Family Holidays in Meribel

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.