April in Méribel: What's on and weather

As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of -2ºC and a high of 6ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow as April averages ten days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.

Easter is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the 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.

With the sunshine and blue skies we get in April, there’s nothing better than sitting outside with a drink in your hand listening to some great tunes, and if the closing parties aren't you're thing, there's always going to be something else going on in the bars and clubs as they wind down for the winter.

There's still time to enjoy some après-ski partying before the season comes to an end, and if you come late enough in the season you can enjoy some legendary closing parties. Folie Douce's themed closing party is always a very memorable occasion to mark the end of the winter season.

When you're not up the mountain skiing or snowboarding and you're looking for an adventure, take a look at what Méribel's activity companies have on offer. Take flight, hike into the forest on racquettes or more… whatever you decide to do you'll have the most amazing memories from your holiday to take home with you. 

It might be the end of the season, but the April events calendar is still busy, and you can expect the biggest street party of the season. A great outdoor disco party with a DJ battle! Everybody is welcome to party! Or perhaps you fancy something a lot more chill - you can open your heart and chest area, enhance your breathing capacity and enjoy the fabulous views with a yoga session at the top of the Legends chairlift, near to the hearts.

If you're coming to Méribel this month or later in the summer, now is the time to start thinking about booking accommodation and some of the many things you can do whilst you're in resort.