The Three Valleys is the largest linked ski area in the world with over 372 miles (600 km) of pisted runs as well as a fantastic selection of off-piste runs and, as Meribel is the central valley, it is perfectly positioned to easily access the whole area. This is a resort of which you can truly say that it has something to offer every level of skier and snowboarder. It has 93 MILES (150 km) of pisted runs and a very efficient lift system which is constantly being updated and improved. It is also incredibly well supplied with snow cannons and snow-making facilities so that even in poorer snow years, runs are open from the beginning to the end of the season.
t is sometimes said that the resort is a mecca for intermediate skiers as 77% of the runs are classified as blue or red but don’t worry there is also plenty to challenge the more advanced skier including the world famous La Face which was the Olympic Ladies Downhill run in the 1992 Games. But this is a resort and ski area where you can get miles under your belt. If you’re looking for a challenge with stunning views, head for Mont Du Vallon, which is at the end of the Meribel Valley. It is at 9685 feet (2,952 m), with incredible views down towards the resort and you have a choice of two long red runs. The challenge is to ski from top to bottom with no stops – your legs will be on fire!
For expert skiers the Couloir Tournier is the newest run in the valley, starting from the summit of Saulire Express gondola – this is the steepest run in the valley, with a scary 37-degree slope at the top. Narrow and with no escape routes, this couloir is only for advanced, brave skiers only. There’s plenty of easily accessible off-piste, for the adventurous but do take a guide to help you get the most out of your day.
For beginners there are some great runs around the Altiport area where you’ll find gently, wide green runs and some great restaurants so if you’re skiing in a mixed group, you can still meet up for lunch together. For intermediates or to get your ski legs back, head for the blues and reds off Tougnete or Saulire although do bear in mind that some of the run gradings can be misleading and there are certainly red runs in the Meribel that would be classified as black in other resorts.
The main lift area is the Chaudanne and from here there are fast links up to the top of Saulire (2,740m) with links to the neighboring Courchevel valley or to Mottaret, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires via the Tougnete bubble. Beginners should head up the Rhodos bubble towards the Alitport and if you like a challenging first run, head up to La Face via Legends chairlift.
A top tip is to ski in the sun on the Tougnète side in the morning and cross over to the Saulire in the afternoon. Also remember that as the Chaudanne is the main meeting point for all the ski schools, so in school holidays either aim for the first lifts at 9 am or have another cup of coffee and head down at 9.45 when all the groups have left.
Meribel Ski Resort Stats
Skiable Terrain | 600 km of piste 10,500 hectres of ski area |
Vertical | 2,130 m (6,988) |
Top Elevation | 3,230 m (10,597 ft) |
Base Elevation | 1,100 m (3,608 ft) |
Beginner Terrain | 17% |
Intermediate Terrain | 39% |
Advanced Terrain | 34% |
Trails | 328 |
Winter lifts Total | 166 |
Gondolas Trams | 35 |
Chair Lifts | 69 |
Surface Lifts | 64 |
Longest Run | 12 km (7.4 mi) |
Snowmaking | 2,100 + cannons |
Season Opens | December |
Season Closes | April |