The ski area
The Méribel valley offers 150 km of slopes with 72 runs (8 green, 27 blue, 27 red and 10 black) and 43 lifts, from 1,450 m in the village to 2,952 m. The long blues from the Saulire and Tougnète ridges are ideal for intermediates, and the Mont Vallon sector has some of the best reds in the 3 Vallées. The season runs from 5 December 2026 to 18 April 2027.
What makes Méribel special is its position. Ride up to the Saulire and you drop into Courchevel; go the other way over Tougnète or the Mont de la Chambre and you are in Les Menuires and Val Thorens. The 3 Vallées pass gives you 600 km and 169 lifts, with 85 percent of the terrain above 1,800 m.
Who is Méribel for?
Méribel suits skiers who want big mileage and a village they enjoy coming back to. Intermediates are in heaven; advanced skiers have the Mont Vallon reds, the blacks off the Saulire and easy access to Val Thorens. Families do well in Mottaret or around the Altiport, where the green runs are. Après-ski is lively at the Rond-Point and the Folie Douce, then moves to the bars in the centre. It is not cheap, which is the main reason to look at Les Menuires instead.
Practical
From Belgium plan around 880 km and 8.5 hours, including the mountain road from Moûtiers, where winter tyres or chains are compulsory. Geneva airport is about 170 km away, Lyon and Chambéry are alternatives. Méribel is spread along the valley, so a chalet near a lift or the free ski bus saves a lot of walking in ski boots.