Méribel

The location

At the core of the staggering Three Valleys, this classic resort is rich in history and easy to access from four of our gateways. Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon airports are all roughly two hours away, with Turin an extra 50 minutes further.

The resort

Méribel is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s fabulous for families, all decked out for snowboarders, and the better skier you are, the more sweeping runs there seem to be! It’s no shock that it’s got links to the Winter Olympics, but things in town ooze modern luxe as well. No wonder it’s a hit with Brits.

A British favourite

Founded by Scottish soldier Peter Lindsay back in 1938, the pine-lined gentle slopes and long red runs of this classic French resort offer so much. Not only are Courchevel and Val Thorens nearby, you’ve got an Olympic Centre with an ice rink and pools on your doorstep. The real deal is obviously the swerving stretch of powder – all abilities will be totally sold.

Manicured mountainside

Past the oh-so charming village, there’s glacier skiing, deep couloirs and steep pistes, so there are challenges for veterans as well as the basic stuff for newbies. If you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, swat up in the ski and snowboard schools. But if cross-country zones and mogul fields are calling, sink your teeth into the most intrepid of the Three Valleys.

Downtime downtown

Foodies, designer-brand shoppers and chill-out fiends – unite! During the afternoon, well-heeled skiers can browse chic outlets and boutiques. Everyone’s in snow mode and it’s such a super wintery atmosphere. Among the timber-and-stone face of the resort, there are pizza and pasta joints as well as gourmet French restaurants, plus clusters of animated bars for a few swift ones later on.

The highlights

• The resort’s at the middle of the illustrious Three Valleys.
• A wide range of green, blue and red pistes.
• It’s a luxury chalet-style village with plenty of traditional aspects.