Skiing in Meribel
- Mottaret in the heart of The Three Valleys, the
World's largest ski area.
Mottaret is situated at the top of the Meribel valley and is at the very centre of The Three Valleys ski
area between Courchevel and Val Thorens. Excellent high altitude, snow sure, skiing is on offer for all abilities. There
are tree lined paths and nursery slopes for beginners, wide open red pistes for the Intermediates and plenty of
challenging black runs and off piste for the advanced skier.
Mottaret is the highest resort in the Meribel valley and its central position offers the fastest access to the
other Three Valleys
resorts. A single cable car journey links you to the other resorts and gets you to the top of the mountain,
beating the queues. The Three Valleys
is the biggest inter-linked ski area in the world and due to its north-facing aspect and 1,200 snow cannons, skiing is
virtually guaranteed from December to late April.
There are 196 Lifts servicing 600km of marked pistes, of which 35 are black runs, 110 reds, 104 blues and 68
greens. There are numerous Snow Parks along with marked walking paths and 90 Km of cross country trails.
English Speaking Ski Schools
With the exception of Snow Systems and the ESF all group lessons
depart from Meribel which is an easy green run ski from Mottaret. If you are a complete beginner we recommend ESF in Mottaret.
Magic Ski Academy - Great
for kids and groups with small class sizes and fun instructors.
Marmalade -
Small school run by Derek Chandler, long time Meribel resident, great instructor and real fun guy. Snow Systems - International school based in Mottaret and offer
clinics, group and individual lessons. Parallel Lines - British Ski School which only uses BASI (UK) qualified
native english speaking instructors New Generation - Great for technical clinics with small class
sizes, also they are the official BASI (UK) ski instructor training school in the Three Valleys ESF - Ecole de Ski Francais is the largest ski school in Mottaret and offers International
English speaking group lessons. The
level of English can vary however and childrens class sizes can get big in Half Term weeks. Ski Equipment Hire
Ski Espace - Our recommended hire shop. A short 200 yard walk
from the apartment, Very friendly staff with good English spoken, good prices and large selection of
equipment including cross country skis. Open 8:30am until 7:30pm. skiespace@hotmail.com 04 79 00 46 00 Book online and get a 20% discount. FreeRide - Good selection of high end skis for demoing
and you can change your skis daily as well as specialist skis such as AT and telemark. Based in Meribel but if you book online
they will deliver and fit your equipment for free at the apartment. When booking mention my name, Scott Pleva and receive
a 10% discount. Lift Passes
On line ski pass ordering you can order on line and have your rechargable lift
pass delivered to the UK. We recommend getting
the full "Three Valleys" pass so you can explore the whole mountain.
Lift Pass Price List - download price lists,
Please note that there is a discounted Family option for 2 adults plus 2 or more children
Ski Maps
Meribel Valley - interactive zoomable map, click on the boxes to display
your choice of pistes
Weather and Piste Conditions
Mottaret Piste info - Real Time info on piste openings and conditions, avalanche risk and snow depth
Current Weather For the Meribel valley showing freezing altitude limit and winds.
Husky Dog Sledding
Drive your own husky dog team!! Based in
Le Plantin which is just passed Meribel Village on the road towards La Tania. A thrilling session for kids and adults alike.
1 hour 60 Euro per person (over 12's), three sessions a day 11:30, 14:00 and 15:30.
Kids 5-12 sitting in the sledge 30 Euro each. Group discounts available.
Call + 33 479 088 155 or mobile +33 668 604 824 English spoken
Off-Piste Skiing
Off Piste Skiing Tours - With Simon Christy, a British instructor trainer and local guide. He has a range of activities from short tours to week
long adventures.
Piste Hors - A very informative
site for all off piste skiing in france, including weather, snow conditions and avalanche safety information.
Ski Patrol Telephone Numbers - Program the mountain
rescue numbers into your mobile in case of a problem.
Courcheval +33 (4) 7908 9900,
Meribel +33 (4) 7908 6532 Mottaret
+33 (4) 7900 8860, Val Thoren +33 (4) 7900 0180
Cross Country Skiing
Is literally at your back door! from the Apartment
you can access the Lac Tueda nature reserve trails. See this map and click on Ski du Fond routes box
ESF Mottaret do a programme of lessons for Ski de Fond
(cross country) 9:30 - 12:15 daily or Raquette (snowshow). Go to the tourist office for details or call 04 79 00 49 49
Snow Mobile hire and tours
Snow Biker is located in Le Laitelet - Mottaret just off the Perdrix piste and offer a range of guided tours and hire
Insurance
Direct Travel - Good value cover that covers off piste skiing without a guide and racing. I use these guys...
EHIC card, if you havent yet done so apply online for
your free European health care card. Use the
EHIC card in conjunction with your insurance to minimise any costs.
Carre Neige - Add this to you ski pass (2.50 Euro/day) when skiing in the
3V's and you will be instantly covered for rescue by sled or helicopter as well as getting you home or the hospital if needed.
Although your travel insurance may cover you the pistueurs will require payment unless you have the CN. The carre neige
gives you absolute, no quibble, peace of mind which doesnt involve any payments, or forms. I used it last season
after an accident and would never be without it.
Ski Tours of the Three Valleys- Download our recommended ski tours including lunch stops
Try these Ski exercises and stretches for 6-8 weeks before your trip, you will be amazed
at how much it will improve your skiing.
