For a long time now Meribel has been a very popular destination for brits, not just for holidays but for seasonaires. The resort lies within the "3 Valleys" ski area which also consists of Couchevel and the highest resort in France, Val Thorens. These three resorts make up one of the largest ski areas in Europe, with over 600km of piste runs.
There is enough terrain to spend a lifetime exploring new areas. For freeriding, check out the Campagnol and Combe Vallon. These two areas always have plenty of powder. There is also the Glacier du Borgne which has some really nice long off-piste runs, however you should make sure you have either a guide or an experienced local with you as there are hidden dangers such as crevasses as with all glacial terrain.

For freestyle, the whole mountain is oozing with great natural roll overs and drop-offs. The snowpark is very well maintained and is located at Plattieres 2. There's also a boardercross track and halfpipe which is where you'll find most of the British riders will no doubt be. The pipe here is one of the best in France. There's a smaller park near the Tougnette lift station, which is usually a bit quieter than the main park although by no means as extensive.

If you only buy a pass for the Meribel area you would have plenty to choose from, but for longer stays it is definitely worth buying a pass which covers the whole three valleys area. Val Thorens lies at 2800m making it the highest resort in Europe, and offers some spectacular high altitude riding. The glacial terrain of the Peclet or Chaviere glaciers is some of the most challenging in the area, and there is some sick powder to be had here. Val Thorens also has it's own park near the Funitel chairlift. There is a pipe and boardercross track as well as some nice medium sized kickers. Still, the best park is in Meribel.

Night life is pretty good compared with other French resorts, but if you go out at night I think it would be easy to forget you are actually in France not England due to the amount of English people about.
Nightlife in Val Thoren is interesting, pretty much same old same old really and the resort itself is so ugly that it's almost better to spare your eyes and get the beers in at home. VT is plagued by tour group skiers drinking tequila and hugging each other a lot. Personally I think they're great as it gives you something to laugh at but I guess for some people it could get slightly annoying. In VT I think your best bet if you can't beat 'em bloody well join 'em. Bit of karaoke never hurt anyone…

To travel to Meribel, fly to Grenoble and get a bus to the resort, or get a bus direct from the UK. Meribel is located about an hours drive east of Grenoble, slap bang in the middle of the Alps.



:: ALL RESORTS A-Z AUSTRIA >> Saalbach Hinterglemm FRANCE >> Avoriaz Chamonix Chatel Courchevel Les Deux Alpes Flaine La Rosiere Les Arcs Les Gets Meribel Morzine Tignes Val D'Isere ITALY >> Campo Felice Livigno La Thuile SPAIN >> Baqueira Beret Cerler Sierra Nevada SWITZERLAND >> Laax Les Crossets Saas Fee St. Moritz Verbier USA >> Breckenridge Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Snow Summit CANADA >> Whistler Blackcomb