗

    Summer hiking and mountain biking, including lift-accessed routes.

  • Méribel ski-area guide ↗

    The official Méribel ski-area guide page supports the asserted static mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.

  • Méribel alpine skiing ↗

    The official Méribel alpine skiing page supports the asserted static mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.

  • Méribel slopes ↗

    The first-party Méribel slopes page states the asserted mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.

  • Méribel outdoor activities guide ↗

    The first-party Méribel outdoor activities guide page states the asserted mountain facts. Metric source values are stored in the site's rounded imperial display units.

SEE YOU UP THERE.

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