Skip to main content

Bad Weather Ski Areas in Meribel

Discover the top Meribel bad-weather skiing

Location
Meribel
Imprint
Updated

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. 

Head for the trees

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. 

Jump to

  1. Bad weather skiing in Méribel
  2. What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
  3. More inspiration...

Bad weather skiing in Méribel

About Meribel Ski Pass Prices

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.

Staying on piste in low visibility

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.

Best areas for skiing in poor weather

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.

  • Altiport and Méribel Village – The tree-lined pistes in this area provide natural definition, making navigation easier in flat light or white-out conditions. This is a better option than high, open pistes where the sky and snow can blend into one.
  • Mottaret – Combes chairlift area – This area features natural obstacles that help with depth perception, making skiing easier when visibility is low.

Lower runs for shelter and contrast

If conditions are particularly poor, consider skiing the lower red runs below the main resort:

  • Raffort – This red run winds through the trees down to the village of Raffort, offering improved visibility.
  • Villages – A long, mostly gentle run passing traditional hamlets on its way to Les Allues.

To return to the main ski area, take the Olympe gondola or use the free bus service back to Méribel Centre.

What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?

Ski Hire in Meribel

See all Ski Hire in Meribel

More inspiration...

Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Meribel.

Ski Areas, Pistes & Parks Meribel
Ski Hire Meribel
Mountain Guides Meribel

Latest News & Reviews

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 & Reviews
What's new in Meribel winter 2019/20
What's on in Meribel summer 2018
Latest gear - best new clothing for spring 2019
Latest gear - Mountain running equipment for 2019
Latest gear - Camping equipment for summer 2019

Upcoming Events

Méribel 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.

See allUpcoming Events
an image of a person with red gloves holding a snow heart