Best Meribel Ski Schools
Choosing the right ski school can make or break your holiday. At Ski Basics we only recommend tried and tested favourites.
You can book lessons and ski guides directly through your Ski Basics account page or by contacting the ski schools directly.
Ski schools we recommend
Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines is the largest British-run Ski School in Meribel. Their team of British and fluent English-speaking instructors hold the highest European qualification. Parallel Lines also has a full time dedicated Snowboard School whose instructors are not just skiers that snowboard, but fully qualified full-time snowboarders!
Oxygene
One of the longest-standing ski schools, Oxygene is a French school with an international attitude. Pioneers in creating small-group lessons that blend fun with expert instruction, Oxygene has delivered exceptional private and group lessons for skiers and snowboarders for over 30 years. Their wide range of lessons, from beginner ski school to advanced powder skiing, is designed with a clear focus on enjoyment and skill development.
ESF (Ecole du Ski Français)
ESF is the largest ski school in Meribel, offering a wide range of lesson options for both adults and children. You can tailor the lessons to your needs, and for children there is the option of having both morning and afternoon lessons, including lunch club. ESF offer lessons on or off-piste, private or group and for varying lengths. They have a lot of instructors and are quite reliable for last minute bookings.
Meribel ski school prices
Ski school prices in Meribel can vary depending on the season, the type of lessons (group or private), the duration of the lessons, and the level of the instructor's expertise.
The prices below are offered as a guide only. Please visit each school's website for more up-to-date prices and for any potential offers too.
Parallel Lines Snow Sports School
Week-long adult group lessons start at €360
Week-long children group lessons start at €380
Private lessons start at €205
All-terain lessons start at €349
Oxygene Ski School
Week-long adult group lessons start at €310
Week-long children group lessons from €390
Private lessons start at €275
Private off-piste and guiding start at €430
ESF (Ecole du Ski Français)
Adult group lessons start at €230
Children group lessons from €143
Private lessons start from €129
Prices for Club Piou Piou start from €230
FAQs
-
Do I need to pre-book ski lessons?
We recommend pre-booking ski lessons to ensure you get your desired time slot, especially during peak season and school holidays. However, you might still be able to find last-minute bookings during quieter periods, so it's always worth enquiring.
-
It’s my first time skiing, how many lessons do I need?
The amount of time it takes to learn how to ski or snowboard will always vary a little from person to person. Everyone picks it up at different speeds, and it also depends on the type of lesson you choose.
For example, with private lessons or small group lessons, you'll receive more individual attention from the instructor compared to a larger group. However, as a general rule, we recommend a minimum of 3 lessons around 2 hours long. Ideally, if you can have a lesson every day of your first trip, you'll likely build a stronger foundation of skills and confidence for your next time on the slopes.
-
Where will my ski lessons start from?
Your ski school will always confirm when and where you should meet them for your lesson but in general, most lessons and ski schools will all start from La Chaudanne in Meribel Centre. If you have a morning lesson and are staying in one of our chalets with a driver service, let them know the lesson time. They will arrange a timely pick-up to get you to the slopes ready for the start of the lesson.
For more information, please see our Ski Schools page.
-
Can you help arrange ski hire?
Self-booking of ski hire is required but if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask your chalet manager. We work closely with Freeski, in our opinion they're the best local ski hire shop - and as a Ski Basics' guest, you can benefit from exclusive discounts. Find out more on our Ski Hire page.
Once you've made your booking with us, you'll find a guide to booking your ski hire with discount codes in the My Ski Basics portal.
-
Do I need insurance for skiing?
It is a condition of booking with us that you take out adequate travel insurance for winter sports and you should always double check this is included with your holiday cover. Ski Insurance is essential for unexpected events like illness, injury or accidents on the slopes. It can cover medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation and more.
For full details on the different types of coverage and exclusions, visit our Ski Insurance page.
-
How do I get a ski pass?
You can either buy your ski pass upon arrival in Meribel or pre-order them when you book with us through the My Ski Basics portal. This way, your chalet manager will collect your passes and deliver them directly to your chalet, saving you time and hassle. And, meaning you can hit the slopes the moment you’re ready to go.
For more information on ski pass prices and choosing the right one for you, visit our Ski Pass page.
-
Is it possible to upgrade a complimentary Meribel ski pass to one for the whole of the Three Valleys?
Absolutely. If you’d like to upgrade your complimentary pass to a Three Valleys lift pass, simply let your chalet manager know and we will take care of it for you.
Considering a ski holiday?
We offer both catered and self-catered ski chalet options to suit various budgets and ensure maximum flexibility.
At Ski Basics we do our best to think of everything you might need to have a great skiing holiday, from beginning to end.
With over 20 years of experience in providing great value chalet holidays, we are passionate about great skiing and know Meribel and The Three Valleys inside out.