The Meribel Valley is the central of the world-famous Three Valleys. Because it's in the centre, 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 the one valley. There are four different "Meribel" Resorts. This is very common through the French Alps, where you've a group of villages all close to each other 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.
In the 1930's British skiers began to looked 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 it's political alliance with Germany. A Britishman 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 xout to be the perfect location. The area was populated with local farmers, many of whom Lindsay paid in order to obtain thier 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 2 stalled Lindsay's plans but when peace returned he continued Meribel's development. Using world class architects Paul Grillo and Christian Durupt to ensure that every building in the resort maintained the traditional Savoyard look and feel.
Meribel's rejuvenation following it's hosting of the ice hockey and the women's alpine skiing events in the 1992 Winter Olympics and the keeping of it's traditional alpine aesthetics has meant that Meribel has continued to thrive as a ski holiday destination.
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 normally 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 is a quaint village 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 Meribel Village is Ski-in Ski-out.
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The focal point of the valley and the original resort, Meribel Centre is the most lively and most sought-after of the four options. This is where you will find facilities like 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 the furthest South and highest of the main villages of Meribel. The nightlife and apres ski here is very quiet and it mainly consists of French Hotels and self catered apartments. For its altitude and access to the skiing, Mottaret offers amazing 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 (or more affectionately "The Trout").
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Compare the Three Valleys to other ski areas
* Percentages based on Meribel Valley only. Prices are indicative and approximate basedon full-area lift pass.
** Local area (Meribel Valley only) and full area (all three valleys)
Meribel Tourist Office
Route du Ctre
73550 Meribel
France
Find on Map
+33 4 79 08 60 01
www.meribel.net
Winter opening
7 days a week, 09:00-19:00
Summer opening
Hours may vary.
Closed daily 12:00-14:00
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Last Updated: 02 April 2020
© 2013 Delicious Mountain Ski Chalets Ltd.
Company Number: 12384035
Delicious Mountain Ski Chalets Ltd
59 Rue Aristide Briand
Brides Les Bains
73570
France
