For keen slope-bashers who dislike tacky purpose-built resorts, Méribel is difficult to beat.

It is slap in the middle of the Three Valleys – the biggest inter-linked winter sports area in the world. With 200 lifts and 600 km of slopes, and endless off-slope possibilities, it is difficult everyone would enjoy a fortnight here. Fans of Courchevel and Val-Thorens sniff at Méribel’s local slopes. However, since Mont Vallon and the top of the valley opened up some years ago, Méribel can stand comparison on most counts.

Méribel is built entirely in tasteful chalet-style, with wood siding everywhere.

The center is very pleasant with raised walkways by the shops above the one-way road. The village has grown rapidly in recent years and now spreads widely over the mountainside. It is very popular with British visitors. Many of them own chalets here.

On the slopes and in the bars, you will hear English more than French. It remains decidedly upscale and it’s not cheap. But regular visitors love it and wouldn’t be seen anywhere else.

Nestled in the beautiful Alpine valley of Les Allues, Meribel is a renowned ski resort where you can experience that quintessential ski holiday.

Stay in a traditional wooden chalet, admire stunning mountain scenery, ski one of the biggest domains in the world, and let your hair down at one of the famous apres-ski bars.

The Meribel Valley is one of the most popular destinations for British skiers (the resort was, in fact, founded by a British Colonel, Peter Lindsay, in 1938). Consisting of picture-postcard chalets and chalet-style apartment buildings and hotels, Méribel has retained all the charm of a traditional mountain village with its wood and stone buildings and forest setting.

Fast, modern ski lifts offer easy access to the Méribel ski area (150km of pistes from 1450m up to 1700m) and the 3 Valleys (Meribel is linked to Courchevel and Val Thorens, giving you access to 600km of pistes). Méribel Centre is the largest of several villages in the resort and is home to the main shopping area and the greatest selection of restaurants.

Meribel hosts a number of events throughout the summer and winter months, some of which span the entire three valleys. Two such events are Les 3 Vallees Enduro event in April with every type of snowboard, ski and telemark racing imaginable, and the 3 Vallees Addict Tour mountain bike festival every July. The Tourist Office also organizes children’s events and activities during the school holidays.

What’s Great

• In the center of the biggest linked slope network in the world – ideal for intermediates who love covering the miles, but plenty for experts, too
• Modern, constantly improved lift system means little waiting and rapid access to all slopes
• Good slope grooming and snowmaking
• Village purpose-built in pleasing chalet-style architecture