Your Complete Guide to Winter in Méribel
Méribel is the perfect place for alpine adrenaline junkies and winter wanderers alike. Known as “The Heart of the 3 Valleys”, Méribel sits in the centre of the 600km of pistes that the 3 Valley ski area has to offer. Méribel has plenty of activities to make your winter holiday a magical mountain experience! Read on for ideas on how to make the most of your stay in Méribel.
Outdoor Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding: At 600km of skiable pistes, the 3 Valleys is the world’s largest ski area. Made up of seven resorts, with Méribel at its centre. Our hotel is located across the road from the main lift hub providing easy access to a network of 160 ski lifts. A popular ski area and for good reason, there is something for everyone – from beginners to seasoned experts alike. With 300km of marked runs and 62,000 metres of cumulative vertical drop, cruisey blues to gnarly blacks, and epic backcountry tours, there’s always fun or a challenge to be found.
Snow Parks: Know your “indys” from your “mutes”, or your “rodeos” from your “corks”? Then Meribel’s world-class snow park is for you! Accessed via the Plattieres gondola from Méribel-Mottaret, the Méribel snow park is home to expertly shaped kickers, a variety of boxes and rails as well as a half pipe. A progressive snow park where park riders of all abilities will feel comfortable with laying down their favourite tricks or trying to nail that new learn.
Sledging: Fancy some fun for the family? The Black Forest Mission luge is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Glide through the Arbin Forest on a 3.4km sledge track, down a 470m descent, and zip around 27 corners. A mystical experience for all kids big and small, you might even spot some elves or goblins. Accessed via Chaudanne, across the road from Les Grangettes Hotel.
Olympic Centre: Open between December and April, the Parc Olympique de Méribel offers a 25m swimming pool with a water slide, paddling pool, and gym facilities. Themed evenings and activities are held regularly as well as swimming lessons. Check the tourist office website for more details.
Ice-Skating: A winter holiday isn’t complete without sliding on ice, so you may as well make sure it’s in an ice rink! The Méribel Ice Skating rink can be found in the Parc Olympique de Méribel, opposite Les Grangettes Hotel. Open to the public during winter, equipment and lessons are available. You might even catch the Bouquetins, our local ice-hockey team, at demonstration matches every Tuesday.
Horse Riding and Reindeer Sleigh: Slow down and make your winter holiday magical with a reindeer or pony sleigh ride. La Ranch Nordique is a working equestrian centre open all year round. In addition to sleigh rides, other activities are offered for the whole family including horse rides and ski-joëring. If you are a first-timer or expert, a range of lessons and excursions are available.
Bars and restaurants
Le Blanchot: Gourmet French, €€€. Le Blanchot is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience. With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients, the talented chefs create innovative and refined dishes. The elegant ambience and impeccable service add to the overall charm of this culinary gem.
La Taverne: Savoyard, €. La Taverne is a cosy restaurant that specializes in traditional Savoyard cuisine. Sample the famous melted cheese dishes such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, which are perfect for indulging in the mountain atmosphere. The warm and inviting atmosphere of La Taverne creates a memorable dining experience.
La Fromagerie: Cheese-centric, €€. La Fromagerie is a must-visit for cheese lovers. This cosy restaurant is dedicated to showcasing the finest local and regional cheeses. Indulge in a cheese platter or opt for one of their delightful cheese-based dishes. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the cheese selection, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Copiña: Tapas and cocktails, €€. Copiña has established itself as the town’s favourite bar. The intimate and cosy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying the social world of cocktails – a bespoke menu that you won’t find anywhere else. They boast a collection of wines and craft beer that accompany modern tapas, allowing you to indulge whilst sitting at an elegant marble bar – the perfect alternative to restaurant dining.
Jacks: International, €. Jacks is a lively restaurant and bar that combines international flavours with a fusion twist. The menu features a diverse range of dishes inspired by various culinary traditions. From Asian-inspired delicacies to homemade sourdough pizzas, plus a unique selection of craft beers. Jacks offers a friendly and satisfying dining experience in Méribel.
Ski Rental
Making sure you have the right ski and snowboard equipment can be a bit of a daunting task. More vitally, the perfect fitting boot and set-up can make or break (quite literally) a good time on the slopes.
For all of your winter holiday equipment needs we recommend Slide Candy.
Slope Etiquette
Did you know there is something called the FIS Ski-way code? Adhered to throughout the world, it is a set of guidelines by the Fédération Internationale de Ski, to ensure the safety of skiers and snowboarders while enjoying the sport they love. We encourage you to read the full guidelines FIS Ski-Way Code.
Your Winter Vacation Starts Here
With so much to do and explore in Méribel and the 3 Valleys, you’ll find it difficult to pack it all into one week. But with Hotel Les Grangettes, we can certainly help you try. We want to make your winter holiday the most epic mountain adventure it can be. So, book with us now for winter 2024/25 to guarantee your place at the foot of the slopes.