Tag Archives: skiing

Why you should book your ski holiday early

Booking your ski holiday early is a good idea – Here are a few reasons why

Book your ski trip early

If you enjoyed your last ski trip you probably can’t wait until the next one which is a great reason to book your next one early.

But there are other benefits to sorting your ski holiday out in advance.

Meribel is a unique ski resort with a huge variety of locations and various levels of accommodation. Booking early will mean you get the best chalet in the best location for the best price.

Here are a few more perks of booking your ski holiday early.

Peak dates

If you are planning a ski trip at Christmas, New Year, February Half Term or Easter, you should think about securing your preferred accommodation early.

These are popular dates to go skiing in Meribel, and the chalets can get booked up early.

By the end of April,  we are usually 65% booked with returning guests for the next season on these dates.

Large groups

If there is a large group of you going skiing, then getting in early will give you more chalet options to choose from and make sure you get the one you want.

As the ski season gets closer, chalets start to get booked, and individual rooms are taken up, making it harder to fit large parties into one chalet.

Early offers

There are always great offers at the start of the season, from free lift passes to group discounts.

Check out all our special offers.

Don’t miss out on the room and chalet you want

If you have spent ages scrolling through the options and then set your heart on a chalet you want to stay in, there is nothing worse than it not being available when you go to book it.

If you love skiing in Meribel, you will know that getting a well-located chalet can be a bit tricky, and you will notice that the best-located chalets get booked early.

Reserving your holiday early on also guarantees that you get the ensuite room with a south-facing balcony that you want in the chalet.

Low deposits

Booking early doesn’t mean you have to pay upfront, unlike if you wait until the season starts. We require a deposit, and then the final balance is due 10 weeks before your departure.

This gives you plenty of time to save up or pay for the trip in instalments.

Best prices

The best price is often offered at the end of the season for next winter, as demand can often push prices up.

Flights

You should always consider where you want to fly from when booking a ski trip early.

There may be a limited number of flights from your preferred departure point. And we all know that booking a flight early saves a huge amount of money.


If you are planning to book your holiday to Meribel or La Tania early – Give us a call tel: +44(0) 1273 466 535, and we will find the best trip for you.


Signs that spring is in the mountains

7 Signs that spring has arrived in the mountains

Fresh dumps of snow

Fresh Snow

The end of March and the start of April were once times that dedicated skiers would try and avoid the slopes. But over the last few years, these six weeks have seen an increase in big fresh dumps of snow. The snow that falls in spring may not stay around as long, but it is light, fluffy, and often accompanied by blue skies when it falls.

Outrageous tan lines

A goggle mark has always been more of a statement than a lax sunscreen application approach. But why stop at a goggle mark when there are T-shirt lines to collect on your arms, neck and rear. And the best time to get yours is during the spring months.

The sighting of Marmots

Marmot

To some these are mythical creatures that only exist in souvenir shops or the name of the piste where you were meant to meet your partner after their ski lesson. To others, the appearance of these giant rodents is a sign that spring is here and summer is on its way.

Mini Festivals

The alpine festival is a growing trend. Méribel alone can boast of the Ronnie Loves Music Festival and the Folie Douce Courchevel festival. Once the posters for these start to go up, we know that we are in for a good time and spring has arrived.

Rocks

piste sign meribel

Rocks are a part of the spring experience, and other than the ptex manufacturers, no one enjoys their appearance. First, the big ones that form the landscape start to appear, then slowly, smaller ones start to pop up on the lower slopes and busy intersections. By the season’s final week (if it hasn’t dumped), part of the game is to dodge the rocks.

Sunbathing lifties

An iconic ski resort image in spring is the sunbathing lift op. Over the years, the resorts have become more customer-focused and the role of the lift operator more responsible this sight happens less and less. But when it does, you can’t but think…. “I’d quite like that job”.

Puddles to skim

2010 Puddle Jump

You know the drill. You spot a puddle or melted pond, point it out to your group, and watch someone effortlessly skim across it on skis. The challenge is on. One of your group heads back to the chalet early to dry off. In some resorts, this is now a major event. Don’t let your mate enter!

Take a look at our spring ski deals or call us for more information.


La Tania: The complete resort guide.

You will find La Tania ski resort nestled in the trees on the lower slopes of the 3 Valleys ski area, just below the legendary alpine resort of Courchevel.

The village is much smaller than its neighbours of Val Thorens, Courchevel, and Meribel, but it is its size that gives it that familiarity and charm that keeps skiers returning to it every winter.

La Tania was developed into a ski resort in the 1990s. Its original purpose was to host the press and athletes during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Which is why the centre is focused on large apartment buildings. Once the games had passed the village grew into a more traditional alpine village full of small chalets.

Today La Tania ski village is a busy place in the winter with a car-free centre with pistes that run into the village allowing you to ski close to your door. It has also built a reputation as a less expensive place for ski holidays while still having access to the 3 Valleys.

Season Opening dates – You can ski La Tania from the middle of December to the third week in April.

La Tania Ski Village

The resort centre is a snowy pedestrianised zone that catches the afternoon sun. The three main ski runs converge here. It is where you will find the bars, restaurants, and shops. There is also a free drag lift for beginners.

Other popular amenities and services you will find in La Tania are a Tourist office, bakery, deli, Tabac, min market, ATM/cash machine, and ski hire. For other services and a wider range of shops head up to Courchevel.

La Tania Ski Area

One of the big attractions of La Tania is the access to the Three Valleys. From the village, you can catch the gondola to the bottom of the Bouc Blanc red piste, it is from here you have plenty of options to access the rest of the ski area.

Catch the Dou des Lanches to drop down into Méribel or ski down a bit and get on the Bouc Blanc chair for direct access to Courchevel 1850. For the more adventurous you can tackle the amazing Jockeys run down to the new bubble in Courchevel Le Praz.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE TO SKIING LA TANIA AND THE 3 VALLEYS

Skiing or snowboarding back into La Tania is great fun and you have the choice of 3 pistes to choose from. There is the blue run called Folyeres that snakes through the forest. The Moretta Blanche is a red that is great fun, you can combine it with the higher up Lanches or Bouc blanc for one of the area’s epic descents. For the newer skier and children, there is the Plan Fontaine green slope that weaves into the resort from the top of the gondola.

Download a La Tania piste map

The other great thing about staying in La Tania is the proximity of the pistes to most of the accommodation. There are plenty of ski in ski out properties lining the runs and down in the centre. But if you aren’t staying in one of these you are unlikely to be any more than a 6-minute walk to the lifts or runs.

Snowmaking and Snow Condition in La Tania

Due to its unique location on the mountain snow is pretty much guaranteed on the slopes as the trees help to shade the snow keeping it fresh throughout the season. The lower slopes in La Tania have a season average coverage of around 85cm.

For added reassurance, all the ski runs in the La Tania area are covered by snow cannons which allows ski holidays to be booked throughout the season without the worry of not being able to ski into the resort.

GET AN UP TO DATE LA TANIA SNOW REPORT

Aprés Ski in La Tania

Aprés ski in La Tania is dominated by the Pub Le Ski Lodge. You will find this popular bar at the foot of the slopes into the resort. At lunchtime, it is the perfect spot for sunbathing and eating. Then off to the slopes, it is a great aprés spot, with happy hour (4 pm to 6 pm), drinks promos, and live music every weekday. There is also live music in the evenings. Opening times 10 am- 2 am.

The Chrome bar is a no-frills bar close to the slopes that is popular with locals. It has a range of beers and cocktails. There is live music occasionally throughout the week.

Eating Out in La Tania

The Three Valleys has a good reputation for eating out and despite its size, there are some nice spots to eat.

Up on the slopes try the Bouc Blanc. During the day the restaurant and terrace can be found drenched in sun at the top of the La Tania gondola. Look on any review site and this place gets five stars every time. It serves traditional alpine food at a better price than many of the other slope-side restaurants in Courchevel.

Down in the resort of La Tania, you can head back to Pub Le Ski Lodge where you can get a Full English in the morning or pick from one of its infamous burgers during the lunch break.

In the evening you should book a table at La Taiga. An intimate restaurant that you can find opposite the La Trokia lift. The food on offer is a mix of traditional Savoyard, local produce, and modern dishes. You could eat here many times and feel you have had a different style of food every time. Take a look at their menu.

Don’t forget you can access all the bars and restaurants in Courchevel and La Praz via the free bus service that runs until late at night.

Accommodation in La Tania

There is a wide range of accommodation in La Tania. You will find small self-catered apartments, hotels, and chalets.

We have four amazing cater chalets located in the trees of the resort.

Cote Coeur – A 14-bed chalet with a hot tub that is just a two-minute walk to the piste.

Chalet Attila – Sleeps 12, has a hot tub and is located next to the piste

Chalets Toubkal One & Two – A pair of individual chalets with a piste-side location.

La Tania Chalet

How to get to La Tania

All out La Tania catered ski and snowboard holidays include flights from Stansted, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, and Newcastle. More information can be found here.

The best airports to travel to are Grenoble or Geneva due to transfer time, flight availability, and connectivity.

Driving is a great option and you can find ample free parking throughout the ski area.


Why the 3 Valleys is the ultimate Instagram ski destination

Instagram your 3 Valleys ski holiday

The 3 Valleys will make your holiday look good on Instagram and there is nowhere more Instagramable than the mountains!

From La Tania’s picture-perfect chalets hidden in the trees, traditional Savoie food to the trendy apres ski scene of Meribel. There are enough selfie spots to make your followers drool.

If you like your feed to look a bit more extreme than cozy chalet photos and chairlift poses then there is pleanty of slopes, off-piste terrain and extreme experiences to capture.

That is the intro… now for some more Instagram inspiration.

#LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania

3 Valleys Instagram

The towns of the Three Valleys on Instagram

Location is the key to a beautiful Insta feed and the towns in the 3 Valleys proved that perfect backdrop.

La Tania is an alpine dream. The sunny village is below the tree line and many of the traditional chalets are located in the spruce forest with branches heavy with snow to make the perfect winter wonderland.

Meribel has strict planning regulations, with guidance on height, materials and style. Which may sound dull but the result is a very aesthetic and traditional alpine town.

Then there is the town of Courchevel 1850, home to the mega-rich and some of the most stylish hotels in the Alps. You may not be able to afford to stay there but you can always pretend.

The 3 Valleys is a selfie hot spot

Here are some selfie facts: Snow makes you look cool (literally). Snowsports make you look cool. Goggles, hats, and sunnies make you look cool. Ski and snowboard clothing make you look cool. Being on a mountain/chairlift/skis makes you look cool. Being in a ski chalet/mountain restaurant/ski resort makes you look cool. In short a ski trip is cool.

Don’t believe us…

The 3 Valleys is so Instagram perfect it even provides selfie spots!

Instagram your 3 Valleys Chalet

All our chalets are Instagram compatible. Some are postcard perfect with rooms that ooze alpine style. While others have incredible views to post your morning wake up.
And don’t forget the mountain hot tub update!

Check out Chalet Virage on our website.

Food is also important to us as which is why we put feed ready food put in front of you during your stay. Also, don’t forget to capture the fondue for your friends when you eat out!

Instagram the slopes of the 3 Valleys

If you’re in the mountains in the winter you will be on the slopes. So get snappy and show that you’re out there doing one of the best sports in the most stunning location.

@val_thorens queria voltar logo! #ski #valthorens #orionoperadora

A post shared by Leonardo H. Barbosa (@leohbar) on

Instagramable 3 Valleys Activities

It isn’t all ski and snow there are loads of other things you can do in the 3 Valleys that are worth a post on your channel.

Ma reine des neiges. #happinesstherapy #vacancesauski

A post shared by Seb Fontenay (@seb_fontenay) on

Oh that snow…. #animalcrackers #snow #powpow #frenchalps #meribel

A post shared by Cassious (@crh79) on

If you want a Insta holiday that will impress your followers drop us an email or check out all our chalets.


Why Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Meribel is perfect for beginners.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, the beauty of Méribel is that it’s a perfect springboard resort for the Three Valleys Ski area as a whole, the largest ski area on earth in fact, with over 600km of accessible pistes. 

But that’s not to say those new to skiing are overlooked or left too far behind. With a wide choice of English speaking ski schools, two separate nursery areas, 8 green runs and 25 blues to tantalise. There is plenty of places to practice those turns and work on technique.

“The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried”

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

It’s also worth saying that the friendly, welcoming and easy-going nature of the resort in general, lends itself well to those strapping on their ski boots for the first time. Because everyone’s gotta start somewhere…

The two designated beginner zones are found in the centre of Meribel Mottaret (Zen Zones) and at the Altiport area in Meribel itself. In Mottaret, the beginner-only area has its own magic carpet and drag lift, and the Combes chairlift serves the great fun green run known as Little Himalaya. 

In Meribel there’s a magic carpet lift at Rond-Point and the quiet and safe slopes of the Easy Rider beginner area are great for children and adults alike to practice.

Think Snow Parks are out of bounds for beginners? Think again! Both Méribel’s Elements Park and Mottarett’s DC Area 43 have specifically designated learner zones, and they’re not just for kids!

Sourcing a Great Ski School

It goes without saying that ski schools get particularly busy during peak times and school holidays so it’s worth doing some research before you arrive and get yourself or your kids signed up. Check out our guide to some great Méribel Ski School here, all of which are English speaking and run by highly experienced skiers that know Meribel and The Three Valleys inside out.

Consolidating those skills.

After the nursery slopes comes the gentle greens, of which there are several to choose from.  We love the wide, tree-lined Blanchot piste, accessed by the Rhodos Bubble Lift from the Altiport; it’s great for newbie skiers and snowboarders alike. You can return to the top via the draglift or, if you’ve had enough of falling off those for the time being, there’s a chairlift too! And remember, regular pit stops and time-outs on sunny terraces are highly recommended!

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Our top tips for beginners:

Catered Chalets over Self Catering

For those coming skiing for the first time, booking a fully catered chalet is by far and away the better choice. Ski resorts can be overwhelming. Having the helpful advice of chalet staff on tap is a huge benefit. Check out our Meribel and La Tania catered chalets here.

Physical Fitness

If you can, spend some time prior to your holiday doing some preparatory exercise. We’re not talking hours in the gym here, but taking the stairs over the lift, walking the dogs a bit further and faster, and practising the classic ‘flat back against the wall with bent knees’ pose, will all help build the stamina and endurance that six days straight on skis will call for.

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Practice on an Indoor Ski Slope

For those of us that like to have a teeny bit of experience before our first lesson in resort, there are 100’s of indoor slopes dotted around the UK, some big and some very small. You can find a full list of slopes on the Ski Club of Great Britain web site.

Be prepared for the cold

We’d recommend for first-timers, that wherever you can, it’s best to borrow kit rather than shell out a lot of money on clothing, helmets and goggles you may not use again (Ok, you will probably use it again, because one ski trip is rarely ever enough, but, you know, just in case). However, you need to make sure you are fully prepared for the extreme temperatures. Because nobody wants to cut short their slope time due to frozen fingers. Check out our in depth guide here.

Watch some videos

From full-length films and YouTube Ski Technique guides and tips, there’s a wealth of ski and snowboard related content out there. You could even subscribe to our channel and get a proper feel for an Alpine Action catered chalet experience. All of this will get you super keen and excited to get started on your own skiing or snowboarding journey. 

(Just don’t overdo the ‘Best Ski Fails of All Time’ vids…)

Check out our current pricing and availability for your Merbel or La Tania catered Chalet holiday here.

 Looking forward to seeing you shredding it very soon…x


How to help your body recover from skiing or snowboarding

Our guide to how you can help your body recover from a day skiing or snowboarding : Get the most out of your ski trip.

Do you plan to get ski fit for your next trip only to put it off and then suddenly you’re on a plane and you haven’t done any relevant exercises?

Skiing and Snowboarding work parts of your body that you don’t use in everyday life.

If you aren’t “ski body” ready there are going to be parts of you that will ache after a day on the slopes.

There are things that you can do during the evening in your chalet to make you feel ready for the next day on the slopes.

Meribel ski lift

Stretching

Stretching is one of the best ways to help your body recover after skiing, it will help you to avoid sore muscles the next day.

Stretching after a day of riding helps muscles return to their original position by removing the tension.

During your post ski stretching the circulation of blood will return to your muscles allowing them to recover and repair. Make sure that you focus on stretching your leg muscles, glutes and lower back.

Here is a handy warm down guide from ski expert Warren Smith.

Warm up

Warming your muscles up a few hours after exercises can really help ease the pain and get your body back to it’s full potential.

In most of our ski chalets you will find a hot tub or a sauna. Don’t mistake these for novelties that add a level of sophistication to your holiday, these are important bits of kit that can help your post-ski recovery.

Warming your body in a hot tub or sauna increases blood flow and allows more oxygen get to your muscles.

Experts advise that you wait for several hours before hopping into a sauna or a hot tub after skiing or snowboarding and to make sure that you are thoroughly hydrated.

Many sports therapists also suggest that you should wait until your a few days into your trip before indulging your muscles as the heat can also inflame your muscles and slow down the recovery.

… & in the morning

If you are an early riser or you don’t rush out onto the slopes you may want to use the time to warm up in the hot tub, sauna or shower. Warm muscles are less likely to be damaged during exercises.

Sauna

 

 GET FIT FOR YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY

Massage

A great way to make sure you are ready for the next day on the slopes is to get a sports massage that works on the soft tissues around the most worked parts of your body.

A massage after skiing should focus on your lower back and knee area. Having your body looked after like this will aid your relaxation and increase your recovery.

Ice Bath

Out of all the techniques, this is probably the best at ensuring your muscles recover overnight.

The chances that your chalet will have enough ice on hand to do this is unlikely but don’t worry.

All you need is a bath at normal cold tap temperature, between 8°C and 10°C. The cold temperature will slow the inflammation and help get the recovery process working faster.

You should go for two sessions of five minutes with a warm-up in between. If there is a fresh dump of snow you could always jump in that.

Stay hydrated

All the above will be a waste of time if you don’t hydrate effectively at the end of the day.

We all know that at altitude you lose water from your body faster than at sea level. If you are then taking part in a strenuous activity such as skiing or snowboarding you will become dehydrated even quicker.

Your body needs liquid to help with repairing muscles as well as to extract the nutrients from your food during the digestion process.

Taking a drink directly after skiing will also lower your heart rate faster and ensure that you don’t spend the evening feeling fatigued. Please note that chalet wine is not an acceptable way to hydrate yourself!

As we mentioned at the start one options is to be ski fit for your trip.

Try this handy routine.


Three Valleys Piste Guide

A guide to some of the best pistes in the Three Valleys – Run Recommendations

Three Valleys Piste Guide

There are 321 pistes in the 3 Valleys, so choosing which runs to do can be a bit of a headache without a guide.

To help we have compiled a quick guide of pistes that have been recommended and are well worth trying out next time you are skiing in Meribel, Val Thorens or Courchevel.

All these runs have been recommended by regular skiers to the area and tested by us.

Guide to Blue Pistes in The Three Valleys

Loze

Three Valleys Piste Guide

The Loze runs from the top of the chairlift of the same name. The lift starts and the run ends in the Altiport area of Meribel and starts where La Tania and Meribel meet.

The piste zigzags it way down the mountain and after several hairpins, you will find yourself in the trees before an exhilarating flatline to the bottom of the lift.

Keep your eyes peeled on the run for dragons, hammocks and activities. It definitely ranks among the more challenging blue runs in the area.

Folyeres

Three Valleys Piste Guide

You maybe forgiven for giving this run a miss. On paper, it looks like an essential run to use if you are staying in La Tania and need to get back to your accommodation.

However, we would say that this a must to do run as it is so much fun. It is a fast run through the trees ending in the middle of La Tania. It is also a great run if it is a whiteout.

If your there at the right time grab some lunch and catch some rays outside the Ski Lodge.

You should also double this up by skiing down the equally fun and often untouched Lanches red run that feeds into the top of the Folyeres

Gelinotte & Choucas

Three Valleys Piste Guide

The Gelinotte is wide and underused run that starts midway up the side of the Valley at the top of the Roc de Fer chair and comes directly back into the Chaudanne area of Meribel.

A great run for beginners who aren’t looking to stray too far from the centre of town. The downside to this piste is that the chair that serves the run is pretty slow, however, you do get a great view of the Stade de Slalom.

You can extend the run by catching a second lift, (Olympic) to the top of the mountain and enjoying the Choucas piste directly to the top of the Gelinotte.

Jerusalem

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This legendary run has recently been reclassified as a blue run but it is still truly epic. It runs from the top of the Meribel/Saint-Martin link down into Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.

From the long wide corners to the fast straight sections and the incredibly fun rollers that appear throughout, this is one of the best runs in the area.

No trip to the area is complete without a hoon down this run.

Creux

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This is on many people’s list of top runs in the 3 Valleys and for a very good reason. It is a thoroughly enjoyable run.

The start is quite challenging for a blue run and it is often quite crowded but there is plenty of space and it is easy to pick your line.

As you get towards the bottom of the first section the crowds seem to disappear and you can start to pick up more speed as you go under the Creux Noir char down into the valley that divides the Courchevel ski areas up.

There is a fun compression before you pass the Chanrossa lift station and once you have passed that you can put in big carving turns all the way down the Aguille du Fruit chair.


To listen to a podcast that features all this runs click on the box below or follow the link to iTunes.

Listen on iTunes


Guide to Red Pistes in The Three Valleys

Combe Saulire

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This runs down the face of the Saulire mountain underneath the Courchevel gondola and it is an incredible run. It is one of the fastest and widest runs in the 3 Valleys.

Due to its location, it is heavily used, especially in the afternoon as it is the easiest way back to Courchevel. For that reason, we recommend putting it at the beginning of your ski day while it is still groomed.

As you speed down this run take some time to enjoy the magnificent couloirs to your left and the stunning view of the valley and Mt Blanc in the distance.

Mont Vallon

If you’re staying in Meribel you must head up Mt Vallon. Firstly the vistas of the Vanoise National Park are incredible.

But primarily the runs down, Combe du Vallon and Campagnol are fun and challenging. Due to the location, they also make you feel like your actually skiing down a mountain.

Guide to Black Pistes in The Three Valleys

Muir

A secret little black run that glides past the Courchevel Altiport down into the Valley.

We like this run as very few people use it and there are some interesting features as you drop down past the tree line.

It is a challenge, but isn’t too long and makes a great place for skiers who are looking to build up their confidence on a black run that is not very busy.

M

This is a monster of a black run and runs from the top of the Vizelle bubble to the bottom. There are multiple routes to take down but try and stick to M.

The run is fairly steep all the way down and will work you hard, especially if it hasn’t been maintained regularly.

The challenge is rewarded by a big wide exit at the base of the run right by the cable car so you are ready to do it again.

Rocher Grises

Rocher Grises

To get to this black run you take the Creux Noir chair. At the top there are some stunning views and a choice of runs down, the red called Creux Noir will take you down to Meribel or you can take the Rocher Grises that splits into a red and black.

If you like MPV size moguls then this is the run for you. If you are an intermediate you will look down and feel overwhelmed, a little scared and ultimately pretty pleased with yourself.

Advanced skiers will relish the challenge that this steep run offers. Due to the location of the run, the snow is generally in good condition which allows you to really dig your edges in when needed.

It is worth mentioning that this is one of the areas guaranteed powder areas… which means that it is left ungroomed after fresh snow.

Jockeys

Another piste that is dismissed as a just a home run. Jockeys starts at the top of the Foret chair and winds its way back down to the station of Le Praz, home to the Olympic ski jump.

The run is left ungroomed after a snowfall and maintained for the rest of the time. During periods of low snowfall, the run can be a bit icey.

However, when the run is in top condition it is fast and a lot of fun.


If you want a base to explore the Three Valleys and these recommended runs our catered chalets in Meribel and La Tania are located perfectly.


What’s On in Méribel for 2018/2019

Our guide to what’s across the 3 Valleys in 2018/2019.

We’ve already put together a rundown of what’s new in Méribel for 2018/19 and with the season fast approaching, anticipation and general excitement is now reaching its annual fever pitch!

The Three Valleys is more than just the largest linked ski area in the world and as always, there are lots of events taking place throughout the season that you won’t want to miss if you can help it.  

We’ve put together a few dates for your diary for the 2018 / 2019 season in Méribel and The Three Valleys.

whats on meribel

Ski Area opening day. Snow cover permitting, the Three Valleys ski area is scheduled to open from 8th December, so expect a huge buzz with lots of smiling faces and eager lift-goers jostling for space on the newly opened slopes.

The Audi FIS Ski World Cup takes place over in Courchevel over a full weekend, 21st-22nd December. Many champions take part, all keen to become the next Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), who won last year’s competition ahead of Tessa Worley (France) and Manuela Moelgg (Italy).

Also in December, catch the inaugural, Meribel stage of the Ladies Night Tour. An International women’s Alpine tour, the dual slalom event takes place at night which really ups the atmospheric stakes and is the best place to catch up with the female French skiers at the top of their game.

See in 2019 in style with the New Year celebrations, Meribel style. Expect fireworks and champagne corks and some great parties at a whole host of clubs and bars such as the Folie Douce, The Rond Point, O’Sullivans and Jacks. Be sure to check their websites beforehand as some bars and clubs are ticketed on NYE.

NYE Meribel

In January, catch The French Slopestyle Cup, held in the DC Area 43 Terrain Park. See top athletes performing simply extraordinary jumps and tricks in this spectacular competition, guaranteed ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ as standard.

Kicking off on the 14th and then throughout February and March, join upwards of 8,000 spectators to witness some of the most amazing firework displays you’re ever likely to see, at the International Fireworks Festival in Courchevel.

March is all about Music and sees the return of The Ronnie Loves Music Festival. Back for its seventh consecutive year, the week-long family friendly festival features top name events and a Big Air contest, all in one of the Alps’ top Apres Ski venues.

It’s also the month of Méribel’s Piste Bash Festival, featuring skiing, live music, DJs and comedy in the heart of the Three Valleys.

As April arrives and we start to think about the season’s end, there’s still time for the Three Valleys Enduro event which sees teams of pros, amateurs and families compete in some great challenges and events such as the Giant Slalom and Skicross.

Also in April is the Annual Three Valleys Charity Day, held in Meribel Village. The event is a firm favourite and has been running for more than 15 years now. The lineup this year includes hip-hop DJ Jaguar and perennial partiers, the Dub Pistols.


Unless you’re lucky enough to be spending the whole season in Méribel, chances are you’ll only be able to catch one or two of the events we’ve highlighted here. Handily, we’ve also got a Meribel Bucket List guide, which is all perfectly doable, even if you have just the one week in Meribel and The Three Valleys.


Ultimate ski photos – Pics to make your friends jealous

The best photos to take on a ski holiday

Photos aren’t for keeping in a drawer or on your google drive they are for sharing on Instagram and Facebook, often with the sole intention of making your friends envious of your holiday.

Here is our tick list of photos you have to take when you are in the mountains.

The Selfie

What self-respecting person wouldn’t post a holiday selfie. The most popular pic to take on a ski holiday is the lift selfie. Preferably with all your mates in it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Yeah it’s another chairlift selfie #gopro #3vallées

A post shared by Dan Boer (@danboer1) on


The Luxury Item

Skiing is all about luxury and spoiling yourself. From champaign lunches to a nighttime soak in the chalet hot tub, it is your duty to document them all and share your experience with your friends.

The view from the hot tub – Chalet Serpolet, Meribel

The Cheese

No mountain holiday would be compleat with the overindulgence of cheese and this comes in many forms.  There is the fondue night, the tartiflette on the mountain, the after-dinner cheese board and not forgetting the stunning displays and tasters on offer at the local market.

Top Tip: Fondue tastes better than it looks especially when it a low-resolution camera in a  low light restaurant after a few wines! 

The Mountain View

On a clear day, it is the summits are where the Alps is at its most spectacular. With views across to other mountains, sweeping valley vistas and endless horizons. Not to mention the untouched snow full of untapped potential.

Top Tip: Never used the panorama setting on your phone? This is the moment.

 

The Action Shot 

Possibly the hardest one to get done. Let’s be honest very few of us are amazing skiers and even few of us have a camera crew follwing us about taking 1000’s of pictures allowing us to pick the best one.

So get your mate to have a go at getting a good shot of you. You will get better results if the photos are being taken closer to the ground.

And if you get a good one it will be your profile picture for many years to come.

 

The Apres Ski One

This is the one even your non-ski pals will find envious. It can be hard to get right as many apres venues can be a bit dingy. But choose one like the Folie Douce in Meribel and you’re going to get a winning photo every time.


Find out more about great holidays to Meribel. 


new in meribel 2018/19

What’s new in Meribel this winter 2018/19

Find out what is new in Meribel

There are some exciting changes and including 2 chairlifts and a handful of runs all new in Meribel.

In a video released by Meribel Alpina, the company responsible for the lift system and pistes,  details of some of the changes for this winter has been revealed.

Legends: New Chairlift

There will be a new faster 6 man detachable chairlift replacing the Plan de l’Homme and the Roc de Fer lifts called Legends. It will run from the Chaudanne area up to the top of the Elements park.

The new lift can move 3600 people an hour. It is 1650m long, carries skiers up to 2017m above sea level over 580 vertical meters. More importantly, the seats are heated and covered!

You will still be able to access the Olympic and Cherferie chair easily so access to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville will not be affected.

Cherferie: Chair Lift relocation

As previously mentioned this lift is easy to access from the Legends chair and is a great link if you want to drop down into Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. And up until now has been a drag lift that many people choose to avoid.

The lift stations won’t move but the route and the method will. When the resort opens in December there will be a brand new that will take just 4 minutes.

Mont Vallon Refurb

There will be a more comfortable journey up to Meribel’s highest peak this winter. The cars are part of the refurb and will have better seating for the long journey up.

new in meribel 2018/19

New Runs in Meribel

Along with the changes to the lift system on the western slopes above Meribel, there are new additions to the piste map.  The connections between the new lifts are improved along with the creation of two new red runs.

There is a new red piste called the Gypaete flanking the existing Choucas blue run that followed the original route of the Cherferie lift.

Close by and located just under the Olympic Express chair is the new red run called Daguet. This piste will start midway down the black Face run, cut under the chairlift and merge into the meeting point of the Gelinotte and Raffort runs that link Meribel Centre and Les Allues respectively.


If you are planning a Meribel trip this winter take a look at our catered chalets that are located throughout the resort with great access to the slopes.