The heart of the Three Valleys and as British as the French Alps can get, just try ordering a drink in most bars in French.

Meribel is spread out between the heart where the lifts go from and where the Magic meeting point is, at the Chaudanne at 1450 metres of altitude up to approximately 1800 metres at the Altiport. In between are distinct areas with their own bars and shops such as Morel, 1600, the Plateau, Rond Point, Belvedere and Altiport areas.

Confusingly there is also the satellite village of Meribel Village about 3 kms away. It also has its own hire shop, bar 2 restaurants and is linked to the slopes by a chair lift and to the main resort by regular free bus.

Higher up is Mottaret which is a full ski resort in its own right with lots of good value well located accommodation for the slopes. Magic offers beginners lessons starting in Mottaret on request and other wise it is a short ski down an easy green run to the Chaudanne.

Lower still are the original villages of Raffort and Les Allues for real charm. They have the advantage of a more rustic setting but are still linked to the Chaudanne by a bubble lift.

At the bottom of the valley is the Spa town of Brides Les Bains again linked by bubble and offering probably the cheapest accommodation with access to the Three Valleys if you are prepared for the 35 minute ride up and down each day.

Off Slope Activities

Meribel offers both a swimming pool with gym and spa. There is also an Olympic ice rink for skating and ice hockey matches. The cinema with films in English and bowling rink are open at night and on bad weather days.

Links

Buses run between the villages and all levels of the resort regularly and are free. They tend of end at the Chaudanne where most of the lifts and all ski lessons depart from. The Magic meeting point is here by the Tougnette bubble.

   •  Magic' instructors blog

Restaurants

Whilst Meribel may not be as famous for its cuisine as some resorts there is a good choice for lunch on the slopes:

For dinner you will always need to book well in advance for Wednesday and Thursday nights when chalet staff have their night off. Try:

In the centre of town LE GRAND COEUR hotel (04 79 08 60 03) if you want a sophisticated slightly more formal but delicious evening (with a pice tag to match) and equally special the restarant at the MARIE BLANCHE (04 79 08 65 55). Or for those higher up at the ALBA or ALLODIS.

Slightly more relaxed as non hotel restaurants tend to be try Magic's instructors' favourite in the 1600 area LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES (04 79 08 64 62) for either a blow out or tapas and run by our great friends Eric and Treacle. Or a little higher up the best steaks at the CRO MAGNON (04 79 00 57 38).

CHEZ KIKI (04 79 08 66 68) in Morel is doesn't offer much for vegetarians but for lovers of simple wood grilled meet this is the place.

If you are going to have cheese then it must be at the FROMAGERIE (04 79 08 55 48) and no where else. Or for other traditional Savoyarde dishes try LA KOUISENA (04 79 08 89 23).

Alternatively for more casual salads, steaks and pizza the locals favourite is try LA FLAMBEE (04 79 00 31 70) or LA GALETTE (04 79 08 53 90).

If you are out of town try:

LA TZARRETA (04 79 08 61 00) in Les Allues for a mix of French and fusion, or the pizza and bar downstairs they will even come and collect you and take you back in their courtesy bus. Also in Les Allues and worth a visit LA CROIX JEAN CLAUDE (04 79 08 61 05) the CHAUMIERE (04 79 00 30 56) and ARBE (04 79 08 01 12 70).

In Meribel Village the LODGE DU VILLAGE (04 79 01 03 55) is relaxed and friendly.

Lunch on the slopes can be as casual or posh as you like:

For special lunches with a lovely terrace on the lower slopes of the Saulire side try LE BLANCHOT (04 79 00 55 78) also open at night. Or L'ADRAY TELEBAR (04 79 08 60 26).
The seaonnaires favourite is LE ROND POINT (04 79 00 37 51).

On the east facing slopes of the Tougnette side LES CRETES at the top of Tougnette.

In Mottaret LA COTE BRUNE is right at the bottom of the slopes. The COTE 2000 on the Saulire side has a great oyster bar and further up at the bottom of MONT VALLON is the new restaurant with everything from self service (but with an unusually healthy and non Savoyarde menu) to a la carte.

Bars

Apres ski starts at the ROND POINT for live music and big parties on the deck and inside. Watch out for the Magic Academy team. In town JACKS and BAROMETRE are the favourite British hangouts. For more French sophistication LE SAINT AMOUR is a small wine bar with a big choice whilst LE POSTE has style, sounds and beautiful people.

Later night LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES has a great bar and lively restaurant. 50:50 albeit small has better beer than the average choice and a small friendly atmosphere.

The PUB and SCOTTS has live music and lots of Brits. As does the TAVERNE. EVOLUTION is ideal for a quiet drink and great for coffee and internet in the daytime.

Down the hill LA TZARETTA is the locals hang out and great fun for live music on Sunday nights.