Méribel - 8 Reasons To Take The Teens This Winter
We’ve all been there: on holiday with the grumpy teenager disrupting family plans. Not to worry, from ideally located accommodation to teen-friendly ski schools, Méribel – located in the heart of Les 3 Vallées – is the perfect ski holiday for parents and adolescents alike.
Family fun at a discounted price
Skiing with a family can be expensive. However, planning a family holiday in Méribel has become even more appealing with the introduction of the Family Flex ski pass. This pass now caters to groups of at least three people, including up to two adults and one to six children aged 5 to 17, with everyone skiing at the child rate. Available for six days from £180.58 per person (at least one child and maximum of two adults).
Ditch the kids (well, just for a short time)
One of Méribel’s biggest advantages is France’s most renowned ski school, École du Ski Français (ESF). Whether your teens are complete beginners, just a little rusty on their skis or confident riders eager to take on new challenges, ESF offers a variety of top-notch courses in English tailored just for them. And while they’re busy honing their skills, parents can enjoy a few guilt-free hours carving up the slopes. Ulterior motives? Never.
Freestyle at Méribel’s Snow Park
Moan-prone teens won’t have anything to complain about when they hit Méribel’s snow park. And parents have no need to worry – the rookie-friendly Open Park allows confident skiers to try their hand at freestyle without leaving their comfort zone. The park contains large boxes, small jumps and a little half-pipe – giving eager teenagers bored of easy blues and reds the chance to progress their skills in a safe area dedicated to freestyle. For younger skiers, La Piste des Inuits is a mini snow park with banked turns, small jumps and slalom courses.
Unlimited options for every ability
Méribel is situated in the Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. This means that even the most restless skier will never run out of options. The variety of terrain also makes Méribel perfect for families of all abilities. With 600km of skiable slopes – 50% of which are green and blue runs – the resort is perfect for beginners and intermediates. The total area includes 53 green, 136 blue, 113 red and 35 black runs. Not even a fussy teenager could turn their nose up at that ski menu!
Arrive to lunch in style
One for horse lovers, Le Clos Bernard is a truly unique experience. Straight out of Narnia, the restaurant offers a horse-drawn sleigh service through the magical Altiport Forest to pick up diners. Also accessible via ski paths, the restaurant is a serene escape and a fantastic change in pace after a morning on the slopes. Set in a traditional chalet-style building, Le Clos Bernard offers classic French fare, such as wood-fired grilled meats, fondue savoyarde and raclette. Alternatively, sit outside with a cup of mulled wine and enjoy the peaceful forest views. Either way, Le Clos Bernard will entice even the fussiest eater with its secluded alpine charm.
Méribel, more than a ski resort
If a whole week’s skiing causes disgruntlement in the family camp, Méribel has more to offer than just skiing. Sports fans can catch a game of ice hockey, fast-paced and gripping, even novices will find themselves on the edge of their seats. Matches are every Tuesday evening and tickets are only £2.50 (€3). Méribel also offers the chance to try dog sledging, hot-air ballooning, snowmobiling and indoor climbing. The 3.4 km Mission Black Forest toboggan run is also a firm favourite with adventure seekers.
Cut the faff and stay at Méribel Mottaret
Skip the daily challenge of getting the kids out of bed and ready to hike their ski gear to the nearest lift. Instead, stay in the Méribel Mottaret area for ski-in, ski-out bliss. Offering an unbeatable location overlooking the resort, Hôtel Le Mottaret is a perfect choice for the whole family. Situated right next to the slopes and within walking distance of restaurants, it provides both convenience and comfort. Guests can enjoy spacious family rooms, private balconies and a sauna, along with a fantastic outdoor hot tub - always a hit with teens. The all-inclusive option makes it an excellent choice for families looking to stick to a budget without compromising on quality. You won’t have to say no to teen demands! Rooms start at £120 per night.
Let the teenagers roam free
One of Méribel’s big benefits is that it’s a pedestrian-friendly resort. This means responsible teens can explore independently without parental escorts. Méribel also boasts a bowling alley and arcade for some youthful après ski fun. Kids can hang out and make friends while parents grab a cheeky après drink at iconic locations like La Folie Douce or Le Rond Point. At Méribel, parents can choose to allow older teens to go off on their own ski adventures, safe in the knowledge of the resort’s clearly colour-coded pistes, excellent signage, regularly patrolled slopes and well-placed mountain restaurants for meeting points.
Méribel Tourisme (MT) promotes the heart of the 3 Valleys, Méribel, as a world-class Alpine travel destination. MT aims to educate the wider public on what the region has to offer through the strengthening and development of the tourism industry, promoting local development that is economically viable, environmentally responsible and fulfilling on a human level. Easily accessible from the UK by train, plane and car, Méribel is home to 600 km of meandering slopes, majestic nature reserves and mouth-watering menus across the valley. From mountain biking, hiking, horse-riding, golfing and yoga in the summer, to carving famous ski runs, snowshoeing, ice-skating and more in the winter, there is something for every traveller to enjoy.
