Affordable Family Ski Holidays – How to Ski in Meribel on a Budget

A family ski trip to Meribel might seem like an expensive holiday, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. Here at Ski Basics, we’re strong advocates for incredible ski holidays that don’t cost the earth. From choosing the best time to visit to finding budget-friendly accommodation and ski pass deals, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the mountains without overspending and still having a holiday to remember for years to come.

With over 25 years experience in Meribel, we’ve got a whole host of top tips for how to enjoy a fantastic ski holiday in Meribel without breaking the bank. Read on for all you need to know!

Choose the Right Time to Visit

Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best deals for affordable family ski holidays. Or any affordable ski holiday for that matter! Ofcourse, when you have school age children, there are often restraints in terms of when you can travel but below we explore the best periods for landing yourself a more affordable trip.

Off-Peak Savings

As with all holidays, skiing during Christmas, New Year, and February half-term can be more costly. Instead, if possible, consider going in early December or early to mid-January, when travel, accommodation and lift pass prices are generally lower. These are great opportunities to enjoy quieter slopes and to be among the first on the slopes for the season.

January Sweet Spot

January is one of the best times for affordable ski holiday family packages and group ski trips with friends. The slopes are quieter, snow conditions are great, and many operators drop their prices once the festive crowds leave. Plus, it’s a great time to make the most of good value deals on things like your ski pass.

Any guests who stay with us in our beautiful chalets during the first two weeks of January, receive a complimentary Meribel Valley lift pass resulting in sizable savings. The best bit is that you still have the option to upgrade your Meribel lift pass to a Three Valleys pass so you can explore the 600km ski area at a fraction of the cost compared to other weeks.

Spring Skiing Benefits

March and April can also be great times to visit. You’ll find longer days, warmer weather, and better value on ski passes and accommodation. Think powdery slopes, beautiful bright blue skies and apres ski spent on sun soaked terraces.

Plus, many resorts offer spring promotions, making it an ideal time for families. If you are restricted by only being able to book a family ski holiday during the school holidays, the Easter Half Term in April is often a more affordable choice when compared to the Christmas Holidays and February Half Term.

It may be later in the season but in Meribel we’re fortunate to benefit from great snow conditions all season long with healthy dumps of fresh snow followed by bluebird powder days during late March and early April.

Getting to Meribel Affordably

Flights & Transfers

Booking flights early can help you snap up the best prices. Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble are popular airports within easy reach to Meribel. From there, shared transfers are often the most cost-effective way to reach the resort.

Car Rental vs. Public Transport

Hiring a car can be useful, especially if you’re travelling as a group, but factor in fuel, tolls, and parking. If you’re flying, public transport or shuttle buses can be more budget-friendly.

Other ways of Travelling to Meribel

If you prefer to explore other modes of transport to flying in the quest of the most affordable option, there’s no shortage of ways to travel to Meribel. Driving is a popular option for many guests and often works out as an economical choice if there’s multiple people travelling in one vehicle and splitting the cost, as opposed to all paying for individual flights plus baggage.

We’re also fortunate to be located just 20-30 minutes drive from Moutiers Train Station. To which, you can travel by train from London St Pancras International, via Paris and Lyon.

Whilst the most affordable option will depend on a number of different variables such as travel time, the amount of people travelling and things such as baggage, it’s always worth checking out your options prior to booking.

Packing Smart to Save Money

Bring Essentials from Home

Ski gear can be pricey in resort shops, so pack ski essentials like gloves, goggles, and thermals in advance to avoid having to buy anything once you arrive.

If you do need to top up on some new bits, look out for affordable retailers like Mountain Warehouse and Decathlon. You can also find top quality brands for heavily discounted prices on outlet sites such as SportPursuit.

If it’s your first ski holiday, ensure you’ve got everything you need by exploring our guide on what to wear skiing.

Rent vs. Buy Equipment

We often get asked if it’s better to rent of buy your ski equipment. And the truth is, it really does depend!

If you don’t ski often, renting is usually cheaper than buying. Book in advance for discounts and aks your travel provider for any recommendations. If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics, you’ll gain access to exclusive discounts with top ski hire shops in Meribel. 

If you ski often, it may be worth buying your own gear. But, don’t forget to consider the additional cost of oversized baggage when flying with ski equipment.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options

Self-Catered vs. Catered Chalets

Many people are often surprised to hear that going for a fully catered chalet can actually work out cheaper or very similar in cost to self-catered holidays.

Ofcourse, it will depend on which company you stay with and secondly, if you opt for a self-catered chalet, how you go about mealtimes.

Cooking meals at the chalet and preparing lunches to take on the mountain is almost always the most affordable way to do things. However, if you’re going to end up purchasing breakfast from the local boulangerie and spending the evenings eating out in local restaurants, the chances are, a good value catered chalet is likely to be more affordable!

As with travel, it’s always good to weigh up your options prior to booking and think about how you might spend your holiday once you arrive.

Many fully catered options offer breakfast, afternoon tea and 3 – 4 course evening meals along with free-flowing beverages including house wines, meaning you can get great value for money with catered options too.

If you decide to go self-catered, there’s still plenty of ways to ensure you have a relaxed and memorable stay. For example, here at Ski Basics, guests have the option to order things such as a raclette set for a Savoyard inspired evening at home!

Apartment Rentals

Apartments can be a great budget-friendly option, and like chalets, often offer more space and flexibility than hotels. Many come with kitchen facilities, allowing you to save money by cooking meals instead of eating out. Booking early secures the best rates, and if you’re travelling with family or friends, splitting the cost of a larger apartment can make it even more affordable.

Stay in Satellite Villages

Staying in nearby villages like Les Allues or Mottaret can significantly cut accommodation costs while still giving you easy access to the slopes. Les Allues has a traditional alpine feel and is linked to Meribel by gondola and bus, while Mottaret offers ski-in, ski-out convenience at a lower price point. Free shuttle services run regularly, making it easy to get to the lifts without paying higher prices.

Save on Ski Passes

Family Discounts & Multi-Day Passes

Meribel offers discounted family flex ski passes, which can make a big difference in cost. Multi-day passes also provide better value than single-day tickets. Learn more about the different ski passes available and pricing for the current season on our Meribel Ski Lift Pass page.

Limited Area Passes

If you’re skiing with beginners or young children, you might not need a full Three Valleys pass. Opting for a local Meribel pass can save money while still offering plenty of skiing. To be exact you’ll still have access to:

• Green Pistes: 8
• Blue Pistes: 28
• Red Pistes: 24
• Black Pistes: 7

Plus, dedicated beginner slopes and zones. All without even leaving the Meribel Valley!

Affordable Equipment Rental & Lessons

Book in Advance

Booking your ski rental and lessons in advance can save you both time and money. Many ski shops and schools offer early booking discounts, and pre-arranging your gear means you won’t have to waste time searching for availability when you arrive.

For example, local ski hire shop Free Ski often offers discounts for early bird ski hire bookings of up to 35% off orders placed before the end of November. So it’s well worth getting organised and keeping an eye out for any early booking promotions.

If you miss the opportunity to make the most of early bird prices, fear not! If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics, you’ll still have the chance to make some good savings when you quote your chalet name with a number of local shops.

Group Lessons Over Private

Meribel is home to many brilliant ski schools, offering high quality tuition for a range of price points.

In general, group ski lessons are often far cheaper than private sessions and still provide excellent instruction, especially for beginners. You’ll also often find that opting for afternoon ski or snowboard lessons can mean pricing is more affordable.

Dining in Meribel on a Budget

Self-Catering & Supermarket Shopping

If you’re staying in a self-catered chalet or apartment, shopping at local supermarkets is a great way to cut costs. It’s also a great idea to bring snacks for the slopes to avoid overpriced mountain restaurants.

If you have the option to, stopping and doing your food shop for the week at one of the larger supermarkets down the mountain is another good way to make things more affordable. Whilst you’ll still save vs eating out when shopping in resort supermarkets, they’re often a fair bit more expensive than those found further down the mountain.

If you’re driving or hiring a car from the airport, stopping and grabbing supplies for the week ahead is a no brainer!

Budget-Friendly Restaurants

It’s important to remember you’re on holiday, so treating yourself to lunch on the slopes or a cool crisp drink at the end of a long day skiing is all part of the experience!

However, to keep things more affordable, look out for local spots with set menus or family deals. Avoid restaurants centrally located next to lifts or in busy areas, as they may often be more expensive. Check out our blog on where to eat in Meribel for top local spots with a guide on pricing.

When it comes to apres ski in Meribel, some bars like Jacks and La Taverne offer happy hour deals, making après-ski more affordable. Some of the best spots to enjoy happy hour in Meribel include:

• Jacks Bar: Offers a happy hour every day from 4-7pm with snacks like dirty fries and nachos.
• Le Rambler: Features happy hour between 4:30 and 6 PM every day.
• La Taverne: Has happy hour every day from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Lodge du Village (LDV): Known for its après-ski atmosphere, LDV has a happy hour between 4-5pm.

Free & Low-Cost Activities Beyond Skiing

Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy Meribel. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities both on and off the slopes to make the most of your holiday:

• Sledging at Mission Black Forest, accessed via Tougnette Gondola Station
• Snowshoeing trails
• Free family-friendly fun in the inuits village
• Indoor activities for bad weather days, such as swimming or ice skating

Booking with an Affordable Ski Holiday Specialist Like Ski Basics

At Ski Basics, we specialise in affordable ski holidays exclusively in Meribel without compromising on quality of service, and we offer a range of experiences to suit you. Whether you prefer a fully catered chalet experience or the independence of a self-catered stay, our flexible options give you complete freedom to tailor your holiday to your needs. Our dedicated team is on hand to help with everything from ski pass organisation to local recommendations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free trip.

Final Thoughts

A ski holiday in Meribel doesn’t have to cost the earth. By choosing the right time to visit, booking accommodation and transport smartly, and making the most of discounts and offers, you can enjoy a fantastic family trip without the hefty price tag. With a bit of planning, you’ll be hitting the slopes and making memories without worrying about overspending.

If you’re ready to begin planning your next ski holiday, why not take a look at our chalet prices and availability. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in contact and a member of the team would be pleased to help!

 

For more affordable ski holidays tips, visit our 17 top tips for affordable skiing in any resort.