Ski Area
When you join us on an Alpine Ethos ski or snowboard holiday you have easy access to 600km of world-class skiing in the 3 Valleys (Les 3 Vallees) so you will never be bored. Whatever your level there are countless runs to suit you plus there is fantastic off-piste skiing and boarding right at your fingertips.
The 3 Valleys
The 3 Valleys is the largest and best linked ski area in the world being home to 8 internationally renowned resorts. Meribel occupies prime position at its very heart, allowing skiers and boarders to access all the other valleys and over 600km of marked pistes with ease.
On the eastern side of the Meribel Valley ride the gondola to the top of Saulire or take a chair up to Col de la Loze to explore the Valley of Courchevel and La Tania. To the west, ski down into the Valley of Belleville and the varied resorts of St Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens are all within easy reach as well as the hidden resort of Orelle in the Maurienne Valley beyond.
The quality and breadth of the ski domain means skiers and boarders alike may tear down runs all day without ever having to take the same route twice!
Piste/Lift Map of the 3 Valleys (PDF file)
The resorts of the 3 Valleys:
- Courchevel
- La Tania
- Meribel
- Meribel Mottaret
- Les Menuires
- St Martin de Belleville
- Val Thorens
- Orelle
3 Valleys statistics:
- Height - 600m to 3200m
- Ski slopes : 600km
- Number of ski lifts : 200
- Number of skiers transported hourly : 260,000
- Number of snow cannons : 1,500
- Hectares of groomed runs : 2,500
- Number of ski patrollers : 320
- Piste bashers : 70
- Ski instructors : 1,500
- Cross-country ski tracks : 130 km
Meribel Valley
Meribel is without a doubt paradise for the winter sports enthusiast. The size and quality of the ski area is fantastic, as well as its superb and picturesque setting. Furthermore its central location makes it the best base for exploring the entire 3 Valleys area.
Meribel Valley piste map (PDF file)
The Sunny Valley
One of the advantages of Meribel is the north-south orientation of the Valley. This enables skiers and boarders to cruise Meribel’s 150 km of runs in the sun all day long. The day’s first rays touch upon Tougnète and reach down to Les Menuires before advancing over the slopes of Saulire towards Courchevel. When the sun is at its peak the Meribel Valley is flooded with light and warmth.
Another Meribel plus is the possibility of skiing in almost all weather conditions. A number of the resort’s runs lead from 3000m down to below 1000m, meaning they are both protected and marked out by lines of pine trees. When visibility is reduced to nil above the tree line at 3000m, the runs leading down to the valley remain much more accessible.
Slopes to suit all abilities
The diversity of Meribel’s pistes enables skiers and boarders of every level to schuss and ride with pleasure. Meribel alone provides 150 km of marked, groomed runs and 28 km of itinerary trails. Choose from 9 black runs, 23 red, 36 blue and 8 green runs and don’t forget the 2 slalom courses (one illuminated for night skiing), 2 snowboard parks and over 33 km of cross-country trails!
If you are a beginner you can head for the gentler slopes of the Altiport area or the green run Truite to find your ski legs. Intermediate skiers and boarders will be spoilt for choice with the wide open blues and more challenging reds that are abundant throughout the valley. Plus there is plenty for the thrill seekers and those looking for something more adventurous, whether you prefer marked black runs, mogul fields or great off piste - Meribel and the rest of the 3 Valleys truly have it all!
Details on lift passes, equipment hire and ski and snowboard lessons.
Snow Parks
Meribel-Mottaret: Plattières Snowboard Park
Sitting at an elevation of 2400m and covering nearly 7 hectares at the heart of the world’s largest ski area - the 3 Valleys, the 1200m long Plattières Snowboard Park is the place for Freestyle in the Meribel Valley.
Everyone from novices to the most experienced surfer will appreciate the snow park’s facilities: trail-signs and information panels, a Welcome chalet, a “user’s manual” with security guidelines, detailed mapping, specialised markers, flags, inflatable structures and gates...
Meribel: the Arpasson Snowboard Park, a.k.a. “Moonpark”
Situated at 1800m this space is open to intermediate and expert boarders. 700m long over 200 m of vertical, with a boardercross, tables, rails, a wall and various boxes.
These two complementary terrains are groomed daily, and between them, they offer snow surfers equal measures of challenge and pleasure, no matter what their level of experience. A series of special events and activities enliven the snow parks all winter long, offering the chance to see top riders battle it out.
There are also additional Snow Parks in the other resorts of the 3 Valleys area.
Cross-Country Skiing
Nature lovers may choose from Meribel’s two exceptional cross-country skiing sites, where 33km of tracks cater to all different levels of expertise:
- Fontany National Forest Situated near the Altiport in the upper part of the resort, this circuit invites one to explore the lovely pine forest nestled within this valley of poetic landscapes.
- Lake Tuéda, up-mountain from Meribel-Mottaret. Set in a largely wide-open bowl dominated by Mont Vallon, this twisting trail winds its way along the lake through lines of Cembro pines, a rare and protected species of conifer.
33 km of trails connect Meribel to Courchevel and La Tania, to the delight of cross country enthusiasts.
There are also additional cross-country tracks throughout the other resorts of the 3 Valleys ski area.