The Region

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Meribel and the area

Meribel was founded by a Briton, Peter Lindsay. In the late 1930’s the political alliance between Germany and Austria resulted in British skiers abandoning their Austrian winter resorts, so Lindsay set out to find a suitable site in France to create a new ski village. With the help of legendary French skier, Emile Allais, he found an ideal site in Meribel, an undeveloped valley with a suitable altitude and perfect orientation.

During the war the region was occupied by German forces and Méribel was a centre for the Resistance. Chalet Corbey, and Méribel Village were both used as hideouts for the Maquis. Work started again in 1945 when Peter Lindsay returned, now a colonel.

Méribel was created with private capital by British and French pioneers according to a strict building code and even today all new buildings must comply with the codes laid down over 70 years ago. Meribel’s adherence to its founder’s architectural principles saved it from the concrete high-rise disasters of so many other resorts, and its chalet image is a major part of the resort’s appeal.

With its ultra-modern infrastructure and traditional charm, Méribel remains a favourite with the British and French, and continues to attract a faithful, affluent and cosmopolitan clientele.

Meribel’s position in the heart of the world-famous Trois Vallées ski area gives access to 600km of pistes and unlimited off-piste skiing.

The resort is situated between 1450m and 1700m, with the separate satellite village, Méribel-Mottaret, sited higher at 1700-1800m. Lower in the valley are several traditional villages, with Les Allues and Raffort linked to the main lift system by gondola. The neighbouring resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens and Les Menuires can all be reached quickly, making Meribel the ideal base from which to explore the vast Trois Vallées.

Chalet Lagopede, Chalet Mary-O, Meribel, Trois Vallees Phone: +33 (0) 6 83 59 61 75 or +33 (0)494 76 92 56 Email: info@valleegourmets.com