As you may well know, we love Meribel whatever the time of year but April skiing in Meribel really is something quite special. Why, you ask? From bright blue skies and epic powder days to peaceful pistes, long lunches on sun-soaked terraces and afternoons of apres ski and dancing, April really brings out everything there is to love about Meribel.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through all there is to know about April skiing in Meribel, and we’re pretty confident that by the end (if not before!) you’ll be in agreement with us. So, let’s get started.
Why choose April for skiing in Meribel?
If you’re considering a late-season getaway, April in Meribel is hard to beat. With longer, sunnier days, quieter pistes, and some fantastic end-of-season deals, it’s the perfect time to enjoy everything the Three Valleys has to offer but without the crowds. Here’s why April in Meribel might just be the best-kept secret in skiing…
April weather
April weather in Meribel is simply beautiful! The days are long, and the sun is often shining without a cloud in the sky. Perfect for lunch spent basking in the sun, in one of Meribel’s many gorgeous restaurants or picnic spots. Not to mention the bonus of returning from a winter ski holiday, with an enviable summer glow.
Snow Conditions
You may hear that a drawback of skiing in April is the lack of snow, however some of our guests have enjoyed some of their very best powder days here in April. Just as in the UK, Meribel experiences April showers but in the form of fresh snow. This coupled with Meribel’s unapparelled snow making facilities, with 2,500 snow cannons covering 50% of the total ski area means, you can rest assured the snow during April has the full potential to be as good at any other time throughout the season.
Top tip: We recommend skiing on the sunny South facing slopes in the morning and moving over to the North facing slopes in the afternoon to make the most of the best conditions throughout the day.
Quieter slopes
One of the best things about skiing in April is how peaceful the slopes become. With fewer people on holiday, lift queues are shorter, pistes are less crowded, and you’ve got more of the mountain to yourself.
It’s a dream for confident skiers looking to cruise uninterrupted for miles, enjoying long and sweeping carving turns. And if you’re a beginner skier, you’ll have the luxury of honing your skis in Meribel’s top beginner slopes with all the space you could need.
Great April Ski Deals
April is also one of the best times to enjoy an affordable ski holiday in Meribel. As the season begins to wind down, prices across the resort, from accommodation to lift passes, tend to drop, offering brilliant value for those in the know. With fewer people on the slopes and in resort, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy the same world-class skiing and vibrant atmosphere, without the price tag of peak weeks.
At Ski Basics, you can enjoy April skiing with us from just £499pp for a fully catered, one-week stay. That includes breakfast, afternoon tea, a three-course evening meal with unlimited house wines that flows freely anytime of day, and the warm, personal service we’re known for. It’s a brilliant opportunity to enjoy everything Meribel has to offer, for less.
Some of our most popular Meribel chalets include…
Charming Chalet Lapin, a beautiful 6 bed chalet located in Meribel Centre, ideally located next door to Chalet Chamois and Brenettes – making them an ideal choice for larger groups of family and friends.
Chalet L’Arbalète: A stylish and spacious 10 bed chalet in Meribel Centre with five ensuite bedrooms, a welcoming living area, and its own private spa area.
Longer days on the slopes
With the clocks going forward and the sun staying out later, you’ll get more time on the mountain. Many lifts stay open longer in April, giving you plenty of opportunity to make the most of the 600km of connected pistes across the Three Valleys. Just check the closing times at the lift stations and enjoy every last run. If you want to plan ahead, check out the Meribel lift statuses for all you need to know on opening and closing times of each lift during your stay.
Lunch in the sun
Meribel has an abundance of beautiful restaurants with sun trap terraces to enjoy lunch or some light refreshments in the sun.
To name a few…
For more suggestions on where to eat in Meribel, visit our top picks blog.
Alternatively, soak up the sun in one of Meribel’s picnic spots. This idyllic lunch spot can be found on the Biche piste and can be accessed via the Sailure Express 2 gondola.
Or if you’re looking to kick back and rest your legs, relax in one of Meribel’s infamous snugs or other chill out spots around the valley.
Exploring Meribel’s Best Ski Areas in April
April offers the perfect conditions to explore Meribel’s diverse ski areas. To make the most of your day, it’s all about timing and each part of the resort has its prime moments through the beautiful spring days.
Some of our favorites include, heading up from La Chaudanne on the Legends chair, turning right and heading down to the Olympic lift for access to some of the best early-morning runs. Once you’re at the top, head back down towards the Cherferie chair, hopping on and heading up to the top.
Once you’re there, follow signs to Saint Martin de Belleville and glide down Jerusalem, one of Meribel’s most famous pistes. With the sun just hitting the snow and few skiers around, it’s an incredible way to warm up as you head towards Saint Martin, the perfect sun trap for a morning coffee. The wide, rolling blues and reds here are perfect for a relaxed cruise, especially in the quieter spring days.
As the snow softens, consider heading up to Mont Vallon, Meribel’s highest peak, for consistent conditions. The long red runs like Combe du Vallon and Campagnol remain in great shape well into the afternoon. Plus, the views from the top are spectacular!
Plus, if you have a Three Valleys lift pass, you’ll also have easy access to Courchevel and Val Thorens offering even more variety and excellent snow coverage. Whether you’re after a mellow morning cruise or an exciting afternoon descent, Meribel has something for everyone.
Skiing in April with your family: why stay in meribel?
Meribel is one of the best family-friendly resorts in the Alps, and in April, it really shines. It’s an ideal time to enjoy a more relaxed and affordable family ski holiday. The quieter slopes make it easier for beginners and children to find their footing without the stress of more crowded pistes.
In addition to its family-friendly atmosphere, April offers pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine, allowing you to enjoy leisurely ski days without the cold of midwinter chills. Families can enjoy the sunny terraces for lunch and take advantage of Meribel’s extended daylight hours, giving you more time on the slopes or for activities off the mountain.
Meribel’s dedicated kids’ areas, such as the Piou Piou Club and Snow Garden, are perfect for younger children, while the Family Park is great for older kids looking for some fun in the snow. Ski schools in the area cater to all abilities, with experienced instructors who help build confidence and skills in a fun, supportive environment.
When you’re not skiing, the resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities like ice skating, swimming at the Parc Olympique, or even snowshoeing in the picturesque surroundings for the older ones. For those who prefer a more laid-back pace, there’s no shortage of places to relax, from cosy cafes to apres-ski spots with entertainment that all ages can enjoy.
April’s quieter atmosphere, combined with Meribel’s excellent family amenities, makes it a perfect destination for an unforgettable family ski holiday.
April Après-Ski and Leisure Activities
The fun doesn’t stop when the skis come off in Meribel. April offers a perfect blend of outdoor and indoor activities to unwind after a day on the slopes. When the sun sets, head to one of the resort’s lively apres ski spots. From the sun-drenched terraces of Le Rond Point to the vibrant atmosphere at La Folie Douce, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a drink and soak up the lively apres ski vibe. For those looking for something quieter, there are plenty of relaxed spots where you can sip a hot chocolate or mulled wine while taking in the stunning views.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil way to end the day, why not indulge in a spa afternoon? Meribel boasts a range of wellness centres offering everything from soothing massages to luxury treatments, perfect for rejuvenating after a long day of skiing. If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics, just ask your chalet manager for some recommendations and they’ll be more than happy to help you get booked in!
For something a little different, take advantage of the scenic spring walks that are especially enjoyable as the days get longer and the weather warms up, simply pick up a pedestrian map from the Tourist Office or Lift Office and set on your way. Whether it’s a gentle stroll through the picturesque village or a more adventurous trek in the surrounding mountains, there are routes for all levels.
Ready to book your April trip to Meribel? Take a look at our handpicked catered ski chalets or check out our remaining availability for the upcoming season. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch, our friendly team is always happy to help.