The Rhone / French Alps / Savoie region

Meribel area

Winter: The Trois Vallees ski area is world renowned for extensive linked skiing (600 kms of pistes) covering three valleys, and an excellent modern lift system. The area has an enviable snow record - thanks to high altitude pistes and excellent snow-making, particularly in Meribel.The area is continually being improved - there is a ''hands free'' lift pass system and the lifts are modern and efficient.

Skiers and snowboarders are well catered for with ski schools, ski and snowboard hire, mountain restaurants all being conveniently situated. The area is offers almost unlimited off-piste opportunites and ski guides can be booked through the local ski shcools.

Summer:
Vanoise National Park can be easily accessed from Meribel, a vast area of mountain trails and stunning scenery whhich is a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts, offering the chance to see chamois, ibex, marmottes, eagles and other species as well as rare alpine plants.

The gondola lift from Les Alliues takes you straight to Chaudanne (1450 m) in Meribel Situated in the central valley of the Three Valleys ski area, with its 600 kms of pisted skiing and runs for beginners to expert, Meribel is perfectly placed for excursions on skis to the other resorts of the Trois Vallees, such as Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens (glacier skiing), Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville.

The skiing is high (up to 3,200m) and snowsure and Meribel's extensive snowmaking is the envy of other resorts, enabling skiing to begin in mid-December and continue to the end of April. It is also one of the most attractive resorts in the French Alps, with all buildings in chalet style.

Ski schools meet at La Chaudanne, close to the arrival point of the Olympe gondola lift. From Chaudanne other lifts take you to all areas of the Meribel valley, and link you to the whole of the Trois Vallees ski circuit,

For beginners there is a dedicated beginners area which is reached by the Rhodos gondola lift, from Chaudanne, which includes a novices 'easy' run through the trees to Altiport (1700 m).

Snowboarders love the snowboard parks and half-pipes and offf piste opportunities are virtually unlimited.

Families are well catered for, with a choice of English speaking ski schools offering ski and snowboard instruction in small classes and lunchtime supervision if needed. A family lift pass scheme offers discounts for families with children aged 5 to 7 years and for under fives the lift pass if free. There is a creche for babies and younger children in Les Allues, situated just one minute's walk from the chalet. There is also a nany service in Les Allues and more childcare / ski kindergarten options in Meribel. Restaurants in Les Allues and Meribel all welcome children.