Family Holidays: Méribel family skiing holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4½ stars out of 5

Why

Méribel is situated in the heart of the Three Valleys (the other resorts in this area are Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires). All neighbouring resorts are connected to each other by a vast network of ski lifts which includes two 150 person cable cars, over 40 gondolas and 25 high speed chairlifts. With over 600 kms. of piste, this really is a week of unlimited skiing opportunities for your family. Most families, of course, find the slopes in and around Méribel more than plentiful and sufficiently challenging. However, if your skiing is up to it then a day or two spent exploring other regions while the kids are being well looked after is a strong Take the Family recommendation.

Méribel itself is built mainly in local wood and stone. Four kilometres away is the more modern and higher altitude Mottaret complex. Most accommodation in Mottaret and some in Méribel offers doorstep skiing.

There's plenty going on for non-skiers, both for kids and adults. Take your choice from bowling, swimming, watching a movie, skating and more.

Top left: Kids enjoying the snow
Top middle: Meribel
Top right: Fun on the slopes

Bottom left: Slopes
Bottom right: Meribel

When

The ski season runs from mid-December through mid-April. Because of its high altitude, the Three Valleys ski region offers good snow cover into the Spring. If you have younger kids then consider January (cheaper, but cold) or March (more expensive, less cold). February half term is both busy and expensive… to be avoided if you possibly can.

How

take the plane

There are frequent flights a day from UK airports to Geneva in Switzerland. From here it is around a two and a half hour drive. Alternatively, fly to Chambery, France and transfer in one and a half hours.

Stay

You can travel to Méribel independently with your family or make arrangements using an operator. Of the many that offer Méribel ski holidays Meriski and Mark Warner are two of our favourites.

Do

Skiing
Of the 275 runs in this vast area 101 are ‘easy’, 146 ‘intermediate’ and 28 ‘difficult’ (depending on how well you ski you may find more than 28 of them difficult at first!). Beginners have a choice of gentle slopes close to Méribel itself to become comfortable before moving on to other slopes.

Intermediates and advanced skiers can look forward to an extraordinarily extensive and challenging network of slopes, including some very long runs like the 5 km. Combe du Vallon. Snowboarders and cross-country skiers are well catered for too.

Non-skiing pursuits include skating, bowling and swimming. And if you're feeling more adventurous try snow shoeing, parasailing, snow biking and scenic flights. There’s plenty of apres ski too – including numerous bars, restaurants and clubs, in both Méribel and Mottaret.

Eat

If you're staying in a chalet or hotel chances are you'll be well looked after, and children are generally served food they enjoy. If you've opted instead for self catering (or want to a break) try one of the 65 restaurants and bars. There are 43 restaurants to choose from on the slopes too.

Cost

Cost will vary significantly depending on when in the ski season you plan to travel with your family, with school holidays and, in particular, February half-term putting more pressure on your budget. During February half term adults may not expect much change from £1,000 (and you can pay more for real luxury) with ski passes and equipment on top. At other times prices can be half that amount.