It's All Down Hill In Meribel

Where is Meribel?
You will find it in the French Alps.The resort is situated in the heart of the Trois Vall?es, the biggest ski area in the world (boasting over 600kms of groomed trails and a network of 200 lifts across 27,000 acres; more than Vail, Killington, Squaw Valley, Steamboat, Heavenly and Park City combined – totaling 18,734 acres of skiable terrain).

Scenery?
Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the traditional French alpine village of M?ribel affords panoramic views of the ice-capped Mont-Blanc, Beaufortain and Vanoise mountain ranges, fields of glaciers and dense evergreen forests.

What Makes it So Good?
The topography of the Trois Vall?es makes M?ribel the most convenient base to stay as it is located directly between the Courchevel and St Martin de Belleville valleys. 

When to go?
From December to April (you could also ski in May in 2005).

Spot the celebrity?
Tons – from 80’s pop stars to European Royalty.
The Countess and Earl of Wessex (Patron, British Ski and Snowboard Federation) attend and present prizes at The British Land Open British Skiing Championships in M?ribel every March.

Best Accommodation?
M?ribel has more top-of-the-range chalet accommodation than any other resort in the world: Including: Purple Ski’s (01494 488 633, www.purpleski.com ), five-bedroomed Chalet Iamato (sleeps 10). Perfect for those who enjoy the more decadent side of skiing the chalet is situated in M?ribel Village, with unlimited top-class champagne included in the price of a week’s stay.  Just 300m from the lifts and shops, the price of a week’s stay ranges from just ?305 pp (first week of December) to ?1,200 pp over the February half-term.  All rooms have en-suite facilities and for those with kids there is a children’s room (with satellite television, video, Playstation2, DVD and board games), plus there is an outdoor hot tub and sauna.  The chef at the Iamato was previously Saucier at The Savoy, and there is also a fully qualified and professional masseuse/physiotherapist available to all guests – ideal for those little aches and pains after a day on the slopes.

Where to Stay?
Whilst attending The British Land Open British Skiing Championships in March, The Earl and Countess of Wessex stay at the Hotel Allodis.  Situated in the most sought after area of M?ribel, the hotel is decorated in the typical wood cladding Savoyard style.  Or go to the Allodis for no other reason than its mouth-watering cuisine – every night there is a five course meal – which has achieved an outstanding international reputation.  A week’s stay at the Hotel Allodis starts from just ?945 pp.  Price is for a seven-night stay on a half-board basis, based on two sharing.  To book call The M?ribel Tourist Office on 00 33 479 00 50 00 or visit www.meribel.net for more details

Any non ski activities?
Paragliding, helicopter rides, hot air balloon flights, tourist light airplane flights, bum-boarding, skiddos, tobogganing, swimming pools, health and beauty centre, ice-skating, cinema, bowling….

Eating Out?
The Trois Vall?es has more Michelin star rated restaurants than any other mountain resort in the world.  Scattered throughout all three valleys and surrounded by spectacular scenery, famed restaurants include The Chabichou and Le Bateau Ivre (both with two Michelin stars) and La Bouitte (one Michelin star) – plus there are a number of restaurants listed in the renowned guide, including the Hotel Allodis (serving a different five course meal every evening).  Situated in the traditional alpine village of M?ribel, at the heart of the Trois Vall?es and the most convenient base from which to explore the restaurants, its mouth-watering cuisine meal has achieved an outstanding international reputation.

Getting There?
Flights to Geneva, Lyon and Chambery
Or Ferry crossing and 8 hours’ drive from Calais.

Apres Ski?
The British-run Le Pub, in the very centre of Meribel, is the largest and perhaps the most eventful bar in town.

The ever popular Le Rond Point has just been enlarged by a third for the 2006 season is situated on the slopes itself – the end of day parties start here, with bands and its infamous toffee vodka!!!

Le Loft, is popular with locals and is located above the ice-rink, has live music, a fun atmosphere and stays open late.

Jack’s Bar is close to the piste and puts on a popular apr?s-ski happy hour.

Le Bowling has a six-lane alley and a bar with pool table.

Dick’s Tea-Bar is an extremely popular nightclub and open until around 3 or 4am

Le Post is possibly the most refined bar in the resort.  A cocktail bar that would not look out of place in NYC.

More Information
M?ribel Tourist Office on 00 33 479 00 50 00

www.meribel.net

27 December 2005