What’s new and what’s still wonderful in Méribel this winter?

Ski holidays in Méribel are more family friendly than ever this winter. So if the thought of skiing Les 3 Vallées and having all sorts of new adventures with your kids sounds fun, you should definitely be thinking Méribel.

Confident skiers start young in Méribel

As part of one of the world’s largest ski areas, it goes without saying that Méribel takes its sport seriously. However, this charming three-village resort in the French Alps – Tarentaise Valley to be precise – is just as keen on playing as skiing. In fact it often combines both, making it a great place for first time ski holidays with kids. It’s also a Famille-Plus resort. So families can look forward to exceptional childcare as well as relaxed restaurants, family accommodation and a friendly atmosphere, everywhere. However, if that doesn’t tempt you, take a look at what’s new in Méribel this winter. We promise, it’s pretty irresistible all-round.

Village des Inuits, Méribel, France

Kids will love the new Méribel pistes made just for them

Thanks to a recent makeover, Méribel’s already very popular Inuit Village piste is now even more of a thrill for kids. It’s cute and cosy atmosphere is unchanged so little skiers still feel right at home. But for this winter the piste has a fresh story to tell, as well as a brand new range of fun activities for all the family.

The Animal Trail is another marvellous makeover for winter 2022/23. Now families can follow its magical path through the heart of the forest, learning about Trois Vallée wildlife as they ski. Or, if you don’t want to ski, there’s also a walking path beside the trail. No one gets left out of this adventure.

If that’s not enough magic, then don’t miss the Altai Dragon trail where fantastical dragons lurk on the piste just waiting to be discovered by kids. Picnic spots on this particular trail only add to the all-day-long family fun.

Still not completely mesmerised by Méribel’s fantasy land? Your kids need go looking for Yooni the Yeti at the Yeti Park. Even if they don’t find the mythical beast, skiing tunnels, igloos and secret caves feels sensational.  Plus, the broad and gentle green run which zig-zags through the park is packed with Himalayan-themed snow toys – think bang-able gongs and whirling prayer wheels!

Oxygene Snow Garden, Méribel, France

New snowboarding lessons start young in Méribel this winter

Méribel is known for its excellent ski schools and children’s lessons start fun from age three. However, this year little would-be snowboarders can start training early too. Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School is offering group tuition for ages eight and over. Don’t worry about the word ‘group’, in this case that means a maximum of six students. So everyone gets individual attention, nobody is left behind and it’s the perfect learning environment for making new friends too. You can book five or six day group courses. Or, if you feel your kids need an extra boost, private snowboarding lessons are also available.

Lunch with great views launches for ski season 2022/23

That welcome lunchtime break in a ski-day gets even more wonderful this year thanks to the new snow terrace at the start of the Bouquetin chairlift. Perfect for chilling and taking time over family picnics, it treats you to view of Mont Vallon on one side and the Méribel valley on the other. Plus, if you’re up for unforgettable, Méribel’s gigantic logo makes for a perfect family photo op.

Himalayan themed snow games, Yeti Park

Thrilling new activities to fill your family ski holiday

From snowshoeing with a sweet side to equestrian excitement, Méribel is going all out to make this winter extra fun off the slopes too.

• If your kids haven’t tried snowshoeing yet, Raquette Evasion is where to start. Not only does this family-friendly company organise the loveliest forest treks, they end each one with chocolate fondue.
• Alternatively, follow the tracks of wild animals on a family snowshoe adventure with Raquette Evasion and you finish up with fondue in an igloo.
• World beating snow sport is the theme at Prosneige Ski School where families can compete in Winter Olympic Games. Challenges include blindfold archery, mountain rescue, slalom racing and laser rifle shooting. If that sounds like hungry work, you’ll love the local produce blind taste-test challenge.
• Head to the Nordic Ranch and try ski-joëring, pony sledging or horse riding round the gorgeously snowy landscape that makes Méribel one of the most beautiful ski holiday destinations in France.
• Change up the pace and ride the Mission Black Forest toboggan run with kids. At 3.4km long with a 470m drop and 28 corners, it’s a thrill all by itself. But to the add to the excitement, the Wizard Galdwick sets families the task of saving the people of the forest as they ride! Just when you thought Méribel couldn’t get more magical.

Le Kaila Hotel, Méribel

LEGO® makes Le Kaila hotel family friendly than ever this winter

Five-star Le Kaila is one of the most luxurious chalet hotels in Méribel so it often comes as a surprise to discover it’s also incredibly family-friendly. But this year that friendliness reaches a whole new level for kids as the hotel has partnered with LEGO® and completely re-designed their kids’ club. As well as larger-than-life LEGO® figures and heaps of the world’s most famous bricks, there’s also DUPLO® in play for younger children. And if all that isn’t exciting enough, young guests also receive their very own LEGO® sets on arrival and can have their photo taken with the fun installations in the hotel’s reception area.

Heated outdoor pool, Hotel L’Eterlou

Hôtel L’Eterlou perfects ski-in-ski-out boutique hotel charm

In the same family for three generations, Hôtel L’Eterlou is both authentically charming and very pretty. The lovely family rooms are exactly what you have in mind when you imagine a boutique Alpine hotel. Kids will love the heated outdoor pool with vast mountain views. And the fact that it’s ski-in-ski-out, right in the heart of the village and minutes from lifts, makes it even more perfect for families.

Hotel Le Coucou

Le Coucou Hotel & Spa cocoons families in five star luxury

Nothing has been overlooked at Le Coucou, so it’s not surprising to discover it’s one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As well as an elegant spa and two pools, there’s a ski room where you can leave your drenched gear in the evening and collect it dry, clean and ready to go in the morning. The hotel restaurants are some of the best in Méribel and you’ll be astonished by the views. However, it’s Petit Vip that’s going to steal your kids’ hearts. This outstanding children’s club for 4 to 9 year olds is specifically designed to enchant. Fully supervised by childcare professionals, it’s playful, creative, learning-rich and amazing fun. Although, older kids shouldn’t feel left out. Teen Lab for 10 to 15 year olds is just as exciting, only a little more grown up!

Residence L’Hévana

Indulge your independence at Residence L’Hévana

This five-star premium Pierre et Vacances Residence in the heart of Méribel is ideal if you want your own personal space combined with hotel-like luxuries. The choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments makes it ideal for larger families or families with older kids. And the addition of a spa, hammam, bar and even a mini-market means you can all relax completely after a long day’s skiing.

Ready to plan your family ski holiday? Visit Méribel for everything you need from family friendly accommodation to booking ski lessons for kids.