Meribel Mottaret Ski Guide for First-Timers (Trois Vallées, France)

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WHY I WROTE THIS GUIDE TO MERIBEL MOTTARET

If you’re planning your first ski trip to the Trois Vallées and trying to decide whether Meribel Mottaret is the right place to stay, you’re probably already realizing how overwhelming this ski area can feel.

The Trois Vallées, or “Three Valleys,” is the largest linked ski area in the world, spanning three enormous valleys and seven interconnected resort areas: Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, La Tania, and Orelle.

To put that into North American terms, skiing the Trois Vallées is like linking Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, and Vail into one continuous ski area, with lifts connecting entire valleys.

The hardest part is not the skiing. It’s choosing where to stay. Within this massive ski domain, there are more than a dozen village bases with lift or gondola access, spread across a wide range of elevations and very different vibes. Some feel polished and over the top, like parts of Courchevel, while others are more family-friendly and value focused, like Les Menuires.

I wrote this guide to demystify the parts of this trip that I personally found the hardest to figure out, explain why we chose Méribel-Mottaret, and share what makes it such a smart and strategic base for first-time visitors.

WHO THIS GUIDE TO MERIBEL MOTTARET IS (AND ISN’T) FOR

I wrote this guide for couples, families, and small groups traveling to the Trois Vallées who are planning a big international ski adventure, but who do not have an unlimited budget. This is for people flying commercial, comparing airport transfer options, and trying to make smart decisions about where to stay in Méribel-Mottaret and how to move around once they arrive.

This guide is not for travelers arriving via helicopter or private jet into the Courchevel altiport, and yes, I might be ever so slightly jealous. If that’s you, you don’t need my assistance. You have people for that, and I genuinely wish you a fabulous trip.

For those falling into the first category, I want to help you have an amazing experience with as little friction as possible. I also want to help you avoid the small but common mistakes that can cost you time, money, or energy, or worse, lead to an unnecessary argument with your travel partner halfway through the week.

If you’re looking for a trip that feels well planned, balanced, and enjoyable rather than stressful or overcomplicated, this guide is for you.

WHY MERIBEL MOTTARET IS A SMART BASE CHOICE

I’m going to start by explaining my overall decision-making process, then dive deeper into the nuances of each base.

For this trip, I was looking for a village with a fairytale quality to its architecture, something that truly captured that magical French Alps atmosphere. Elevation was also important. I wanted to maximize our chances of snow rather than rain. Living in Vancouver, Canada, I already get more than enough of the latter.

Easy access to terrain was another key factor. I wanted to be able to move between interconnected resorts without spending an entire day riding lifts, which pushed me toward staying somewhere fairly central within the Trois Vallées.

And while this trip was definitely a splurge, I did not have an unlimited budget. Amenities mattered too. Good cafés, solid restaurant options, and ideally at least a bit of an après-ski scene.

MAP OF LES TROIS VALLÉES

To explain why I chose Méribel-Mottaret for our trip, I first want to share the following map so you can better understand how the resorts are laid out.

I’m including a map from the official 3 Vallées site here. You can also click on the image below to explore this interactive version. What I want you to notice are the three main valleys. The Courchevel valley is on the left, the Méribel valley is in the middle, and the Belleville valley, home to Val Thorens and Les Menuires, is on the right.

In terms of actual geography within the French Alps, the orientation runs roughly north to south, from Courchevel in the north down to Val Thorens in the south.

I’ve listed the main village bases below, organized by valley and ski resort area. I have only included villages that offer ski-in, ski-out access, or have a lift or gondola located very close by.

For each village, I’ve noted the altitude, a general price range from budget-friendly to ultra-expensive, and the overall vibe. Some villages even include their altitude, in meters, in their actual name.

In most cases, the more budget-friendly villages sit at lower elevations and require longer lift or gondola rides to reach the core ski areas.

TROIS VALLEES SKI VILLAGE BASES

1. COURCHEVEL VALLEY

• Courchevel 1850 (1,850 m) – $$$$ – Ultra-luxury, glamorous, polished
• Courchevel 1650 / Moriond (1,650 m) – $$$ – Lively, sunny, social
• Courchevel 1550 / Village (1,550 m) – $$$ – Quieter, traditional, convenient
• Le Praz (1,300 m) – $$ – Charming, local, relaxed
• La Tania (1,400 m) – $$ – Family-friendly, forested, low-key

2. MÉRIBEL VALLEY

• Méribel-Mottaret (1,750 m) – $$$ – Purpose-built, ski-first, central
• Méribel Centre (1,450 m) – $$$ – Classic alpine, lively après
• Méribel Village (1,400 m) – $$$ – Pretty, quieter, refined
• Les Allues (1,100 m) – $$ – Traditional, residential, local
• Brides-les-Bains (600 m) – $ – Budget-focused, functional, spa town

3. BELLEVILLE VALLEY

• Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (1,450 m) – $$ – Storybook alpine, authentic, charming
• Val Thorens (2,300 m) – $$$ – High-energy, modern, snow-sure
• La Croisette / Les Menuires core (1,850 m) – $ to $$ – Central, convenient, lively
• Other Les Menuires sectors (1,800–2,000 m) – $ to $$ – Quieter, residential, good value

WHY I CHOSE MERIBEL MOTTARET

As you can see from the list above, there are a lot of options. I quickly eliminated Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550, and Méribel Centre because I did not want to spend thousands, or tens of thousands, of euros per night. These bases are the most expensive. I also booked this trip quite late in November. Had I booked earlier, there may have been some options in the latter three, but likely not in Courchevel 1850.

After seeing Courchevel in person, my suspicions were confirmed. It felt, in general, a little too flashy for my personal style. What do I mean by that? You start to see a lot more fur, a lot more metallic ski suits, and a lot more people who are not necessarily there for the ski scene but rather to be seen.

In fact, I met several beginners from NYC who had invested heavily in their apparel but, after five days, had only skied one run. They were spending eye-watering amounts at some very overrated restaurants. (Bagatelle had a 3.4-star rating on Google in February 2026. You can do so much better.) To be fair, they were having an amazing time, looked fabulous, and it seemed to be exactly what they were looking for.

I also eliminated Val Thorens, even though it is typically less expensive than Courchevel 1850 and Méribel Centre. Our January stay happened to coincide with a Freeride World Tour event, and prices were sky-high. It was also slightly less central for skiing all three valleys than I would have preferred.

I ruled out the lowest-altitude villages because I wanted guaranteed fluffy, not mushy, snow in the village and did not want to spend a long time each morning riding lifts just to reach the core terrain. This included Courchevel’s La Tania and Le Praz, as well as Les Allues and Brides-les-Bains.

That said, Le Praz has a seven-minute gondola that takes you directly to Courchevel 1850, and La Tania has a green ski-out run that is usually well maintained into early spring. Both can offer solid value.

Here is a screenshot of the Brides-les-Bains village base in mid-February 2026. Apologies for the poor quality. The village itself is fine, but it does not exactly deliver French Alps magic with all that bare grass.

Les Menuires was eliminated early because I had read that the central village of La Croisette was not exactly pretty. This turned out to be a massive understatement. I was genuinely stunned when we skied through it.

The base village is dominated by concrete towers. It was built in the 1960s and 70s in a very utilitarian, brutalist style, designed to move huge volumes of skiers efficiently. And while it absolutely succeeds on the functional front, it was not the atmosphere I was hoping for on a French Alps vacation.

That said, Les Menuires does offer excellent value and works particularly well for beginners and families. And yes, the mountain views are undeniably impressive, if you can look past the buildings.

Note: The surrounding hamlets of Le Bettaix, Reberty, and Les Fontanettes are noticeably more attractive.

THE FINALISTS

In the end, I narrowed our base options down to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Méribel-Mottaret. In fact, I temporarily reserved hotels in both places because I could not decide right away.

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is quite small, but genuinely beautiful, with a solid mix of hotels, restaurants, and relaxed après-ski spots. During ski season, a shuttle runs until about 7 pm to Val Thorens if you are craving more energy. Otherwise, you are looking at a €25 to €30 taxi ride.

While it is perfectly lovely, it took us about 30 minutes by lifts, with no lines, to reach the upper mountain terrain. Still, I really like this base and would happily recommend it if you are looking for good value, charm, and quieter evenings after a big ski day.

There are several lovely hotel properties in this charming village, and you can often find very good value in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville vacation rental apartments on sites like VRBO and Airbnb.

Two highly recommended hotels in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville are the 5★ Hotel La Bouitte (Michelin-starred restaurant, pool and spa, beautiful views) and the 4★ Lodji Hotel & Spa (rooftop deck, wellness centre and a very solid on-site restaurant).

BEST FEATURES OF MÉRIBEL-MOTTARET

In the end, there were several clear reasons we chose Méribel-Mottaret as our base in the Trois Vallées.

1. CENTRAL, SKI-FORWARD LOCATION

Méribel-Mottaret offers very direct access to terrain across all three valleys,which means more time skiing and less time getting there. Being steps from key lifts and gondolas also makes the end of the day easier, with straightforward routes back to the village from multiple directions.

2. GOOD VALUE

While some hotels here are certainly premium priced, there is enough variation in accommodations to find genuinely good value, often without sacrificing ski-in, ski-out access.

This becomes even more apparent when you start looking at vacation rentals and chalet options. In our case, we were lucky enough to snag a great Black Friday deal at the 4-star Hôtel Alpen Ruitor, which helped seal the decision.

3. SMALL, BUT SURPRISINGLY WELL EQUIPPED

Méribel-Mottaret may be compact, but it has everything you actually need: a ski school base, several equipment rental shops, grocery stores, bars and restaurants, a cinema, and even a nightclub. When you are craving more variety or livelier après, the free 10-minute shuttle down to Méribel Centre makes it easy to dip in and out. A taxi ride typically costs €25 to €30.

4. MORE RELIABLE SNOW

Méribel-Mottaret is the highest village in the Méribel valley, sitting at around 1,750 metres. That places it roughly 300 metres higher than Méribel Centre, which significantly improves snow reliability throughout the season.

Below is a webcam shot from mid-February. You can compare it to the screenshot from the Brides-les-Bains webcam taken at the same time, shared above.

5. IT’S QUIET

While some may want a livelier scene, we loved that after dark the village is relatively quiet. We slept great while still being in the center of the action. We could enjoy a fun evening in Méribel Centre and then simply take the shuttle back to our calm little base.

The only exception is the nightclub, Downtown. I’ve noted its location on the map at the end of this post. We were woken up by revelers one Friday night.

GETTING TO MERIBEL MOTTARET

Next to which village to choose, the getting-there piece was the most complicated part of our trip! Here is what you need to know:

BY PLANE

Most travelers arriving by air fly into Geneva Airport (Switzerland), which offers the greatest number of daily flight options and is generally the most convenient gateway to Les Trois Vallées. The transfer time from Geneva to Méribel-Mottaret is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

Other airport options include Lyon (about a 3-hour transfer), as well as Grenoble and Chambéry, though these typically have fewer flight choices.

As mentioned earlier, transfers are one of the most important parts of your trip. Seats on buses sell out early, as do spots with the best shuttle companies, so you will want to arrange this as soon as possible.

BY TRAIN

If you are traveling internationally, it is also worth considering the train. Many skiers arrive via Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, the main rail station serving the Three Valleys, with direct winter TGV service from Paris and good onward transfers to Méribel, Courchevel, and Val Thorens, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the resort.

BUS TRANSFERS FOR MERIBEL MOTTARET

Altibus is one of the highest-rated bus transfer companies in the area and operates winter shuttles primarily from Geneva Airport (GVA) and Lyon Airport (LYS) to resorts throughout Les Trois Vallées. It also serves key train stations, including Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, making it a convenient option for those arriving by train.

From these hubs, there is regular service to Méribel-Mottaret, often labelled simply “Mottaret,” on Saturdays and more limited service on Sundays. A round-trip fare to Les Trois Vallées resorts is approximately €105 to €110, with discounted rates for children. Infants aged 0 to 2 travel free.

TIP: If you are arriving midweek, you may still find bus service as far as Méribel Centre, especially during busier months like December and February when additional routes are added. From there, you can take the free 10-minute shuttle to Méribel-Mottaret or hop in a short taxi ride.

There are several other transfer companies serving Les Trois Vallées, including Ben’s Bus and Alpine Fleet, but overall, Altibus tends to receive stronger reviews.

SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR MERIBEL MOTTARET

Another option is to book a private or shared shuttle, typically in a van, minibus, or large SUV equipped for mountain driving. This offers more flexibility and a higher level of service than a standard bus transfer, especially if you are traveling with ski gear.

Private shuttles generally start at around €280 to €350 one way, depending on group size, timing, and provider. Shared transfers are more budget-friendly, typically ranging from €50 to €100 per person, one way.

Because we booked our trip to the Trois Vallées quite late, many of our first-choice shuttle options were already sold out. We ended up booking a shared shuttle with Alps2Alps from Geneva Airport to Méribel-Mottaret (€162 for two people), and a private shuttle with Cool Runnings (€235) for the return. To be honest, I would not personally recommend either company based on our experience.

Next time, I would try Mountain Drop-offs or 3 Valleys Transfers. Alternatively, I would go with a recommendation from your accommodation provider, as they often know which operators are the most reliable that season. Our hotel recommended the local taxi company GTaxi.

IMPORTANT

Due to new border security measures, primarily the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), non-EU and non-Schengen travelers are now required to complete biometric registration, including fingerprints and photos, upon arrival. As a result, passport control can take significantly longer than expected, especially on busy Saturdays.

Be sure to build in extra buffer time before scheduling your shuttle or bus pickup. On our January Saturday arrival, it took us about an hour to clear customs, with roughly 800 people ahead of us.

I NEED HELP PLANNING THIS SKI TRIP!

I completely understand that playing travel Tetris to make a ski trip like this fit together perfectly is not for everyone. If you’ve made it this far and are thinking, “This is all a bit much,” you absolutely don’t have to do it alone.

There are reputable ski vacation companies that can handle the logistics for you, from chalets and hotels to transfers and lift passes.Two well-known options are Ski.com, which primarily serves North American travelers, and Ski-France.com, which caters to both North American and British guests. Both can simplify the planning process considerably.

HOT DISCOUNT – From Feb. 18th – Mar. 8th, 2026 use code SKI10 for an extra 10% off already discounted ski accommodations in the French Alps for the rest of the season Ski-France.com.

WHERE TO STAY IN MERIBEL MOTTARET

THE LAYOUT OF MERIBEL-MOTTARET

Before recommending specific places to stay in Meribel Mottaret, I want to quickly explain the layout. Méribel-Mottaret is divided into three main areas: Le Châtelet, Mottaret Centre, and Le Hameau.

Le Châtelet sits within easy walking distance of Mottaret Centre and is known for its quieter feel and some of the most affordable accommodation options in Mottaret. It is largely made up of practical apartment residences.

Mottaret Centre is the lively heart of the resort and home to the main lift hub, ski school, rental shops, tourist information center, and a solid cluster of restaurants.

Le Hameau, often considered the most attractive and chalet-like of the three, sits slightly above the center. It is linked to Mottaret Centre by the free Chalets Gondola and offers a more alpine atmosphere, generally at a higher price point than Le Châtelet. There is also road access up to Le Hameau if you are arriving by car or shuttle.

MERIBEL MOTTARET BOOKING TIPS

There are a few key things to understand before booking a Trois Vallées ski vacation, whether you’re staying in Meribel Mottaret or any of the other villages.

THE SATURDAY TO SATURDAY STANDARD

Most winter bookings run Saturday to Saturday, especially in peak season. Shorter stays are sometimes possible, but you will usually pay a per-night premium. It can also be harder and more expensive to arrange airport transfers midweek. Many regular bus services operate primarily on weekend schedules.

TRANSFERS

If your trip involves flying, check airport transfer availability before confirming your accommodations. Shuttle seats and buses are limited and can sell out early, particularly since most travelers arrive on Saturdays. More availability generally means better pricing.

TRANSFER COSTS

Transfer availability is not the only consideration. Costs can be surprisingly high. For example, our hotel quoted €830 for a private round-trip transfer from Geneva Airport to Méribel-Mottaret. I outline more affordable options later in this post.

BOOK EARLY

The best ski-in, ski-out properties in Meribel Mottaret disappear quickly. If you are hesitant to commit, look for flexible rates that allow changes or cancellations. On sites like Booking.com, search for “reserve now, pay later” options. While they sometimes charge a premium for this flexibility, if there is availability, you can switch to the less expensive non-refundable rate once you are 100 percent set on your plans.

MEAL PLANS

Most hotels offer bed and breakfast, half-board, or all-inclusive options. Read recent reviews so you understand what that actually means. Is it buffet or à la carte? How is the quality of dinner? Are any on-piste restaurants included? Personally, I tend to book bed and breakfast only. There are so many excellent restaurants to try across the Trois Vallées!

AVOID PEAK SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Christmas and February are the busiest periods. French schools stagger their two-week winter breaks across three zones from mid-February to early March, and the U.K. half-term often overlaps, making this one of the most crowded times to visit.

KNOW WHAT’S INCLUDED

Whether booking a hotel, chalet, or apartment, confirm exactly what is included. Ask about housekeeping, linens, towels, and end-of-stay cleaning fees. Small details like this can meaningfully impact the overall cost and convenience of your stay.

BEST HOTELS IN MERIBEL MOTTARET

1. HOTEL ALPEN RUITOR

Hotel Alpen Ruitor is a traditionally styled property in Mottaret Centre with true ski-in, ski-out access. Rooms are comfortable and alpine in feel, the on-site restaurant is solid, and the small spa, which includes a sauna, hammam, and hot tub, is a welcome treat at the end of a ski day.

Room categories range from cozy doubles to family rooms that can sleep up to five, making it an easy option for both couples and families.

I chose this hotel because of its strong reviews and unbeatable location, and overall, our stay was excellent. That said, I could not help but imagine how much cooler the property could feel with a thoughtful design refresh. I found myself mentally re-homing the stuffed animals in the lobby and redesigning the staff uniforms. Still, the service and attention to detail were great. We appreciated the evening turndown, cocktail night, afternoon snacks, and the very strong breakfast buffet. The small spa has also had a recent update, which helps.

Room tip: Valley view rooms are quieter since they do not face the central village area, and the views are still lovely. The elevator is tiny, so if you would rather take the stairs and avoid waiting, request a lower floor.

Check rates for Hotel Alpen Ruitor on Booking.com or Expedia.

2. HOTEL LES ARROLLES

Hotel Les Arolles sits right on the slopes in the Le Châtelet area of Meribel Mottaret, offering true ski-in, ski-out access. It features a heated indoor pool, sauna, and jacuzzi for relaxing after skiing, as well as an on-site restaurant, L’Hermine (rated 4.4/5★), serving traditional alpine dishes.

Rooms are practical and comfortable with mountain views, and many include private balconies, good storage for gear, and easy access to the ski area. It is a strong option for both couples and families who want convenience and simple alpine comforts. Room configurations accommodate between two and six guests.

Check rates for Hotel Les Arolles on Booking.com or Expedia.

3. HOTEL LE MOTTARET

Hotel Le Mottaret by Madame Vacances sits slopeside in the Le Hameau area of Méribel-Mottaret with ski-in, ski-out access. It offers a wellness area that includes an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, and outdoor hot tub, as well as a lively bar and restaurant, Café del Mott (3.8/5★), for lunch and après-ski.

Rooms are comfortable and practical with mountain views, good storage for ski gear, Wi-Fi, and many include balconies. They are simple spaces that feel easy and functional after a long day on the snow. Guests can choose from breakfast-only, half-board, or all-inclusive packages.

Check rates for Hotel Le Mottaret on Booking.com or Expedia.

OTHER MERIBEL MOTTARET ACCOMMODATIONS

If you’re traveling as a family or small group, it’s well worth considering a vacation rental chalet or apartment in Méribel-Mottaret. The selection here is excellent, and in many cases you’ll get far more space, better views, and true ski-in, ski-out access for a much better price than a comparable hotel room. It’s also ideal if you like having a kitchen for easy breakfasts or relaxed evenings in after a big ski day.

I’d suggest browsing options on VRBO and Airbnb for their wide selection of apartments and chalets in Meribel-Mottaret. (Please always thoroughly read reviews from recent guests before booking.)

You can also explore curated chalet options through Ski.com and Ski-France.com, which cater especially well to North American and British travelers.

RESTAURANTS IN MERIBEL MOTTARET

For a refined night out, Méribel-Mottaret has two standout options that consistently earn strong reviews. KH offers elevated, modern Alpine cuisine paired with a thoughtful wine list. For something more traditional, Les Rôtisseurs du Mottaret is a longtime favorite, serving classic Savoyard staples like fondue, raclette, and generous charcuterie boards in a warm, cozy setting.

For more casual fare, solid options include La Vieille Crêperie for sweet and savory crêpes, raclette, and other comfort classics, Le Rastro for relaxed bistro-style dining, and La Pizzeria du Mottaret for easy, crowd-pleasing meals.

If you are just looking to grab and go, you will find excellent takeaway pizza at La Marmotte, which also has a few tables, great burgers at Chez Bif, and crêpes to go from La Vieille Crêperie.

One final must-mention: in the afternoons, the bakery Le Pain des Alpages sets up a waffle cart outside serving incredible freshly made waffles, optionally stuffed with chocolate that melts as they cook.

ON-PISTE DINING

If this is your first trip to the Alps, you may need a quick crash course on lunch. It is a big deal, and you will often hear people joke that the entire ski day revolves around skiing to lunch.

Instead of crowded cafeterias where you push a tray along a track, you will find sit-down mountain restaurants with sunny terraces, live music or a DJ, beautiful food, and wine. Slopeside fondue, anyone? I am fairly certain many people squeeze in just one run afterward, or skip skiing altogether and glide straight to an après spot.

With that in mind, here are several places we really enjoyed for lunch while exploring the Trois Vallées. I highly recommend making reservations, especially if you want to sit inside. If you do not have one, arrive right at opening, usually around noon. By 1 pm, the most popular restaurants are completely full.

We loved Tipi in Méribel, L’Etoile in Les Menuires, Chez Pépé Nicolas in Val Thorens, and La Cave des Creux in Courchevel. All receive very solid reviews.

Are these lunches expensive? Shockingly, yes. Entrées typically run €30 to €50, fondue is around €30 to €40 per person, and kids’ menus hover around €20. That said, they are absolutely worth doing at least once.

I would, however, caution against falling into the celebrity trap. My Instagram feed kept serving up the same over-the-top party scenes at places that looked more focused on bottle service and being seen than on good food or actual skiing. If that is your vibe, go for it. But if you are there for the mountain experience, there are far better, and often more authentic, options.

APRES SKI

For the classic Alps après-ski experience, you will want to make an on-mountain stop at La Folie Douce. There are two locations in the Trois Vallées, Méribel–Courchevel and Val Thorens.

Honestly, I found it a little cheesy, breakdancers in questionable outfits and all, but I still think it is a must-experience at least once in your life, even if it is just for one quick drink.

Unless it is truly essential to your trip, I would not bother booking a VIP table at La Folie Douce, which comes with a very high minimum spend. I genuinely felt the people in the regular section were having far more fun. The same goes for lunch reservations here. Food and service reviews are often disappointing, unless you are visiting with minors, in which case this can be one of the better on-mountain options before things get a little wild later in the afternoon.

PRO TIP: Plan your ski route home before you dive into the cocktails. You do not want to miss the last lift or end up paying for an expensive taxi back to your village base.

The village of Meribel Mottaret also has a couple of more laid-back après spots, including Le Resto and The Rambler, where you can unwind on a patio at the end of the day and watch the action on and off the pistes, often with live music.

Alternatively, if you are looking for more energy, you can ski or shuttle down into Méribel to Jacks or Le Rond Point, known locally as “Ronnies.” Both have legendary après-ski scenes, with revelers often carrying straight on into the dinner hour. Kids are allowed at both as well. We saw toddlers living their best lives on the shoulders of dancing parents at Jacks.

THE NEED TO KNOW

1. EQUIPMENT RENTALS

There are no fewer than 10 ski and mountain equipment rental outlets in Meribel Mottaret, so you should never have to go far. Many people rent from Intersport, which has three locations, one in each Mottaret base area.

We chose to rent from Netski in Mottaret Centre, located right next to Hotel Alpen Ruitor, and I would highly recommend them for their excellent service. The process was incredibly easy. We filled out our request online in advance, received a QR code, presented it upon arrival, and were fully set up in about 10 minutes.

2. LIFT PASSES

You can purchase lift passes for an individual valley or, for a bit more, upgrade to the full Trois Vallées pass, which gives you access to all interconnected resorts.

Buying passes is very straightforward. You can purchase online in advance, receive a QR code, and then collect your pass from an automated machine at one of the village base areas.

If you purchase a five-day pass, you typically receive a sixth day free, which makes the full-area pass an even better value if you plan to explore.

THE EPIC PASS – Epic Pass, Epic Adaptive Pass, Epic Australia Pass, and Epic Australia Adaptive Pass holders receive seven complimentary consecutive days of skiing and riding at Les 3 Vallées ski resorts.

3. SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL

There is a very convenient ESF Snow School in Mottaret Centre offering lessons for all ages and levels, from little ones (3 years and up) to advanced adult off-piste clinics. Lesson packages typically run for five or six days, either Monday to Friday or Sunday to Friday, and are available as full-day, morning-only, or afternoon-only sessions.

Most instructors speak at least some English, but you should make this request at the time of booking.

Learn more on the ESF Meribel website. Be sure to choose the Mottaret location.

Note: If you require ski daycare, ESF offers a program for children aged 18 months to 3 years in nearby Méribel Centre.

4. GET THE APP

The official 3 Vallées app is absolutely worth downloading. It provides live lift and piste status, an interactive GPS map so you can see exactly where you are, up-to-date weather and snow reports, nearby restaurants, and real-time information on the free resort shuttles in villages like Méribel-Mottaret and Méribel, making it much easier to navigate this massive ski area and get back to your accommodation smoothly at the end of the day.

5. PROVISIONS IN MERIBEL MOTTARET

Right in the heart of Mottaret Centre, both Sherpa Supermarché and Carrefour Montagne Méribel make it easy to stock up for your stay, though Carrefour Montagne is the stronger option overall. In addition to a wider selection of essentials, Carrefour Montagne also offers excellent prepared meals, including hearty dishes like beef bourguignon and rotating daily specials.

For specialty items, think great sausages, spreads, wines, and spirits, pop next door to Farto Savoie. Clearly very authentically local. I am fairly certain you would choose a different name if you were trying to cater to anglophones.

Beautiful breads and pastries are available just steps away at Le Pain des Alpages. All of these shops are open seven days a week during the ski season, which makes self-catering refreshingly simple.

If you are looking for even more variety, you will find several excellent specialty food shops in Méribel, which, as mentioned, is only a 10-minute shuttle ride away.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN MERIBEL MOTTARET

1. ENJOY A SPA DAY

Many hotels in Meribel Mottaret have their own wellness areas. Hotel Alpen Ruitor has a nice, albeit small, spa that welcomes outside guests and includes access to a steam room, hot tub, and sauna.

For something a little grander, you will need to venture farther afield, for example to Le Coucou in Méribel. It is pricier and will likely require a short taxi ride of about 15 minutes, but it is undeniably beautiful.

You can also book access to the spa and wellness facilities at the Parc Olympique de Méribel in Méribel Centre. The basic wellness or pool access pass typically runs around €20 to €30.

2. SHOP FOR GEAR & SAVOIE SPECIALTIES

Méribel-Mottaret has a handful of small boutiques, gourmet, gear and souvenir shops, but the better shopping is in Méribel Centre. There, you’ll find a many high-end ski apparel and gear shops, gourmet food stores, specialty cheese and charcuterie, and more.

There is also an outdoor market along the main street in Méribel Centre every Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, where you can stock up on Savoie specialties and other regional treats.

NOTE: Some of you may have noticed the trend of bringing French butter home to North America. My Instagram feed is full of it. The kind people at Farto Savoie vacuum-packed half a dozen slabs for me to take home. I kept them on our balcony overnight, packed them in my suitcase, and I am now happily enjoying them at home. Butter freezes beautifully.

3. VISIT THE OLYMPIC PARK

The Parc Olympique de Méribel is just a shuttle ride away in Méribel Centre and offers a swimming pool, ice rink, fitness facilities, and spa services. As if that were not enough, it also has a climbing wall and bowling alley. It is an easy ride from Mottaret and ideal on storm days or sore-leg afternoons.

Learn more on the Meribel Olympic Park website.

4. GO PARAGLIDING

If you are looking to see the Trois Vallées from a completely different perspective, consider paragliding from Méribel. No experience is required. You are securely harnessed to a professional instructor who handles everything, leaving you free to take in the scenery and enjoy the sensation of flight before landing back in Méribel.

Tandem winter paragliding is available for ages seven and up. Rates start at approximately $125 USD per person. Learn more on Manawa.com website.

5. GO SLEDDING

The Himalaya Sledge Track is a proper, lift-accessed toboggan run that starts above Méribel-Mottaret and follows a gentle ski piste down the mountain. It is open on Thursday evenings, except during French school holidays when it operates on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Toboggans with brakes, which are required, can be rented from most ski rental shops in Méribel-Mottaret. Learn more on Meribel.net.

Just down the mountain in Méribel Centre, there is also a longer, forested sledge track called The Mission Black Forest Toboggan Run, which operates in the afternoons only. Your ticket includes one run, the gondola ride up, sled rental, and a helmet. Learn more on Meribel.net.

6. CATCH A FIRST-RUN MOVIE

The modern Cinema Le Mottaret is located right in Mottaret, just below the Tourist Information Centre, and shows recent releases with both French and English screenings. The cinema often adds additional daytime showings when ski conditions are not great. Showtimes are listed on a bulletin board upstairs from the cinema.

7. OTHER MERIBEL MOTTARET WINTER ACTIVITIES

Of course, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy while staying in Les Trois Vallées. Think snowmobiling tours, dog sledding adventures, and even the chance to spend a night in an igloo.

Many of these experiences operate out of Courchevel, which is easiest to reach by taxi, though the free inter-resort shuttle may work depending on your starting point. You can browse some of the top-rated experiences on Manawa.com.

• Spend an Evening in an Igloo (3hrs)
• Guided Snowshoe Adventure (1/2 or Full Day)
• Dog Sledding with Courchevel Adventure
• Snowmobiling with Courchevel Adventure

MERIBEL MOTTARET MAP

In case it might be of some help to you, I have plotted everything that I mentioned in Meribel-Mottaret on the following map. Please click on this Google map link or on the image below for the interactive version.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MERIBEL MOTTARET

If you are planning your first ski trip to the Trois Vallées and want strong snow reliability, central access to all three valleys, manageable logistics, and a balanced atmosphere, Méribel-Mottaret is a very smart place to base yourself. It may not have the flash of Courchevel 1850 or the altitude of Val Thorens, but for us, it struck exactly the right balance between convenience, charm, and value.

I love hearing from you! Should you have further questions about a Meribel Mottaret ski vacation, please feel free to reach out to me via direc message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.

Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!

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