A Guide on Where to Stay In Meribel – Explore Incredible Ski Chalets
Meribel sits at the heart of The Three Valleys, the world’s largest connected ski area. With over 600 km of pistes and more than 200 lifts, Meribel is particularly well-suited for skiers of all abilities and in particular intermediate skiers looking to cover extensive distances. Beyond exceptional skiing, the resort features a lively après-ski scene, a variety of dining options both on and off the mountain, and a vibrant nightlife.
When it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay in Meribel, you’ll find various options across its different areas, each catering to diverse needs and preferences. In this guide, we will explore the best areas to stay in Meribel, ensuring that you find the ideal accommodation for your next skiing holiday.
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Where is the best place to stay in Meribel?
So you’ve made your mind up that you’d like to go to Meribel – great choice! But now, the decision of where to stay in Meribel. There are several towns and villages that fall under ‘Meribel’, all of which are linked by the free and efficient bus service. The main three areas are Meribel Centre, Meribel Village and Meribel Mottaret. The best area to stay will depend on who you’re travelling with, what you’d like to do and what your main priorities are for the local area. Let’s explore what you can expect from each area.
Meribel Centre
Meribel Centre, often regarded as the most picturesque area in the Three Valleys, is the ideal place to be if you want to be at the heart of all the action. Staying in Meribel Centre will mean you’re in close proximity to the slopes, ski schools, shops and bars and restaurants.
In the town centre, you’ll find La Chaudanne, the main lift area and ski school meeting point making it an ideal area to stay if you or members of your group will be taking part in ski lessons or ski school. As you first enter Meribel Centre, the original village of Meribel Mussillon with a range of new modern chalets and beautiful, traditional village chalets from here, it’s just a 10 minute walk into the centre of town.
Walk 10 minutes up the hill and just above Meribel Centre you’ll find Morel. Located at an altitude of 1600m, Morel is another small area with it’s own selection of bars, restaurants and shops and even its own chairlift.
Even higher up are Le Plateau and Le Rond Point, featuring spacious apartment complexes and hotels ideally situated near the slopes, shops, and restaurants. At the summit of the resort lies the ultra-stylish Le Belvédère, known for its luxurious chalets and hotels. Further up, in a more secluded spot, is the Altiport, a peaceful, wooded area offering self-catering apartments and one hotel. The Altiport also has its own restaurant and shops and is located near the beginner slopes.
Meribel Village
Meribel Village, a beautiful quaint village, is around a 5 minute drive or bus ride from Meribel Centre. Though a little quieter than Meribel Centre, it’s another ideal spot for both groups of friends and families. In the idyllic village you’ll find a Spar supermarket, tempting boulangerie, ski shop and a small selection of restaurants and a pub – Lodge Du Village also fondly known as LDV.
The high speed gold chairlift also operates out of Meribel Village so almost no matter where you stay in the village, you’ll always be within walking distance to the lift. The lift operates up the Altiport area which has protected children’s areas and serves as an excellent connection to the rest of the ski area.
Much like Meribel Centre, most of the chalets and apartments in Meribel Village are designed in the traditional Savoyard style. The area offers a range of accommodation options, self-catered and fully-catered chalets, as well as apartments to suit different group sizes and budgets.
Meribel Mottaret
At 1750m, Meribel Mottaret is the highest resort in the Meribel Valley and the most centrally located within the Three Valleys ski area. This location provides visitors with excellent snow conditions and easy access to the world’s largest ski resort.
Mottaret is a purpose-built resort known for its good-value accommodation, mainly offering self-catered, ski-in ski-out options. From the main lift station in Meribel Mottaret, you can reach Courchevel with just one lift and Val Thorens with two lifts. There is a small selection of restaurants and bars, though it’s not as well equipped as Meribel Centre or Meribel Village in this area.
Best Chalets in Meribel
So now you know about all the different areas, it’s time to choose the perfect accommodation. The best type of accommodation for you will depend on a number of factors such as the amount of space and flexibility you’re looking for, whether you’d prefer to be catered for or self catered as well as, budget and the type of group you’re travelling with. Chalets are generally a great option for groups of all sizes. Most chalet companies offer both catered and self-catered options, and the chalet setup provides the perfect space to unwind in privacy after a long day on the slopes.
Here at Ski Basics we offer Self-Catered, Classic Catered and Plus+ Catered giving you added flexibility to choose the perfect service level for you and your group. Here are some of our own top picks from our chalet collection located throughout Meribel.
1. Chalet Etoile – Catered & Self-Catered, sleeps 6
Chalet Etoile is a cosy, fully catered six-bed chalet located in the heart of Meribel Village. It’s perfect for small groups or families, offering easy access to the slopes, just 50 metres away from the Golf chairlift. Nestled in a quiet street near the village bakery, it combines convenience and charm, making it a popular choice for many.
Inside, the chalet features a comfortable setup with one double en-suite bedroom and two twin bedrooms, alongside a separate bathroom. Etoile is offered with our Classic Catered Service meaning your hosts will be on hand to prepare a continental breakfast, afternoon tea with homemade cakes, and a three-course evening meal on five nights, with a pre-prepared meal on one additional night. Plus, unlimited house wine flows freely throughout the day.
2. Chalet Lapin – Catered, Sleeps 6
Chalet Lapin is a charming, classic catered chalet in Meribel Centre, ideal for up to six guests. It offers a traditional alpine feel with modern touches, including a shared wellness area with a hot tub, eucalyptus steam room, and massage area, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Lapin is also ideally located next door to Chalet Brenettes and Chamois making the trio of chalets a great choice for larger groups looking to stay across multiple chalets.
3. Chalet Brenettes – Catered & Self-Catered, sleeps 8
Chalet Brenettes is a spacious, open-plan chalet located at the entrance of Meribel Centre, offering accommodation for up to eight guests. It’s perfect for medium-sized groups or families and includes four twin bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.
The chalet features a large south-facing terrace, ideal for enjoying the alpine views, and has access to a shared spa and wellness area, including a hot tub. For convenience, a driver service is available to take guests to the slopes and back, and the chalet is just a short walk from both the town centre and the bus stop, offering easy access to Meribel’s amenities and ski lifts.
4. Chalet Chamois – Catered, sleeps 8
Chalet Chamois is a beautiful catered chalet in Meribel, perfect for a group of eight or two families. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, retreat to the cosy warmth of the chalet’s wood-burner. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your boots, put your feet up, and unwind by the crackling fire.
This stylish, modern chalet features four en-suite bedrooms, a spacious open-plan living area with large French doors opening onto a south-facing terrace with stunning views of the valley. Guests can enjoy access to a spa and wellness area, shared with Chalet Brenettes and Lapin.
5. Chalet Victoire – Self-catered, sleeps 8
Chalet Victoire is a charming 8-bed ski-in/ski-out chalet located in Meribel Village, just 50 metres from the piste. Designed by its art dealer owner, the chalet features a warm, inviting atmosphere complemented by contemporary decor.
The chalet accommodates guests in four twin rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the sauna or gather around the wood-burning stove, perfect for relaxing with friends or family.
As part of the Plus+ catered experience in Victoire, guests can enjoy a delicious four-course dinner on five evenings, complete with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks.
6. Chalet L’Arbalète – Catered, sleeps 10
Chalet L’Arbalète is a well-appointed alpine retreat situated in the centre of Meribel, offering accommodation for up to ten guests. With five en-suite bedrooms, the chalet combines modern design with traditional alpine charm. The spacious living area provides a comfortable space to relax around the log fire after a day on the slopes, while the separate dining room enhances the meal experience.
A collection of property and lifestyle images shot on location in Meribel France.
A highlight of L’Arbalète is the dedicated spa area located downstairs, which includes a sauna, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after their outdoor adventures.
Located a short 10 minute walk or quick bus ride from the town centre, L’Arbalète offers easy access to both skiing and the vibrant atmosphere of Meribel.
Why Stay in Meribel
There’s few resorts as magical as Meribel. From its snow sure climate and world famous skiing, to beautiful accommodation and lively apres scene, the reasons to stay in Meribel are endless. But here we’ve rounded up some of the key points.
Central Location
Nestled at the heart of the Three Valleys, Meribel’s central location means you’re ideally placed to make the most of the world famous ski area with each of the different resorts easily accessible by world class pistes and state of the art ski lifts.
With short airport transfer times and close proximity to major motorways, travelling to Meribel couldn’t be easier ensuring a stress free journey and maximum time on the slopes.
Variety of Terrain
The expansive ski area ensures that skiers and snowboarders can explore a diverse range of runs and experiences throughout the region. Meribel itself features over 150 kilometres of well-groomed alpine ski slopes, carefully balanced to accommodate all skill levels: 25% green runs for beginners, 40% blue for those progressing in their skills, 28% red for intermediate skiers, and 7% challenging black runs for the more experienced. This variety enables novices to learn the basics safely while offering seasoned skiers the chance to tackle steeper gradients and more technical runs.
For thrill-seekers, Meribel presents excellent opportunities to venture off-piste, allowing skiers to explore vast areas covered in untouched snow. Guided by knowledgeable locals, adventurers can discover hidden gems within the terrain, ensuring a unique experience. Additionally, Meribel’s location makes it a prime spot for heli-skiing adventures, offering an exhilarating rush for those looking to explore remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere and alpine charm in Meribel are truly unmatched. Renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque resorts, Meribel showcases beautifully preserved chalet-style architecture set against a backdrop of snow-filled, tree-lined pistes, creating postcard-perfect scenery. The lively town is bustling with activity throughout the season, whether it’s a local ice hockey game, festive celebrations, world-class sporting events, or the famous après-ski scene.
Apres-Ski
Meribel offers not only fantastic skiing but also a lively apres-ski scene. With its breathtaking alpine views, diverse ski slopes, and energetic nightlife, the resort caters to a wide range of visitors—from those wanting to relax with a warm drink or enjoy a night of dancing. As the sun sets and the lifts close, the piste side bars and town centre transforms into a bustling centre of après-ski bars and festive gatherings, leading to its reputation as one of the most sought-after après-ski destinations in France.
Family-Friendly
Meribel is an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a ski holiday together. While you might feel overwhelmed by the idea of navigating the slopes, rest assured that a wide range of high-quality activities, childcare services, and ski schools are readily available in the resort. This means you can relax knowing that there are options for everyone, ensuring that your days on the slopes are filled with unforgettable, action-packed experiences suitable for both children and adults.
If you’re a guest with Ski Basics, we’re here to ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay, especially when it comes to looking after the kids at the chalet. Check out our Children page for more about Ski Basics holidays with all the family.
Book Your Ski Chalet with Ski Basics Today!
So there you have it! Our guide on where to stay in Meribel and why it’s the perfect location for your next ski holiday. If you’re ready to book your next trip, why not check out our remaining availability for the coming season or take a look at the rest of our chalet collection. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in contact and a member of the team would be pleased to hear from you.