You have been dreaming of the snowy peaks, the endless slopes, indulgent food and the well-deserved drink! You know what this means…those longed after flights you booked to Geneva 6 months ago are in the reachable distance and check- in is now open for your 3 days in Meribel
Destination of choice
The destination of choice is Meribel. The middle sister of the 3 valleys sandwiched between the heady heights of Val Thorens and the glitz of Courchevel. Instead, you choose the happy medium with incredible access to a world-renowned ski area, a down to earth vibe and a little rustic charm of alpine restaurants and wood-clad chalets.
After a short and sweet flight to Geneva, the transfer time is between 2 and 3 hours but its all part of the fun, building the anticipation! Local and friendly transfer companies operate all Winter but we recomend you head to Three Valley Transfers as they have a huge range of vehicles and options to suit any budget.
Where to stay in Meribel?
After your flight and transfer you are well ready to get settled, as Brits, we absolutely HAVE to get settled or we cant start our holiday. A great pick for accommodation is Chalet Pont Du Cam which is ideally located near the slopes of Meribel. You have nothing but a short walk to the slopes or to the bars and restaurants. It’s everything ski holiday accommadation should be with relaxed comfortable rooms and five star service, it even boasts its own spa and outdoor hot tub.
Day one
Day one means its best to be up bright and early to make the most of your short break, no time to be wasted lazing in bed with a slightly sore head. Kick start your first day back on the snow with Snow Limits Ski School at 9am. Ski or snowboard lessons are exempt from the rule ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, there is nothing better than refreshing your skills and getting back those ‘ski legs’.
Lunch
After working up an appetite in your lesson, lunch is now calling. Over in Courchevel 1650 is the great spot at Le Bel Air mountain restaurant. It’s a well- known gem in the area due to its location with an awesome terrace looking out onto the slopes and the impressive peaks. Its a sought after lunch spot, so a booking maybe essential at peak times but our instructors will organise that for you!!!
Apres Ski with a Twist
Heading back over to Meribel and after all this, you have most likely had an awesome first days skiing. The beauty of the 3 valleys can also be enjoyed on horseback with Coeur Equestre Des 3 Vallees. This is horseriding like you have never known it before, with snowy strolls through the forest and gallops through the powder exploring the area in a very different way.
Dinner
To see off an unforgettable first day back in the mountains, dinner at Kiki restaurant in Meribel will have you indulging in classic French cuisine such as cheese fondue or duck leg. Don’t forget to wash it down with glass or two of a Cote-Du- Rhone Villages. Go on, you deserve it you have had a tough day.
Day Two
Hopefully still feeling fresh and raring to go, the second day is always the day to get in those epic lines warmed by adrenaline. Your ski legs are well and truly back, so its now time to see what the 3 valleys is good for: freeride! You don’t have to look very hard to find awesome spots, dotted at the side of the pistes, under the lifts and as you venture further down the valley towards La Tania in Courchevel you can easily seek out some untouched tree lines. We will be on hand to guide you all the way.
Lunch
Back up and over from La Tania you can drop into Meribel and find your lunch venue a. A cracking apres spot for the seasonnaires and infamous for its terrace parties and DJ’s. Before the crowds hit for apres, a great way to get in some well priced Kronenburg in a sharing jug and a great portion of burger and chips. A few pre-drinks down and you are ready for a boogie at La Folie Douce. Extravagance, bar topped dancing and champagne sprays, the Meribel Folie Douce is probably the best party in the alps!
Dinner
Come down from your table dancing and magnum of rose and brush off your champagne soaked jacket. Dinner at Tsaretta in Les Allues is a cab ride away, but so worth it with fusion French cuisine by a well-established chef in the area. Soak up those apres drinks with baked camembert and seared tuna steak to follow. Buon Appetit!
Day 3
So it’s your last day and your legs are aching from carving around the three valleys and bouncing through fresh powder. It’s time to test yourself in new ways by snowmobiling with Snow Biker.
Get your helmet fastened and your protective gear on nice and tight because this isn’t just bobbling around on the pistes, this is bashing around through thick snow, getting some air and some intense speed. You will have sure earnt to soothe those aching muscles in an afternoon spa retreat at the Hotel Savoy. Sit back, relax and reminisce on the jam-packed mini break in Meribel. Not a second spare in this exciting and vibrant resort.
Check out and let the winding roads back down the valley drift you off into a content snooze.. Because tomorrow you’re back to work.
This article was written with our friends over at ridestore. Read more from them right here.