Ski resorts
Méribel: skiing at the heart of Les 3 Vallées and where to stay
Timber chalets, sunny terraces and the world’s largest linked ski area in every direction. This is Méribel, and the hotels where you click into your skis right outside the door.
Méribel sits right at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, and you can feel it. From here you can ski towards Courchevel in the morning and Val Thorens after lunch, before ending the day in a village where almost every building is made of timber and stone. It is Alpine charm straight off a postcard.
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The chalet village of the Alps
Méribel is known for its chalet architecture, with timber and stone defining the village. In 2023 Méribel and Courchevel jointly hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships.
The slopes of Les 3 Vallées
From Méribel you can reach the whole of Les 3 Vallées, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas. There are runs for every level, and the central location puts both Courchevel and Val Thorens within easy reach.
Getting to Méribel
The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry. Many travellers take the train to Moûtiers and a bus or transfer up to Méribel.
A day in Méribel
Mornings in Méribel smell of fresh bread and new snow. You step out of the hotel, click into your skis and choose a direction: towards Courchevel on one side, towards Val Thorens on the other, or straight down Méribel’s own runs. It is the freedom of Les 3 Vallées, and you feel it from the very first turn.
In the middle of the day the terraces fill with people eating lunch in the sun. The afternoon can be spent on one last run, or a long break with hot chocolate before you glide down to the village, where the timber chalets huddle in the snow and the lights come on one by one.
When is the best time to visit Méribel?
The season usually runs from December to April. January often brings good snow and fewer crowds than half term, while March and April offer longer days and spring snow. The higher parts of Les 3 Vallées give peace of mind late in the season. Christmas, half term and Easter are busy, so book early.
Skiing with children in Méribel
Méribel is a popular choice for families. The village has ski schools, gentle runs and many ski-in/ski-out hotels. That means less logistics and more time on the slopes, and the children can make their first turns while their parents explore the rest of the area.
Food and evenings in Méribel
In the evening people gather in bars and restaurants in the centre, from rustic places serving fondue and raclette to more refined kitchens. The après-ski can be lively, but the village is also a lovely place for quiet evenings by the fire. Many hotels have a spa, perfect after a long day.
Tips before you book
Choose a lift pass for the whole of Les 3 Vallées if you want to ski to Courchevel and Val Thorens. Book ski school early in high season, and choose a ski-in/ski-out hotel if you are travelling with children.
Where to stay in Méribel
Stay ski-in/ski-out, or in the centre for restaurants and après-ski. Here are three hotels we would happily check into.
Hôtel Le Kaïla: luxury in the centre
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hôtel Le Kaïla
Hotel Le Coucou: design and ski-in/ski-out
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Le Coucou
Hotel Eliova Le Génépi: a simpler base
A more affordable hotel with a free ski bus.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Eliova Le Génépi
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Val Thorens.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Méribel
Where should I stay in Méribel?
Hôtel Le Kaïla and Hotel Le Coucou both offer ski-in/ski-out access and a spa. For a more affordable base, Hotel Eliova Le Génépi includes a free ski bus.
What is Les 3 Vallées?
Les 3 Vallées is one of the world’s largest linked ski areas, including Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens.
How do you get to Méribel?
Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry and take the train to Moûtiers. From there, buses and transfers run up to Méribel.
Is Méribel good for families?
Yes, Méribel has ski schools, runs for every level and many ski-in/ski-out hotels, which make the days easier with children.