The winter isn't over yet and April is a fantastic month to ski - don't forget your sunscreen!
April in Méribel: What's on and weather
Skiing in a t-shirt and long lunches - there's a lot to love about spring in Méribel
The Easter holidays bring families back to Les 3 Vallées for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party vibe to the town and the sun/snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.
To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.
What are the weather and snow conditions like
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.
Closing parties
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.
Bars & Clubs in Meribel
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Barometer Bar and Restaurant
Contemporary restaurant, pizzeria and bar in the centre of Méribel
Located at the heart of the Three Valleys, Barometer Bar offers a warm, vibrant, and stylish setting with a truly international atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting Méribel for skiing, sightseeing, or simply to unwind, this bar and restaurant provides the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and soak up the lively alpine energy. Open every day, Barometer is famous for serving some of the best pizzas in town, alongside a menu inspired by both French and Italian cuisine.
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En Bord de Piste Bar
Relax with drinks and mountain views from sun terrace to fireside
Perched right on the edge of the piste, En Bord de Piste Bar in Méribel is the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’ve been skiing all morning or simply want to soak up the alpine atmosphere.
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Lodge du Village Bar
Live bands for après-ski, tasty cocktails and non-stop bar food
Lodge du Village (LDV) stands above La Terrasse du Village as Méribel Village’s most iconic après-ski and late-night venue, offering a complete day-to-night experience under one roof. Open from midday, LDV is the ideal stop for lunch, a casual bite between runs, or a relaxed family meal. Their upstairs snack bar, Miaou Miaou, serves a selection of satisfying favourites throughout the day, including hot dogs, loaded fries, and smash burgers - ideal for refuelling before heading back to the slopes or settling in for the afternoon.
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Le Cafe del Mott Restaurant and Bar
Hotel bar with great sunny terrace and chilled après-ski scene
Part of the Hotel le Mottaret, this bar has a fantastic sunny terrace serving lunch and après-ski tunes, just 50m from the Perdrix and Furet green runs.
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Aux Petits Oignons Bar
Year-round 'locals' bar attached to a delicious French restaurant
Since 2007, the friendly team at Aux Petits Oignons has been welcoming guests with warmth, good food, and a genuine Méribel spirit. Proudly part of the Méribel 1600 community, this year-round restaurant and bar is loved by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed atmosphere, great value, and home-cooked dishes made with care.
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La Folie Douce Bar
Famous on piste après-ski bar near the mid station of the Saulire Express
At La Folie Douce, great food and unforgettable fun go hand in hand. Perched on the slopes of Méribel-Courchevel, this legendary venue redefines après-ski with its high-energy Clubbing experience, where guests can forget the everyday and immerse themselves in alpine entertainment like no other.
Ski Schools in Meribel
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:
- group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early, so make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment
- 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
- ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break
- 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
- 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 and the black runs are generally deserted too – the best are Face, snow-sure Bartavelle, empty Grande rosière and high-altitude Ecureuil
- 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
Ski School Lessons in Meribel
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private Ski Lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Improve your skiing with personalised private lessons in Méribel, with a world-class team of instructors available across the valley and at all meeting points. Every lesson is tailored to your ability, learning style and ambitions, with individual coaching, carefully chosen terrain and a focus on helping you build confidence, develop your technique and become a more independent skier.
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Group ski lessons
Tailor-made ski and snowboard lessons for groups in multiple languages
Run by an Anglo-French team since 2001, this ski school knows the area inside out. Their highly qualified, multilingual instructors specialise in tailor-made lessons to suit every skier or snowboarder.
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Private ski lessons
British-run private ski and snowboard lessons for all levels
Parallel Lines is Méribel’s biggest British Ski and Snowboard School. With 28 instructors in peak weeks, whether you’re taking your first turns or exploring the off-piste that The Three Valleys has to offer, Parallel Lines can provide fantastic lessons designed around you.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Winter Things To Do in Meribel
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.
Wintersport Things To Do in Meribel
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Snowshoe walks
Snowshoe walks for all abilities
Snowshoe walks offer a wonderful way to discover Méribel’s winter landscapes away from the ski slopes, with guided outings led by qualified instructors. Suitable for all levels, these walks are available in English and provide an opportunity to explore peaceful forests, mountain trails and traditional Alpine surroundings while learning more about the local wildlife, flora and mountain heritage.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Bureau des Guides winter and summer activities
Off piste ski touring, heliskiing, glacier walks, snowshoeing and much more
Head out into the mountains with experienced guides in either summer or winter for some amazing experiences.
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Snow shoe walks
Half and full day guided snowshoe walks in and around Courchevel
Laurence is a certified mountain leader, who enjoys taking clients away from the busy pistes and spicing up your ski holiday with a guided snowshoeing trip.
April events in Meribel
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.
Events in Meribel
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Meribel opening weekend
Breakfast on the lifts for the Méribel winter season opening
Take in the views, sip a hot coffee and munch on a fresh croissant!
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Fairytale on ice
Watch the latest festive creation by Olivia and Philippe Candeloro
Méribel will be hosting an exceptional ice show: La Fille du Marchand de Sable (The Sandman's Daughter).
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Women's Ski Audi FIS World Cup
The magic of skiing takes over the legendary Emilie-Allais stadium
The best female skiers in the world will be there for a night-time slalom. Festive atmosphere and spectacle guaranteed
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Christmas parade with marching band 
Christmas parade with marching band
Joyous musical parade at dusk
Enjoy performances of updated Christmas sons, gospel numbers and even some Disney tunes.
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Ski Show Mottaret
Massive ski show on the Mottaret snow front
Share a special evening with family and friends at one of Méribel’s torchlight descents. Carrying flaming torches, ESF Méribel instructors create a ribbon of light as they ski down the slopes from Le Hameau to Méribel-Mottaret. Children who meet the required ski level can also take part, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.stmas.
