General Resort Information
Meribel is an attractive and lively resort that has lots to offer skiers / boarders and non-skiers alike. It’s no wonder that many couples, families and groups of friends all return year after year!
Meribel consists of a central area and a number of satellite villages linked with the lift system. It is built in traditional chalet-style and boasts both great nightlife and great skiing / boarding. It is a resort where very few of the chalets or apartments are on the pistes but a free shuttle bus runs regularly to carry visitors around, plus when you choose a catered holiday with Alpine Ethos you have the luxury of your own private minibus service to and from the slopes / lifts in the morning and afternoon / evening.
Off the slopes
Meribel isn’t just about the skiing and boarding, there is plenty to do off the slopes so non-skiers definitely won’t get bored.
Snow-shoeing, dog-sledding and snow-mobiling are just a few of the varied activities on offer plus there is a health spa and gym, swimming pool, climbing wall, bowling alley, ice rink and cinema in resort as well as numerous shops and bars / restaurants galore – perfect for watching the world go by whilst sipping a café crème or vin chaud.
It is also possible to purchase pedestrian passes for a number of the cable cars so non-skiers can easily meet up with friends / family for a drink or delicious lunch at one of the many mountain restaurants or even venture over to Courchevel 1850 for the day to people watch and browse in the designer shops.
Here are some details about a few of the varied activities on offer…..
Snow Shoe Outings
Outings either with or without a guide. Equipment is available for hire locally or you can join the ESF or Raquett Evasion and take a guided walk.
The cost includes equipment hire and refreshment!
Cost
- Approx for Half Day 20 - 30 Euros
Dog Sledding
Take part in a guided outing in the forests of Meribel Village. This is a very exhilarating way to see some spectacular scenery and is also great fun!
Cost Per Person
- 1 Hour : approx 50 Euros
- Half Day : approx 100 Euros
- Evening Outing : approx 50 Euros
Snow Mobiling (Moto Neige)
Take a ride on a Snow Mobile either driving or as a passenger. Snowmobiling excursions are offered in Meribel-Mottaret once the slopes close to skiers. There are organised trips during the early evening and night-time at 3 levels to suit all abilities.
Cost
- 1hr : From approx 70 Euros
- There is also Mini Moto Neige especially for Children (from approx 10 Euros per session).
Parapenting
Take a twin flight with an Instructor from the top of the Saulire or Col de la Loze for a great view of the Valley.
Cost
- Twin Flight : From approx 90 Euros
Mountain Flying
Meribel is one of those rare resorts lucky enough to possess its own Altiport. Take an aerial tour of the 3 Valleys in a light aircraft. The Meribel Altiport offers scenic flights, minimum 2 people.
Take one of the following tours:- Prices per person
- The Meribel Valley : approx 35 Euros
- The 3 Valleys : approx 70 Euros
- The Tarentaise Area : approx 110 Euros
- The Mont Blanc Range : approx 180 Euros
Walking Trails
Meribel was one of the first resorts to develop an extensive network of walking trails. The 25 km of groomed, marked trails are regularly maintained by the National Forestry Office so that walkers may discover the mountain and its tranquil environment at their own pace, under optimal conditions, in security and comfort.
Picking the best itinerary is easy just pick up the hiking trail map published by the Meribel Tourist Office. Trail conditions and availability (like those posted for the ski runs) are posted each morning.
Apres-Ski
Meribel has a fantastic and varied nightlife, from quiet cosy bars to
lively après pubs and nightclubs, it has it all. If live music is your
thing you will definitely be spoilt for choice as several bands play each
and every day in the different bars and pubs around the resort.
One of our favourite places for a few cheeky après drinks is Jacks bar which is conveniently located just across from La Chaudanne in Meribel centre. Live music usually features from 5pm every other day and there are always a number of successful theme nights and events organised throughout the season that tend to involve copious amounts of toffee vodka!
Another great après ski hangout is the Rond Point (or Ronnie) which you'll find on your way down the mountain. With its huge terrace and daily live music it is a great place to people watch or discuss the highlights of the day over a couple of pints or vin chauds. Afterwards you can either ski back to the Chaudanne or hop on the free ski bus back into town.
After dinner our favourite places are Jacks, La Taverne, Scotts or Doron
Pub and if we have any energy left then we head to the infamous Dick’s
Tea Bar!
For those of our guests staying in Chalet Ballenberg or in Chalet St Joseph on one of our catered packages we are happy to provide a minibus run into Meribel centre after dinner (before 10pm) for those that want to party, go bowling / ice skating or just sample one or two of the local bars etc. The free ski bus to Meribel centre also operates until approx midnight each day and stops within close proximity of both our chalets. After midnight there are plenty of taxis to return you safely from the late night bars and clubs.
Restaurants
There is an excellent selection of restaurants in and around resort to suit all tastes (and budgets) and we’re more than happy to provide recommendations and make bookings for lunch or dinner on your behalf.
Here is just a sample of some of our favourites…
Le Martagon
Lovely traditional restaurant situated in Le Raffort opposite the Olympic gondola mid station. A varied menu including fantastic steaks cooked on an open fire plus savoyarde specialities such as raclette, fondue and Pierre chaude. This is also a very good place for lunch with a very reasonably priced Plat du Jour, but it’s definitely advisable to book as it is very popular with the locals.
La Galette
Cosy and bustling restaurant situated in Meribel centre. Gallettes (savoury pancakes), pizzas and traditional savoyarde dishes such as Raclette and Pierre chaudes are on offer.
Chez Kiki
Pricey but definitely a good choice for a special occasion. The cote de boeuf cooked on an open fire is out of this world and literally melts in your mouth. The restaurant is situated in the Morel area of Meribel.
Le Refuge
A very popular restaurant ideally situated in Meribel centre. There is a lovely a la carte restaurant upstairs with very good service and an enormous varied menu (the confit of duck is strongly recommended!). Downstairs there is a more casual pizzeria that offers great home made pizzas and a selection of other dishes including steaks.
La Flambe
A really good French Italian restaurant in Meribel centre that serves a selection of pizza and pasta dishes as well as traditional Savoyarde specialities.
Les Allues
Those of our guests staying in Chalet St Joseph have the convenience of being just a few minutes walk from the cosy bars and excellent restaurants of Les Allues centre.
The infamous La Tsaretta bar and restaurant is just a couple of minutes walk from Chalet St Joseph and is great for all your après-ski needs. The downstairs bar is great for catching up with friends over a pizza from their bar menu whilst upstairs there is a full service restaurant which provides fantastic food in a very pleasant setting.
There is also a small supermarket and Tabac in the village as well as a ski hire shop, children’s nursery / crèche, a museum and church.
Guests staying in Chalet Ballenberg that fancy sampling what Les Allues has to offer can easily take the free ski bus into the village centre as it is just a few stops on from Chandon or alternatively jump on the Olympic gondola direct from Meribel centre. La Tsaretta also provide their own minibus service in the evening for guests that have reserved a table in the restaurant.
Child Care
At Alpine Ethos we recognise it is important that all of the family enjoy their stay with us. We are a family friendly company and welcome children all ages.
In resort there are a variety of child care options to suit your family’s needs including local crèche facilities, private nannies and “baby sitters”. Baby sitters tend to be more qualified than our UK version and most tourist offices have a list of registered people that they recommend to customers depending on their needs. If you are not sure which facility to use for the children in your group please call us to discuss your options.
Here are some childcare services in Meribel we are happy to recommend.
Kids Etcetera
Kids Etc is a well established childcare company situated in Les Allues, Meribel, just a few minutes walk from Chalet St Joseph. They can provide peace of mind with a fully flexible private nanny service at the chalet or at their kids playgroup which is a chalet built and designed for the sole purpose of childcare.
Full and half days are available, all helping to meet individual family requirements. There is a pick up and drop of service available from the chalet should you choose to use the Playgroup, although for those guests staying in Chalet St Joseph it is just a few minutes walk away! They also have a range of baby and toddler equipment available to hire.
For all terms and conditions please see the Kidsetc website [www.kidsetc.co.uk]
Contact: Shirley O’Neill
Kids Etc
Chalet Franoux - Route St Joseph, 73550 Les Allues
Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0) 4.79.00.71.39
Mobile: 00 33 (0) 6.22.62.69.03
www.kidsetc.co.uk
E-mail: shirls@kidsetc.co.uk
Les Farfadets
They offer full or part time English speaking nannies, nappy pack, food pack and childcare equipment hire.
Tel: 0033 (0) 689 288 150
http://www.lesfarfadets.com
E-mail: info@lesfarfadets.com
Merinannies
Merinannies offer private nanny and babysitting services for babies and children up to 14 years of age.
Their Nannies will arrive at the chalet with a bag full of exciting and stimulating activities and games and, with your consent, accompany your children on outside activities, ensuring your children enjoy their time while you enjoy yours. The nannies work from 9 to 5pm every day of the week however this is a flexible service and hours can be arranged to suit your individual requirements. Babysitting services are available outside of the nanny service hours however they do need to be booked in advance.
www.merinannies.co.uk
katia@merinannies.co.uk
Mobile / Text : +44(0) 7860 925055
UK Office: 01858 468820
ESF (Ecole de Ski Francais)
Les Saturnins (From 18 months to 3 years)
At the Olympic Centre at La Chaudanne (Meribel Centre) Les Saturnins crèche offer care for children aged 18 months to 3 years and it is conveniently located next to the main ski area. They offer fun play areas inside and out (weather permitting) and you can choose if you would like to have mornings, afternoons or full days with lunch.
http://www.esf-meribel.com/
T: 00 33 (0) 479 08 66 90 - Fax 00 33 (0) 479 08 60 80
P’tits Loups / Les Piou Piou (From 3 to 5 years)
Little ones aged 3 to 5 may attend one of the resort’s three kindergarten centres, located at Rond-Point des Pistes, La Chaudanne and Meribel-Mottaret. Designed to help your little ones discover the joys of their first sliding experience children learn to discover snow by playing games, sliding, sledging and skiing in protected play areas, all under the watchful supervision of qualified instructors. Each kindergarten has large, snow-covered playgrounds with surface-lifts, inflatable cartoon characters and ski merry-go-rounds. Heated chalets with napping areas and indoor games are also available.
http://www.esf-meribel.com/
T: 00 33 (0) 479 08 60 31
Fax: 00 33 (0) 479 08 60 80
For Children over 5 years they are able to start ski school, please see our “Ski and Board” web page for details of recommended ski schools.
Supervised Meals
Parents who dream of skiing on their own all day may opt for the supervised-meal program that serves children delicious, well-balanced meals in dining rooms designed especially for them. Open to any child aged 3 to 13 who is enrolled in an ESF program. Children are identified by coloured numbers worn on their backs and escorted to and from lunch by their ski instructor.
Tel. ESF: 00 33 (0) 479 08 60 31
For further information on the resort please visit Meribel's website. [www.merinet.com]