Founded by Colonel Peter Lindsay with the help of the French architect Christian Durupt, skiing in Meribel will take you to the heart of the famous Three Valleys ski area.
One of the many attractions the resort has to offer is over 50 years of traditional mountain architecture with gabled slate roofs and white pine and stone exteriors, making skiing in Meribel one of the prettiest holiday resort. The resort has been developed far further than the original setting of the village with a number of smaller villages surrounding the centre. This has extended the resort by over 10km (6 miles) of the valley floor, and development is still progressing, making the resort one of the most important ski holiday destinations around since the peak of its popularity during early post-war era.
Another appealing aspect of skiing in Meribel is that, owing to the record number of ski lifts, queuing is virtually non-existent, as more skiers are moving up-hill faster to ski more terrain than any other resort. A definite plus for skiers and snowboarders letting them make the most of their holidays.
The resort is also the perfect base point to explore the three valleys area with Courchevel in the east and Val Thorens in the west, both within easy reach. There is also access to Les Menuires a little below Meribel.
There is a massive choice of where to ski, with 150 km (93 miles) of trails as well as all the trails in the surrounding areas linked together with lifts. The scope for downhill skiing is practically unlimited and is highly enjoyable for intermediates and experts alike. There are also beginners' areas and runs, along with a large ski school teaching all ski disciplines in most of the major languages of the world. Also available is terrain suitable for cross country skiers with two renowned routes around the Altiport Forest and the Tueda Lake.
Snowboarders are not left out by any means. With a total of three snow parks and pipes, all of which are well groomed, there are hips and jumps to suit all levels of ability. Free riding conditions are excellent for all abilities. Naturally occurring rollovers, banks, cornices and powder descents will be more than enough to keep you busy, how ever long your stay.
As for the apres, skiing in Meribel there is a brilliant selection of bars, clubs and live music venues. Some of the most popular venues include Dicks Tea Bar, The Pub (the best place for live music) and The Loft Disco. Meribel will provide the perfect alpine ski experience: traditional lodgings, extensive and varied ski terrain and a lively nightlife.
