MÉRIBEL DESTINATION GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Part of the Three Valleys ski domain, the largest connected ski area in the world, sunny Méribel has 600km of groomed pistes on the doorstep, catering to all abilities. As well as a diverse ski offering, the resort is broken up into five distinct areas, each with a different atmosphere and appeal.

One of the liveliest resorts in the Three Valleys, property for sale in Méribel is a great investment for those seeking a resort with a fantastic après-ski scene as well as plenty of activities to enjoy off the slopes, such as ice skating and swimming at the Olympic Sports Centre or treating yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at one of the resort’s spas.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

In Méribel, prices vary considerably and the higher you are in the resort, the higher the property prices tend to be. This means that it is possible to find a property to suit most budgets. Le Rond Point des Pistes, Méribel’s highest and sunniest neighbourhood, is the most expensive part of the resort.

Thanks to the resort's international acclaim, properties here have strong rental appeal meaning you can generate rental income when you are not staying at your property.

THE HEART OF THE THREE VALLEYS

ADVISERS’ OPINION

The resort is mainly south-west facing and the mountain in front doesn’t obstruct the natural light so you can enjoy it until the day’s last ray of sun. Many properties in have unobstructed views over the valley.

WHY TO BUY

Part of the world's largest ski domain
Charming architecture
Amazing après-ski culture
Famille Plus resort
Lively summer season

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

1 hour 15 mins from Chambéry Airport
Elevation of 1,450m to 2,952m
600km of varied skiing
Host of the World Ski Championships 2023
Often featured in Le Tour de France

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Over the past five years, the Rond Point des Pistes area has undergone an exciting period of renovation with Olympic-era hotels being transformed into stunning apartments for sale, injecting a new lease of life into this prestigious part of the resort.

Alongside Courchevel, Méribel has been chosen to host the 2023 World Ski Championships and as a result, the resort is undergoing another wave of revitalisation. Two of the blue pistes in the Roc de Fer area have been upgraded into red pistes for the 2020 ski season. Not only is this good news for those who plan to rent out their Méribel ski property as there will be increased demand during the competition, but the resort is also undergoing another wave of revitalisation ahead of the games. Two of the blue pistes in the Roc de Fer area have been upgraded into red pistes for the 2020 ski season. Plus, the local snowmaking facilities will be improved and there will be a skiable tunnel so that skiers can still enjoy the slopes during the competition.

HISTORY

The brainchild of Peter Lindsay, a keen skier and Scottish colonel, who saw the potential of this beautiful resort after visiting Les Allues, Méribel was founded in 1938. Lindsay’s vision was to create a ski resort which was in harmony with its environment so strict building codes were introduced and they are still honoured today which is why all of the buildings here are constructed in a Savoyard style with sloping roofs and made from local materials.

By the mid-1950s there were around 17 hotels and 40 chalets in Méribel. Brigette Bardot and the Duchess of Bedford were two notable people who owned property in Méribel during this period. The resort continued to expand upwards and outwards over the decades with new ski lifts and pistes being added. Méribel’s place on the map was consolidated in 1992 when Méribel hosted the ice hockey competitions and the women’s alpine events for the Winter Olympic Games.

THE VILLAGE TODAY

In terms of atmosphere, Méribel is more sporty than its neighbour Courchevel and has a real family-friendly spirit with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year.

Whilst skiing is the main draw, Méribel is perfect for summer holidays too with an excellent range of outdoor activities including hiking through the Vanoise National Park and playing a round of golf at the 18-hole course in the Altiport area. Last year the resort was named the 11th best ski resort in Europe 2019 in CN Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

It is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. Last year, the Tour de France passed through Méribel along the new Col de la Loze path. Reaching 2,304m in altitude, Col de la Loze was the highest point of the 2020 tour and it is expected that Méribel will make a regular appearance in future events.