February in Méribel: What's on and weather

February generally sees great conditions in Les 3 Vallées. Méribel is often blessed with abundant snowfalls in February, averaging 11 days snowfall which is usually mixed with plenty of sunny days. Like January, the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of freezing and a low of -7°C, still very much time for wearing a thermal underlayer or two. The lengthening afternoons also allows the lift companies to extend the lift opening period at the end of the day.

February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week French holidays begin. Fortunately, Les 3 Vallées ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.  
5. Seek out the peripheral areas: try to avoid the busy main linking routes between valleys and head for calmer areas such as Méribel’s Roc de Fer, Courchevel-Moriond (1650m) or Courchevel Le Praz (1300m). Check out these little-known runs in Méribel: Hulotte, Gypaète, Daguet, Coqs, Eterlou, Mouflon and Mauduit. Black runs are generally deserted too – the best are Face, snow-sure Bartavelle, empty Grande rosière and high-altitude Ecureuil
6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.

Méribel has a well deserved reputation for excellent après-ski live music, and each evening you have a choice of great bands playing in bars. For an unforgettable, Ibiza-on-snow vibe, La Folie Douce, on the slopes above Méribel, is a must. Dancers, flying champagne bottles, fireworks, singers and an uber-cool DJ, the Folie afternoon cabaret is an essential part of most people’s Méribel experience. 

Family fun on the slopes

Younger kids will adore Méribel’s various fun zones on the slopes. Méribel’s game-filled Piste des Inuits and Inuit Village are always a huge hit with smaller skiers. Face painting, husky petting and ice sculpting shows are just some of the extra half term activities held here. Mottaret’s Yeti Park is equally popular - here they will find Himalayan trumpets to blow, magic whispering tunnels and even a yeti’s grotto to explore.

Budding freestylers should visit Méribel’s Elements Park, a child-sized terrain park with zones for all levels, or the beginner’s Turn and Run area of Mottaret’s Snow Park where there are mini-jumps and tunnels. 

During the school holidays you will find plenty of entertainment for all the family. ESF put on their torchlit descents, followed by a firework display, there are also forest walks and don't forget Valentine's Day. Plan for a night out without the kids in one of the resorts numerous restaurants, then head out for some live music and dancing.

For more events and activities in February, see our events calendar.