Méribel holidays

How to reach Méribel

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Méribel, but airports only a stone’s throw away are in Geneva and Lyon. Flights to Geneva will take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, and to Lyon approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Geneva, the drive to Méribel takes about 2 hours 30 minutes by shuttle/car. If you're coming from Lyon, it’s more like 2 hours.

• Price: A shared shuttle from Geneva to Méribel usually costs €50–€60 one way, but if you wanna be fancy and go for a private transfer, it’ll set you back around €200 or more.

Best time to visit Méribel

Méribel is a hot spot for both winter and summer fun times. When to go depends on whether you prefer skiing in the cold or exploring the sunny spots.

• December to February are your go-to if you love skiing. It’s the height of the ski season, so expect the slopes to be buzzing with both beginners and pros. Temperatures during ski season hover around –2 to 3°C, and you’ll get around 5 to 8 hours of sunny time, making it ideal for people gung ho about winter sports.

• March to May is a quieter time for Méribel holidays. By the end of April, the snow starts melting away, and the temps begin to rise, making it a good time for a relaxed, crowd-free trip. Average temperatures rise from 0°C to 10°C, with occasional rain.

• June to August is lovely, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. You might get a few rainy days, but the 10 hours of daily sunshine make up for it!

• September to November is Méribel's off-season, and things slow down as temperatures cool off. The average temperature falls to 5°C, and you will find fewer people out and about. This is a quiet but beautiful time to come, ideal for people who want to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed atmosphere.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but since Méribel is such a popular resort, most people at the restaurants, hotels and ski schools will speak enough English to help you out.

• Local habits and customs: The French are known for their politeness, so it’s a good idea to greet people with a “bonjour” when you walk into a shop or restaurant. It goes a long way!

• Currency: The currency in France is the Euro. There are plenty of ATMs around, and most places accept credit cards, so you won’t have to worry too much about carrying cash.

• Getting around: You’ve got lots of options to get around – rental cars, public transport, or the free Meribus shuttle, which is by far the easiest and maybe the most fun way to explore the area.

• Electricity and plug types: Méribel uses the standard continental 220V system, so if you're coming from the UK, don't forget to pack an adaptor for the two-pin round plugs.

• Time zone: Méribel is on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: No visas required for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Méribel

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mont Vallon: Lush views standing at 2,952 metres. This experience will totally not disappoint.

• Tougnète: A pinch lower than Mont Vallon, but still offers knock-your-socks-off views. You can easily reach it by lift, making it perfect for a hike in the sun or a ski in the cold.

The best districts

• Méribel centre: This is where it’s hip and happening! Its beautiful Savoyard vibe, with tons of restaurants and shops, makes it perfect for après-ski fun.

• Méribel village: A quaint and quieter part of the resort, featuring lovely chalets and a more relaxed atmosphere. Take your fam!

Historical monuments

• Notre-Dame-des-Neiges: With its wooden architecture and peaceful ambience, this beautiful church offers a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

• Méribel Olympic Centre: Originally built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, this centre is still the hub for sports activities, including ice skating and swimming.

Activities for families in Méribel

• Ski schools and children's slopes: Méribel is fantastic for families. The ski schools are top-notch, and the gentle slopes are perfect for young skiers just starting out.

• Swimming pools and ice skating: The family-friendly Olympic Centre swimming pool and ice skating rink are great indoor fun for every age.

• Playgrounds and adventure parks: The excellent outdoor Altiport area features different types of zip lines, obstacle courses and a huge playground.

Free things to do in Méribel

• Free events: Méribel hosts many different free events throughout the year, ranging from live music and outdoor film screenings to traditional festivals. Check out the Christmas markets and New Year's Eve fireworks for a festive experience.

• Exploring the resort by public transport: The free Meribus shuttle bus drives around town to take you where you need to be.

• Free guided tours: Want to learn more about the area? Some local groups offer free guided tours around the resort and nearby nature reserves. Just keep in mind that tips are appreciated.

• Nature walks and hikes: There are many marked trails in the vicinity, but it is also possible to hike in the Tueda Nature Reserve free of charge; sometimes offering breathtaking views of the mountains, this makes for an ideal relaxing day out.

Wellness in Méribel

• Spas and thermal baths: Méribel has several high-quality spas that offer a range of treatments to take care of fatigued and stiff muscles. The Deep Nature Spa in the hotel La Chaudanne offers an indoor pool with sauna and different massages, including hot stone and aromatherapy. The Pure Altitude Spa of the hotel Le Kaila is a relaxing spot with thermal baths, and all types of aesthetic treatments are offered.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking and trail running: The wonderful summer months create a haven for hikers and trail runners. The resort has everything from easy walks to more challenging ascents on marked trails. Picturesque paths will take you through lush meadows and dense forests to breathtaking viewpoints that nature lovers will surely appreciate.

• Mountain biking: Méribel offers mountain biking itineraries for all levels, from family itineraries to thrilling downhill tracks. The resort provides a bike rental service and guided tours.

• Paragliding: There is no better way to take an angled view of the Alps than this. You literally get to witness great sights above the mountains, down the valley and towards the surrounding peaks.

• Horse riding: Explore the picturesque landscapes on horseback with guided treks available in the area. Horse riding offers a peaceful way to connect with nature and experience the region's beauty at a leisurely pace.

Local dishes in Méribel

Méribel offers a delightful culinary experience, blending traditional Savoyard dishes with modern alpine cuisine. One of the best parts of holidays to Méribel is the chance to savour hearty mountain fare, perfect for recharging after a day on the slopes.

Some typical dishes

• Fondue Savoyarde: A must-try in Méribel – a gooey blend of regional cheeses like Comté, Beaufort and Emmental melted with white wine. Dip in pieces of bread to get that perfect, cheesy bite.

• Raclette: Typical alpine dish which also uses cheese – melted and then scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles and cured meats. Ooooooh yummy!

• Tartiflette: A hearty casserole made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions, perfect for a cold winter's night.

Meat dishes

• Diot Sausages: Traditional Savoyard sausages which are typically made from pork and flavoured with white wine – served with polenta or potatoes.

• Gratin de Crozets: A casserole made from crozets – small, square pasta combined with cream and bacon plus cheese.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte aux Myrtilles: A blueberry tart is a local favourite, often made with wild mountain blueberries.

• Gâteau de Savoie: A light sponge cake dusted with icing sugar, perfect with a cup of coffee.

Local drinks

• Genepi: A traditional herbal liqueur made from alpine plants, genepi is a popular after-dinner drink in the region, known for its warming qualities.

• Vin Chaud: Perfect for warming up after a day in the snow, this spiced hot wine is similar to mulled wine and is a popular beverage during the winter months.

Sports and outdoor adventures on your Méribel holidays

Méribel is a paradise for outdoor sports lovers, offering an incredible range of activities in every season. Whether you're hitting the slopes in winter or exploring the mountains in summer, there’s no shortage of adventure in this world-class Alpine resort.

• Skiing and snowboarding

  As part of the legendary Three Valleys, Méribel gives you access to the largest ski area in the world, with over 600km of pistes. From wide, beginner-friendly slopes to challenging off-piste routes, there’s something for every level. Snowboarders will love the terrain parks, while ski tourers can explore untouched powder trails.

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

  If you prefer a slower-paced adventure, Méribel has fantastic cross-country skiing trails winding through stunning alpine forests. Snowshoeing is another great way to take in the winter scenery, with dedicated routes offering peaceful hikes away from the busy pistes.

• Paragliding – a breathtaking view of the Alps

  For an unforgettable experience, take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight over the snowy peaks. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the incredible mountain views and a must-try for adrenaline seekers.

• Hiking and trail running

  When the snow melts, Méribel transforms into a hiking and trail-running haven. With trails leading to alpine lakes, mountain ridges, and hidden valleys, there’s no better way to explore the natural beauty of the French Alps.

• Mountain biking – world-class trails

  Méribel is a hotspot for mountain biking, with downhill and cross-country trails that attract riders from around the world. The resort is part of the Les 3 Vallées MTB area, offering a mix of thrilling descents, scenic singletracks, and lift-accessed bike routes.

• Climbing and via ferrata

  For those who love heights, Méribel offers fantastic rock climbing and via ferrata routes, where you can scale cliffs with the safety of fixed cables. These adventures provide stunning views and an adrenaline rush like no other.

• Golf in the Alps

  For something a little more relaxed, Méribel has a stunning 18-hole golf course set against the dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s one of the highest courses in Europe and a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh Alpine air in summer.

From high-speed skiing to scenic summer hikes, Méribel is packed with outdoor activities for every type of adventurer. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding action or a peaceful escape in nature, this resort has it all.