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What’s new in Méribel for this winter

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

This is our round up of what is new in Méribel this winter.

Beginners Areas

This winter Méribel is making learning to ski a nicer experience by expanding its safe haven areas for children and beginners. The Altiport area has a designated “Ski Cool” zone that is for gentle and peaceful skiing it is also the home of the piste des Inuits, a nursery slope. On the other side of the valley is the “Zen Zone” and Yeti park, located on the Little Himalaya piste and is also billed as safe haven for people new to skiing and snowboarding.

map

Ski Lifts

The new lift is the extension of the Combes, which runs from Meribel Mottaret up towards Les Menuires. This lift now has a mid station allowing beginners to get off and access the Himalaya “Zen” area. It will also shorten the time it takes for skiers to get over to the next valley and onto the runs down to Saint Martin de Belleveille. The lift also boasts magnets as increased saftey for children wearing a special bib.

Take a virtual tour of the new lifts and runs!

Wifi

Méribel has introduced free on piste Wifi. You can find out more about it and the locations in this article. 411535_552625424749240_476471687_o (1)

Sledging

For many years the neighbouring resort of Courchvele has had an epic Toboggan run, this year Méribel is introducing not one but two! One run is located in up the Altiport are and the other is next to the Rhodos lift down by the Chaudanne. Sadly neither will be as epic as the one over in Courchevel, which you can watch in the video below.

Photo frames

There will be added photo opportunities this winter as Méribel will be installing a selection of giant photo frames around the resort for you to have your photo taken with, as soon as we know the locations of these we will let you know.

The Alpine Legends Ski Pass

We wrote about the Alpine Legends pass a few weeks ago. It is a pass that allows you to ski the 3 Valleys, Espace Killy and Paradiski for one price. In the past there was always the option to “upgrade” for a day but this pass allows unlimited skiing in every resort, there is a challenge waiting for some adventurous people to invent, 9 Valley Rally anyone?

Click here if you want to get in contact and talk to us about booking a ski chalet holiday to Meribel.

Source : french-alps.meribel.net

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski, Whats On | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, guides, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Ski Sunday, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys, Val Thorens

Music to ski to

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

I was looking through my wifes old CD’s and I came across this mixtape (CD) that her Ex had made. Reassuringly it must be fairly old as it is on a CD, and we all know that a portable CD player was possibly the worse thing to listen to music on when doing anything active. Misgivings about the Discman aside I decided that this Muisc To Ski To compilation deserved a chance. So I have created a Spotify playlist, imagined myself skiing in the 3 Valleys and reviewed each tracks suitability to ski to. Let me know what you think of the Album below.

Track 1: Jacksnoville by Sufjan Stevens

This tracks mellow sound and gentle beat is probably suited for an early morning stroll to get first lifts followed by a slow warm up run on a sunny day.

Track 2: No Cars Go – Arcade Fire

I can definitely imagine sweeping down a big wide piste making massive turns that really work the legs with this track playing in my head.

Track 3: Jesus etc by Wilco

This isn’t a song that really fits any style of skiing. I would probably wouldn’t ski to this one unless I was trying to get a nap in on a chair.

Track 4: Sunday Smile by Beirut

Possibly one for the transfer coach home when you have the going home blues a bit to melancholy for a fun day on the hill.

Track 5: Old Dan Tucker by Bruce Springsteen

A nice little uplifting song that could help get you going after one of those long lunch stop that makes you feel like maybe you should skip the afternoon and go straight to Apres.

Track 6: I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gay

A classic song that doesn’t really feel like it should be on a skiing playlist, maybe listen to it in a long cat track with some internal singing!

Track 7: Chicago by Sufjan Stevens

It may be about a big city but the big sound of this track makes you feel like you could be stood on the top of a mountain with an awesome view. I also like the thought having a big stack in some fresh powder and lying there while listening to the lyrics “I’ve made a lot of mistakes”.

Track 8: Une Année Sanse Lumiere by Arcade Fire

A rough translation of this song is A year with no light which is apt as listening to this song is a bit like what it feels like to ski in flat light. It starts out a feeling a bit faster that it actually feels, then at the end speeds right up as you come down the hill into some better light.

Track 9: Lately by David Gray

You would have to really hate skiing to put this on a music to ski to mixtape (CD).

Track 10: Frontin by Jamie Cullun

Purely from a skiing point of view, this track doesn’t work! I just can’t imagine skiing to with this in my ears. It would be even worse if it was on Disckman and skipping all the way through.

Track 10: In Repair by John Mayer

A wind down song that could ease you thorough the last run of the day back to your chalet and into the hot tub.

Track 11: Nantes by Beirut

Another one for the transfer bus home.

Track 12: Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John Bjórn

This is a great tune to ride to. I can imagine listening to this while hooning down a freshly groomed piste and taking off on a few natural rollers while bobbing my head in-time to the music on the way!

Track 13: Let’s Get It on by Marvin Gaye

A great song. But the only time I ever envisage listening in relation to skiing is in my head during an imagined comedic scene where I get seduced by an instructor in a empty ski lift. Although I do also Imagine this to be on Graham Bell’s Music To Ski To album.

Track 14: Better Together by Jack Johnson

This is a tune for an spring ski day where it is hot, the snow is a bit slushy and all the bars are firing up the BBQs.

Track 15: Those Sweet Words by Nora Jones

Sadly, in my option, another one for the transfer bus home. This song isn’t really a song for skiing to, unless you have just broken up with you partner on your ski trip.

Track 16: Firesuite by Doves

I suppose I could ski down down a hill listening to this song but I don’t think I want to.

One line review

There really isn’t enough songs that encapsulate the feeling of skiing on this mixtape (CD) with to many down beat tracks that would work against the mood created when out in the mountains.

What are your thoughts? Could you make a better mixtape (CD)? Tell us below or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Posted in Alpine Action, Comment | Tagged music, skiing, spotify

A ski resort can be a bit like a zoo!

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

A ski resort can be a bit like a zoo!

We spend a lot of our time in a ski resort, probably 6 months every year. We spend less time at the Zoo. On a recent trip to a Zoo we were surprised by the similarity that we found.

The Fashion is the same as Courchevel

The art is the same

There are Snowboarders

There are Snowbladers

The runs have the same names

Goggle Marks

To find out if a ski resort is like a Zoo then you could book a ski holiday to Méribel and find out!

Posted in Funny, Meribel | Tagged animals, skiing, zoo

How to tell if you are a ski geek

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

How to tell if you are a ski geek.*

*nb: In this article ski can be substituted for snowboard in most instances and as the ski v’s snowboard things is getting old we are just using the word ski because a). there are more skiers, and b). ski is a shorter word than snowboard. Any real ski geek may want to dispute this, please do so in the comments below.

Can you remember every ski holiday you have ever been on?

A true ski geek can remember more than if they just had a good time. They should be able to remember the exact dates, who went on holiday with them, which ski resort they went to, the flight times, the exchange rate at the time and the chalets hosts name.

Do you own your own skis?

Most experienced skiers will at the very least have their own boots, which is sensible and comfortable. But the true ski nerd will have their own pair of skis, preferably two, a set for normal conditions and a wide pair for powder days. They must also own a pair of ski poles.

Can you pack everything into your ski bag?

A proud ski geek should be able to proudly inform you that they can pack all they need for a ski holiday into their ski bag, thus making a saving on excess luggage. For extra kudos they should have a story about being told off by an airline for this, with the story concluding “anyway they let me on and they said don’t do it next time”.

Do you have a second “budget” ski holiday every year?

The best ski geeks will take a second ski holiday every year. However, this trip must be so cheap that it doesn’t sound any fun. The holiday must include some of the following; a coach trip from the UK with three or more stops: hostel style accommodation; two hour commute to the slopes each day; no free wine; other ski geeks; no eating out; hitch-hiking; homemade fondu; booking every aspect online separately.

Can you name every run in resort?

For most people a simple “I will meet you at the bottom of that run yesterday next to the bar we like” is all we need to arrange to meet up. For the ski nerd you must you use the piste name as well as give a recommended route and call each lift by name.

Have you ever been on a ski holiday on your own?

If you love skiing so much that you are prepared to leave your loved ones at home so that you can ski all day where you want and apres as late as you want, not get first lifts if you don’t want, drink as much at lunch as you want, then…. errm…. why don’t we all ski alone?

Do you have a collection of lift passes?

Most ski geeks will have at least one electronic lift pass in their wallet at all times. They will also have a collection of passes from all past ski trips. Attached to their ski trousers must be at least one day ticket from a snow dome or obscure ski resort. The older skier must also be able to produce a photo id ski pass from the good old days.

Is your facebook/twitter profile a picture of you skiing?

All true ski nerds live ski all year round on their social media pages. That is until they get married, then they will change their profile to a photo of them getting married, this will last a week then it will be back to a picture of them in hat and goggles, or of them getting some air, or a snow covered mountain range.

Have you ever had an argument about which is the best ski resort?

This is similar to an argument about which football team is better, the only difference here is that they will be using examples of black runs as opposed to formation strategy.

Why not unleash your inner ski geek and give us a call to discuss your next ski holiday 01273 466 535 or take a look at our chalets in Meribel and La Tania.

Posted in Alpine Action, Comment, Funny, La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, food, guides, holiday, hot tub, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys

3 Valleys Snow Report – 29th March 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

3 Valleys Snow Report – 29th March 2015

The report comes from our lovely La Tania Chalet hosts in Chalet Toubkal.

Here is a little update on the snow and weather conditions out here in the 3 Valleys. Over the last week we have had a mixture of snow and sunshine with snow even down to resort level in La Tania.

We started of with a few centimetres of snow on Saturday night which was followed by sunny spells up until Wednesday afternoon, then overnight there was another few centimetres of snow. This was followed by snow on Friday morning which gave way to sunshine in the afternoon and into Saturday, it was even cold enough on Saturday morning that the snow cannons where working down in La Tania.

The weather for the week ahead is promising with heavy snowfall on Sunday night at around 1700m and above which is forecasted to become lighter but continue for most of Monday and even Tuesday morning, then the sun is set to return for a couple of days before more snow at the end of the week!

The forecast is looking like it could be a snowy end to the season so even if your not out until the last week there should still be plenty of snow for everyone out here on a ski holiday enjoy.

Click here to book a ski holiday to Meribel or La Tania next winter.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys

Three Valleys Snow Report – 22/3/15

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Three Valleys Snow Report – 22/3/15

This weeks snow report is supplied by Pete and Karolina

It has been another sunny week here in the 3 Valleys. Up until Saturday 21st March when the weather took a slight change with cloud rolling in and snow arriving at about 1800 meters and above, unfortunately it came down as rain further down in resort.

The snow higher up has stayed well but below about 1700 meters has been a bit slushy and thin in places especially on the south and west facing slopes, there is still plenty of good skiing on pistes higher up the mountain.

Continue reading →

Posted in Alpine Action, AtoZ, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboarding, three valleys

Meribel Alpine Skiing World Cup

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Meribel Alpine Skiing World Cup

This is the week that Meribel hits the big time – Not that we arn’t saying that Meribel isn’t a big time resort. it frequently appears in top 10 ski resort list and if it doesent one of its sister resorts in the Three Valleys does. Anyhow as I was saying, this is the week that the Alpine World Cup comes to Meribel. Not only that it is this this seasons final.

When is it on?

It starts on Wednesday the 18th of March but there is practising going on from the 16th. Highlights will be the Downhill starting at 9.30 on Wednesday the 18th and the Slalom over the weekend. Take a look at the full scheduled below.

Who is racing?

If you follow Alpine racing avidly then you will recognise all of the names as these are the top 25 point scorers from this winter season. It is the Female 25 that has the big recognisable names in Lindsey Vonn, Julia Mancuso and Tina Maze.

Is it on Ski sunday?

Sadly Ski Sunday has ended for the winter. We did hope that there would be a Meribel special due to Meribel being such a hot spot for British skiers and snowboarders. My twitter stalking suggests that the presenters arn’t in resort either.

How can I watch it?

If you are in resort you can get a great view if the race climax down at the Chaudanne in the centre of Meribel of try and get a spot along side the race course. Or if you are at home in the UK then the event will be streamed live here http://livetv.sx/en/competitions/?c_407.

What else is on?

Lots! Every day there is a concert or ceremony to watch. Also you are in the 3 Valleys so go skiing in the worlds biggest and best ski area! There is also some pretty decent Apres Ski to enjouy, with most bars having some Alpine World Cup theme going on. And if that is not enough why not try and compleate our Alpine World Cup bingo card.

Post by Alpine Action.

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Snow Report, Whats On, Winter Olympics | Tagged Alpine World Cup, Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Ski Sunday, skiing, three valleys

Guests Tips – Making the most out of The 3 Vallées.

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Guests Tips – Making the most out of The 3 Vallées

We asked our Facebook fans and guests how they make the most of a ski holiday in the 3 Valleys. The best tip won a helmet and a pair of goggles thanks to our friends at the Meribel North Face ski hire.

Winning Post – Jonny L Vacca – The more time you spend on lifts in 3vallees the better the run down! I find if I spend a lot of time getting lifts to the very peak I can have a 30 minute run down to the bottom with varying pistes and challenges!

Chelsea Taylor – Always have a hip flask!

Joe SirDrinksalot Walbyoff – Have a couple (or more) of drinks in pub le ski lodge down in La Tania!!

Ed Dalgleish – Mountain burger.

Sophie Milne – challenge yourself to the black mogel field just above the la follie douce, 8 mins, no one on the group falls that means a cheeky beer and boogie! If someone fails back up the chair! Great way to challenge yourselves! Val T!

Bradley Michael Wigglesworth – Don’t miss the last lift from Les Menuires to Val Thorens, did it 2 days on the trot!!!

Tony Smith – Having just come back from the 3 valleys yesterday, I’d say my top tip is get out there and enjoy yourself, if there’s someone in your group that wants to stay at the hotel bar then let them, get out on the first lift ski/board hard and go up on the last lift, make the most of it, there’s so much to see and you’ll be on your way home before you know it, but most importantly have some fun that’s what it’s all about.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Tips | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, facebook, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, mountain restaurants, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys, Val Thorens

3 Valleys Snow Report 8th March 2015

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

3 Valleys Snow Report 8th March 2015 The weather in Meribel has been a mixed bag this week. We started off with snow all the way down to resort which then turned to rain but snow still fell at mid station and above. Tuesday brought us a bluebird day which was followed with more snow on Wednesday, the rest of the week was blue skies and great skiing! The pistes are still in great condition especially in the Courchevel valley. This week we are expecting sunshine all week which should make for good piste skiing. It is starting to warm up a bit here in the 3 Valleys so we expect the best skiing to be in the morning and in to lunch time. The lower slopes might be starting to turn to spring snow in the afternoons so could get a little heavy on the legs on the way back to resort level, La Tania we are looking at you. We still expect for it to be another great week of skiing in the 3 Valleys, just don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and sun tan cream. There are literally only a couple of spaces left in our chalets for the week starting 14/3/2015 so don’t miss out and book today!

Posted in La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report, Whats On | Tagged conditions, Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys

3 Valleys Snow Report – 28th February 2015

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

3 Valleys Snow Report – 28th February 2015

By Pete

It has been a great week here in the 3 valleys, it started on Saturday afternoon with heavy snow that proceeded to fall into the night. Sunday started with about 20cm of fresh snow in resort the snow returned again Monday night and most of Tuesday, we were skiing knee deep in snow on the pistes at the top of Courchevel. Wednesday the sun came out and this must have been the best day skiing of the season so far, the sun continued on Thursday then on Friday the snow returned!

The snow conditions out here in the 3 valleys are awesome at the moment and there is more snow to come. The forecast for the week ahead is looking good Saturday is due to be sunny so is good for transfer day, then snow returning on Sunday afternoon though to Monday night and coming back in on Wednesday night! It’s looking like it’s going to be a great March for skiing so take advantage of some great late offers at Alpine Action.

We have been speaking to Paul, a local French young man who manages La Taiga(in our humble opinion the best bar/restaurant in La Tania :). He has been living and working here for many years so his knowledge of the weather and mountains is second to none! He told us that the season is running a month late in weather terms, so that means we should be in for a great April as well as March! If he’s right the skiing conditions should be really good all the way until the end of the season.

The season of powder days and goggle tanned faces is truly upon us – there is no better time to come out to the 3 valleys, so pick up the phone or get on line and book one of the last remaining spaces we have left in our chalets in Meribel.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboarding, three valleys

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