On the slopes

Located bang in the middle of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world, Meribel has access to the massive 600km of slopes in the Three Valleys ski area. 150km of these are in Meribel itself, much of which is above the treeline, but there are still plenty of lower sheltered runs if the weather turns.

Meribel has a good mix of terrain for all abilities, with lots of long cruising reds and blues, and some nice tree-lined beginner slopes. It’s all serviced by a fast and modern lift system.

However, most people invest in a Three Valleys pass. With over 169 high performance lifts, 2,100 artificial snow making machines (just in case) and 321 alpine runs spread from Courchevel to Val Thorens, and Orelle toi Les Menuires there is enough skiing to keep anyone happy.

Around Meribel, beginners should start out at Rond-Point or Mottaret, where most of the ski schools practice. The green runs of Altiport are also great for newbies, with tree-lined runs all the way down.

Intermediate skiers should head up to Tougnete in the morning, with some quiet red and blue slopes back down to the main resort. Plattieres-Vallon also has a good choice of red and blue runs, as does Saulire.

The best pistes for advanced skiers are found up at Mont du Vallon, with some excellent black runs down from Tougnete and Ecureuil. If you’re in the mood for some moguls, head over to Mont de la Challe where there’s a good bumps slope served by a drag lift.

Freestylers should check out the DC Area 43 snowpark. Set up in 2012 in Meribel-Mottaret, there’s more than a kilometre of park served by two lifts, with an excellent selection of kickers, rails and boxes for all levels. There’s also the Moon Park, accessed via the Arpasson chairlift, with plenty more rails and boxes.