History of Meribel

We all know by now that Peter Lindsay, a Scotsman by the way, not an Englishman, discovered Meribel just before the last war.
Rumour has it he was made to feel most unwelcome at that time In Austria and he travelled to France to find an alternative ski village.
Having discovered Meribel he had to move out a bit sharpish as the Nazis followed him in to France. After the war he came back, and eventually set up Meribel Alpina, which was the only British owned Ski Lift company in France.
Another rumour is that he actually purchased most of the land that the village now stands on. It was just farming pastures etc. He then very generously gave back the land for free to local residents in order that they could build the shops ,hotels etc that would cater for the future visitors. His main concern was the creation of his lift company.
Meribel became very popular with the wealthy English and gradually the rest of us got to hear about it. Prices became a little more reasonable and Hence it is now one of the most popular resorts for British skiers and boarders in Europe. One of the first tour operators in Meribel was a company called Snowtime which has since died as did the founder Don Kramer. However many of the old Snowtime staff still live on including Colin Mathews, who founded his own company, Meriski, not to mention James, the Bar manager of the Rond Point, who started life in Le French Connection, imitating a French waiter together with stripe jersey and false "ello ello" mustache.

History of Meribel's Social Scene

Years before the Pub, the main bar in town was the Capricorn, which was first to sell the wicked Mutzig. In fact it was the only bar in town at one time. Sadly Manu the very popular owner died and it is now a very chic bar called Le Poste. Up in Mottaret the first bar to open was Le Rastro in 1986. It became famous in the 90's for its wild Tuesday rock nights and most of Meribel's locals would show up every week for the wildest party in Town.
The 1992 winter Olympics came to the region and Meribel hosted the Ladies down hill and Ice Hockey. Together with the decision to hold the olympics in the Savoie came the government finance to improve the road-rail connections. Many new hotels were also contructed, but during the Olympics itself Meribel was actually extremely quiet due to high prices keeping tourists away. The superb swimming pool complex is a direct result of the Olympics being held here.
Around this time. Chris York, a Brit, took over the Rond Point and turned it in to the apres-ski party venue of Meribel, replacing the French Connection as the Brit's No 1 bar. Two years later he disappeared literally overnight, leaving a pile of unpaid debts. The Mark Warner organisation then took over "Yorkies", changed the name back to the original Rond Point and went on to create the most famous apres-ski venue in the Alps.
Up in Mottaret the Plein Soleil had changed from a restaurant to a Pub + restaurant and also transformed Mottaret for several years with live bands most nights of the week. This has now also gone, replaced by the Le Grain de Sel restaurant. The only bar in Mottaret for party animals is once again the Rastro
Still rocking every Tuesday after 15 years!

History of Meribel Skiing.

Meribel is fortunate to be at the very heart of the 3 Valleys so all 600km is available each day to Meribel clients. The 3-valley circuit started to take shape in 1950 when Meribel linked up with Courchevel. Ten years later the Tougnete bubble was built, linking the Belleville Valley to Meribel.
Mottaret was opened in 1972 and has itself expanded greatly over the last 30 years. This satellite village has the advantage of door to door skiing but does not have the same atmosphere as Meribel.
Until the end of the 80's there was only one ski school in Meribel. The ESF, which is the national French Ski School. This was established in Meribel in 1947.In January 1986 the ESF introduced its first off piste course. It was called "Rally Savage" and one of our team was actually the very first client, having bought his ticket from David Lindsey (son of Peter). David had been helping the ESF develop its international section for British clients. The course name was changed a few years later as the name itself was thought to scare off potential clients!
At this time, snowboards were yet to appear, only the mono-board had arrived. Hence the off piste was relatively unspoilt as not many Brits could ski powder. January was absolute heaven in 1986-1987-1988: 2 metres of cold sugery powder and nobody in it! The Rally Savage group actually skied deep powder in 1986 through the middle of the trees that lead down to the truite. The head Bladon Lines rep had to be rescued from hanging upside down by his skis, in the branches of trees that were so close together. Sadly the snow has not quite matched these 3 golden years since.
The course still runs as "Ski Discovery" and is thoroughly recommended for good skiers. Heli skiing has also been introduced by way of a trip to La Rosiere on Italian/French border.
A private company Ski Cocktail fought many court battles in the 80's in order to operate in Meribel and eventually won the right to compete with the ESF. However a few years later, in the latter part of the 90's it died a death but not before the flood gates had opened for private schools. Many still remember the famous "shaker" .This was a bumps competition organised by Ski Cocktail each March, up on the Bartavelle run. It was always the party of the season, not least because a regular feature was the "Naked Shaker". An adventurous (and Brave) young chalet girl skiing or snowboarding the course completely naked! Ah, fond memories!
Now there are approx. 12 different ski schools in Meribel, most of them specialising in teaching UK clients and several under British ownership/management.
Finally special courses have been introduced for British skiers and boarders to become qualified instructors. See our seasonal work section for details.
It’s a great way to spend your winter!
Ps.
If you have any historical stories that might fit in this section send us an e-mail.

History of Meribel

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