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.
Bad Weather Ski Areas in Meribel
Discover the top Meribel bad-weather skiing
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.
Bad weather skiing in Méribel
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
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Skishop Mottaret
Ski & board hire in the Plan du Lac building in Mottaret, near the main lifts
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Meribel? Just visit the Skiset Skishop Mottaret store!
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Alp'Sports
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Meribel
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.
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Ski Paradise
Ski rental at the shopping centre in the Maeva residence in Mottaret
This shop is situated 50m from the post office, near the ski pass office, free buses, ski lifts, restaurants, Ruitor and Bleuets car parks. Dorothée et Arnaud and team are on hand to welcome and assist you.
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Le Plateau
Ski rental at the Rond Point des Pistes near the Residence Les Carlines
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!
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Le Hameau
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
This ski hire shop is located inside the Odalys residence on the same level as reception. The residence is situated towards the top of Meribel Mottaret.
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Hevana
Ski & snowboard hire at the P&V residence in Méribel Centre
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Méribel Centre - Les Allues!
More inspiration...
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Meribel.
