Méribel Les Allues is a captivating French ski village offering a perfect blend of authenticity, tranquillity, and unparalleled access to world-class skiing. Set in the heart of the renowned Les Trois Vallées, the world's largest interconnected ski area, this traditional Savoyard village exudes charm with its historic buildings, cosy restaurants, and welcoming atmosphere. Linked to the expansive slopes by the iconic Olympe gondola, Méribel Les Allues provides quick and easy access to over 600 km of exceptional skiing. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, exciting adventures on the pistes, or a mix of both, Méribel Les Allues delivers a distinctive alpine experience.
From serene mountain strolls to thrilling descents, authentic cuisine to friendly après-ski, this guide provides all you need for planning your perfect Méribel Les Allues ski holiday.
Let’s dive in!
Méribel Les Allues lies around 7 km (4.3 miles) below Méribel Centre, in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps. As the original village from which the Méribel resort developed, it offers a quieter, more traditional setting while remaining well-connected to the main ski area.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic village charm and quieter ambience | Limited nightlife compared to Méribel Centre |
| Excellent value accommodation | Ski return to village often dependent on snow conditions |
| Direct access to Les Trois Vallées via gondola | Gondola ride up to Méribel Centre takes about 15 minutes |
| Friendly local atmosphere and community | Limited non-ski activities within the village |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Méribel Les Allues has to offer.
(Ref: Frank Long)
Méribel Les Allues provides effortless access to Les Trois Vallées, celebrated worldwide for its exceptional snow conditions, varied terrain, and extensive piste network. The village connects directly to Méribel Centre’s La Chaudanne lift hub via the Olympe gondola, from which skiers can seamlessly explore Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, and the lesser-known Orelle. Les Trois Vallées is praised for its reliability of snow, sophisticated lift infrastructure, snowparks, and family-friendly slopes, making it a paradise for all skiing and snowboarding abilities.
Beginner skiers benefit from gentle nursery slopes and excellent ski schools in Méribel. From La Chaudanne, easily reached via the Olympe gondola, the Altiport area offers extensive beginner terrain with wide green runs ideal for mastering the basics. Friendly ski instructors provide quality tuition, ensuring rapid progression in a safe, picturesque setting.
Méribel is an intermediate skier’s dream, offering extensive blue and red runs throughout Les Trois Vallées. Popular pistes like the long, scenic Combe du Vallon and Chamois offer fantastic cruising opportunities. Well-connected lift systems make it effortless to explore neighbouring valleys such as Courchevel and Val Thorens, maximising the skiing experience.
Experienced skiers have limitless challenges, from Courchevel’s renowned Grand Couloir to Méribel’s steep black runs like La Face (the Women’s Olympic downhill course). Excellent off-piste opportunities abound, particularly around Mont Vallon, with wide powder fields and steep descents offering thrilling experiences for adventurous skiers.
Snowboarders enjoy world-class facilities across Les Trois Vallées, notably Méribel's acclaimed snowparks, the Elements Park for beginners and Plattières Park for more advanced freestyle enthusiasts. Easy access via Méribel’s fast lifts to diverse terrain including wide groomers, steeps, and powder ensures snowboarders of all levels will find excitement and variety.
Since Méribel Les Allues is part of the wider Méribel ski area, it shares the same 2025/26 ski season schedule, set to run from 22 November to 3 May. These dates are published by the resort and may vary depending on snowfall and operational updates throughout the season.
Méribel Les Allues shares the same snowfall trends as the broader Méribel ski area, offering reliable conditions from December through April. December typically sees around 35 cm (13.7 in) of snowfall and January averages 30 cm (11.8 in), each spread over roughly 2.9 days per week, ensuring a steady supply of fresh snow. February brings slightly less overall snow at 24 cm (9.4 in) but with increased frequency, averaging 3.2 days per week. The snowiest period usually falls in the second week of December, with up to 49 cm (19.2 in) falling across 3.4 days, ideal for those chasing classic Bluebird Powder Days. By April, snowfall softens to around 17 cm (6.6 in) over 3.1 days, perfect for enjoying the slopes under sunnier skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 30 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 24 cm | 3.2 days |
| March | 26 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 17 cm | 3.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Méribel Les Allues boasts a selection of delightful restaurants, featuring authentic Savoyard cuisine and international dishes served in cosy, welcoming settings: Recommended restaurants, include:
Après-ski in Méribel Les Allues is relaxed and friendly, focused around traditional bars and social gatherings. Recommended après-ski spots, include:
Nightlife here is understated but warmly welcoming, offering authentic interactions rather than wild parties. Guests seeking more lively late night entertainment can easily reach Méribel Centre using the frequent free shuttle service.
Download Méribel Les Allues village map here
