Méribel Suggests 7 Reasons To Book A Christmas Ski Trip
With Christmas approaching, skiers and snowboarders are seeking destinations with reliable early-season snowfall, and Méribel consistently offers some of the most dependable conditions in the Alps. Situated at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area, the resort sees an average of 934mm of snowfall in December, with snow on nearly 15 days of the month. This creates the classic Alpine winter atmosphere visitors love: beautifully groomed pistes, snowy village scenes and cosy fireside après-ski. For anyone dreaming of a magical Christmas in the mountains, Méribel has all the ingredients of an unforgettable festive escape.
- Snow-sure slopes from early season. Thanks to its high altitude and north-facing terrain, Méribel enjoys excellent early-season snowfall - with an average of 934mm of snow in December alone. This means visitors can count on long ski days and beautifully groomed pistes throughout the festive period. Even if rival resorts struggle, Méribel’s position at the heart of Les 3 Vallées means that skiers can go with the snow and access the neighbouring valleys of Val Thorens and Courchevel.
- Access to 600km of runs in the world’s largest ski area. As part of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel offers seamless access to 600km of pistes that link directly to Courchevel and Val Thorens. This gives skiers of all abilities endless terrain to explore, from wide beginner-friendly slopes to challenging off-piste routes. In fact, the combined resorts are so large – 335 runs altogether – you’d need more than a week to complete them all. The sheer scale of the ski area also helps distribute crowds, making it easier to find quiet runs even during the festive season.
- A storybook Alpine atmosphere. Twinkling lights, snowy streets and traditional wooden chalets create a fairy-tale setting that feels made for Christmas. Méribel fully embraces the festive spirit, with decorations, events and warm hospitality everywhere you go. And for a truly magical touch, Le Clos Bernard - tucked in the Altiport Forest – offers a horse-drawn sleigh ride to its cosy chalet restaurant, making it one of the most enchanting dining experiences in the valley. Whether you're wandering through the village centre, toasting mulled wine in the forest or enjoying après-ski on a cosy terrace, Méribel feels magical from morning to night.
- Family-friendly festive activities. From torchlit descents and Christmas markets to Santa visits and fireworks, Méribel offers a full programme of events designed to delight families. Kids can enjoy ski schools, treasure hunts and winter workshops while parents relax or explore the slopes. It’s the kind of destination where festive memories are easy to make and hard to forget.
- Exceptional ski-in/ski-out accommodation Visitors can choose from luxury hotels like Le Coucou, with its chic alpine design, gourmet dining and indulgent wellness facilities; catered apartments such as Falcon by Alpine Resorts, offering cozy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and easy access to the Morel chairlift; or mid-budget options like Hotel Le Mottaret, perfectly located on the slopes with chalet-style rooms and a spa featuring a sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi.
- Incredible dining for every taste. Méribel’s dining scene offers something for every palate, from traditional Savoyard favourites to award-winning gastronomic experiences. Christmas meals here are particularly special, with many restaurants featuring festive menus made from seasonal ingredients. Food lovers can choose between cosy mountain huts and elegant hotel restaurants, ensuring a memorable meal in every setting. For a quintessential Alpine experience, head to La Brizolée, a charming chalet-style restaurant where regional Savoyard cuisine takes centre stage - think generous helpings of fondue, tartiflette, and other cheesy delights that are firm favourites.
- Quick and convenient travel options. With multiple airport connections from Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon and excellent transfers, reaching Méribel is straightforward even during the busy holiday period. The return of the Travelski Night Express also offers an easy, eco-friendly way to arrive well-rested. Travellers can fall asleep in Paris and wake up in the Alps. It’s a smooth, stress-free way to start a Christmas holiday.
Packages:
- 7 nights chalet catering at Chalet Oxalys, Meribel. Flying 13th December 2025 from London Gatwick from £1,099 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing, all flights and transfers included.
- 7 nights half board at Hotel Les Grangettes, Meribel. Flying 20th December 2025 from Birmingham from £1,368 per person. Based on 2 adults sharing, all flights and transfers included.
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.
