How do you get to Méribel?
The journey is part of your holiday, so let’s make it as enjoyable as possible.
So, when shall we see you?
From the resort’s opening on 5 December to the ESF Instructors’ Challenge in mid-April, the 2026–2027 winter season will be packed with exciting events: shows, concerts, novel entertainments and competitions will keep the resort buzzing from morning till night, and there’ll be new surprises throughout the season.
Discover the programme of the winter’s main events, to enjoy with family or friends!
The first day of the season always has a special feel to it. Join us from 11.30 am at the base of the Bouquetin chairlift for a traditional aperitif of a distinctly Savoyard flabour: local folk songs accompanied by the accordion, cold meats and cheeses, all in a friendly atmosphere.
At lunchtime, head to the Chalet Détente, near the Méribel sign on Saulire. The chefs from Le Clos Bernard and La Folie Douce are hosting “Chefs au Sommet”, a chance of taste savoury and sweet dishes whilst savouring that breath-taking view of the 3 Vallées that you’ve missed all summer long.
The day will end on the Méribel-Mottaret snow front, with entertainment and another tasting session (yes, yet another one), accompanied, of course by “vin-chaud” mulled wine.
5 December 2026
The latest creation by Philippe and Olivia Candeloro, “La Fille du Marchand de Sable”, (the Sandman’s daugher), is a modern fairy tale on ice. Combining figure skating, dance and visual storytelling, let yourself be swept away into a magical dream world. This 75 minute show, suitable for all ages, takes you on a journey of discovery into the world of fantasy and Father Christmas. An occasion to share a memorable moment with family or friends during your Christmas holidays!
To find out all about the show, read our interview with Philippe Candeloro below.
22 December 2026
At the end of December, the Corbey stadium in Méribel will host two FIS (International Ski Federation) slalom races, with one special feature this year: they will take place at night. The women’s event kicks off the competition, followed by the men’s slalom the next day, under the floodlights. Both races also serve as part of the Moroccan Championships, an arrangement that allows French skiers competing on the FIS and European Cup circuits to come and pick up points. It’s a chance to see top-level slalom at a time of year when people usually put their skis away.
28 – 29 December 2026
For New Year’s Eve, La Folie Douce is setting up on the Méribel-Mottaret snow-front for a huge open-air party. The evening will get off to a chilled start at 8 pm, then the musicians and dancers will take over until midnight. After the traditional fireworks display, DJ Albass – who is both a DJ and a percussionist – will blend his house and electro mixes with live percussion to get everyone on the snowfront in the mood.
To ensure you can enjoy the evening without worrying about a tricky journey home, free shuttle buses will run to the various villages throughout the evening.
31 December 2026
Every Thursday in January, Méribel invites you to (re)discover jazz in all its forms with a new edition of the Jazz Variations Festival. From one Thursday to the next, the scene takes on a completely different flavour. The Buttshakers blend soul, funk and rock around the gravelly, powerful voice of Ciara Thompson, hailing from Missouri: nearly fifteen years on stage, and a groove that leaves no one sitting still. Siân Pottok brings a completely different vibe, blending jazz, folk, soul and African and Brazilian sounds. As for Salsa Libertad, they set sail for Cuba and Latin America, with tunes that have travelled the globe. A festive journey to the heart of the Caribbean, inviting everyone to dance and sing along. The festival closes on 28 January with Amrat Hussain and Family, performing traditional Indian music.
7, 14, 21 & 28 January 2027
Immerse yourself in the world of outdoor sports with the Xplore Alpes Festival! On the programme: screenings of award-winning films celebrating adventure, the great outdoors and thrills, all in a friendly atmosphere. Come and discover our selection of cinematic gems and be left breathless by the spectacular imagery!
12 January 2027
At the end of January, the international telemark circuit returns to Méribel for two days of World Cup action at the Corbey stadium. On the programme are the Classic event followed by the Parallel Sprint, for both women and men. This round holds special significance for the resort: Andy Rostolan and Charly Petex, two telemark skiers competing at international level who hail from Méribel, are expected to line up at the start – sure to get the home crowd fired up. Two different formats to discover this demanding and spectacular discipline, with free entry for spectators.
28 – 29 January 2027
In early February, the Paname Art Café is leaving Paris and setting up shop at the Méribel Auditorium for the second-year running.
Over six evenings, from 8.15 pm to 10.15 pm, big names in stand-up comedy and up-and-coming talents will take turns on stage, with a different headliner every night. If you’re planning to come that week, you’d better work on your core strength: six evenings laughing with a line-up like that will take its toll on the slopes the next day.
31 – 5 February 2027 Get my tickets
Why not give mountain biking on snow a go? Discover Méribel on an electric mountain bike with wide tyres, riding through snow-covered landscapes and experiencing something completely new. Set off every day, in the morning or afternoon, on a ride punctuated by gourmet breaks – perfect for recharging your batteries. Helmets and high-visibility vests are provided, ensuring your group remains clearly visible on the slopes. Led by qualified instructors, these tours guarantee safety and fun, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker.
7 – 13 March 2027
In March, the Saulire Express gondola lift is transformed into a truly extraordinary gastronomic experience. Following its debut last winter, “Dîner dans les airs” returns for two special evenings curated by Laurent Azoulay, the Michelin-starred chef at L’Ekrin in Méribel.
It all begins on the snow front as dusk falls. The chef will welcome you with a cocktail and a few canapés, to build anticipation for the experience that awaits you. Once the aperitif is over, you board the Saulire Express, whose cabins have been fully kitted out for the evening: thick blankets, hot water bottles and soft lighting. Everything has been carefully planned to make this ascent a luxurious and intimate interlude.
Behind the scenes, it’s a real logistical challenge. On the snow-front at La Chaudanne, the chef sets up a pop-up kitchen from which his team prepares the dishes within strict timeframes, before loading them into the cabins. A behind-the-scenes feat, where every detail contributes to a memorable meal.
8 & 15 March 2027
In March, our celebration of theatre returns with three comedies. On the 11th, “Chers Parents” (Dear Parents) kicks off the series. On the 18th, it’s time for “Sexe, Magouilles et Culture générale” (sex, schemes and general knowledge), Laurent Baffie’s satirical comedy, followed by “Si c’était à refaire” (If we had our time again), on 25 March. Three evenings to round off your days in the mountains with a cultural interlude, whilst having a good laugh.
11, 18 & 25 March 2027
In mid-March, the Riders Film Festival celebrates skiing, snowboarding and freestyle. Dedicated to snow sports culture, the event brings together riders, filmmakers and brands for film screenings, whilst extending the experience out on the slopes. During the day, activities take over the snow-park, and in the evening, the spotlight is on the images and stories of those who bring these disciplines to life. A fusion of cinema and the outdoors, where practice, creativity and riding culture come together.
19 March 2027
Following on from First Tracks, Méribel is expanding the concept with Last Tracks, a new event designed to let you enjoy the slopes as the days grow longer. On 23 and 30 March, starting from the Roc de Tougne chairlift in Mottaret, an aperitif accompanied by music precedes the very last run of the day, on a freshly groomed slope. Participants then set off in the glow of the first stars, with headlamps attached to their helmets. It’s another way to explore the ski area as the light fades and the valley appears very quiet from above.
23 & 30 March 2027
At the end of March, the Méribel-Altiport Nordic ski area will host the French Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon Championships, which will bring the elite competitive skiers’ season to a close before the spring break. The programme includes the mass start, relay and Nordic combined events, featuring athletes from the French national cross-country skiing and biathlon teams, as well as members of the Méribel Sports Club. On Saturday, the event closes in the centre of Méribel, with an awards ceremony and an autograph session attended by the athletes.
26 – 28 March 2027
In early April as days get longer and spring is on its way the Place Maurice Front takes on the atmosphere of a dancefloor once more. On Friday 2 April, Soundclash returns for another edition in the heart of the resort – a DJ battle celebrating the legendary rivalry between France and England. Set after set, artists from both sides go head-to-head, with a variety of genres taking turns to get everyone dancing. Ultimately, it is above all the celebration (as festive as these nations themselves) of Franco-British friendship that has been the lifeblood of Méribel since its inception.
2 April 2027
This year, the “Défi de l’Olympe” is adopting a new two-day format. On Saturday 3 April, it’s time for something new with La Nocturne du Défi: an evening trail run, partly on snow, from La Folie Douce in Méribel to Brides-les-Bains. On Sunday 4 April, it’s back to the traditional format with a six-hour non-stop challenge, either solo or in pairs: participants tackle the steep climbs from Brides-les-Bains to Les Allues, whilst the descents are made by cable car. This format adds a downhill challenge whilst retaining the endurance test.
3 – 4 April 2027
In mid-April, thousands of ESF instructors from all over France descend on Méribel for an extraordinary Challenge, where each one represents their home resort in their own discipline: slalom, cross-country, freestyle, ski cross and plenty more.
The racing is serious, but the atmosphere is more like a party among colleagues, full of friendly rivalries and long-awaited reunions. This year, the event has a special flavour. For its 75th edition, the Challenge returns to Méribel, where it all began in 1951. It is the last big event of the winter, a mix of sport and good company to end the season on a high.
13 – 18 April 2027
And there you have it. You now know a lot more about what is waiting for you in Méribel this winter, and plenty more surprises will be added as the season goes on. We can’t wait to share it all with you!