Méribel, by a local

The unmissable sights

The resort's areas and hamlets

Méribel stretches across 1,000 m of vertical between 1,100 m (Les Allues) and 1,750 m (Mottaret). Each sector has its altitude, its atmosphere and its crowd.

• Méribel-Centre (1,450 m)

  The historic, lively heart of the resort. Restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, cable cars. Elegant wood architecture, Rond Point snow front. The most practical for nightlife, sometimes noisy in peak season.

• Méribel-Mottaret (1,750 m)

  The higher area, built in the 1970s. Total ski-in/ski-out — you click on at your front door. More family-oriented, younger, quieter in the evening. Ideal for hardcore skiers.

• Méribel-Village (1,400 m)

  A small residential area 2 km from the centre. Calmer, open views, chalet atmosphere. Connected to the slopes by its own cable car. Our favourite for a peaceful stay.

• Les Allues (1,100 m)

  The original pre-resort village, 100% authentic Savoyard vibe. Notably more affordable prices. Free funitel connection every 7 minutes to Méribel-Centre. Ideal for those who want charm without the bling.

• Le Raffort (1,300 m)

  A small hamlet between Les Allues and Méribel-Centre. Very little accommodation, timeless atmosphere, a starting point for winter and summer walks.

• L'Altiport (1,700 m)

  A plateau above Méribel-Centre, accessible by road or piste. Small altitude airfield, golf course in summer, a few prestige chalets. Very calm.

• Le Plateau (1,600 m)

  Intermediate sector between Méribel-Centre and Mottaret. Good gourmet addresses, direct access to the slopes.

The best things to do

• Ski the 3 Vallées (single pass)

  600 km of linked runs, the world's largest ski area. 3 Vallées pass cost-effective from 4 days. Set off early to make the connections.

• Drinks at the Rond Point at 4pm

  Méribel's unmissable après-ski experience. Live concerts by Toofan or guest bands, full-on atmosphere 4-7pm, dancing on tables.

• Ride up to the Saulire at sunset

  Evening cable car on selected dates in season. Sunset over Mont Blanc, ski down (if confident) or take the cable car back.

• Walk through the Les Allues hamlet

  The pre-resort village, its farmhouses, baroque church and fountain. 30-45 min calm stroll. Accessible by free shuttle.

• A spa day at a palace hotel

  L'Hélios, Le Grand Cœur, L'Antarès or Le Kaila open their spas as day passes. Sauna, hammam, pool, treatments. Ideal on a bad-weather day.

• Méribel cinema

  An all-wood screen in the heart of the centre, mainstream programming in original version or French. Perfect after dinner on a freezing evening.

• Tandem paragliding from the Saulire

  20 min panoramic flight, landing at the altiport. €130-150. An unforgettable experience above the domain.

• Off-piste skiing with a guide

  Vallée du Tour, Lac de la Cendrée, Mont Vallon north faces. ESF or UCPA guide essential — glaciated and avalanche-prone terrain.

• Dog sledding at Les Allues

  Sled rides 30 min or 1h through the forest, adults can drive. Several local mushers.

• Olympic Park for the kids

  Pool, slides, ice rink, bowling, climbing wall. Essential on a snowy or rainy day.

Our favourite walks

• Lac de Tueda loop (summer)

  A protected high-altitude lake in a nature reserve, above Mottaret. Easy 1h loop, shaded by Swiss stone pines. Family-friendly.

• Les Allues to Méribel trail

  1h30 gentle climb through meadows and hamlets. Follow the yellow markers. Option to descend by funitel.

• Mont de la Chambre (2,850 m, summer)

  High-altitude hike from Mottaret. 3h climb, exceptional 360° panorama over the 3 Vallées.

• Méribel-Village cross-country ski trail

  Three groomed loops (5, 8 and 12 km) through forest and pastures. Ski rental on site. Magical at sunrise.

• Bois d'Arbin snowshoe trail

  Marked 1h30 loop in the forest between Méribel-Village and the altiport. Accessible to beginners, snowshoe rental in town.

• Le Plan des Mains (2,100 m)

  A small altitude refuge at the foot of Mont Vallon, reachable on foot in summer (1h30) or by ski in winter. Sunny terrace lunch.

• Roc des 3 Marches loop

  Intermediate 4h hike from the top of the cable cars. Plunging views onto Mottaret and Val Thorens.

• Méribel MTB grand tour (summer)

  Méribel Bike Park and DH descent trails. Rental at Méribel-Centre and Mottaret. Full-face helmet recommended.

Savoyard specialities to taste

• Tartiflette

  Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. The French Alps' iconic dish, served everywhere.

• Fondue savoyarde

  Beaufort + Comté + Emmental, Apremont white wine. To share after a day's skiing. Ask for the « moitié-moitié » Beaufort-Reblochon variant.

• Raclette

  Half wheel of cheese, scraped onto steamed potatoes and charcuterie. The festive winter dish par excellence.

• Croziflette

  The local twist: crozets + reblochon + lardons. Crozets are small square buckwheat pasta, specific to Savoie. Our favourite.

• Diots de Savoie

  Savoyard sausages simmered in white wine and onions, often served with creamy polenta or crozets.

• Croûte aux morilles

  Toasted country bread with morel and Jura yellow-wine cream sauce. The smart Savoyard restaurant special.

• Gratin savoyard

  A lighter variant of dauphinois: potatoes, broth, grated beaufort, no cream. Worth discovering.

• Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères ». Produced in the neighbouring valley, excellent aged 12-24 months in alpage cellars.

• Reblochon AOP

  Cheese from neighbouring Haute-Savoie, soft-paste and washed-rind. Best at room temperature.

• Savoie wines

  Roussette, Apremont, Mondeuse, Chignin-Bergeron. Crisp and mineral, perfect with melted cheese.

• Homemade vacherin glacé

  A chic dessert: meringue, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, red berries. Served at the better tables.

Restaurants by mood and budget

Cafés and tea rooms

Great bars

• Le Rond Point des Pistes (« The Roundabout »)

  THE legendary Méribel bar. Live Toofan concerts, dancing on tables, the wildest British après-ski in the Alps. Open 4-7pm then again in the evening. An experience in itself.

• Jack's Bar (centre)

  Festive bar at the heart of Méribel-Centre, pub atmosphere, music programming, lively terrace. To start or extend the evening.

• Le Pub (Mottaret)

  Classic British pub in Mottaret. Beers, darts, sports screenings, good-natured vibe.

• Bear's Bar (near the snow front)

  Quieter cocktail bar, whisky selection, good wines. For a chilled aperitif.

• The Loft (centre)

  More upscale cocktail bar, lounge atmosphere, careful mixology. For a more mature evening.

• Dick's Bar (Hôtel Le Yéti)

  Trendy hotel bar that turns into a club late at night. DJs, dance floor.

• L'Évolution (centre)

  Pub-bar with pool table, sports screenings, live music programming.

Panoramic terraces

Méribel has no urban « rooftop » in the strict sense — the resort sits in a valley basin. On the other hand, the altitude terraces at the top of the cable cars offer panoramas no rooftop will ever match.

• Saulire summit restaurant (2,738 m)

  Full-south terrace at the top of the Saulire, view onto Mont Blanc. Decent altitude cuisine, incomparable panorama.

• Le Clos Bernard (Maison Tournier)

  Restaurant and terrace deep in the domain, reached on foot, ski or snowshoe. Magical forest setting, polished cuisine.

• Le Plan des Mains (2,100 m)

  Refuge-restaurant facing Mont Vallon. Sunny terrace, polished refuge cuisine. Magical in mid-afternoon.

• Les Pierres Plates (Saulire summit)

  Panoramic full-south terrace, accessible to non-skiers by cable car. Good Savoyard menu, 3 Vallées views.

• Mont Vallon terrace

  Small refuge at the top of Mont Vallon (2,952 m). Absolutely exceptional 360° view, sandwiches and hot drinks.

• The Altiport (1,700 m)

  Calm terrace above the resort, panoramic aircraft landings. Brasserie menu, private-club feel.

Nightlife

• Le Rond Point des Pistes

  The place to be from 4pm and well into the evening with live concerts and full-tilt energy. Dancing on tables guaranteed.

• Jack's Bar (centre)

  The other nightlife HQ, going later than the Rond Point. Live concerts, DJs, festive vibe until 2am.

• Le Pub (Mottaret)

  For those staying in Mottaret. English-pub atmosphere, theme nights, craft beers.

• Dick's Bar (Hôtel Le Yéti)

  One of the rare actual clubs in the resort. DJs, dance floor, open late. Mixed crowd of locals and tourists.

• Le O'Sullivan's

  Classic Irish pub, beers, sports screenings, easygoing vibe.

Good to know: Méribel nightlife is heavily concentrated on après-ski bars (the Rond Point especially) and a few pubs in the evening. For real club nights, you only really have Dick's. Méribel is above all a family and sports resort — people go to bed relatively early to ski again the next day.

Markets

• Les Allues market (Saturday morning)

  The only real local producers' market in the area, in the historic village. Alpage cheeses, charcuterie, honey, seasonal vegetables, Savoie wines. Our tip: an unmissable ritual.

• Méribel-Centre market (Thursday morning)

  Smaller, more touristy. A few producers, cheesemongers, charcutiers. Practical if you stay in the centre.

• Moûtiers market (Friday morning)

  The valley's main market, 18 km down. Very comprehensive, reasonable prices. For real chalet grocery shopping.

• Méribel Christmas market (December)

  Small wooden chalets on the central square, mulled wine, crafts, decorations. Magical atmosphere.

Unique activities

• The full 3 Vallées loop in one day

  Méribel → Courchevel → Méribel → Val Thorens → back to Méribel. Around 50 km of skiing, 7h on the slopes. For confident intermediate skiers, mandatory 8am start.

• Off-piste skiing with a high-mountain guide

  Vallée du Tour, Lac de la Cendrée, Mont Vallon north faces. UCPA, ESF Méribel, Bureau des Guides. Essential for off-piste.

• Tandem paragliding from the Saulire

  20 min flight in season, landing at the altiport. €130-150. Several certified schools.

• Sunrise altitude yoga

  Sessions at the top of cable cars at sunrise, run by some hotels and local yoga schools. Magical.

• Dog sledding at Les Allues

  30 min or 1h sled rides, adults can drive. Several mushers, booking essential.

• Olympic Park (pool + spa + ice rink)

  The Olympic complex at the foot of the resort. Slide pool, ice rink, climbing wall, bowling. Perfect on a snowy day.

• Méribel cinema

  All-wood screen in the centre, mainstream programming in original version or French. Ideal for a freezing evening.

• Méribel Mountain Music Festival (season)

  Outdoor and indoor concerts, festival vibe, pop-rock-electronic programming. Check dates.

• Downhill MTB at the Bike Park (summer)

  Marked runs for all levels from the summits, downhill kit rental, full-face helmet recommended.

• Lac de Tueda hike (summer)

  Nature reserve above Mottaret. A protected high-altitude lake surrounded by centuries-old Swiss stone pines. 1h loop.

Outings by profile

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

• Coopérative Laitière du Beaufortain

  On the road between Albertville and Méribel. Beaufort AOP aged in alpage, direct from producers. A detour that's well worth it.

• Le Refuge Pâtisserie (centre)

  For gâteau de Savoie, blueberry tart, homemade biscuits. Careful gift wrapping.

• Snell Sports (centre)

  Premium ski/mountain equipment. For a real jacket, technical gloves, a helmet. Expert advice.

• Les Allues Saturday market

  Alpage cheeses, honey, charcuterie, génépi straight from producers. The best source of edible souvenirs.

• Boutique Aux Petits Chalets (centre)

  Authentic Savoyard crafts: carved wood, stone, mountain décor. For a real piece of folk art.

• Distillerie Manguin (valley)

  Génépi, brandies, local liqueurs. Hold luggage only.

• Boutique du Beaufortain (centre)

  Everything for Savoyard cooking: raclette grills, fondue pots, diot pans, recipe books.

• Librairie du Centre

  Hiking and ski topo guides, mountaineering books, Savoie reference works. A lasting souvenir.

Local products to take home

• Alpage Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères » aged 12-24 months. Hard cheese, travels very well for weeks.

• Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

  Soft paste, washed rind. Keep cold, vacuum-packing available.

• Alpine génépi (liqueur)

  Local distilleries (Manguin, Dolin). Hold luggage only.

• Mountain honey (rhododendron, fir)

  Direct from producers at the Les Allues market. Hold luggage (liquid).

• Savoyard dry sausage

  Charcuterie with fennel, walnut or herbs. Perfect in carry-on.

• Bottle of Mondeuse or Apremont

  Savoie red or white wine. Hold luggage only.

• Opinel n°8 knife

  The regional icon, made in nearby Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Hold luggage only.

• Tomme de Savoie IGP

  Pressed uncooked cheese, milder than Beaufort. Travels very well.

• Buckwheat crozets

  Small square Savoie pasta. Dry and light, perfect in carry-on. To make croziflette at home.

Getting around — practical tips

• The Méribus (free shuttle)

  The free bus network serving the whole Méribel domain — Allues, centre, Mottaret, Méribel-Village, altiport. Every 10-15 min in season, essential.

• Les Allues funitel

  Free direct link between Les Allues (1,100 m) and Méribel-Centre (1,450 m) in 7 min. Panoramic view, essential if you stay at the bottom.

• The 3 Vallées pass

  One single pass for all 600 km of runs. Cost-effective from 4 ski days. Buy online to avoid the cash-desk queues.

• Internal skibus

  Several lines link the lifts to each other within the resort. Free with the lift pass or the guest card.

• Car

  Avoid in peak season — car parks saturated in Méribel-Centre. Park at the Belvédère lot (Mottaret) or at Les Allues, take the free shuttle.

• From Geneva airport

  2h by car or by direct shuttle (Mountain Drop-Offs, Ben's Bus, etc.). €50-90 per person in a shared shuttle.

• From Lyon airport

  2h by car via the A43. Direct shuttles several times a day.

• From Chambéry airport

  1h by car. The closest option, ideal if arriving on a domestic flight.

• SNCF train to Moûtiers

  TGV station 18 km away. Regular shuttle bus to Méribel (45 min). Eco-friendly comfortable option from Paris (4h30 direct TGV in season).

Mistakes to avoid

• Confusing Méribel-Centre and Méribel-Mottaret

  Two distinct areas 3 km apart, not connected on foot. To get from one to the other: skis, free shuttle or cable car. Check the exact location of your accommodation before booking.

• Underestimating Les Allues

  It's not the resort, but the original village — quieter, more authentic, more affordable. The free funitel shuttle to the centre takes 7 min. Ideal if you want Savoyard charm.

• Missing the Rond Point in the afternoon

  It's quintessentially Méribel, even if you don't go out at night. Drop in for a drink from 4pm, even for 30 minutes, for the atmosphere.

• Trying to « do it all » in the 3 Vallées in one day

  600 km of runs in a day is unmanageable. Pick 2-3 sectors and enjoy. The full loop is only feasible if you ski strongly and leave at 8am sharp.

• Driving to Méribel-Centre in season

  Saturated car parks, traffic, snow on the roads. Prefer the Belvédère car park at Mottaret or Les Allues + free shuttle.

• Booking a Savoyard restaurant every night

  Daily melted cheese = heavy digestion. Alternate with bistronomy, Asian fusion, or lighter altitude cuisine.

• Eating « savoyard » in any random restaurant

  Méribel has plenty of tourist traps. Our restaurant list avoids them, but check TripAdvisor or Tabelog before a random pick.

• Buying your ski pass at the cash desk in peak season

  30-45 min queues. Buy online at s3v.com, collect at a kiosk or directly at your hotel.

• Forgetting sunscreen in April

  Spring sun at 2,500 m burns terribly. SPF 50 minimum, lip balm, category 4 sunglasses.

Insider tips from the locals

• The 3 Vallées pass over the Méribel-only one

  Only €10-15 more per day for 600 km instead of 150 km. Cost-effective from 4 days. Take it without hesitation.

• Leave at 8am sharp for the 3 Vallées loop

  Inter-valley links close around 4pm. The earlier you leave, the further you go, the fewer people on the slopes.

• Stay at Les Allues = -30% on accommodation

  Savoyard charm, free shuttle to the centre every 7 min, authentic restaurants. The best budget tip.

• Rond Point at 4pm sharp to get a seat

  After 4.30pm it's standing on the table. Come early to enjoy seated with a piste view.

• Sunset at the top of the Saulire

  Evening cable car on selected dates in season. Pink-orange Mont Blanc view, ride down by cable car. Check the S3V calendar.

• Off-season = March (excellent snow + fewer people)

  Often excellent snow, spring sun, accommodation -20 to -30%. French school holidays avoided.

• Free guest card

  Ask your SmartStay host on arrival. Grants access to free shuttles + various activity discounts.

• Altitude restaurants before 12.30pm or after 2pm

  To avoid the 1h queues at the down-mountain cable cars between 2 and 2.30pm.

• Buy your cheese at the Les Allues Saturday market

  20-30% cheaper than in resort, better quality, direct contact with producers.

Suggested itineraries

Méribel has to be earned in its own way — not through the harshness of altitude like Chamonix, but through the richness of an immense domain where you have to choose well, through the art of après-ski you need to know how to live, and through the patience of good skiers who really want to taste the 3 Vallées. Take time to ski well, to come down for dinner at Les Allues at least once, and to look up at the wooden chalets as you head home in the evening. And if you need advice during your stay — weather, guide, last-minute booking — our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week.

Enjoy Méribel — and see you at the Rond Point at 4pm for one last drink facing the slopes.