Discovery Villas
Skiing in Meribel, France
Written by Jill Johnson
Chalet Ballenberg - DV 217
You may be wondering why go to Meribel in the 1st place? Well the obvious answer to that question is because Meribel is at the center of an area that covers 1500kms of groomed ski runs, the largest ski area in the world. It's difficult to describe the magnitude of the area or the variety of runs, but suffice to say that there is something for everyone.
My personal favourite is standing on top of the Mont Vallon mountain looking across at the hustle and bustle down the valley as far as the eye can see, and then turning around to experience the breathtaking beauty and calm of the preserve national park extending behind it.
I have lived here for seven years and have seen Meribel expand at a massive rate, creating all the amenities and services you could wish for. You do not necessarily have to be a skier here. The Hotel la Chaudanne annexing a beauty salon means that its possible just to pamper your holiday away.
I'm a real snowshoer! I have a labrador and on beautiful sunny days I like nothing better than walking through the forests, where very few people have been, experiencing the buzz of being in the fresh, untracked powder snow, and often being rewarded with the glimpse of some deer.
If a group of us are feeling adventurous there is a wonderful refuge up in the secluded part of the mountains offering awesome views and a chance to rest tired feet around a log fire, drink wine and eat food before heading home. The lifts are all open for walkers so its possible to wine and dine all round the mountain and take in the stunning views, or alternatively, admire (or cringe) at the expert and novice boarders as they take on the board park!
Another fun activity is snow biking, but go in the first slot - that way you will be riding across the mountain in dusk with an amazing view of the sun setting down the valley.
Of course when the sun sets, Meribel kicks into life with a huge array of pubs and restaurants. Here are my favourite's depending on moods.
For a quiet drink (not for a crowd) the "Bar a Vin" is a tiny wine bar with an impressive array of wines to choose from. The owner knows her wines so if you are unsure which to go for let her choose for you! "La Poste" is a typical well serviced, tastefully decorated just out of London bar - expensive but it works! Alternatively for a cheap, cheerful and generally excellent night out "Le Pub" is the place to go with music from live bands most nights.
To eat I love the upstairs restaurant of the "Le Refuge"......but it is usually full unless you book well in advance. For a superb french cheese feast it has to be the "Fromagerie" and for pizzas hit "La Flambee".
There are rumblings both with the locals and clients that Meribel itself has been slightly taken over by the english therefore losing its culture. To be honest I do have to agree with this somewhat, but I find the best solution is by taking advantage of superb services and english spoken ski schools, and then residing out of Meribel in one of the small local villages with its houses and chalets intermingled with old barns. The biggest of these villages is Les Allues, housing the Marie and the incredibly popular Croix Jean Claude bar & restaurant owed and run by a french couple who ensure a fantastic menu and fabulous service.
Like I said before I've live here for seven years and I live here all year round. I love the beauty of summer just as much as winter and my favourite spring and autumn? Well maybe you will have to come and see for yourselves.
Chalet Ballenberg
Property Ref: DV215
(Disclaimer: Unfortunately everything has to have a disclaimer these days so here it is: The above article has been submitted by a member or visitor and any views expressed are not necessarily those of Discovery Villas.)