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Guide to Meribel

An introduction to Meribel

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Introduction to Meribel

The Meribel Valley is the centre of the world-famous Three Valleys. Because it's central, it gives arguably the best access to the full range of world-class skiing which is right on your doorstep.

The skiing within this valley ranges from 1100m right up to 2950m, giving you almost two vertical kilometres in one valley. There are four different "Meribel" Resorts. This is very common through the French Alps, where you'll find a group of villages close together, that trade under the same main name, sometimes the only differentiation being an indicator of their altitude.

It's easy to tell the difference and find your way around. But, it's worth knowing the differences before you book. The closer you are to Meribel Centre, and its prized Chaudanne area of ski lifts, the more you can expect to pay for your chalet holiday.

The History of Meribel

In the 1930s, British skiers began to look to France for their winter retreats. Austria had previously held the title as the number one destination for British skiers but this was no longer the case due to its political alliance with Germany. Scotsman Peter Lindsay, with the help of French skier Emile Allais, set out to create a French ski resort. An untapped valley above the village of Les Allures, with an ideal skiing altitude, turned out to be the perfect location. The area was populated with local farmers, many of whom Lindsay paid in order to obtain their land. He later developed a property company to raise the finances needed to build the ski resort.

Between 1938 and 1941, Lindsay had overseen the installation of the first lift, above Les Allures, and the construction of the first hotels and chalets in the valley. World War II stalled Lindsay's plans, but when peace returned he continued his development of Meribel. Alongside world-class architects Paul Grillo and Christian Durupt, he ensured that every building in the resort maintained the traditional Savoyard look and feel.

Meribel's rejuvenation following its hosting of the ice hockey and the women's alpine skiing events in the 1992 Winter Olympics. The upholding of the resort's traditional alpine aesthetics and has ensured that Meribel continues to be one of the most popular ski holiday destinations on earth.

One Valley, Four Connected Resorts

The name 'Meribel' is variously applied to any and all of the four main resorts which occupy the centre of the 3 Valleys. Here at Delicious Mountain, we're sticklers and we tend to use 'Meribel' to mean 'Meribel Centre'. That is to say, the main resort where you will be staying if you book with us. We think that this main resort offers the best guest experience, but they all have their strengths and they're all awesome.

Les Allues (1100m)

A small village offering great value for money, Les Allues is located right at the base of the Meribel Valley. Skiing in Les Allues is usually restricted to the very peak of the winter. At the start and end of the season, the altitude is too low to sustain enough snow. Although there are two ski runs into Les Allues, many prefer to take the bubble lift back down, especially towards the end of the season.

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Meribel Village (1400m)

Meribel Village is a quaint location, just to the north of Meribel Centre. It has very few facilities but during the peak ski season, the Apres Ski can get lively at the local bar; Lodge du Village. As Meribel Village is 300m higher than Les Allues the snow will keep for longer and, for most of the ski season is ski-in, ski-out.

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Meribel Centre (1450m)

The focal point of the valley and its original resort, Meribel Centre is the most lively and most sought-after of the four options. This is where you'll find facilities such as banks, post offices, the tourist office, etc. It's also the nerve centre of Meribel skiing, with La Chaudanne lift providing a natural meeting place and starting point for many days out on the slopes. This is what many people really mean when they say "Meribel".

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Meribel Mottaret (1750m)

Meribel Mottaret is the furthest south and highest of the main villages of Meribel. The nightlife and apres ski here are very quiet and mainly consist of French hotels and self-catered apartments. For its altitude and access to skiing, Mottaret offers great value. Getting to Meribel Centre, from Meribel Mottaret, is just a short bus drive away. Or, you can enjoy a pleasant ski down a gentle green called Truite, known affectionately as "The Trout".

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The 3 Valleys in Numbers

This one is for the ski geeks. Everything you could ever want to know about Meribel and The 3 Valleys, all in Top Trumps' format. Get ready to make your friends jealous.

  • 600km of Pistes
  • 1450m Village Alitude
  • 200 Ski Lifts
  • 25 Connected Mountains
  • 328 Ski Runs
  • 1500 Ski Instructors
  • €300 6-day liftpass
  • 135 Mins from Geneva

Skiing In Meribel

You will find everything you need to know about skiing in Meribel in the options below. We have a guide for all levels of skier with a comprehensive Meribel overview and orientation article if it's your first time in Meribel.

Getting Around Meribel

We have put together a comprehensive guide on making your way around Meribel. You will find everything you need in the options below.

Map of the area

A map of Meribel ski resort and the surrounding areas.

Rok Restaurant Meribel
View of Meribel
Snow covered roof in Meribel
Skiing in Meribel
Meribel Centre
View of La Tania Ski Resort

Meribel Tourist Office

For everything from a lost lift pass to local taxi numbers, the local tourist office has got it covered. Of course, if you're staying with us, we've got your back for pretty much everything, too.

Meribel Tourist Office
Winter opening

7 days a week, 09:00-19:00

Summer opening

Hours may vary.
Closed daily 12:00-14:00

Medical Centres & Pharmacy

  • Doctor (Thierry Vabre)
    Medical
  • Route de Morel
    73550 Les Allues
    Meribel
  • +33 4 79 08 65 40
  • Find on Map
  • Olympic Park Medical Center
    Medical
  • Patinoire Méribel
    73550 Les Allues
    Meribel
  • +33 4 79 08 60 41
  • Find on Map
  • Mottaret Medical Centre
    Medical
  • Centre Cial Mottaret
    73550 Les Allues
    Meribel
  • +33 4 79 00 40 88
  • Find on Map
  • Ruitor Pharmacy
    Pharmacy
  • Immeuble Ruitor Mottaret
    73550 Les Allues
    Meribel
    (Between Meribel Centre and Mottaret)
  • +33 4 79 00 43 70
  • Find on Map

Police Station

We all hope we won't need them, but we're always glad they're there when we do. Meribel has its own local police station where English is spoken if needed.

Police Station
  • Olympic Centre
    La Chaudanne
    73550 Les Allues
    Meribel
  • +33 4 79 00 58 21
  • Find on Map

Cash Points

Cash is king, they say, and it's always good to know where the nearest ATM is. Fortunately, there are several of them dotted throughout the different Meribel Valley resorts.

  • CA des Savoie
    Cash Machine
  • Route de la Chaudanne
  • +33 4 79 44 60 51
  • Find on Map
  • Banque de Savoie ATM
    Cash Machine
  • 73550 Les Allues, France
  • Open weekdays
    Closed 12:00-14:00
  • Find on Map
  • Banque Populaire
    Cash Machine
  • Immeuble La Croix Deverdon, Meribel
  • Mon-Thu: 08:30-12:00 | 13:35-17:30
    Fri: 03:30-12:00
    Sat-Sun: Closed
  • Find on Map
  • CIC
    Cash Machine
  • Route de la Montée
    Meribel
  • Distributer Billets ATM
    Cash Machine
  • Next to the Mairie
    Route de la Resse
    Les Allues
  • Credit Agricole
    Cash Machine
  • Gallerie Commerciale du Ruitor
    Mottaret
  • Find on Map

Post Offices

There are three post offices serving the Meribel Valley. Here's how to find them.

  • Meribel Centre
    Post Office
  • Maison Du Tourisme, La Poste, Meribel
  • Mon-Fri: 09:00-12:00 | 13:30-15:30
    Sat: Morning only
    Sun: Closed
  • Find on Map
  • Les Allues
    Post Office
  • La Poste
    Route de la Resse
    Les Allues
  • 08:45-12:15 only
  • Mottaret
    Post Office
  • Mottaret La Poste
    Maison du Tourisme de Mottaret
  • 09:00-12:30 only

Meribel Designer Shopping

For the most luxurious brands, head over to Rue du Rocher in Courchevel 1850. Find premium luxury brands and rub shoulders with the one percent. If you'd like more info, take a look at our page dedicated to Courchevel 1850 shopping trips.

  • Chez Ma Cousine
    Gourmet Delicatessen
  • +33 4 79 08 21 68
  • Rue des Verdons, Courchevel 1850
  • Find on Map
  • Jacob Cohën
    Luxury Fashion Boutique
  • +33 4 79 09 08 93
  • 57 rue des Verdons, Courchevel 1850
  • Find on Map

Other useful resources