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January in Méribel: What's on and weather

Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events

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By Tracy Wise, Updated

It's pretty cold and the days are short, but the skies are blue and the pistes are quiet.

After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in Méribel. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition. Keen skiers often rate January as their favourite time to visit Méribel.

This month often gives us some of the best skiing conditions of the entire season, with low temperatures keeping the snow in great condition while the slopes are beautifully quiet, especially at the start of the month.

The quiet conditions on the mountain don't translate into quiet nights in the resort. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.

Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.

What are the weather and snow conditions like

Meribel in January 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do

January weather can vary from bright sunshine to heavy snowfalls, and temperatures may be low. There is on average 12 days of snowfall and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January, the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 1°C and a low of -7°C. Definitely pack those thermals!

Skiing

What's on in Meribel April 2019

January is the ideal month to make the most of the world’s largest ski area. With virtually no lift queues and blissfully empty slopes, this is the perfect time to explore every corner of the ski area with its 600km of pistes.

Our top tips: take advantage of the lack of lift queues on the popular Cime Caron cable car in Val Thorens end enjoy the magnificent red runs from its 3,200m summit, venture to the furthest point in distant Orelle – the ‘fourth’ valley – to enjoy its spectacular scenery, and make the most of the stunning wooded pistes above Courchevel le Praz while there is great snow cover on these lower slopes.

Nightlife in Meribel

At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Billie Eilish, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.

Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place every evening across town.

Bars & Clubs in Meribel

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Winter Things To Do in Meribel

Family fun

Fun and thrills are assured on Méribel’s themed sled run, the Black Forest Mission. Or bring out your inner child on a sledding evening. Alternatively, if you’ve been bitten by the ski touring bug, why not take the family on an evening climb lit by a head torch.

Wintersport Things To Do in Meribel

See all Wintersport Things To Do in Meribel

January events in Meribel

Now that the festivities of December are behind us we can look forward to a calendar of events full of sporting professionals competing up on the slopes of Meribel and Courchevel, plus a plethora of events in the resort to keep everyone entertained. Keep an eye on the events calendar to ensure you don't miss a thing.

Events in Meribel

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More inspiration...

This is only a small selection of what's on in Méribel during the first month of the year. Take a look at our events calendar for a full rundown and to find some accommodation for your stay.

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in the Méribel Valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.

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Upcoming Events

Méribel hosts a number of events throughout the summer and winter months, some of which span the entire Three Valleys. Two such events are Les 3 Vallees Enduro in April with every type of snowboard, ski and telemark racing imaginable, and the 3 Vallées Addict Tour mountain bike festival every July. The Tourist Office also organises children's events and activities during the school holidays.

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signs for the inuit village on the pistes in meribel
Red-lit skiers in uniform stand in a line at night, holding glowing white, cone-shaped objects high, creating a dramatic, vibrant display.
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