Meribel, a brief guide to this famous corner of France

Set at the heart of the 3-Vallees skiing area, Meribel offers traditional alpine charm combined with convenient state-of-the-art skiing and one of the most extensive and effective lift systems anywhere in the alps. With an excellent range of runs there is unrivalled skiing to suit everyone.

In addition to the many runs in Meribel valley, the lift system gives easy access to the extensive runs in Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and St Martin de Belville. For the more adventurous skier the 'Fourth Valley' beyond Val Thorens is now easily reached by the new Funitel de Fond.

Ski and boot hire

We recommend Freeride.fr for all your ski and boot hire. We have been working with them for 10 years and they provide an excellent service. To make your holiday as smooth as possible we like you to pre-book your skis and boots over the internet and to arrange to have them fitted at the chalet or the shop. If you have them fitted at the chalet (recommended) they will be collected at the end of the week and returned for you. When you have book your holiday we will send you full details of how to book the equipment.

Ski School

There is a good choice of Ski Schools in Meribel.

We particularly recommend New Generation, the specialist British ski school based in both Meribel and Courchevel. Here you can learn from fully qualified and highly motivated coaches in your own language. There is a choice of courses and clinics as well as private coaching.

The French school Magic in Motion is also well regarded and has English speaking instructors, small class sizes and caters for children and adults.

There is a well established school of the ‘Ecole de Ski Francaise’ (ESF) which can provide instruction in a wide range of languages.

It is advisable to pre-book and during the peak weeks, New Year and mid-February, it is essential. We can make the arrangements for you, subject to availability.

Off-piste skiing

For the competent off-piste skier, interested in exploring away from the main skiing areas, the Bureau des Guides has an active programme each week and details will be available in the chalets.

Premier Service

Cooltip Mountain Holidays is a family company providing high quality catered holidays in Meribel. We own our chalet appartment and this gives us a long term commitment to the resort. As a family we have been sking in Meribel for many years. We know the area well and are committed to providing you with the quality of holiday we ourselves would expect. Our personal service is designed to accommodate your particular needs, so for more information or if you have any special requests, simply phone us and ask to speak to Hugh.

Further Information from Merinet.com

You will find a wealth of further information about Meribel in the definitive guide to Meribel at Merinet.com (http://www.merinet.com)