Have A Meribel Christmas And A Happy New Year

Meribel is a tastefully designed ski resort situated in the Vanoise National Park in the French Alps. Meribel comprises of three neighboring villages characterized by their chalet-style architecture. The three villages are perfectly located for skiers and snowboarders wishing to explore the largest linked skiing area in the world - the three valleys.

With an enormous 600km of marked ski piste there are endless opportunities to explore and much to keep you entertained. The three valleys skiing area delivers a ski season that lasts from Christmas through to the beginning of May.

There is a comprehensive lift system to service the vast expanse of ski slopes. The lift network features 2 cable cars, 39 gondolas, 66 chairlifts and 52 draglifts which take ski and snowboarders all over the mountains. With its central location it is no wonder that Meribel tends to attract a committed base of visitors that are drawn back to the area year after year.

The area is suitable to skiers and snow boarders of all abilities. The wide green and blue ski runs are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. The longest of these runs extends to almost four kilometres. Advanced skiers will appreciate the steep black ski runs, moguls and couloirs.

The range has enough to challenge even the most adventurous skier or snow board enthusiast. 8 snow parks cater for those skiers and snowboarders that want to freestyle. The huge variety of options makes Meribel the ideal option for those skiers looking for an extended break. You can ski a whole season and not visit the same run.

Visitors have the option of staying in one of three villages in Meribel. At an altitude of 1400 metres Meribel Les Allues is the most picturesque of the three. A rule decrees that all the buildings in the village must be made of stone and wood with slate roofs.

The rule dates back to 1938 when British Colonel Peter Lindsay first spotted the potential of the valley. He wanted to create a resort that remained true to the mountains as a result the village has a distinctly traditional feel and blends in to the beautiful mountain environment.

Further up the valley at 1700 metres Meribel - Mottaret offers a convenient base for anyone wanting to ski from their doorstep and may be the choice for visitors looking for quieter accommodation. Whilst the traditional village of Meribel offers an alternative option for visitors looking for somewhere less developed.

For those visitors that want an alternative to the slopes Meribel offers numerous alternative winter activities. The resort also offers mono-skiing, snowshoeing and ice-skating.

If you want take a complete break from the slopes and the winter activities the resort offers, cinemas, concerts, squash, fitness centres, swimming, bowling, and a library. Those looking for an adrenaline hit can try wall-climbing, parasailing or hang-gliding. Meribel has something for everyone.