Meribel, France: Luxury, Lifts & Living Large
The history of Meribel, France ski resort is as distinct as it is hard to explain. In the latter half of the 1930s, a young Scotsman (some say he was an Englishman) came from Austria into France. That Scotsman, Peter Lindsay, “discovered” Meribel just before WWII. “Discover” in this case meant, “first to notice potential.” Some rumors have it that he traveled to Austria and then France to find a proper site to erect a ski resort. After the war, Lindsay returned to France and founded Meribel Alpina.
Lindsay bought all the land around the area—then simple pastures and farming terraces. With the help of Christian Durupt—an architect of uncanny vision—started the groundwork in Meribel’s construction. Workers used local rocks, lumber and land as the cornerstone. Even to this day, Meribel is constructed out of natural, local materials. First, a thirty-seater roped sled got people to the top of the hills. Having said that, you’ll not have to worry, as today there are plenty of cable ski lifts to get you to the top safely today.
Slowly but surely, Lindsay gave the land back to the locals as it became more and more visited. Such a maneuver enabled the mountain locals to benefit from the incoming funds and open up shops, bars, restaurants and other necessary attractions. It later became the first luxury British owned ski resort in France.
Don’t expect to find many last-minute deals in the Meribel French ski resort, however. Luxury scenery, luxury accommodations and luxury prices are the general rule of thumb in this part of France. There’s good reason, too. Here’s why:
If you’ve ever heard of the Three Valleys, then you’ll know why Meribel is so luxurious with last-minute deals next to nil. The Three Valleys—and therefore Meribel French ski resort—is one of the most populated holiday spots in not only Europe but in the world. The good thing about Meribel is that it can easily accommodate all these people too. So, the last minute bargains are as rare as cloudy days.
Meribel connects, moreover, to Courchevel and Val Thorens. This means you can ski nearly 400 miles of interlinked trails and pistes. With the smaller enclaves of Brides-les-Bain, Les Menuires, St. Martin de Belleville and La Tania, you could take three fortnights worth of vacation time to ski it all: just north of 600 km of pistes, over 130 cross-country trails, upwards of 290 runs, a couple snowboard playgrounds and just south of 185 ski hoists sums up its size. That’s luxury and living large all rolled into one.
If you thought the luxury had to stop there, you’d be wrong. You won’t find any last minute cheap places in Meribel Les Allues—considered the major town with ancillary Meribel Village a few miles on the outskirts. Even if you travel to Meribel le Raffort, Meribel Mottaret just up the mountain, last minute deals may even be harder to find—You guessed it, luxury with panoramic views the higher you go. For the best last minute deals, staying an hour or so drive out of Meribel, France might save you the most money as luxury is given utmost preference here.
The Meribel hotels are plentiful, but as above said, most are luxurious and meant for the luxury, highball spenders. It may be rare to find last-minute deals if you just show up and have a day to spare for searching out hotels. There are reportedly 30- 40,000 beds, so surely there’s a chance you’ll find somewhere to rest your achy legs.
Snowboarders have two snow parks to choose from too boot. You’ll find them close together in Meribel and Mottaret. If you can get over to Les Menuires and Courchevel, you’ll find even bigger parks to choose from.
All advanced skiers to Meribel France will not be disappointed either. Though, it would be wise to take a guide and local mountain pundit to help you point out the best powder. If you go off-piste, take several days’ worth of supplies, map and tell someone of some stature where you’ll be. It’s best to report to the local authorities and tourist office. There are 28 official advanced runs out there.
Beginners and intermediate skiers to Meribel will have the hey-day of their young careers. If you’d like to simply learn, the Meribel Altiport makes for a perfect schooling area, with plenty of bunny bumps. Buy a pass that allows you access to all the Three Valleys. There are 146 intermediate and 101 beginner official runs.
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OBS d.o.o© Basic Capital 460 000 € - VAT: SI78839068 – ID3280594 – Travel Licence N°964, 965
Copyright ©2010 OBS d.o.o., all rights reserved
OBS d.o.o© Basic Capital 460 000 € - VAT: SI78839068 – ID3280594 – Travel Licence N°964, 965
Copyright ©2010 OBS d.o.o., all rights reserved