Snowsure: 4.5
- Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
- Is often closed due to a lack of snow
- Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
- Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
- Méribel is snowsure even in the poorest seasons
Visitor reviews for Méribel Ski Resort
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(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Latest
January 23, 2015
Jason from
United Kingdom
Jason from
United Kingdom
Went to the A-list resort of Meribel last (2014) February. What a damp squib.
I think I was expecting a vibrant town, buzzing with The Crack and full of skiers/boarders with tales to tell of a great day out on the mountain. Not a bit of it. The Rond Point did its best to provide snowball fight inspired après fun 'til around 5 but, thereafter, it was everyone home for cake and a shower.
The Folie Douce is a poor impression of a rather dull Ibiza beach party, full of pretending-to-be-pissed mummy's boys and Towie wannabees.
In the village, the bars are poor indeed, except for the wine bar; run by a wonderful music-savvy local woman.
The riding was good in the 3 vallees, esp over in Couchevel first thing in the am. But I felt that the runs around Meribel and Mottaret were busy and a little "samey". Get away from the main linking pistes for the best snow. The outlying areas are usually the best.
Apres? Shmapres.
March 19, 2014
Larry from
Switzerland
Larry from
Switzerland
I happened across this today, and found it amusing to read the comment from this year, about noise in Meribel, followed, hilariously, by a suggestion of heading to V d'Isere for something more quiet. That simply isn't the case!
Quite simply, don't stay at an apartment in the center of a town if you want a quiet night's sleep! Meribel is a large resort, known for it's great nightlife and huge ski area and chalets not in the town center, that don't get the noise. I stayed at one only last week, ski in-ski out; no noise at all! It sounds like you had an apartment or chalet near the local night club, although these days there are shhhh! police outside, making people be quiet when they leave.
Others who comment on your lunch or food being 28€ or more per person, well, that's what you get for eating at expensive mountain restaurants. There are cheaper places available, and I know, because I eat at them. Stop moaning, it's not Meribel, it's every resort. It's a ski/board holiday, live with it, or don't go.; simple.
The more you avoid the resort, the more snow and freshies there are for those of us who like it quiet! ;)
January 20, 2014
Sezz
Sezz
Have just had a week skiing in Meribel with my family. This place is certainly unique. The ski terrain is beautiful but the staff are rude and unfriendly and unhelpful (even by French standards). Fellow skiers were inconsiderate and frequently went too fast and close to my children and I (we are experienced but cautious skiers). But the real problem with this village is the lack of night time quiet. We were kept awake Sat and Sun night, until 5am, by pub/nightclub patrons on their way home and woken on 4 of our other 5 nights by the same. It was a complete nightmare and made the holiday impossible to enjoy. If you want to ski and enjoy a quiet restful time at night do not go to Meribel. There are plenty of other beautiful places to stay in the French Alps; I would recommend Val d'Isere.
April 17, 2012
Gazza from
United Kingdom
Gazza from
United Kingdom
Having been skiing in Meribel for numerous years and other French and Austrian resorts I always find myself coming back to this little gem.
It has everything you need and the links to the other 3 valleys, not forgetting Orelle, are fantastic.
It's great for beginners and intermediates and has something for the advanced.
As per Neils review for Jan 2012, it is expensive compared to back home but you are as Oggi said in Feb 2012 on holiday.
After 9 years in Meribel you should have by now found the best and cheap places to eat.
The only way we do it now is to have a catered chalet which gives you a balanced diet and then for you to eat what you need for lunch. If you think it's expensive why not try a deli, there's plenty of good ones about i.e. the one at the LHS of the ski lodge pub in La Tania, or the snack bars at the base of Courcheval 1650.
In Mottaret near the centre are cheap eateries/takeaways.
Close to Moutiere chair lift in Val Thorens is a cheap self service restaurant
In Meribel La Taverne does a Burger and chips with a beer for 10 euro's.
Jack's do good priced pitchers and if you ask kindly supply you with free nibbles, plus they do pizzas from 8 euro's with the favourite being Sausage lover.
Scotts do cheap drinks too as does Le Pub.
So there you go, loads to eat and drink I just don't know what effect Folie Douce will have once it's built.
All I have to say is Rip It!!!
February 21, 2012
Oggi from
United Kingdom
Oggi from
United Kingdom
I have been to Mottaret many times and each and every time have had a great time. The staff are super friendly the riding will suit all abilities and there are great restaurants and bars. No, they are not ripping you off, it is simple economics. Why post reviews and just moan, if you don't want to spend money on your holiday stay at home! I will be there again in four days and the conditions are looking great and yes, beer etc is more expensive but you try going to any Scandinavian resort if you want to moan about prices. Get a grip and simply enjoy your holiday. I have always said that there are people in this world for whom the sky will always be the wrong colour blue, I am so glad that I am a positive thinker and therefore enjoy every moment of life after all you only get one - go ride go enjoy.
February 04, 2012
neil from
United Kingdom
neil from
United Kingdom
Just got back from Meribel Jan 2012.
The resort is so expensive now and it's showing on the mountain. They're numbers are down by quite a few. I feel that they have taken their punters for a ride for far to long now. How can they justify burger and chips and a pint 28 euros? It's bad enough when you only have to pay for 1 but to pay for a family of four is just not on.
Now for the resort.
Brillant, I have been to Meribel at least 9 times now. It's a vast resort, even the local pass will keep most people amused. The pistes are kept well, the lift system is good. The snow conditions this year are the best its been for ages, anyone going in the next couple of weeks are in for a treat.
The downside to this resort is the charges for food e.t.c. If you are happy to be ripped off then it's a good resort. Me personally will look elsewhere and it looks like many other people have done the same. Italy is a very good option and the locals are more friendlier.
January 30, 2012
Len from
United Kingdom
Len from
United Kingdom
Returned from Meribel on 29/1/12 - conditions were superb. Lifts and slopes a little crowded at times but if you venture a little further afield they are a bit quieter. As per another reviewer, I stayed in the Arols Bleus chalet which had two great hosts - Matt and Marsi - and was close enough to walk into town for a beer etc.
Although the nightlife isn't quite 'jumping' there are sufficient bars should you just be looking for a beer, though I would recommend avoiding the Meribar at the bottom of the slopes and definitely don't go to the pub quiz, it's awful.
January 26, 2012
graham boulton from
United Kingdom
graham boulton from
United Kingdom
Just returned from Meribel on 15/01/2012 and enjoyed some of the best conditions in over 15 years. I have skied many of the European resorts but the 3 Valleys takes some beating. Skiing the first week after the Xmas/new year break is a surefire bet for uncrowded slopes and this time was the same. Skied over to Courcheval a couple of times and the slopes were empty, what joy. Couldn't fault the way the pistes were so well maintained even after a huge dump of snow. What capped off probably the best winter holiday I have ever had was the chalet we stayed in. The Arolles Bleu sat up a small hill in Mussillion but was well served by the free minibus to and from the pistes every day. Ski Total did us proud with a friendly chalet host and hostess in Matt and Anna, the food was top notch as was the company. 3 Valleys gets 5 star in my book!!
December 28, 2011
Adam from
United Kingdom
Adam from
United Kingdom
Just returned from a pre-Christmas trip to Meribel. The snow was amazing. Almost a metre fell in the space of a week, which meant there was plenty of powder around. The runs in Meribel were in great condition, though we only managed to get one bluebird day.
Meribel is well located to access the other three valley's resorts. We skied Val Thoren, Les Menuire and Courcheval. Val Thoren was a little bleak - it's not the prettiest of resorts. Courcheval had some great runs - perfect if you wanted cruise around and probably easier to learn on than the runs in Meribel. One person was learning to ski in our chalet and found Meribel a little challenging. Many of the runs leading back into town were classed as red and on the bluebird day were also extremely icy.
We try to ski a couple of times a year. To do this we ski on a budget. We stayed at chalet Martine with Alpine Elements. With this company you get what you pay for, however, the food was great and the location of the chalet amazing. It was pretty much ski in ski out, straight onto a slope taking you the centre of Meribel in 2 mins. It was located near the top of the resort just down from the Rond Point bar. It also had a bus stop for the FREE bus 50 metres away and a little supermarket close by.
Evolution bar was a favourite as it had free wifi. If you don't have a phone or laptop that will connect they also have 3 computers to use in the bar. If your a fan of burgers also try the evolution 'bad boy' burger. Pricey at 19 euros but so delicious!
In a week we felt we had barely touched the surface of the skiing available in the three valley's. We will definitely be going back and will definitely be staying in Meribel.
February 09, 2011
LadyBizBiz from
United Kingdom
LadyBizBiz from
United Kingdom
We all know that Meribel is an expensive place (£3.50 for a hot casis-French equivalent of Ribena) so let's move on..
Just returned from trip number five - five consecutive years - and not disappointed in the least despite horror stories on Twitter about lack of snow. Plenty of snow actually on Tougnete side though some problem slopes where snowboarders have scraped it back to ice.
Meribel is the perfect resort for the whole range of people - all ages and all levels of competence. It provides access to the enormous range of pistes. Take a day out to do Courchevel and then another to do the St. Martin de Belleville - call in at L'Ours Blanc, Les Menuires for fabulous food and a warm welcome provided by Margaret Cassidy, the owner (great hotel accommodation with spa).
Really enjoyed watching the British Combined Services Winter Sports, especially the Telemark guys in practice on the Truite and Altiport slopes. Get along to the Tourism Centre on your first day to discover just what is happening in the week ahead - there's always something planned.
It might be a better deal to use the Liberte LiftPass where you only get charged for the stuff you use and it comes straight out of your bank account.
I can recommend accommodation to suit different pockets:
Chalet Jolie Chandon and Chalet Raphael Le Raffort: both superb middle range price plans. Both provide complementary bus to town.
Chalet Bartavelle Le Cruet is totally superb with Michelin Star experienced chef. Pricier option which can work if you are a large party. Just have a word with Jerry and Bettina Mant about offers that might be available.
Altiport Hotel has recently undergone a facelift (social areas are now complete, bedrooms not ready yet) and the prices have hit top whack rates. Personally, I didn't like the stern interior design scheme of the bar and restaurant area, though I understand they were aiming for an aviation theme, obviously! Too hard and cold for me, I prefer to see something softer and more traditional.
This new design doesn't pay any attention to Savoie style. One could be sat in a restaurant anywhere in the world, even Hong Kong; you wouldn't tell from the decor. Service was very good and the kitchen didn't have a problem in dealing with special dietary requests - chef made me some gluten free bread which was wonderful.
If money isn't an object you should stay at Le Grand Coeur, heart of Meribel - the best money can buy! Sumptuous, decadent, top-notch service at all times, exquisite provision.
You should see the room especially designated as a children play-area: it's absolutely perfect for all ages - pinball machine too. So Moms, if you loose Dads for a couple of hours, this is where you'll find them. Only criticism would be it's bad location - it's next to the internet access facility which is frequented by all and sundry - so don't leave your kids there unattended. Safety first!
Meribel is the best!
Nearest