DO WE STILL NEED A PHOTOGRAPH FOR OUR LIFT PASSES?

No you do not only for a season pass or a free pass and these are taken when you buy your pass digitally. However for discounts for children or older skiers you do need proof of age.

ARE THERE ANY FREE SKI LIFTS IN MERIBEL?

Yes there are a few. At Altiport there is a free drag lift and rope pull. At Rond Point there is a free drag lift. At Mottaret there is a free drag lift, rope pull and the Chalets gondola. The free bus can be used also to get to the top of Meribel or the Altiport giving some good free practice. Ok for the first day but a bit boring after that, All lifts are free for the under-fives and those of seventy-five+ (only 7 years to go for me!)

IS THERE ANY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN MERIBEL?

Yes, there are a few great cross country trails. Information at the tourist office and ski lift office. You might consider snowshoe walks too in the forest run by the ESF ski school.

ARE THERE ANY SKI LOCKERS NEAR TO THE LIFT STATION?

Yes, the lift company have them, holding 3 pairs in each locker. Also Espace Gliss by Chaudanne will rent space for your own skis and boots or free if you rent from them. Feel free to e mail me for more info and other shops that do this.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHO USES THE LIFTS?

Very young babies can be refused if weather is bad for their own well being also animals are not allowed during winter season. Chairlifts obviously have sensible restrictions but gondolas are ok for most.

CAN WE HAVE PICNICS ON THE MOUNTAIN?

There are many spots now on the mountain for picnic so look on our ski guide for these. However please do not try to picnic in mountain restaurants. They have very high expenses (hence high prices) so need all their tables for paying customers. Some mountain restaurants also will not allow you to use their toilets. I used to think this was petty and extreme till I found out why. Some older mountain restaurants have a underground water tank that is filled at the start of the season and must last till the very end. Therefore they save the water supply for their paying customers only. Understandable I think under the circumstances?

IS THERE A SWIMMING POOL IN MERIBEL?

Yes.. the Olympic centre has a superb large swimming pool which is open about 2pm every day. It also has a smaller pool for kids and a fun slide for them too.

ARE THERE CHILDCARE SERVICES IN MERIBEL

There are nannies available private and the ESF has a wonderful creche for children 18 months till 3 years. It is open air on snow if weather permits. They even start to walk and ski on snow. Highly recommended but book early.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD CHILDREN START TO SKI ?

As a guide 4 years for ski school and 18 months to 3 years in the ESF creche.

IS MERIBEL OK FOR BABIES ?

Yes, but beware of big changes in temperatures and altitude. Plus the sun s VERY strong here at high altitude so babies should be kept very warm at all times and covered in the sunshine. Do NOT just rely on sun cream for babies. Not healthy for babies.

ARE THERE THINGS TO DO FOR YOUNG CHILDREN THERE ?

Meribel is a family-friendly resort but there are limitations on activities for very young children if they are not skiing or spending time at the ESF creche. There is ice skating, swimming, etc but not much else.

ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS ON LIFT PASSES FOR GROUPS OR FAMILIES.

Yes, there are discounts for groups and families. Go to our lift pass section in the skiing and riding menu for prices and special deals.

IS THERE ANYWHERE TO LEAVE LUGGAGE IN MERIBEL?

Sorry.. No. You must check with your travel agency that booked your accommodation to try to arrange something. Also if you are coming in very early on the Snow Train have breakfast in the café opposite the station (great croissants!). Meribel bars do not open for breakfast till about 8.30am. (The Taverne and Evolution Bar & Meribar )

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MERIBEL BY TRAIN FROM THE UK?

Yes, you can: go to our travel section – rail travel for exact details.

CAN I HIRE A SELF DRIVE CAR IN MERIBEL?

Yes: Garage Breton in Mottaret can arrange a hire car for you. Their tel number 9am – 5pm Mon – Sat inc is on our tel directory.

ARE THERE SOME GOOD NIGHT CLUBS IN MERIBEL?

Yes.. there are 3. One is O’Sullivans which is VERY popular with UK tourists and workers alike. ). O’Sullivans is at Mussillon just down from town center. The other is Saint Peres in the Olympic centre which is far more classy, sophisticated and also of course more expensive. In Mottaret there is the Privilege cellar nightclub in the centre.

IS THERE A HOSPITAL / DOCTORS SURGERY IN MERIBEL?

There are 3 sugerys. Cabinet Médical 1600 (Dr Vabre) +33 (0)4 79 08 65 40, Centre Medical du Parc Olympique (Drs Mabboux, Journoud and Schamasch) Méribel +33 (0)4 79 08 60 41 or Mottaret +33 (0)4 79 00 40 88.

DOES THE WATER HAVE FLOURIDE IN IT IN MERIBEL?

Not sure! I am trying to find out but the water in Meribel taps is ok to drink. Better than Thames water I am sure!

DO I NEED SUN CREAM DURING WINTER MONTHS?

Yes for sure you do but try to bring a good organic sun cream as the usual creams used are full of chemicals that some experts think are carcagenic.

DO I NEED A WORK PERMIT TO WORK IN MERIBEL?

If you a European cirizen no. But to work for an English company in Meribel you will probably need a UK NI number.