Meribel - France For Families' favourite skiing resorts

*Our Favourite Resorts - Meribel...* Meribel is linked with Courcheval and Monteret as part of the massive 3 valleys skiing domaine in the La Vanoise National park. Although the resort is largely purpose built, the chalet buildings blend in delightfully with the mountain scenery to create a fairytale atmosphere.	*Our likes/dislikes:* There are some great beginners slopes in Meribel whilst the 3 valleys area offers a good challenge for more experiences skiers. There is an excellent choice of ski schools (see the panel below left). On the downside the resort is not so high (Meribel Centre is at 1450m) and the resort can get very busy in peak season with a lively nightlife!	Help using France For Families
		Booking your Holiday
*Factfile...* Resort height: 1400 - 2950m Access: Just 20km from Moutiers train station - shuttle bus service. Downhill runs: 9 black, 23 red, 34 blue, 8 green runs. Size of domaine: 150km of prepared pistes in resort. Snow cannon: 650 snow cannons cover 30% of resort. Lifts: 16 gondolas, 18 chair lifts, 14 drag lifts. Lift Pass: Adult pass: 166Euros (204Euros for 3 valleys). Office du Tourisme:** Website of the tourist office.	*Where to stay...Most accommodation is convenient although we recommend Mottaret for those with young children and/or disabled skiers due to more bubble lifts & easy access to the slopes. There is a wide choice ranging from 4 hotels such as Le Grand Coeur or the superbly located Mont Vallon, to more cost effective self catering options such as Le Grand Chalet des Pistes or Hotel-Residence Le Merilys. Alpine Action offer a splendid choice of Meribel chalets.	Which Region to Choose
		Favourite French Sketches

Skiing Lessons:

ESF is the conventional choice for ski lessons and is the only ski school providing a nursery for children in the 18month - 3 year age bracket. Magic in Motion specialise in teaching British skiers and comes highly recommended, whilst New Generation (also an English speaking ski school) is also worth a try.

Ski Equipment:
As in most ski resorts there is plenty of choice. Highly recommended are BoardBrains (save up to 40% by booking 2 months in advance) and Freeride for snow boards, whilst Freeride and SkiSet are a good choice for conventional ski hire. However, we recommend to choose a ski shop local to your accommodation, especially if you book over the internet. You really don't want to waste the first morning of your holiday trapsing half way across the resort to get your skis.

Baby Sitting/Kindergarten:
If you book through a travel company you have a great choice available including Ski Total, Ski Scott Dunn, Inghams and the very popular Esprit. Most companies offer a nanny service but only Esprit are a specialist in this area.

If you are making your own arrangements you can use ESF's Les Saturnins day nursery at the Olympic centre.

Food Choice:
In common with most ski resorts you won't find a large supermarket in town, however the smaller Spar and Sherpa supermarkets are well stocked and provide all the basic necessities for a self catering holiday. The resorts restaurants tend to be on the expensive side, however they cater well for families and there is always the option of Pizza Express for those that don't fancy a Racelette or Fondu!

Other Comments:

SkiPasses: We would only recommend to buy passes for the whole of 3 valleys if you are intermediate or advanced skiers.

Independent websites:

- Merinet.com - full of useful info / late booking offers.

- Meribel Unplugged - lots more information on Meribel.

Lift Pass: Adult pass: 166Euros (204Euros for 3 valleys).