Meribel ski resort, one of the sites of the 1992 Winter Olympic Games, is a major resort of the Trois Vallees ski region, in the Savoie region of France. This ski resort offers a vast expanse of ski and snowboarding terrain suited to all abilities, as well of plenty of deep snow, off-piste.

Meribel is very cosmopolitan and has managed to retain its traditional Savoyard charm and authentic atmosphere, with its traditional style of chalets made from wood and stone. There is a full range of visitor facilities and services, including more than 110 stores and shops offering a wide range of goods.

Accommodation comes in every category and there are 35,000 beds available in hotels, chalets, vacation centres, tourist residences and a mobile home park. In addition to the slopes, there is a host of activities, from ice-skating to swimming. Après-ski is vibrant and exciting with a good selection of restaurants, bars and discos. Childcare facilities are also on hand.

All skill levels are catered for at Meribel, with 74 runs stretching over 150kms of fantastic terrain, and a longest run of four kilometres. The emphasis here is on intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, who have 70 per cent of the field. Fifty-seven lifts, featuring 16 gondolas, 18 chairlifts, 14 surface lifts, eight tele-babies and a moving walkway, can move 65,000 people per hour.

For alternative skiing, there are a further 450kms of prepared slopes in the Trois Vallees region, including the likes of Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Val Thorens also has summer glacial skiing. Brides-les-Bain, well known for its appealing spas and baroque buildings, is also in the region.

The ski season at Meribel ski resort runs from early December to late April, with special rates at the beginning and towards the end of the season. Due to often congested roads and long transfer times, the best way to get to Meribel is to take a direct train to Moutiers from London, and a bus or taxi from there.