Ski Meribel - Ski Resort Guide
Meribel truly is a gem in the heart of the three valleys ski area. It’s well preserved rustic charms are all thanks to Colonel Peter Lindsay who started the resort in 1938 and since then has fastidiously stuck to his original plans of a genuine alpine village. The nightlife is vibrant and the pistes extensive and varied…what more do you need.
Where to Party?
In Meribel, what often starts as a few innocent après ski tipples can quite often develop into a wild raucous all-nighter. People are here to make the most of their days and even more of their nights. There is a fab selection of bars and clubs where you can wet your whistle, here are a few of our personal favourites.
Le Rond Point (next to chalets Martine & Marcelle) Often referred to as the ‘Ronnie’ based on the ‘Doron Piste’ this is a great place to stop for the first drink of the evening. Be warned, you may need to give in and carry your skis and get the free bus back to resort.
The Doron Pub You’ll find it near the Tourist Office. Good for live music. Can get pretty crazy early on. Scotts downstairs is a little calmer with fabulous cocktails and comfortable sofas.
Le Rastro Over in Mottaret, this bar has a brilliant reputation, especially on Tuesdays when the DJ spins all his best 70’s and 80’s records – guaranteed to get you dancing.
Le Poste If you’re looking for something a bit more up market the best bet is Le Poste. Next door to the post office this is the smartest bar in town. Dig deep as it’s not cheap.
Barometer Adds a little more sophistication to the proceedings. Free wifi, and serves the elixir more commonly known as Mutzig lager. At which point the sophistication goes out the window.
Dicks Tea Bar This crazy place surely needs no introduction, even to the non-skier. Full of chalet girls hoping to impress the cool crowd, Dicks Tea Bar has quite a reputation. Popular with the British and free entry before midnight.
Le Loft For something a bit more peaceful try Le Loft. The clientele here are more cosmopolitan and the whole place feels more relaxed. Open until four playing chilled out house.
Le Privilege If you are staying in Mottaret it makes sense to party there too as taxis can be exorbitant at 3 or 4 in the morning. This night club is everything you’d expect from a French discothèque and more. An amusing night out.
Where to Eat?
As ever, meat cheese and potatoes are very popular here. This is something that has still remained a trait of the Alps although the necessity of eating these calorific meals isn’t quite as crucial as it was. There are plenty of other types of cuisine on offer here and if you like to play it safe then don’t worry, Meribel has been catering admirably for us Brits for seventy years.
The Allodis Hotel At around 50-100Euros per head without booze, this is definitely one for special occasions. Based in Belvedere, the standard of food here is high – choose the set menus for the best value.
Grand Coeur Hotel Very similar experience and price range to the Allodis Hotel. Located in the centre of Chamonix.
Chez Kiki Kiki (next to chalet Sabine) has consistently served up the best steaks in the Alps for at least 30yrs now. Your steak will be grilled to perfection in front of your very eyes over an open fire then served with delicious local side dishes. Pricey, but not to be missed.
La Taverne In the centre of Meribel this comfortable restaurant has all bases covered. Whether it’s a snack or a full blown three course meal La Taverne can deliver. Affordable and has excellent service.
Aux Petites Oignons This recently refurbished restaurant (used to be Les Enfants Terribles) has succeeded in creating a warm friendly atmosphere with an excellent menu. Mondays are tapas night with live music. Vegetarians have more choice than is usually to be found in France.
La Tsaretta This ambient restaurant also has a lively bar downstairs open till one which serves great bar snacks and pizzas. The restaurants food is more refined with good variety and value. Find it in the middle of Les Allues.
Le Refuge Serves up cheap and cheerful pizzas, steaks and salads in the centre of Meribel. Popular with seasonnaires.
Pizza Express (next to Chalet Lou Trave and castor) Located above Dicks Tea bar. You may wonder why this British franchise deserves a mention. Well…the pizzas here are amazing, also available for take away. Kids love it and are well catered for but the main reason it gets a shout out is their brilliant Beatles night on Tuesdays.
La Lodge du Village Best known for its large sunny terraces and superb hearty Italian food. Right in the centre this is also great for a bit of apres Ski and live music.
Hotel La Croix One of the oldest buildings in Meribel, this is the place to go for the best authentic Savoyard menu. It’s well known with the locals and gets all it’s produce fresh from the market. Prices are still reasonable considering the food is virtually gourmet standard. Good wine list too.
La Fromagerie For the best fondues in town, head for the Fromagerie in the centre of Meribel.
What to do?
Méribel is well known for its enormous ice rink which host concerts, ice driving and international hockey matches. There a plenty of shops, museums and galleries if the weather sets in. It’s an exceptionally pretty ski resort just to go for a stroll around and if you’re looking for something other than the stock skiing and boarding then Meribel has it all.
Olympic centre for gym, climbing wall and tenpin bowling
Cinema
Spas and Massage centre
Snow Biking
Dog sledding
Snow Shoeing
Learn to fly
Hot air ballooning
Skidooing
Paragliding
Piste Basher driving
Snow Karting
Winter walking trails
Heli-skiing
Glacier walking
Ice climbing
