From ski-area improvements to new restaurants, mountain experiences and places to stay. As winter approaches in Méribel, we take a look at what's new for the 2026-2027 season.
What's new this winter in Meribel
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
At the heart of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel continues to evolve, with improvements to key lifts and pistes, new touches of creativity on the mountain and some exciting additions to its dining scene. From an artistic makeover for the Plattières gondola to a new restaurant in Méribel-Mottaret, there's plenty to look forward to this winter.
Away from the slopes, new accommodation is adding to the resort's choice of places to stay, while fresh dining and après-ski concepts promise more ways to make the most of a day in the mountains.
Whether you're here for the skiing, the food, the atmosphere or a little Alpine indulgence, here's what to look out for in Méribel this winter.
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On the slopes
Art takes to the Plattières gondola
One of the more unusual additions winter can be found aboard the Plattières gondola in Méribel-Mottaret, where several cabins will feature original artwork by French artist Lucas Beaufort.
Known for his distinctive illustrations inspired by mountain culture, surfing and action sports, Beaufort brings a colourful new look to the journey up the mountain. The project also nods to the history of the lift, whose earlier personalised cabins became a memorable feature for visitors.
It's a small but welcome change that adds a creative touch to one of the area's key lifts, turning the journey itself into part of the experience.
The Rhodos gondola completes its transformation
The Rhodos gondola, an important link in Méribel's lift network since 1990, is reaching the final stage of its renovation this winter.
Following improvements to the stations, machinery and cabins, the latest work focuses on the arrival station. Planned upgrades include refreshed façades and platforms, new toilet facilities and a dedicated area for ski schools.
The improvements are designed to make the experience more comfortable and practical for visitors, particularly families, children and beginners travelling between the resort and the Rond-Point and Altiport areas.
The Châtelet chairlift returns
There's good news for freestyle enthusiasts at Méribel-Mottaret, with the Châtelet detachable chairlift returning to service this winter.
The lift provides a convenient connection to the lower section of the Snowpark, allowing riders to get back up for another run without having to return to the main snow front. For anyone who enjoys spending the day working through jumps, rails and other features, its return should make sessions more straightforward and help maximise time in the park.
A smoother ride on the Niverolle piste
The Pas du Lac sector is also benefiting from improvements to the Niverolle piste.
The run has been reshaped to create a more regular and enjoyable descent, whilst the addition of snowmaking facilities is intended to improve the reliability of snow cover throughout the season. It's a practical upgrade rather than a headline-grabbing new attraction, but one that should help make skiing in this part of the Méribel-Mottaret area more consistent.
A fresh look for the Méribel Snowpark
The Snowpark at Méribel-Mottaret is getting a new visual identity. Updated signage and clearer visual markers will give the freestyle area a more distinctive appearance and make it easier for riders to navigate. The aim is to create a more recognisable, welcoming space where skiers and snowboarders can find their way around and get straight into their session.
Combined with the return of the Châtelet chairlift, it's a welcome boost for anyone who likes to mix up their time on the mountain with a little freestyle.
Better facilities at La Chaudanne
La Chaudanne, one of Méribel's main starting points for a day on the slopes, is also receiving some practical improvements.
A new block of modern toilet facilities is being developed in the heart of the area, alongside outdoor ski-pass purchasing terminals. The changes are intended to make the start of the ski day easier, particularly during busy periods when families and groups are keen to get onto the mountain.
Sometimes it's the simplest improvements that make the biggest difference to a ski holiday.
Dining out
Méribel's restaurant scene is also gaining some interesting new additions this winter, from Italian cooking on the mountain to a new concept in Méribel-Mottaret that changes character throughout the day.
Cucucina: a new Italian restaurant at La Folie Douce
La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel is expanding its dining offering with Cucucina, a new Italian restaurant replacing the former self-service restaurant.
Created by JMV Ressorts, the restaurant is planned to seat up to 150 guests, with a menu celebrating generous Italian cooking and familiar classics. Signature dishes include cacio e pepe and blue lobster linguine. The idea is to offer something different from the usual quick mountain lunch: a place to sit down, enjoy a proper meal and soak up the lively atmosphere that La Folie Douce is known for.
It's a particularly appealing addition for anyone who enjoys combining a day on the slopes with a sociable lunch and a little après-ski energy.
Maison LAPIAZ: a new mountain dining experience
Opening on 12 December 2026, Maison LAPIAZ will bring a new restaurant concept to Méribel-Mottaret, at the foot of the slopes on the site formerly occupied by La Spatule.
The project is led by Isaac Fleury and chef Antoine Jourdy, with a menu that brings together influences from around the world and an emphasis on homemade food designed for sharing.
At lunchtime, the focus will be on street food, with options to enjoy in the restaurant or take away onto the mountain. In the evening, the concept shifts towards a more relaxed bistronomic experience, with a concise menu drawing inspiration from Japanese, Peruvian, Galician, Lebanese and American cuisine.
It's a fresh approach to mountain dining, offering something a little different from the traditional Savoyard menu while retaining the convivial atmosphere that makes eating out in the Alps such a pleasure.
A new all-day venue near La Chaudanne
A new concept from La Belle Histoire Groupe is also planned for the former Premières Loges site, close to La Chaudanne.
Designed to evolve throughout the day, the venue will begin with breakfast before moving into lunchtime dining and then taking on a livelier atmosphere from late afternoon. From around 5pm, the focus will shift towards après-ski, with DJs, live entertainment and cocktails, followed by dinner and a more energetic evening atmosphere.
The idea is to create one place that works for several different moments of the day, whether you're stopping by for something to eat, meeting friends for a drink or looking for somewhere to continue the evening after skiing.
With its position just a short walk from La Chaudanne, it could become a useful addition to Méribel's après-ski scene.
In resort
Méribel's accommodation offering continues to develop, with new residences bringing more choice for visitors looking for ski-in, ski-out convenience, contemporary Alpine design and facilities that make a longer stay more comfortable.
Le Lac Bleu: a new luxury residence in Morel
The Morel neighbourhood is welcoming Le Lac Bleu, a new prestige residence set at approximately 1,600 metres, beside the Morel chairlift and the Hulotte piste.
The development comprises 29 apartments, ranging from three-room cabin-style layouts to larger five-room properties, with configurations offering between three and five bedrooms. Facilities are planned to include an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness room, restaurant, ski shop and concierge service. Its position close to the slopes, with the centre of Méribel also within reach, makes it an appealing option for families and groups wanting the independence of an apartment without sacrificing the comforts of a serviced stay.
Les Chalets d'Ouréa: a more intimate stay in Méribel-Mottaret
Méribel-Mottaret is also welcoming Les Chalets d'Ouréa, a smaller high-end residence designed to sit naturally within its mountain surroundings.
Located at around 1,700 metres in the heart of the resort, the development brings together 14 apartments ranging from three to five rooms, with floor areas of approximately 60 to 150 square metres. Its stepped architecture follows the natural slope of the terrain, allowing the apartments to make the most of views across the valley and surrounding peaks. For visitors who prefer a quieter, more intimate base with convenient access to the ski area, it's another development worth keeping an eye on.
Travel
Snow Train
This direct Eurostar rail service between London and the Tarentaise Valley will be running again this winter from December to March. The service will hopefully encourage British skiers to travel in an eco-friendly way, departing from London on a Saturday morning and returning Sunday morning. The closest station to Méribel is Moutiers and there are shuttles linking the resort and bus station. Or you can get a transfer or taxi up to the resort. Watch out for package offers including rail travel.
Events
The Méribel ski area is scheduled to open on 5 December 2026, with the season running until 18 April 2027. As the winter gets underway, it's worth checking out our events calendar for the latest details of festivals, entertainment and activities planned across the resort.
This year's newest event
Following on from First Tracks, Méribel is expanding the concept with Last Tracks, a new event designed to let you enjoy the slopes as the days grow longer. On 23 and 30 March, starting from the Roc de Tougne chairlift in Mottaret, an aperitif accompanied by music precedes the very last run of the day, on a freshly groomed slope. Participants then set off in the glow of the first stars, with headlamps attached to their helmets. It’s another way to explore the ski area as the light fades and the valley appears very quiet from above.
And, of course, some of the best ways to discover what's new are simply to get out and explore. Take a different lift, try a new restaurant, spend some time in the Snowpark or pause to enjoy the views on the way up the mountain.
Whether you're returning to a favourite corner of the Three Valleys or visiting Méribel for the first time, there's plenty to look forward to this winter.
