Everything you should eat and do in Méribel

What to do in Méribel

The resort has a surprising host of year-round activities, but we’re getting into it with what’s on offer in season.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Naturally, we have to start with what Méribel is all about. The resort has around 45 ski lifts to access its 150km of pistes, made up of eight green, 25 blue, 24 red and seven black runs with ski terrain ranging from 1100m to 2952m in altitude.

While there are plenty of runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders, impressive cross-country tracks, and you’re in a prime position to explore the other resorts within the valleys, there is so much on offer for all abilities. There are fun runs through the woods for kids (or hopeless skiers like me), as well as a brilliant offering of group and private ski lessons from the resort’s 100s of ESF instructors.

Snowshoeing

While there’s ample opportunity to ski through the forest, to really get stuck in exploring the wildlife there’s no better way than snowshoeing. Trekking through the woodland with your new-found ability to walk on water (all be it frozen), you can see tracks of so many animals and maybe even spot a deer. Our guide told us all about the plants and wildlife as we worked up a sweat climbing the slopes and falls of the forest; from what you can forage to which plants are medicinal, what is used in local alcohol. It was hard work, but so invigorating, and well worth a break from the slopes for.

Outdoor yoga

Another way to explore is with an outdoor yoga session, though it was less downward dog and more breathwork and ‘forest bathing’; focussing on mindfulness and connecting with nature. It’s certainly a slower pace so you may want to leave the impatient adrenaline junkies on the slopes for this one.

Horseriding

If you’re serious about packing your trip with memories beyond snowsports, or there’s only so much time you enjoy on the slopes, this is one activity that certainly won’t feel like a time-filler. You can book horse riding for an unforgettable and impossibly cinematic experience riding guided through the snow.

Horse-drawn sleigh ride

If you aren’t confident getting on a horse, another option is a horse-drawn sled perfect for romanticising your life. Functioning as taxis to places not accessible by road, you can pay as little as €15 for the experience.

Where to stay in Méribel

Antares

Where to begin? With Méribel priding itself as a ski-in-ski-out resort, the Antares ski shop opens out straight onto the slopes, welcoming you back into its calming, luxury comfort before you’ve even taken your helmet off. From four-person apartments to unbelievable stand-alone 14-person Chalets with wrap-around balconies and your own butler (yes really), there’s a reason it has five stars.

The hotel’s shuttle service will whizz you about wherever you need to go in the resort within minutes of your request, and the spa? No words. Defying the sterile white and green formula, the soul-soothing space brings the outside in with texture and warmth and comfort. Offering all the usuals plus aesthetic treatments, it’s the vibro-acoustic experience that you can’t miss. Start with a massage to relax you, before the subtly vibrating table and combined ‘brown noise’ audio takes you out of your body into a dreamlike state you’ve never experienced before.

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The pool looks out into the snow and that subtle door in the corner? Private access to the most luxury of Antares’ chalets.

Le CouCou

The architecture, design and decor of Le CouCou feel more like an issue of architectural digest than a hotel. Think Wes Anderson in the Alps. The ski-in-ski-out means you can get straight onto the slopes from some of the suites, which is possibly the only reason you’ll find yourself leaving the hotel.

There’s a big focus here on family with extensive activities for children of all ages, plenty of childcare to give the adults freedom, and even a designated hangout for teenagers. From the 16-seat intimate dining to the fabulous beef bar, sitting on the broad terrace with your green Le Coucou cap to shade from the blaring sun while lunch is cooked on an outdoor BBQ, every part of Le CouCou feels personal and welcoming.

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Where to eat in Méribel

There are so many delicious spots in Méribel and as you would expect, plenty of beef and fondue, but lots of other options too. From simple local fares to downright decadence, there’s something for any mood.

Lilie’s

This charming family-run spot has a great view of the slopes, delicious local cuisine, and homemade Ginepi liqueur. It also adapted in lockdown to include a charming deli and shop, and offer deliveries from both the shop and restaurant. You have to try the Choc’chocolat; an impossibly tasty mix of chocolate biscuit, crunchy chocolate, soft chocolate and chocolate mouse that gave this dessert skipper an insatiable sweet tooth for the rest of the week.

Bar 80

If you’re looking for a spot in Meribel Village, Bar 80 is a round-the-world-themed establishment that still feels quintessentially Alpine. Offering a range of fondues and raclettes, the cosy establishment gets quite vibey as the evening goes on.

Clos Bernard

Don’t even try to get in here without a reservation. Always fully-booked and with other eager diners snapping at the heels of late arrivals bookings, set out some extra time to reach this charming cabin set deep in the woods with its steep and narrow ski-in entrance. Expect all the traditional dishes and plenty of beer.

Fifi’s

This stylish eatery sets itself apart from other offerings with its chic mid-century modern decor and Italian menu. But don’t expect pizza. A chance to steer away from the heavier traditional dishes, this is a spot to visit when you can’t quite face any more cheese. Passed down to a new generation, the place was reinvented in its current form while holding onto its bones and heart. The bar downstairs draws in a younger crowd for a laidback yet stylish evening drink or light meal.

The Beef bar

For the meat lovers, The Beef Bar offers exceptional cuts of some of the best beef in the world with some serious price tags. But even its standard menu dishes will make you feel like you’ve never actually eaten beef before. While some individual cuts will cost you hundreds of euros per 100g (yikes), the menu doesn’t take itself too seriously with starters of sliders and fried chicken. And let me tell, you they were divine.

Where to Party in Méribel

La Follie Deuce

This ski-in spot on the slopes is certainly an experience. Famed for its wild and decadent Apres Ski, even a lunch in its stunning sun-filled spot comes with a full show and performance from its troupe of entertainers. Yes, there’s a pianist in the sky, a band on a balcony, and on the day we dined there, the performers were in elaborate pirate costumes with renditions from Black Eyed Peas to Gangsta’s Paradise. It’s beyond bizarre but fabulous.

Rond Point

If you’re after true boozy fun, music pumping, table-top dancing Apres Ski then the Rond Point is the place to be. The music will be cheesy and shots will be done out of skis, but it’s all part of the fun. Just go easy on the beers if you plan to ski down after.