Beginner ski areas in Meribel

Beginner ski hire

Even if there are several equipment options to choose from, we recommend you go for the most basic.

Beginner skis are short, flexible skis that are easy to turn or, if you're snowboarding, you'll have a shorter stiffer snowboard that's easier to control and generally cheaper too.

You won't need to know about the technical aspects of any of the equipment as ski hire shops will advise you to get the best model for your ability and size once you've booked. 

Beginner ski lessons

If you're learning to ski for the first time, Meribel has plenty of choice of ski schools who teach children and adults.

Children's lessons are determined by their age and ability, whilst adult lessons are determined by ability and interests. 

Beginner ski passes

There are 8 free beginner ski lifts in Meribel - four around the Altiport and Rond Point areas and four in Mottaret.

In addition, several of Meribel's ski schools have their own private beginner lifts and easy mini-slopes to learn on. There are also special beginner lift passes, called "mini-pass", giving access to the chairlifts and slopes suitable for those just starting off. 

Beginners skiers in the Méribel and Mottaret ski area can benefit from special deals. The Méribel Mini Pass covers approximately half of the Méribel Valley and is slightly cheaper than the full Méribel Valley pass.

This pass is valid for the especially created Easy Rider areas within the Méribel Valley where you can get to grips with your chosen discipline in complete safely. It gives access to the following lifts:

• Altiport
• Côtes
• Sittelle
• Aigle drag lifts
• Rhodos 1 and 2
• Tougnète 1
• Olympe
• Chalets cable cars
• Altiport
• Golf
• Morel
• Arolles
• Combes

The Minipass also includes access to the Loupiot and Doron magic carpets, as well as the Fontanyl and Ourson pull cords.

The mini pass is a one day price for all from 5 years to 75 years at €35.50

You will need a proof of date of birth as well as a recent identity photography.

Best beginner ski areas in Méribel

Méribel has two dedicated beginner ski areas with free lifts, designed to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment. These are the Zen zone in the centre of Méribel-Mottaret and the Ski Cool zone at the Altiport area of Méribel.

Once you have mastered the nursery slopes and feel ready for a new challenge, there are excellent beginner-friendly pistes to explore. One of the best options is the green Blanchot run, which now starts higher up at the top of the Saulire Express 1 gondola and leads back to the Altiport area. Alternatively, you can follow Foret back into Méribel resort. This route is part of the Ski Cool zone, designed to help beginners transition to longer, easy runs.

Méribel-Mottaret

At the top of the resort, there is a dedicated beginner zone with a magic carpet and drag lift, providing a safe space to build confidence. The Combes chairlift serves a green piste, Little Himalaya, which is perfect for those looking to progress beyond the nursery slopes.

Additionally, Mottaret has two Zen zones, which are quiet, easy slopes reserved for beginners, allowing you to practise turns in a relaxed and stress-free setting.

Méribel

For younger skiers, there are several fun areas designed to help children develop their skills while enjoying themselves.

• P’tit Moon: A mini boardercross with banked turns, designed for 7-12 year olds. Located at Rond Point, it can be accessed via the Rhodos 1 gondola and Côtes drag lift. This area is quiet and safe, making it ideal for children.
• Chemin des Écoliers: A longer and steeper boardercross run located near the DC Area 43 snowpark above Mottaret. While designed for families, it is also popular with adults, so be prepared for some fast skiers.
• Méribel Moon Park: Located at the start of the Grive blue run, this area features a series of small jumps and bumps (whoops) suitable for children. Enter your mobile number at the console before starting, and you’ll receive a video of your run.
• Moon Wild: A themed piste featuring life-sized animal models hidden in the woods, along with a quiz about local wildlife. This starts on the right-hand side near the bottom of the Blanchot piste.

Progressing beyond the nursery slopes

If you're ready to move beyond ski school and challenge yourself, Méribel has 24 blue pistes to explore. Some are more difficult than others, so it’s best to ski with a more experienced friend or someone familiar with the area to help guide you to the most suitable runs.

What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?

Buying all the gear before you go can be daunting if you’ve never set foot in a ski resort before. The key items to bring with you, along with the obvious ski jacket, ski trousers and sunglasses, are as follows:

• Layers - thermal tops and leggings, fleeces, hoodies, hats and a good pair of ski gloves and a helmet. Weather on the mountain can change pretty quickly, and you are much better off wearing layers of thinner items as opposed to a big, bulky jumper.
• Socks - a variety of socks ranging in thickness, it may sound weird but in our experience hire boots can be quite painful with the wrong socks.
• Sun cream - even when it’s cloudy the sun here can (and will) still get you, and don't forget the underneath of your chin as the sun reflects off the snow too. Don't forget a lip salve with an SPF.
• Piste map - make sure to always have one in your pocket while you're out on the mountain. You can pick up paper copies from the lift pass or tourist office once you've arrived in resort. 

More inspiration...

Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Meribel.