‘Star of the sea’. That’s the true meaning of the Latin-French word ‘Méribel’. At first, this may seem a slightly contradictory and slightly ironic name for a ski resort. But after just a few moments you’ll see why it makes complete sense. Look at the five-star hotels, the Michelin-star restaurants and just below the stars, the overwhelming beauty of Méribel’s mountains. With all this, the resort can get away with greedily combining the night sky with the underwater world. Other resorts may try to claim elite stardom but only Méribel, the French Alps ski resort, can claim the honour of being the true ‘star of the sea’.

Méribel’s constellation is The Three Valleys. Set within the Savoie department of the French Alps, The Three Valleys is the largest ski area in the world. Unsurprisingly then, Méribel refers to, not just one but, three neighbouring villages. Méribel Village lies lowest at 1400m altitude, whilst Méribel Centre is at 1600m and Méribel Mottaret is planted above at 1750m. But no matter where you stay, all have shining qualities, and all are fantastically interlinked.

History

Méribel’s potential, as a collection of villages and a winter retreat, was recognised in the 1930s. Scotsman Major Peter Lindsey sought a new skiing destination in 1936 with the aim of steering away from Nazi Austria and Germany. Within just a few years Méribel had its first few chair lifts and chalets built – all in the traditional Savoyard style. Méribel fast became a retreat – a refuge even – for those seeking snow.

Skiing

With such a large ski area at disposal, Méribel is a go-to destination all throughout the season. When snowfall is heavy, enjoy the tucked-away resorts of Brides Les Bains at 600m, Les Allues at 1200m, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville at 1450m. And when spring skiing is well underway, climb up to Courchevel 1850, Val Thorens, or Orelle. With an even split of green and blues against red and blacks, The Three Valleys spoils every type of skier with choice.

But for those looking for the best of the best in Méribel, there are three runs in particular that can’t be ignored. As one of the longest and the highest run at 2952m, Combe de Vallon takes centre stage. Set between the Gébrolaz glacier and Grand Casse, the views from the Mont Vallon are well worth it. But for those less into the large expanse and more inclined to a tree-lined run, Lapin is a great blue that’ll take you right into the village. And finally, for the adrenaline seekers looking for a steep high, Le Face should suffice. This black run was the women’s Olympic run – and it’s not a wonder why.

Activities

The Winter Olympic Games was held in Méribel in 1992, which undoubtedly, only added to its sense of stardom. In honour of the games, Méribel built its own Olympic Park – a sports and relaxation complex in the village. So after a day’s skiing, you can spend the afternoon at their sumptuous ski resort spa or slicing through the ice skating rink.

Beyond spas and skating, this French Alps ski resort prides itself on its five-star list of activities away from skiing. So once you’re had enough at the Snowpark or launching onto their ski airbag, then swish down the Mission Black Forest toboggan run. And with its wizarding world theme, expect to see more than just families enjoying this run. More likely, expect to see just about anyone, fancy dress and all.

After hurtling down the toboggan run, swap the descent for flat ground, and incorporate some bundles of fluff and joy. Because husky dog sledding in Méribel is an activity like no other. Or even more extreme, test your skills a little higher above land by skiing whilst being pulled by, not husky dogs but, horses. This wild-west-like sport is known as skijoring and originates from Scandinavia. Unlike American resorts that have fully embraced the thrill ride, Méribel is one of the few in the Alps who have picked up this activity.

To watch the madness of toboggan runs, husky sledding and even skijoring, from afar then do so way above ground. Luxury helicopter rides and extravagant hot air balloon trips are the most opulent ways of experiencing the beauty of Méribel. Bask in the ski resort from up high and you’ll have the experience to be coveted by all.

Events

3 Vallées Enduro

For over 15 years Méribel has been a host to the 3 Vallées Enduro event. Obstacles, moguls, jumps. This event is a friendly competition that draws in over 1000 amateur skiers every year. Step up to the piste podiums to collect a prize, or simply dip in and out of the odd challenge. Family-based après ski comes into its own with a buffet taking place in Méribel Mottaret, a bbq over in Val Thorens and much more.

Piste Bash

Immensely popular each year, Piste Bash Festival is a wonderful way to welcome Easter skiing. Days of skiing flow into slope-side live music, headlining DJs and a collection of comedy acts. All are held at Méribel’s iconic après bars.

Après ski

Mighty in number, Méribel’s bars cater for a variety of desires. La Folie Douce shines brightly with its eccentric entertainment of cabaret performers. Come join this party if you’re looking for outrageously sized bottles of rosé and a sea of happy faces. Over at Le Rond Point, you’ll find an equally as ecstatic crowd but a less branded setting. It’s home to saxophonists and violinists as well as electric guitars and electric beats. The live music at the ‘Ronnie’ is like the centre of Méribel’s gravity magnetising your poles, along with your skis and yourself, towards it.

A calmer après ski setting can be found at L’Abreuvoir and Copiña. Both are sophisticated bars selling cocktails and a bite to eat. At the first, traditional Savoyard culture is recognisable from the moment you walk in. See alpine wood and furs and smell cheese, vin-chaud and, not to mention, gourmet coffees and cakes. Copiña, as the name suggests, takes its inspiration from Spain with a tasty tapas menu on offer.

For an equally as relaxing atmosphere with a slightly English pub feel to it, then head to Barometer and try their extensive wine list. And wherever you’re coming from, once the evening trickles into the night, it’s time to wander over to O’Sullivans. As the only late-night bar, Sully’s is located just outside the town centre to keep the early morning risers as happy as the late-night sleepers.

Lodging

Hotel Le Coucou

Deciding where to lodge in Méribel is both an easy and incredibly difficult decision. Like a child at a sweet shop, so many options are delectable. But none are quite as superior as Hotel Le Coucou. Stay in one of the 55 hotel rooms set across ten floors or come with a pack and take over one of the two independent chalets set across four floors. Architect Pierre Yovanitch balances minimalism with extreme luxury. Their ski resort spa has all you could wish for including individual alpine treatment cabins. Treatments are by skincare specialist Tata Harper. In the way of restaurants, you’ll hardly need to leave the hotel with the Beefbar, the terrace and the Italian restaurant by Riccardo Giraudi – Biancaneve.

Chalet Iona

Away from the clink of cutlery and the buzzing beats of après, Chalet Iona welcomes guests into its secluded orchards. As well as sleeping a dozen people, the living areas of this chalet stretch out in an open-plan fashion. A bar, library and 22-person dining table are perfect for socialising. But for a quiet moment with nature, then just step to the other side of the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and onto the terrace to appreciate the views.

Restaurants

Allodis

The terrace of Allodis restaurant is tough to top when it comes to panoramic views of Méribel. But when it gets a little chilly outside, warm up by the log fire indoors. The menu of this chic brasserie-style restaurant, led by Chef Philippe Vrignaud, will make your mouth water. To start, try the thinly sliced scallops with the scent of truffle. Then move onto the pan-seared sole with praline flavoured cepe mushrooms. And finish with Grand Marnier souffle with citrus fruits.

L’Ekrin

Finish your holiday with the biggest treat of all – a dinner at L’Ekrin. Located in the five-star Hotel Le Kaïla, this Michelin-star restaurant is the product of creative genius Chef Laurent Azoulay. It’s worth coming back to Méribel at different times of the year just to experience L’Ekrin’s menu as it changes with the seasons. With a décor of black velvet, gold and wood, this restaurant isn’t afraid to seep luxury.

Village

The luxury of Méribel is obvious all around. But it’s not garishly obvious. There’s a sense of authenticity and humility too. Wander through the village and you’ll never be too far from a street full of stories or a local to laugh with. Visit Glaciers, the bakery on Route de la Monté. Or pick up some cheese on Galerie des Cimes. And on Tuesdays and Fridays, be sure to check out the Méribel market on Route de la Chaudanne.

It’s not just the peaks of Méribel’s mountains that picture it as a pointed star. It’s the resort’s colossal skiing area that spreads across the Alps like its very own sea. And its events, bars and activities that value both families and groups of friends. Wander into a restaurant, hotel, chalet or simply just through the streets, and you’ll understand how fitting it is that its complimentary name is Méribel – ‘star of the sea’.