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Discover the top Meribel bad-weather skiing
It can be hard to know what to do when the weather closes in and the snow falls. Méribel has some great places to go when the clouds come in and the visibility fades, the best thing to do is to stick to the tree-lined pistes as they will give you definition in the flat light.
The high, open pistes lack the contrast required for orientation during white out conditions and slope and sky can blur into one.
However, there are certain runs that offer more contrast providing vast amounts of skiing/snowboarding when the flakes are falling.
The trick is to head for the pistes that are tree-lined and more sheltered, as they help provide definition when everything else seems to be white.
Bear in mind, the valley floors can sometimes be covered in fog but the summits are bathed in glorious sunshine. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check out the webcams before you set off for the day.
When visibility is poor due to snow or white-out conditions, it’s essential to keep the piste markers in sight. These poles indicate the difficulty of the run with their colour—green, blue, red, or black.
A simple trick helps you stay on track in a white-out: the poles on the right-hand side of the piste (looking downhill) have a 20 cm orange band at the top. If you see one, keep it on your right. If the pole is a single colour all the way up, keep it on your left. Following this guide ensures you stay safely on the piste.
Méribel has several tree-lined areas that offer better contrast and improved visibility on bad weather days. However, these runs can be busier as many skiers seek them out.
If conditions are particularly poor, consider skiing the lower red runs below the main resort:
To return to the main ski area, take the Olympe gondola or use the free bus service back to Méribel Centre.
Ski and snowboard hire in the direction of the altiport, just near slopes' round about (rond point des pistes) along the shopping gallery 'Plateau'. Slopes, skipass registers and the ESF skiing school nearby. Parking facilities and free shuttle to Meribus.. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Meribel? Just visit the Skiset Horizon store!
This ski and snowboard rental shop is opposite the Tourist Office and only 50 metres from the slopes. It is just behind Hotel le Roc and Taverne Bar.
Rent Skis & Snowboards located on the top of Mottaret near Odalys accommodations. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
SPORTS 1600 is located at Altitude 1600, between the Route des chalets and the route de la renarde. Kerry and Romuald and team are on hand to welcome and assist you.
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Meribel.
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.
See allLatest News & ReviewsMéribel 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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