The waiting is over, the season has finally started and, most importantly, we have snow in the 3 Valleys!
Meribel Snow Report: 6th December 2015
A Great Opening Weekend
In contrast to last December, when there was so little snow the season start had to be postponed, this year the white stuff has obligingly arrived on time. There isn’t a huge depth yet - between 50cm and 80cm on the summits (sources vary) and 20cm on the lowest runs - but this is more than enough to open the lifts and give us some good skiing.
On Saturday, conditions were very good on almost every run. Light overnight snow left 5-10cm of powder on a groomed base, giving gorgeous conditions on the upper slopes. The lower runs mainly had soft, freshly groomed snow and there were only a very few stones poking through the base. As usual in December, the runs have not yet attained their usual wedding-cake-icing flatness and retain the terrain’s natural lumps and bumps. I quite enjoy this undulating terrain as it makes for more interesting skiing and prevents the crazies from skiing too fast. Just the main lifts are open but this offers quite enough skiing in all three valleys to keep most people perfectly happy for a week.
I love skiing in the first week of the season. There’s all the excitement of being back on skis again and discovering all the new lifts and pistes. The virgin snow hasn’t yet been scraped hard by skis and the slopes are fabulously empty. Accommodation and lift passes are discounted, so it’s a relatively inexpensive way of enjoying very quiet slope conditions. Premiere neige skiing isn’t for everybody: there’s not much of offer for beginners and party-goers and gastronomes might find the restaurant/nightlight scene a bit limited. And off-piste skiers would find the current low snow depth frustrating – rocks abound at present making off-piste sorties highly inadvisable. For those of us lucky to be here for the whole season, however, the first week is often one of the best. And for people who can sneak away before Christmas, it’s a great time of year for a cheeky extra week’s skiing.
Now, have you ever experienced that deeply unpleasant sensation of your newly-serviced skis misbehaving? On harder snow, they feel as if they are possessed by an evil spirit and start grabbing at the snow in unexpected ways. This happens when the ski technician hasn’t sufficiently ‘de-tuned’ the edges at the tips and tails. This occurred to one of our party yesterday and, as he discovered, it can ruin your skiing confidence and enjoyment. Luckily we were skiing with a pro, Ed Wooley, director of Parallel Lines ski school, who showed us how to “de-tune” over-sharpened ski extremities. I pass on his top tip in case the same should happen to you. Find a stone or use the edge of your ski pole, and rasp gently at the top 10-15cm of the tips and 10cm of the tails to remove the very sharp edges. Your skis should immediately behave normally.
The forecast is for fine weather all this week and no new snow is expected to fall. However, the snow cannons will continue to produce cultured snow, so the pistes should remain in good nick and the snow depths continue to increase.
Coming up in my next report: what’s new in the ski area this winter.
Airport Transfers in Meribel
Transfers for Meribel
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Private Airport Transfers
Private and efficient transfer service to and from Geneva Airport and Méribel
Comfortable private airport transfer service connecting Meribel with Geneva Airport, with a choice of standard and premium vehicles.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Meribel from €427 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Meribel transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva to Méribel from CHF 84.50 per person one-way (weekend)
Travel directly to your accommodation with a convenient minivan connection, regular scheduled departures and helpful local representatives. This affordable shared service combines a comfortable coach journey from Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble Airport with a final transfer to your chalet, hotel or apartment in Méribel.
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Scheduled Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Méribel from £41 per person one-way
Long-established, low-cost and straightforward scheduled shared airport transfers to the mountains, with regular departures you can book in advance. Offering competitive prices, convenient stops throughout the resort and friendly, English-speaking representatives to help at the airport, the service makes getting to your ski holiday simple and stress-free. Travelling by shared coach also helps reduce the environmental impact of your journey, with vehicle emissions offset as part of the service.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Meribel from €275 per budget minivan one-way (weekend rate)
This is a long-established Alpine transfer specialist that has been operating since 2008, with close to two decades of experience transporting skiers through the Three Valleys. The emphasis is on making the entire journey easy: professional drivers, genuine knowledge of the mountain roads, vehicles prepared for winter conditions and a choice of transfer styles ranging from practical minivans to luxury Mercedes vehicles.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Méribel 2026/27 Prices | Weekdays: €259 | Saturdays: €429 | Sundays: €339 | per vehicle one-way
Enjoy a smooth, private door-to-door journey with this experienced Alpine transfer company, operating since 2012. Professional drivers know the mountain roads, while flight monitoring helps accommodate delays. Choose from standard or VIP minibuses, with free child seats, onboard Wi-Fi, bottled water and convenient pick-up reminders included.
Ski Hire in Meribel
Ski Hire in Meribel
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Home delivery & fitting service
Ski and snowboard rental delivered anywhere in Meribel, with easy online booking
Rent your equipment the easy way! This company delivers and fits your skis or snowboards at your accommodation, so there’s no need to traipse to the shop after a long journey.
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Ski Evasion
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 Higher
Friendly ski and snowboard hire in Méribel Les Allues
Conveniently located in the heart of Les Allues, this friendly ski hire shop offers a wide choice of skis, snowboards and equipment, backed up by experienced technicians who can help you find the right set-up for your time in Méribel.
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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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Sports Meribel Village
Ski hire close to Fermes de Meribel Maeva residence in Meribel Village
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Meribel? Just visit the Skiset Sports Meribel Village store!
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Sports 1600
Ski rental in the heart of Meribel 1600, within easy reach of most accommodation
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.
Ski Schools in Meribel
Ski School Lessons in Meribel
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Group Ski Lessons Mottaret
Group lessons by the official and largest French ski and snowboard school
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in Méribel, with 348 qualified instructors providing tuition in English and other languages. From little children taking their first steps on snow to teenagers and adults looking to improve their technique, you can develop your skills alongside others at a similar level. The French ski-level system provides a structured approach to learning, helping you choose suitable lessons, build confidence and track your progress.
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Private ski lessons
British-run private ski and snowboard lessons for all levels
Parallel Lines is Méribel’s biggest British Ski and Snowboard School. With 28 instructors in peak weeks, whether you’re taking your first turns or exploring the off-piste that The Three Valleys has to offer, Parallel Lines can provide fantastic lessons designed around you.
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Private Ski Lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Improve your skiing with personalised private lessons in Méribel, with a world-class team of instructors available across the valley and at all meeting points. Every lesson is tailored to your ability, learning style and ambitions, with individual coaching, carefully chosen terrain and a focus on helping you build confidence, develop your technique and become a more independent skier.
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Group Ski Lessons Chaudanne
Group lessons by the official and largest French ski and snowboard school
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in Méribel, with 348 qualified instructors providing tuition in English and other languages. From little children taking their first steps on snow to teenagers and adults looking to improve their technique, you can develop your skills alongside others at a similar level. The French ski-level system provides a structured approach to learning, helping you choose suitable lessons, build confidence and track your progress.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Winter Things To Do in Meribel
Wintersport Things To Do in Meribel
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Snowshoe Walks
Snowshoe walks for all abilities
Snowshoe walks offer a wonderful way to discover Méribel’s winter landscapes away from the ski slopes, with guided outings led by qualified instructors. Suitable for all levels, these walks are available in English and provide an opportunity to explore peaceful forests, mountain trails and traditional Alpine surroundings while learning more about the local wildlife, flora and mountain heritage.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Bureau des Guides winter and summer activities
Off piste ski touring, heliskiing, glacier walks, snowshoeing and much more
Head out into the mountains with experienced guides in either summer or winter for some amazing experiences.
Read more about Bureau des Guides winter and summer activities
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Snow shoe walks
Half and full day guided snowshoe walks in and around Courchevel
Laurence is a certified mountain leader, who enjoys taking clients away from the busy pistes and spicing up your ski holiday with a guided snowshoeing trip.
