Family Holidays in Meribel
Discover insights about Meribel family holidays
Méribel is a great choice for a family holiday in the mountains. With villages that range from lively to laid back you can find the right base for your stay. There’s childcare and activities for kids, slopes for all abilities and plenty to do off the pistes, so everyone in the family can enjoy themselves.
Whether you visit Méribel in winter or summer you and the kids are guaranteed to leave with big smiles. From world class skiing to rafting, biking, hiking and climbing there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The resort is made up of several villages, some quiet and family friendly, and you’ll find everything from nursery slopes to challenging runs, plus lots of childcare and organised activities. The summer months bring warm days and cool nights, perfect for exploring the mountains together.
Where to stay for families in Méribel
If you’re coming to Méribel with little ones, staying near lifts makes life a lot easier and keeps trekking in ski boots to a minimum. The resort and surrounding villages have a huge choice of hotels, catered and self-catered chalets and apartments to suit all budgets. Méribel Centre puts you close to shops, restaurants and activities, Méribel Village is a quieter spot just a few minutes’ drive away, Les Allues is a charming traditional village with gondola access, and Mottaret offers large apartments right on the slopes for ultimate convenience.

Lift passes for families
Lift passes are a big part of the cost of a family ski holiday, so it pays to check the best options for your group. In Méribel, kids under five ride for free and children between 5 and 12 get a reduced rate. Beginners can take advantage of cheaper passes for nursery areas, and pedestrian passes let non-skiing adults join the fun on the mountain. Half day tickets are available for the young skiers, as a full day can prove very tiring.
If you’re skiing with a group of four or more, a family lift pass is a real money saver. Adults pay the child rate and up to seven children aged 5 to 12 are included. It’s perfect for keeping costs down and letting everyone enjoy the slopes together.
Ski schools for families
If you’re hoping to raise the next ski star, getting your kids into ski school is a must. Most schools take children from three or four years old, with fun-focused lessons featuring inflatables, games and magic carpet lifts to get beginners up the slopes easily. Full and half-day sessions are available with English speaking guides in dedicated learning areas. Lessons cover snow ploughing, stopping, turning and gliding safely. Ski passes aren’t included, so make sure kids aged five and over have one, along with skis, helmets, goggles, warm clothing and sunscreen.
Ski School Lessons in Meribel
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Group ski lessons
This ski school is the largest in France and one of the oldest, having been established in 1945. Offering a wide range of lessons and childcare from 18 months upwards they can ensure the needs of your entire family/group are met. They even offer English only children's lessons.
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Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
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Private ski lessons
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at three convenient points in Méribel.
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Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Parallel Lines is Méribel’s biggest British Ski and Snowboard School. With 28 instructors in peak weeks, whether you’re taking your first turns or exploring the off-piste that The Three Valleys has to offer.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school is the largest in France and one of the oldest, having been established in 1945. Offering a wide range of private lessons they can ensure the needs of your entire family/group are met.

Ski areas for families
Méribel is great for beginners, with plenty of green runs and areas set up just for kids. The Altiport has two fun zones, including La Piste des Inuits with mini jumps, banked turns and slalom courses, and the Moon Wild piste, a tree-lined trail with hidden animal models to spot. Mottaret adds more green runs, Yeti Park and quiet Ski Cool areas for practising turns safely. For all abilities, there are two snow parks in Méribel, plus parks in Courchevel and Val Thorens, with whoops, rails, boarder cross and half pipes, keeping teens and more advanced riders entertained.
Activities for families
Meribel isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding, although the Three Valleys has plenty of slopes to enjoy. Both winter and summer offer a huge range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy. In winter, try sledging, luge runs, husky dog sledding, ice skating or even indoor climbing. In summer, explore hiking trails, mountain biking, horse riding or outdoor adventure parks. There are also plenty of indoor options if the weather isn’t playing ball, from swimming and bowling to catching a film in English. No matter the season, boredom is never an option in Meribel.
Things To Do in Meribel
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ESF Ski School Adaptive Skiing
Skiing is for everyone and everyone should be able to enjoy the mountains. The official French ski school offer adaptive lessons with specialist instructors for a variety of disabilities.
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ESF Cross-Country Skiing
Why not try a new activity this winter and learn how to cross-country ski!
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Hydrospeeding
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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ESF Snowshoe Walks
Strap on your snowshoes and discover the Meribel trails with a qualified instructor.
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Rafting In The Alps
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Biathlon Lessons, Meribel
Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!
Childcare services
Méribel offers plenty of childcare options to make your family holiday easier. In winter, you’ll find professional nannies and babysitters who can look after little ones for half days or full weeks, giving parents a chance to ski or relax. Many services are fully trained and familiar with the resort, so your children are in safe hands.
In summer, sports centres and holiday clubs provide fun activities like swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball and ice-skating. Whether it’s winter or summer, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there are reliable options to keep your kids happy and entertained.
Childcare in Meribel
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Childcare & Babysitting
Merinannies provide a professional private nanny service in family-friendly ski resorts in the Alps. Operating since 2003, they cover the resorts of Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, La Tania, Chamonix, Megeve, Morzine, Avoriaz, La Clusaz, St Anton, Lech, Ischgl and they cover other resorts with travel nannies too.
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Childcare & Babysitting
Relax and enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind, knowing your children are in the care of a trusted private nanny and babysitting service. Whether in the comfort of your chalet, apartment or hotel, their experienced nannies ensure your little ones are safe and happy while you hit the slopes or enjoy a well deserved night out.
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Baby/Child Equipment Hire
This company has all those baby items that you can’t fit in your suitcase, but that would make your holiday so much easier.
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Childcare & Babysitting
Book and choose your own experienced nanny in your ski resort online! Register free to their ski nanny network, post your dates and requirements and receive profiles from available in-resort nannies within 3 days.