# Meribel Unplugged > Meribel Unplugged (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/) is an independent, non-commercial guide to the ski resort of Meribel in the French Alps, part of the Trois Vallees (Three Valleys) ski area in the Tarentaise/Savoie region of France. It is written and maintained by Rob Smart, a British ex-seasonaire who has spent 38 winter seasons in Meribel (as of 2026) and first visited in 1982. The site aims to give honest, unbiased information from a British tourist's point of view, covering accommodation (catered and self-catered chalets, apartments and hotels), travel and airport transfers, skiing and snowboarding (ski schools, ski hire, lift passes, piste maps), and resort/practical information (restaurants, bars, activities, emergency services and more). The site is home-made (not produced by a journalist or professional web designer) and the editor answers enquiries personally, usually the same day or next morning. ## Key facts and contact - Site name: Meribel Unplugged (also branded "Meribel Ski" / "Meribel Ski Holidays & Chalets France"). - Resort: Meribel, French Alps, France — at the heart of the Trois Vallees (Three Valleys), the world's largest linked ski area. - Region: Tarentaise valley, Savoie departement; commune of Les Allues, near Moutiers. - Editor / author: Rob Smart, independent guide, ex 1980s–90s seasonaire and former DJ. 38 winter seasons in Meribel as of 2026; first visit 1982. - Publisher: Meribel Rob Smart Publications. - Email: rob-smart@meribel-unplugged.co.uk (answered personally, normally same day or next morning, all year round). - Telephone: +44 (0)7513284227 (best to leave a message or send a text; best time to call is early mornings). - Postal address: Robert Smart, 18 Windermere Court, Clacton On Sea, Essex, UK, CO15 6JN. - Independence: The site is independent and not a tour operator; the editor says he can personally vouch for the private accommodation listed and warns visitors to beware of internet scams. - Note on energy: Meribel has its own hydro-electric supply, with electricity generated by the river cascading from the mountain tops year-round; combined with fast chairlifts the editor describes it as one of the best resorts for green energy. ## Site structure (page directory) Main sections of the website, with the key pages under each. Top level: - Home: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/ - About Us: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/about-us - News: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-news - Contact Us: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/contact-us - Privacy / Disclaimer: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/privacy - Sitemap: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml Accommodation — Catered Chalets: - Accommodation Guide: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-accommodation-guide - Meribel Main Town: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-chalets - Meribel Les Allues: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/catered-chalets-meribel-les-allues - Meribel Village: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-village-catered-chalets - Meribel Mottaret: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/mottaret-catered-chalets - Meribel Chandon: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-chandon-catered-chalets - Meribel Raffort: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-raffort-catered-chalets - Meribel Gittaz: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-la-gittaz-catered-chalets - Meribel Le Cruet: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/le-cruet-catered-chalets Accommodation — Self-Catered Chalets: - Meribel Main Town: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-self-catered-chalets - Meribel Les Allues: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-les-allues - Meribel Village: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-village - Meribel Mottaret: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-mottaret - Meribel Chandon: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-chandon - Meribel Raffort: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-raffort - Meribel Gittaz: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/self-catered-chalets-meribel-la-gittaz - Meribel Le Cruet: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-le-cruet-self-catered-chalets Accommodation — Self-Catered Apartments: - Meribel Main Town: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-apartments-for-rent - Meribel Village: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-village-apartments-for-rent - Meribel Les Allues: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-les-allues-apartments-for-rent - Meribel Mottaret: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-mottaret-apartments-for-rent - Meribel Chandon: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-chandon-apartments-for-rent - Season Apartments: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-season-accommodation Accommodation — Hotels: - Meribel Main Town: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-hotels - Meribel Les Allues: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/hotels-meribel-les-allues - Meribel Mottaret: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/accommodation/meribel-mottaret-hotels Travel: - Airport Transfers: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-airport-transfers - Airport Transfer Sharing Forum: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/transfers - Airport Parking: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/airport-parking - Car Hire: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/car-hire-meribel - Car Parking (local): https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-car-parking - Cheap Flights: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/cheap-flights-meribel - Coach Travel: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/coach - Public Bus Service To Meribel: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/bus-services - Rail Travel: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/rail - Road Travel: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-by-road - Taxis: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-taxis - Geneva to Meribel transfer: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/geneva-airport-meribel-transfer - Lyon to Meribel transfer: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/transfer-lyon-airport-meribel - Grenoble to Meribel transfer: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/transfer-grenoble-airport-meribel - Chambery to Meribel transfer: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/transfer-chambery-airport-meribel - Helicopter Transfers: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-helicopter-transfers Skiing / Riding: - Skiing Guide (free 6-day guide): https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-skiing-6-day-ski-guide - Ski Lessons For Children: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/skiing-for-children-meribel-france - Lift Passes / Ski Passes: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-lift-pass-ski-passes-3-valleys - Meribel Mole Blog: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-blog - Photo Gallery: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-photos - Live Action Photos / Photography: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/photography - Piste / Ski Map: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-piste-map - Ski / Snowboard Hire & Shops: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-ski-hire-ski-rental - Snowparks: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-snowparks - Ski Schools: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-ski-schools - Ski Club – Baby Boomers: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-skiing-baby-boomers - Skiif App Reviews: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/skiif-app-reviews - Snow Report / Weather Forecast: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/snow-report-meribel-2 - Webcams: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-webcams Resort Information: - Activities (non-ski): https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/activities - Emergency Services (ambulance, doctors, dentists, fire, hospitals, pharmacies, police): https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/emergency-services - Banks: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/banks - Bars / Pubs / Nightclubs: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-bars-pubs-nightclubs - Bus Service (local): https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-bus-service - Camping / Motorhome parking: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/camping-meribel - Child Care: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/childcare-in-meribel - General Services: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/general-services - History: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-history - Meribel Magazines: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-magazines - Meribel Road Map: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-road-map - What's On This Week: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-whats-on - Olympic Centre: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/olympic-centre - Post Office: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/post-office - Property For Sale: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/property-for-sale - Radio Meribel: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/radio-meribel - Restaurants: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-restaurants - Mountain Restaurants: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-mountain-restaurants - Season Work: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-season-work - Shopping: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/shopping - Telephone Directory: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/telephone-directory - Tourist Office: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-tourist-office - Vets: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/vets-meribel - Weather Forecast: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/weather-meribel External references cited by the site: - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meribel - Official Tourist Office: http://www.meribel.net --- # Home / Resort Overview Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/ Meribel Unplugged bills itself as "Your Ultimate Guide To Meribel Ski Holidays." The editor's view is that Meribel is one of the very best ski resorts in the French Alps. The wider Tarentaise/Savoie region has many resorts, but the editor considers Meribel the best all-round choice when all aspects are taken into account. Skiing character: Great piste skiing for intermediates and advanced skiers with plenty of red and black runs, plus superb off-piste possibilities. The green pistes at the Meribel Altiport area are ideal for beginners. Apres-ski highlights mentioned on the home page: the famous Folie Douce and the Rond Point ("Ronny"), both on the Saulire mountainside; the LDV's large terrace marquee at Meribel Village where apres-ski bands play outside; and Jacks Bar at the Chaudanne lift centre, which has live bands most afternoons Monday to Friday and music some weekends. Position in the Three Valleys: Being at the heart of the Trois Vallees, it is easy to ski to Courchevel, La Tania, St Martin, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, or even the fourth Orelle valley. Independence and trust: The editor stresses he is totally independent so his opinions and reviews can be trusted, and warns about internet scams. He says he has a large selection of Meribel ski chalets, apartments and all the Meribel hotels, and can personally vouch for the private accommodation listed, having stayed in all areas of the valley. ## Catered chalets (overview) Over 100 Meribel chalets are available for the season, offered either fully catered or self-catered. They range from 3 to 12 bedrooms and sleep from 6 to 24 people; the most common sizes have 4, 5 or 6 bedrooms. Standards and prices vary widely, from 5-star luxury chalets to simpler, comfortable budget accommodation. Both catered and self-catered chalets are found across the whole valley. ## Self-catered accommodation (overview) Ski holidays in Meribel can be expensive, so self-catering is recommended for tighter budgets. Choice ranges from small budget studios for 2–4 people up to large 4- or 5-bedroom luxury chalet-style apartments. Many apartments are in prime spots in and around the town centre; others are in outlying villages and a little cheaper. The excellent free bus service means location is less of a concern — all buses go to the main lift centre at Chaudanne. ## Hotels (overview) The valley has over 20 hotels, ranging from simple 2-star up to 5-star (the Kaila at Chaudanne and Le Coucou at Belvedere). Eight hotels are in the town centre, including two 2-star hotels. Three hotels (3, 4 and 5 star) are in the Rond Point / Belvedere area — well out of town but in superb ski-in ski-out positions by the piste, near the world-famous Rond Point apres-ski bar. Mottaret has another five hotels (mix of 3- and 4-star, ski-in ski-out). One traditional 3-star hotel sits in the centre of Les Allues village. ## Airport transfers, ski schools, ski hire, lift passes, restaurants, bars (home-page summaries) - Airport transfers: Transfers can cost more than the flight itself; the site features a range of fully licensed and insured transfer companies. - Ski schools: The featured schools all have English-speaking instructors; prices and lesson times vary; instructors are fully qualified and teach all levels from absolute beginners to off-piste powder and heli-skiing. - Ski hire: Costs vary by ability and equipment quality; well-serviced skis/boards and comfortable boots matter a lot. Late-season bargains are available on skis and snowboards. - Lift passes: Not cheap; for anyone beyond absolute beginners the full 3-Valley pass is advised, with a daily extension available for about 35 euros per day. - Restaurants: Vary greatly in price and quality throughout the Three Valleys; the site provides research and price guides kept up to date by volunteers. - Bars/pubs/discos: Reputation for great apres-ski with live music; three dedicated nightclubs (two in the main town, one cellar club in Mottaret). ## A guide to Meribel and the Three Valleys Meribel is part of the Vanoise National Park. It was discovered in 1936 by Scotsman Peter Lindsay. After the war, with French architects Paul Grillo and Christian Durupt, development proceeded in true Savoyard style with lots of wood and stone construction, preserving the resort's beauty. Les Allues, the original old village, was part of the commune of Moutiers in the Savoie departement. In the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, Meribel hosted the ladies' downhill race and the ice hockey, bringing the Tarentaise region to world attention. The main town is only 20 minutes up the mountain from Moutiers rail station; Les Allues village is 15 minutes up the valley; Mottaret about 30 minutes. Snow trains and the Eurostar from London and Paris arrive weekly during the winter season at Moutiers, via Chambery and Albertville. Flights land at Geneva, Lyon, Chambery or Grenoble; transfers are about 2–3 hours. Villages and altitudes: Meribel main town (1400m / about 1450m), Meribel Village (1500m, built for the Olympics), Les Allues Village (1300m, the original ancient village), Meribel Mottaret (1750m, built in the 1970s), Meribel Morel (1600m) and Rond Point (1700m, higher than the main town). Meribel is excellent for intermediates (one of the best in France) and also for beginners and advanced skiers. There are over 10 English-speaking ski schools for all levels; even the French schools have English-speaking instructors. The Three Valleys has over 600 km of pistes and 180 ski lifts, plus cross-country routes. Off-piste is challenging with a wide choice of terrain; snow off-piste is normally very good from January to April above the gondola mid-stations. ## Skiing the Three Valleys from Meribel From the Chaudanne lift centre you can reach Courchevel in 15 minutes and La Tania in 20. Les Menuires is 20 minutes and Val Thorens 45 minutes. The lower villages of La Praz and St Martin de Belleville can be reached within the hour. Meribel Les Allues village can be skied to for most of the season. Snow is usually good until mid-March for the lower Trois Vallees resorts, and in April skiing remains great above the middle gondola stations. Lifts open in early December and run until the third weekend of April. The editor's conclusion: Meribel is one of the very best choices in the French Alps for a ski or snowboard holiday, thanks to the largest ski area. ## Testimonials (home page) The site features visitor testimonials praising the editor's honest, useful advice and help with choosing accommodation, ski hire and ski schools — including first-time skiers and visitors from abroad (e.g. South Africa) who needed extra guidance. The site also references a TripAdvisor presence with strong reviews. --- # About Us Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/about-us The team behind Meribel Unplugged: - Robert Smart (junior): Created the very first Meribel Unplugged website in 2003. He was paralyzed in a car accident in 1983 at age 18 and never managed to go skiing, but was an early computer whiz. He has since passed away; the site continues in his memory. - Rob Smart (editor): Spent much of the 1980s and 90s winter seasons in Meribel and is known for extensive local knowledge. A competitive windsurfer from 1991 until a ski injury in 2008; now enjoys sailing in Greece and Clacton-on-Sea. His passion is to give honest, unbiased information for British visitors to Meribel. Email: rob-smart@meribel-unplugged.co.uk. - Zhaoling "Ling" Ma: Rob's wife, an ex-accountant and now a professional nanny in the UK, and a keen photographer who helped with the site's early photos. They met in China in 2009, married, and she learned to ski in Meribel (now confident on most blues and reds), with snowboarding as a future goal. - Cyndi (Ling's daughter): Lives in Qingdao, China; earned a graphic design degree in 2013 and studied web design (HTML and WordPress). She designed the Meribel magazine, the website, and the pocket Meribel bus timetables, and skied a month in Meribel in the 2013 season. She is available for freelance web design. The website was created to give an honest review of Meribel from a British tourist's point of view. --- # Accommodation Guide — The Villages Explained Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-accommodation-guide The accommodation sections (chalets, apartments, hotels) are divided by area of the valley because new visitors are often confused by the layout. The editor has stayed or lived in all areas since 1986 and offers impartial advice by email (rob-smart@meribel-unplugged.co.uk). ## Meribel Main Town (1450m) The main town area also includes Meribel Morel, Meribel 1600, Le Plateau, Rond Point, Belvedere, Altiport and Mussillon. All are served by an excellent free bus service from about 7:30am to around midnight, stopping every few minutes. Most pistes near these areas (except Mussillon) lead down to the main lift centre at Chaudanne. ### Meribel Town Centre A good selection of self-catered apartments from small 2-person studios up to 4-bedroom units for 8–10 people, plus six upmarket full-board hotels (3, 4 and 5 star) and two simple bed-and-breakfast hotels right in the centre. Everything is a few minutes' walk from the Chaudanne lift centre or the Tourist Office (fast access to the Doron piste). Some excellent catered and self-catered chalets are here too. ### Meribel Morel Uphill from the centre toward the Altiport. Has a chairlift direct to the Altiport piste, which connects fast to Courchevel 1850. The Altiport area is a favourite for beginners. Nearby: a good supermarket, three bar/restaurants, a pizza takeaway, two ski shops and a doctor's surgery. Town centre is about 10 minutes' walk or 5 minutes by free bus. Good selection of catered and self-catered chalets and apartments. Tip: take an early bus uphill to Rond Point, then ski the first groomed run down to Chaudanne. ### Meribel 1600 A little further up from Morel, with quick access to the Morel chairlift; about 5 minutes' walk to the Doron piste, sharing Morel's shops and restaurants. Town centre is about 15 minutes' walk downhill or 5 minutes by shuttle bus (buses stop about midnight). Some fully catered chalets and a good selection of self-catering apartments. ### Meribel Plateau Above Meribel 1600 by road, a few minutes' walk up to Rond Point. Most apartments are just across the road from the piste (almost ski-in ski-out). Has two ski shops, a supermarket, two restaurants and a bakery. Walking to town takes 25–30 minutes, so the free bus (10 minutes) is better. Self-catered apartments with 1–4 bedrooms, plus some very high-quality catered chalets up to 7 bedrooms. ### Rond Point Right by the piste, home to the famous Rond Point bar ("the Ronny") with live music every afternoon. One lovely restaurant plus a ski shop. Too far to walk to town, but the free bus stops here (10 minutes to town). Great for early-morning piste access. Accommodation is now one high-quality hotel, an excellent B&B option, and self-catered apartments converted from former hotels (some offering short stays and Sunday changeovers). Largely ski-in ski-out. ### Belvedere The upmarket part of Meribel, adjacent to Rond Point in a private estate developed for the 1992 Olympics. High prices but right by the piste, with some of the highest property standards in Meribel; several high-quality 4- and 5-star hotels and top-end exclusive 5-star catered chalets and self-catered apartments. A special shuttle bus runs between Rond Point and Belvedere; otherwise the normal bus service is used. ### Altiport More an aerodrome than an airport (only small private planes and helicopters land here). The complex has a hotel, many apartments, a restaurant and a ski shop, set by the forest. Very quiet and peaceful, right by the beginners' green piste with fast chairlift access to Courchevel. Limited chalets. Bus to town takes 15 minutes. Accommodation is mainly the Altiport Hotel or good self-catered apartments in the same complex. ### Mussillon Just downhill of the centre (5–10 minutes' walk). Home to the famous former Dicks T Bar (now O'Sullivans nightclub, well insulated). Spread out, with mainly catered chalets of good quality plus a few self-catered apartments. Has its own large supermarket and the Den Bar/Restaurant (above O'Sullivans). Other valley villages with their own accommodation sections include Les Allues, Meribel Village, Mottaret, Chandon, Raffort, La Gittaz and Le Cruet (see the page directory for catered, self-catered and apartment links). --- # History of Meribel Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-history Meribel is heavily associated with the British, and the reason traces back to one man. ## Peter Lindsay (1900–1971) Born into the Lindsay clan of Scotland in 1900 (Scottish father, Irish mother). He fought in the First World War from age 18. A keen skier, he travelled to Meribel in 1936 to ski the famous Saulire-to-Brides-les-Bains run (about 12 km). So impressed with the valley, he bought much of the land that is now Meribel town, intending to create a ski-lift company. His first lift, the engine-powered "Red Dragon" rope tow, ran in 1938 from near today's Doron Pub up toward Rond Point. The German invasion of France in 1939 curtailed his plans for six years. In 1945 he teamed up with two local architects to create a master plan with building regulations requiring stone buildings, sloping slate roofs and wood cladding — the reason Meribel largely avoided the ugly developments seen elsewhere in the French Alps. Lindsay was generous: he sold or even gave land back to locals at fair prices on condition they opened businesses (hotels, chalets, ski shops) to benefit the resort. He was managing director and major shareholder of Meribel Alpina, the lift company he created solely for Meribel, until 1970. He kept Alpina out of French government control (which held all other French lift companies), persuading the board to sell to a private company run by French aristocracy. With new money, Meribel and Alpina expanded fast in the 1970s. Lindsay died of a heart attack in 1971, a year after retiring, his health affected by serious WWII injuries in Burma and recurring malaria; he had been awarded the DSO for bravery and promoted to Colonel. His son David Lindsay still visits Meribel, is an ESF-qualified instructor, and runs special ski courses. ## Social scene history Meribel became popular with wealthy English visitors and gradually the wider British market followed, with prices easing over time. Early tour operators included Supertravel and later Snowtime (whose alumni include Colin Mathews, founder of Meriski). Le French Connection (now the Sherpa supermarket, formerly the El Poncho Mexican bar) hosted the "Avant Gardeners" band on Friday afternoons. The Capricorn was once the only bar in town. In Mottaret, Le Rastro opened in 1986 and became famous in the 1990s for wild Tuesday rock nights, with DJ Rob Smart (the editor) running them until 2010 after 20 years; it featured on UK Channel 5's "On the Piste" around 1999. The 1992 Winter Olympics brought government finance to improve road and rail links and new hotels, plus the swimming pool complex and ice rink. Around then, Chris York turned the Rond Point into Meribel's number-one apres-ski venue; Mark Warner later took it over and built "the Ronnie" into the most famous apres-ski venue in the Alps. The band "The Feeling" started here as "Superfly." Tim Wall opened the LDV bar for the 1992 Olympics, now rivalling the Ronnie among locals. ## Skiing history The 3-Valley circuit began taking shape in 1950 when Meribel linked with Courchevel; ten years later the Tougnete bubble linked the Belleville Valley. Mottaret opened in 1972. Until the late 1980s the only ski school was the ESF (French national school, established in Meribel 1947). In January 1986 the ESF introduced its first off-piste course, "Rally Savage" (now "Ski Discovery"); editor Rob Smart was its first-ever client. David Lindsay drove the ESF's English-speaking international section. The private school Ski Cocktail fought court battles in the 1980s to compete with the ESF and won, opening the door for the roughly 12 ski schools competing in Meribel today, many British-owned or British-focused. Special courses now exist for British skiers and boarders to qualify as instructors (see the Season Work section). --- # Restaurants Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-restaurants Related: Mountain Restaurants — https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-mountain-restaurants Meribel has a wide range of restaurants to suit most tastes; the site lists what it considers the best-value options in Meribel, Mottaret and the mountain villages. Traditional Savoyard dishes (including fondues) feature in most, and there are now authentic Italian and Indian restaurants too. Lunch is normally 12pm–2/3pm. For dinner, some restaurants stagger arrivals into two sittings (around 7/7:30pm and again about 9/9:30pm). Families with children usually take the earlier sitting. Wednesday evenings are the busiest (the most popular day off for chalet staff), so book early. The free bus stops near most restaurants; the main town bus stops are below Hotel le Roc in the centre. ## Meribel Centre restaurants - Evolution (Chaudanne) — now CLOSED; the team (Jimmy, Emma) are back at Jacks Bar by the Chaudanne piste. - Jacks (formerly Meribar, Chaudanne) — same owners/staff as the former Evolution restaurant and Jacks Bar; apres-ski plus breakfast, lunch and dinner; soups recommended. - L'Abreuvoir (Centre) — classy, warm venue for drinks or a full meal at lunch and dinner; live DJ nights; in the town square. - Barometer (Centre) — bar, pizzeria and bistro in the town centre; menu displayed outside. - La Coursive Des Alpes (Centre) — cellar bar with a restaurant upstairs, secluded down a passageway near L'Igloo, ~100m uphill from the post office; well-reviewed. - L'Igloo (Centre) — restaurant/bar with an actual igloo built inside; great for large groups; ~100m uphill from the post office. - La Flambee (Chaudanne) — Meribel's first Italian restaurant (opened 1992); authentic Italian dishes. - La Galette (Town Centre) — family-run on Galerie des Cimes, ~100 yards up from the post office; popular, known for meat and cheese fondues; reserve. - La Taverne (Centre) — cellar restaurant with reasonable prices; bar upstairs with light food, burgers and English breakfast. - Le Close-Up (Town Centre) — first floor of Galerie des Cimes; the patron Francois is also a professional magician who performs at your table; traditional Savoyard dishes and fondues. - Le Refuge (Centre) — warm atmosphere just down from the town square; serves brunch (~8am–3pm), steaks, pizzas and Savoyard dishes; reserve. ## Meribel Village - La Terrasse Meribel Village — by the bus stop, 5 minutes from the town centre; lunch and dinner. ## Meribel Morel and 1600 - Chez Kiki (Morel) — the famous former restaurant; after Kiki passed away in 2020 it is run by his son as "Chez Fefe." - Aux Petits Oignons (1600) — a beautiful little restaurant at Meribel 1600. (Additional restaurants across Les Allues village and Meribel Altiport are listed on the full page, each typically with its own page showing the season menu and prices. The editor eats in all featured restaurants each season to keep reviews current.) --- # Bars, Pubs & Nightclubs Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-bars-pubs-nightclubs Related: What's On This Week — https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/meribel-whats-on Meribel has a good selection of bars and pubs plus three discos/nightclubs (including one in Mottaret). Practical notes: many bars have "happy hours" (discount on most drinks, especially beer); buying beer by the jug is cheaper for groups; beer is highly taxed and pricier than the UK while wine is cheaper. Many bars have apres-ski live music 5pm–7pm, giving Meribel a party-town reputation. Most bars stay open until 2am, then it's on to a nightclub. ## Town centre bars - The Doron Pub — the oldest bar in Meribel, very international; lively, live bands most nights, shows major sports including Premier League football. - Barometer Bar — relaxed apres-ski and evening venue, now also a restaurant; big screen for live sport; free wifi. - The Taverne — opposite the Pub, shows major sports on several screens, some live music; opens early (8:30am) for breakfast, closes late; free wifi. - Scotts Bar — adjacent to the Pub, more laid-back; popular with season workers; live music nights. - L'Abreuvoir Bar (formerly Le Poste) — stylish champagne/wine bar with cocktails, wines and beers; resident DJ some nights; good food. - Saint Amour Wine Bar — small wine bar ~100m uphill from the Tourist Office; over 100 wines; relaxed. - 50/50 Bar — toward Chaudanne; small friendly bar run by Matt and Elizabeth; free wifi. - Igloo Bar / Restaurant — modern relaxed bar and pizza-style restaurant ~100m uphill from the Tourist Office. - Copina Bar (opened 2018) — small but very popular, by the bus stops in the centre; known for cocktails and tapas. ## Mussillon (near centre) - O'Sullivans Den Bar — bar with food, a good warm-up before the nightclub below. - O'Sullivans Nightclub — formerly Dicks T Bar (a 25-year Meribel institution); popular with season workers and tourists; open late until about 5am. ## Chaudanne piste side - Jacks Bar & Restaurant — formerly the Meribar; live bands and food. ## Morel / 1600 - Chez Kiki Bar (Morel) — small, quaint cellar bar beneath the famous Kiki restaurant. - Petite Oignons (1600) — relaxed bar/restaurant; free wifi until 6pm. ## Rond Point - The Ronny (Rond Point) — one of the most famous bars in the Alps, right on the piste; live music every afternoon 5pm–7pm; free wifi. ## Mottaret - Rastro Bar — legendary for 25 years of Tuesday nights in Mottaret; revived under new management with live music. For up-to-date live-music listings, the site maintains a "What's On This Week" page. --- # Activities (Non-Ski) Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/resort-information/activities Non-ski activities available in Meribel and the Three Valleys include: aeroplane flights, bob raft, bob sleigh, canyoning, cross cars, dog sledding, hang gliding, helicopter flights, horse riding, hot air ballooning, ice driving, ice karting, microlight flights, monobob/luge, paragliding, piste basher driving, quad biking, ski joering, skydiving, snowmobiling and snowrafting. These can be booked locally on arrival or, more easily, in advance in the UK through Whitetracks Activities (www.whitetracks-activities.co.uk). --- # Skiing Guide Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-skiing-6-day-ski-guide Related: Ski Lessons for Children — https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/skiing-for-children-meribel-france The site offers a free Meribel 6-day ski guide on request by email (rob-smart@meribel-unplugged.co.uk). The page is largely a photo gallery of the skiing (early-morning Saulire/Courchevel "Park City" side, the Col du Loze, extreme-skiing couloirs, etc.). For detailed skiing information, the site directs readers to its ski-guide content, lift pass page and piste map. Meribel suits beginners (green pistes at the Altiport), intermediates and advanced skiers, with extensive off-piste, and access to the full 600 km Three Valleys area. --- # Lift Passes / Ski Passes Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-lift-pass-ski-passes-3-valleys The page covers Three Valleys ski-pass options. At the time the page was last updated, the published 3-Valley prices were delayed/pending update, and the site invites readers to make a fast enquiry by email for current pricing. General guidance from the home page: for anyone beyond absolute beginners, the full 3-Valley pass is recommended, and a daily extension is available for roughly 35 euros per day. (Always confirm current-season prices directly, as pass prices change each season.) --- # Ski Schools & Snowboard Schools Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/skiing/meribel-ski-schools Joining a Meribel ski school suits all levels, especially beginners. Group lessons can be taken mornings or afternoons; beginners typically start around 9:15am for 2 hours. All-day instruction including lunch is available for children in school holidays (in both Meribel and Mottaret). Group lessons normally meet at the Chaudanne lift centre or the Mottaret Tourist Office. Private lessons: All schools offer them; book well in advance for school holidays. Private sessions are normally 2 hours but can be longer, and the instructor will usually meet you anywhere convenient in the valley. Students in a private group must be of similar standard. Meeting points: All schools meet at Chaudanne; the ESF also meets at Rond Point and Mottaret; Snow Systems also meets at Mottaret. Clients from Les Allues or Meribel Village meet at Chaudanne. The site lists about 10 of the best ski/snowboard schools and offers a single request form to contact them all at once. Featured schools include: - Ski With Ease — all-British, highly qualified instructors; personalised private 1-2-1 and family/friend lessons for all ages and levels; 55+ years collective experience in the 3 Vallees. - David Lindsay — son of Peter Lindsay (Meribel's founder); special masterclasses and private lessons each season. - ESI – Snow Systems — private school with English and French speaking instructors; classes in Meribel and Mottaret (meeting points Chaudanne and Mottaret). - Snow D'light — independent school with English and international instructors; operates in Mottaret and Courchevel; meets at Chaudanne. - ESF Off Piste Ski School — weekly off-piste group for good piste skiers, 9:15am–1pm (the historic "Rally Savage" course); highly recommended. - ESF — the French national school; offices at the Tourist Office, Chaudanne, Mottaret and Rond Point; over 400 instructors speaking English, French and other languages. - Ski Marmalade — experienced team for all levels, beginner to expert. - Parallel Lines — Meribel's biggest British ski/snowboard school (up to 28 instructors in peak weeks); 25 years of English-speaking lessons for all levels, adults and children. - Cab 9 — dedicated snowboard-only school for enthusiastic riders. (Two dedicated snowboard schools are featured; most ski schools also teach snowboarding with qualified instructors.) --- # Travel & Airport Transfers Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-airport-transfers Related travel pages: Rail (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/rail), Road (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-by-road), Coach (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/coach), Bus services (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/bus-services), Taxis (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/meribel-taxis), Car hire (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/car-hire-meribel), Cheap flights (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/cheap-flights-meribel), Airport parking (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/travel/airport-parking), Helicopter transfers (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/meribel-helicopter-transfers), Sharing forum (https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/transfers). Flights to Meribel usually arrive at Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble or Chambery. Approximate road transfer times to Meribel: - Geneva: about 2.5 hours - Chambery: about 1.5 hours - Lyon: about 2.5 hours - Grenoble: about 2.5 hours The editor offers to gather the best quotes for your group (email your details for a same-day reply) and provides an instant quote form. For just 1–2 passengers, a shared service such as Bens Bus can be best; 4 or more usually find a private transfer best. Advice for choosing a local transfer company: locally based minibus/coach companies (in the Meribel valley or near Moutiers) are often far cheaper than airport-based taxis and have English-speaking drivers who know the best routes and shortcuts in bad weather and heavy holiday traffic (notably congestion around Albertville and Moutiers at New Year and in February French school holidays). All vehicles are licensed and insured for paying passengers, carry skis and luggage, and have baby seats; most minibuses seat about 8 (children count as adults as they take a seat). Always get a firm quote before travelling — airport taxis have been known to overcharge dramatically. Transfers run 24/7 in winter; try to book flights arriving early morning, and bring snacks, water and entertainment for children. Featured transfer operators include: Snowlinx (British-run, based in Courchevel, 8-seater minibuses, all four airports), Pacifique Transport (Meribel-based, personal service, all four airports), Bens Bus (shared weekend transfers from Geneva/Grenoble/Lyon to Moutiers and Meribel), Meribel Airport Transfers (Meribel-based, all major airports), GSM Transfers (Meribel-centre private transfers to Meribel, La Tania and Courchevel), Cool Runnings (3 Valleys, shared/private/prestige in VW and Mercedes vehicles), Savoie Transfers (Meribel-based, up to 8 passengers, all airports), My Mountain Transfers (Meribel-based, up to 8 passengers) and Ski Hame Transfers. A free Airport Shared Transfer Forum is available to save money by sharing, and fast helicopter transfers are offered via Whitetracks. By rail: Snow trains and the Eurostar from London and Paris arrive weekly at Moutiers in winter, via Chambery and Albertville; Moutiers is about 20 minutes below the main town and is the central bus station for all Three Valleys resorts. --- # Contact Source: https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/contact-us - Editor: Rob Smart (editor and ex 1980s–90s seasonaire). - Email: rob-smart@meribel-unplugged.co.uk — all emails answered personally, usually the same day or within 24 hours, all year round. For accommodation enquiries, be as specific as possible to get a fast quotation. - Season work: Send a full CV with photo; the editor forwards it to employers. Most jobs are usually filled by October/November. - Telephone: +44 (0)7513284227 — best to leave a message or send a text (texts answered quickly). Best time to call is early mornings; the editor will not answer while driving. - Post: Robert Smart, 18 Windermere Court, Clacton On Sea, Essex, UK, CO15 6JN. --- # Notes on this document This llms-full.txt is a structured, text-only summary of the publicly available content of https://www.meribel-unplugged.co.uk/, compiled for use by language models and other automated agents. It paraphrases and condenses the site's content; for exact wording, current prices, live snow/weather reports, "what's on" listings and bookings, consult the linked pages directly or contact the editor by email. Prices, opening dates, business names and ownership change between seasons; treat any specific figures as indicative and verify current details on the source pages.