Skiing in Meribel

Méribel is a favourite for skiing and snowboarding, with direct access to the vast Three Valleys ski area and over 600 kilometres of pistes to explore. Sitting in the heart of the ski domain, it’s a great base for accessing both Courchevel and Val Thorens. You’ll find gentle tree-lined runs around the Altiport that are ideal for beginners, while higher up on the Saulire, there are steeper blues and reds perfect for mixed-ability groups. With reliable snow cover, great lift links and a traditional chalet-style village feel, Méribel suits everyone from first-time skiers and families to seasoned pros.

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Meribel you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Get back to nature and explore the lovely, tranquil cross-country ski trails. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel grooves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum. You can hire comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. Several adventure companies also offer cross-country skiing guiding, tours and lessons too. Find your way around with the cross-country skiing maps. 

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Meribel that offers this service.

Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Meribel offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and splitboarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

Where to go to jib, bonk, spin and pop in the 3 Valleys. The Big Air Bag, which used to be located in the Area 43 snow park has been moved to the centre of Mottaret. Take some gnarly leaps off the jump and land on the air bag, the perfect place to practice those big jumps and tricks without having a crash landing on snow. Fun for beginners who are just starting jumping and for experts to practice their tricks and skills. Head to any of the S3V lift pass offices for more information and enjoy the big air bag open every afternoon and apres ski.

Inuit village for children

The Inuit village is composed of whoops, banked turns and slaloms. You will also find several fun Inuit-themed games and a children's entertainer is on hand all season to offer activities to your little ones. The perfect place for your children to enjoy some safe and fun beginner skiing. Access is from the Altiport chairlift or the Rhodos gondola. Located in the Altiport area near the green pistes.

Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached into the binding at the toe, so to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique. 

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Courchevel. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.