© Tourisme General
Why book a family ski holiday in Meribel
Bring your children on a ski holiday to Méribel
Here's why we recommend Méribel as a family destination.
Travelling anywhere with children can be challenging, and in a ski resort it can be doubly so with things like lift passes, equipment hire and ski lessons to arrange (never mind hats, gloves, snotty noses and the rest...!). Méribel is a family-friendly resort that makes all these things as easy as possible.
Worth knowing
Méribel’s reputation as one of the world's top family ski resorts has been many years in the making and is constantly being improved. There really is no better resort for a family ski holiday, so come visit us and see for yourselves.
Top 10 reasons to visit Méribel as a family
1. The 'Famille Plus' scheme
Over the past few years, Méribel has made great efforts to ensure families enjoy unforgettable holidays, leading to the resort being able to be a part of this coveted scheme. Officially recognised and bestowed only on those resorts and destinations proven to provide activities, services, entertainment and prices favourable to those holidaying with kids in tow.
2. Ski area & lift passes
There are lots of easily accessed beginner areas around the lower slopes, some not requiring a pass, so it's easy to practice with the kids. A state-of-the-art lift system has been designed with children in mind, the chairlifts have child safety features; gondolas are accessed via gentle ramps; tricky draglifts have been replaced by slow-loading chairlifts; and new chairlifts are fitted with weather shields and even heated seats that keep smaller skiers cosy. Plus Méribel offers favourable lift pass prices to families, making valuable savings.
3. Great ski schools
The tuition available in Meribel is truly brilliant. You'll find ski schools offer lessons for little ones, and the resort's popularity with the British means they all speak English.
4. Short transfer times
When travelling with children, short transfers to resort are a must and Méribel has good transport links to the main airports. Grenoble Isère and Lyon airports are both around two hours away, while Chambery is just over an hour and Geneva airport is just over two hours away.
5. Easy to get around resort
Méribel operates a great free bus service every day throughout the winter season. A fleet of buses operates around resort from 07:15 right through until 00:30, there are four different routes linking the whole of resort together.
6. Child-friendly accommodation
The choice of hotels and rental accommodation in Méribel is constantly improving, with new establishments opening every year offering top quality accommodation with services for families.
7. Olympic leisure centre
If the weather is poor or you just want a change from the slopes, then don’t miss Méribel’s Olympic Centre. Children can let off steam at the 25m pool and slide, scale the climbing wall with local mountain guides, the ice-rink holds regular party nights and tournaments, and there is also a bowling alley complete with children’s equipment.
8. Fun on the hill
Younger children adore the fun zones on the ski slopes. Méribel’s easy Inuit piste features Arctic-themed games for smaller skiers to enjoy, and children’s entertainers lay on free activities here six days a week. Mottaret’s Yeti Park has a wide and gentle green run featuring gongs, trumpets, igloos and mystery tunnels. Sledding is always very popular and takes place in safe zones away from the ski slopes, sleds can be hired in resort.
9. Family-friendly restaurants
Most restaurants around resort are child-friendly, offering children’s menus, high chairs etc and families are always made welcome.
10. Family activities
A wealth of activities and entertainments for children are on offer throughout the season, with extra fun laid on during the school holidays. There is something to enchant every child, from igloo-building, pony-sledding and treasure hunts, to eagle shows and marshmallow parties.
