The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide
All levelsCentralGreat aprèsChaletsGroups
Méribel sits right in the middle of the Three Valleys, which makes it the perfect base for exploring all 600km. Thanks to a strict building code it's all pretty timber chalets rather than concrete, and it's long been a favourite with British skiers — sociable, good-looking and easy to love. Méribel Centre (1450) is the hub; Mottaret (1750) is higher and more snow-sure.
Altitude1,450m (Mottaret 1,750m) · up to 2,952m
Ski areaThree Valleys — 600km
Best forAll levels · central · social
SeasonEarly Dec – late April
AirportGeneva ~2.5hr · Chambéry ~1.5hr · Lyon ~2hr
Trip typeGroups · chalets · après
Budget£££ · chalets to 5-star
⛷️The skiing
Being dead-central, Méribel puts all 600km of the Three Valleys on your doorstep — with quick links to Courchevel one way and Val Thorens the other. Lovely tree-lined runs, mile-wide blues for cruising, and Mottaret's higher, snow-sure terrain. There's plenty for beginners at the Altiport, and enough steep stuff to keep experts happy.
- Altiport areagentle, tree-lined runs perfect for beginners.
- Roc de Ferthe 1992 Olympic descent, for strong skiers.
- Mottarethigher and snow-sure, great for late-season.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (meribel.net) →
The Louk tipSki to Courchevel for lunch and back — it's the easiest 'two resorts in a day' in the Alps, and the perfect way to show off the Three Valleys.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Le Kaïla5-star in the heart of Méribel, home to Michelin-starred L'Ekrin.
- Le CoucouDesign-forward luxury with a cool crowd and great restaurant.
Boutique & mid-range
- Le MottaretSki-in ski-out convenience up at 1750.
- Hôtel AllodisRelaxed 4-star with a pool and lovely views.
Chalets & cosy
- Catered chaletsMéribel is chalet central — brilliant for groups.
- Méribel VillageA quieter, pretty hamlet between the main resorts.
🍽️Where to eat
On the mountain
- Le Plan des MainsSuperb slow-cooked lunches and a famous bakery mid-mountain.
- Les Pierres PlatesPanoramic terrace at the top of the Saulire.
- La SitelleRelaxed, sunny mountain stop.
In town
- L'EkrinMichelin-starred fine dining at Le Kaïla.
- Le CèpeCosy, romantic and consistently excellent.
- Le Close BernardRustic mountain restaurant — arrive by ski or sleigh.
🍾Bars & après
- Le Rond Point"Ronnie's" — the legendary Méribel après, live bands and toffee vodka.
- La Folie Douce MéribelCabaret and DJs high on the mountain.
- Jack's BarBuzzy central spot for evenings.
- The BarometerFriendly British-style pub.
❄️Off the slopes
- Parc OlympiqueIce rink, pool and wellness in the centre.
- Skidoo & paraglidingEvening snowmobile safaris and tandem flights.
- Spa daysPlenty of hotel spas for a rest day.
🚡Getting there
The nearest airports are Chambéry (~1.5hr), Geneva (~2.5hr) and Lyon (~2hr). Transfers run up the valley from all three.
Transfers & travel
- Ben's BusBudget shared transfers from Geneva & Chambéry.
- Three Valley TransfersPrivate transfers who know the area.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
- Cool BusPopular door-to-door shared transfers.
