A ski holiday in the heart of Les 3 Vallées

With its 422 hectares (1,042 acres) of meticulously maintained slopes, Méribel offers an exceptional ski playground where everyone can progress at their own pace.

The 150km (93 miles) of slopes offer varied terrain where every skier can progress at their own pace. Beginners and families will enjoy numerous blue and green runs and safe, fun zones. For experienced skiers, legendary runs such as Mauduit, Julie and Combe du Vallon offer more technical descents, all with spectacular views. In addition, the Open Park and Boardercross are perfect places for an adrenaline rush.

When you are taking a break from skiing, Méribel’s charms will become apparent. Traditional wood and stone chalets, a warm atmosphere and typical Savoyard architecture offer an escape from the everyday world. This unique atmosphere invites you to relax, bringing this first day in the heart of the 3 Vallées to a close

There are two routes that take you to this famous valley: via the summit of La Saulire or the Col de la Loze.

From the summit of La Saulire, at 2,740m, you’ll be treated to a spectacular panorama of the entire 3 Vallées. To reach this highest point in Courchevel, take the Pas du Lac 1 and Pas du Lac 2 gondola lifts from Méribel-Mottaret. From Méribel Centre, access is easy via the Saulire Express 1 and 2 gondolas. Once at the summit, the Courchevel ski area opens up before you: a succession of wide and varied runs set against magnificent scenery. Numerous options are available, depending on your preferences and ability. Blue and red runs, and of course the legendary “Grand Couloir”, one of the most challenging black runs in the world…

The Col de la Loze, at 2,304m, offers another extraordinary view of the Tarentaise Valley and the peaks of the Vanoise. From Méribel Centre, take the Rhodos 1 and Rhodos 2 gondola lifts, and then ski to the Loze chairlift. Once at the top, you can ski down towards the centre of Courchevel whichever way you like. This route provides access to the famous Eclipse piste, the longest black in the 3 Vallées, which hosted the speed events at the 2023 World Ski Championships. If you decide to

ski in the Courchevel–La Tania area, take the Folyères blue run. This quiet run winds through the fir trees and is ideal for carving without picking up too much speed.

At the end of the day, enjoy your return to Méribel. Take the Dou des Lanches chairlift back to the Col de la Loze. From there, choose your descent: the gentle blue Pic Bleu, or a thrilling descent on the black Tétras run. Both runs take you through the Altiport sector, amidst the fir trees, for a truly alpine atmosphere. A superb way to round off this day’s skiing in both the Méribel and Courchevel valleys

From the summit of La Saulire, take to the skies in a paraglider accompanied by a qualified instructor from Prosneige Parapente for an exceptional thrill. The peaks, forests and slopes of Méribel and the 3 Vallées will be laid out before your eyes during this out-of-this-world experience.

Once back on solid ground, why not try something new? Head to the cross-country ski area for a morning of cross-country skiing, walking or snowshoeing. Glide through the pine forests, breathe in the silence and the pure air and discover the mountains in a whole new way. If you are feeling adventurous, try the sport of biathlon (cross-county skiing and rifle shooting) for an activity the combines precision and excitement.

The day draws to a gentle close yet the magic continues. In the heart of Méribel, an evening at Le Clos Bernard promises a unique experience: a torchlit ascent through the snow. The lit-up faces, the flickering flames and the tranquillity of the mountains all create a magical atmosphere before you enjoy a delicious Savoyard dinner.

These are memories that will stay with you for a long time to come!

On this fourth day, head back onto the slopes to the neighbouring valleys of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville or Les Menuires.

From La Chaudanne, take the Legends chairlift and then the Cherferie. You can then enjoy a gentle descent to the welcoming slopes of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. We recommend the blue run Jérusalem, which offers a stunning panoramic view. To return towards Méribel, the Saint Martin 1 gondola lift followed by the Saint Martin Express will take you back to the Tougnète summit, where a wide choice of runs awaits you: black, red or blue, depending on your ability and preferences. Each descent offers new views of the surrounding peaks and forests, in a typically welcoming and Savoyard setting.

If you opt for Les Menuires, the Gros Tougne run takes you straight to the heart of the ski area, perfect for exploring its many, varied runs. The Chambre area offers enjoyable runs for beginners and intermediates, whilst experienced skiers will find more technical runs on the slopes of la Masse. The top of this mountain, la Pointe de la Masse, is notable for its unique views over the Alpine peaks. Head back down on the red Fred Covili run (named after the local ski champion) for a thrilling descent (NB: this run requires a reasonable level of ability).

To return to Méribel, several options are available. Take Roc 1 and then Roc 2: at the top, choose between the black run Ibex or the red run Mouflon if you want a challenging descent. If you prefer a more leisurely return, stick to the blue runs. From the top of Roc 2, the Grand Lac run followed by Pelozet takes you back towards Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Then take the Saint Martin Express

chairlift, and glide down via Les Crêtes, then Choucas and Gelinotte, to La Chaudanne in Méribel Centre. To reach Méribel-Mottaret, take the blue run Faon and branch off onto the green run Perdrix. A gentle end to a day filled with discoveries.

From the top of the Côte Brune gondola, take the blue Pluviomètre run which leads you directly to the centre of the resort. As soon as you set off, you’ll discover a vast ski area and exciting skiing. Off-piste enthusiasts may choose to hire a guide to explore the stunning Lac du Lou area. To reach the Orelle ski area, you’ll need to take the Cime Caron cable car from Val Thorens. It is from Orelle that you can access the Pointe du Bouchet, the highest point in the 3 Vallées. Don’t miss the breath-taking view of the Bouchet glacier!

The return to Méribel takes you via the 3 Vallées VT4 or VT5 lifts to the summit of Mont de la Chambre. From up here, there is a breath-taking view of the surrounding peaks and the valley which stretches as far as the eye can see. For the descent, there are two runs to choose from: the blue Lac de la Chambre is one of the longest runs in the 3 Vallées, ideal for a gentle descent with stunning views. For the more adventurous, the red Venturon run (accessible via Bruyères 2 lift) offers a more challenging experience, with thrilling bends and drops. This day rounds off your exploration of the 3 Vallées ski area, where the quality of the skiing is matched only by the splendour of the views.

For your final day in Méribel, soak up the gentle mountain atmosphere and make the most of the many activities available to you.

A stroll around the Lac Tueda will bring you into contact with the local flora and fauna in an area of exceptional, unspoiled natural beauty. The calm of the lake and the serenity of the forest are the ideal setting to bring your holiday to a peaceful close.

Do you fancy something a bit livelier? For a party atmosphere, head to La Folie Douce! Perched at 2,100m by the Saulire lift mid-station, this restaurant with its unique atmosphere is perfect for some serious fun! La Folie Douce welcomes you with its unique blend of fine food and live entertainment (open from 9am to 4.45pm in winter).

Keen hikers can also explore the valley on foot, passing through unspoilt hamlets that tell the story of the valley. Here, amongst the traditional chalets and authentic narrow lanes, you will find the true soul of the Savoy. The villages are the ideal places to wander about, before warming up by a fireside with a hot chocolate.

Finally, for those looking for one last bit of fun on the slopes, Méribel’s toboggan runs are the perfect playground! Whether you’re looking to spend time with family or friends, and want a gentle ride or maximum thrills, Méribel offers safe areas for everyone.

In this way, you can spend your final day in Méribel at your own pace, relaxing and enjoying discoveries, fun and laughter, leaving you with another unforgettable memory of your week in the 3 Vallées.