Meribel

Méribel is the biggest and best-known village in the valley with the widest selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Famous for its picture-postcard chalets and chalet-style apartment buildings and hotels, Méribel has retained all the charm of a traditional mountain village with its wood and stone buildings and forest setting. Fast, modern ski lifts offer easy access to the Méribel valley ski area (150km of pistes) and the 3 Valleys (600km of pistes).

The village lies on the side of the mountain and therefore receives plenty of sunshine. It stretches from 1,450m at the centre to 1,700m at the Altiport area. The village is relatively spread out and is composed of numerous areas, each with its own character. Some areas offer direct access to the slopes and all are well served by frequent, free buses.

Mussillon is one of the valley’s original hamlets. Situated at the entrance to the resort, this area is made up of individual chalets, both old and new. This is an attractive area and intimate in feel. The town centre can be reached on foot in five to ten minutes, or you can use the free bus service to reach the slopes.

Méribel centre / La Chaudanne This is the lively heart of the resort with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and the tourist office. At the foot of the town centre is La Chaudanne, the main ski lift area, with ski school meeting points, children’s Saturnin nursery (18 months to three years) and Les Piou-Piou ski kindergarten (three to five years). It is also home to the Olympic Centre with its ice-rink, pool, spa and gym, climbing wall, bowling alley and nightclub. Accommodation ranges from private apartments to hotels and serviced apartments buildings. If you want to enjoy the best of Méribel’s nightlife, this is the best place to be based.

Le Plan du Moulin is just a short walk up from the town centre. Accommodation is mostly in apartment buildings.

La Renarde and Les Chalets are chic and tranquil areas offering beautiful private chalets, a few small apartment buildings and hotels. From here, you can easily walk to the main piste that runs through the resort.

Morel and Altitude 1600 lie on the road which leads from Méribel centre up to the Altiport. Accommodation is mostly 1960s-style rental apartments with a few chalets. This area offers several shops: a supermarket, sports shops, bars, restaurants and a medical centre. The Morel chairlift links directly to the beginners’ Altiport pistes or you can take the free buses to the pistes.

Le Plateau and Le Rond Point is a lively area with its own shops, bars and restaurants. It is a good area for young families as it has an ESF Les Piou-Piou ski kindergarten. The slopes can be reached on foot or even on skis from the hotels and many apartment buildings. The hotel restaurants have beautiful sun terraces, ideal for a lazy lunch break.

Le Belvédère is at the top of the resort. This chic area was constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers luxury chalets and hotels, many right on the main piste.

The Altiport is a separate area, located above the resort at 1,700m. Set in a protected forest, it enjoys an exceptional and peaceful natural environment. This area offers direct access to the pistes, the cross-country ski area, walking trails and, in summer, the 18-hole golf. Tourist flights can be taken from the little airfield in summer or winter. Apartment accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, and so is ideal for beginners and families. There is also one hotel with a restaurant and sports shop. The free bus service links with Méribel.

Méribel offers all services including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, supermarkets, banks, bakeries, tourist office, post office, clothing and sports shops, estate agents, newsagents and interior design shops.