Méribel Family Holidays & Breaks

Ski. Of 275 runs in this vast area, 101 are easy, 146 intermediate and 28 difficult. Beginners have a choice of gentle slopes close to Méribel itself, while intermediate and advanced skiers can look forward to an extensive and challenging network of slopes, including some very long runs such as the 5km Combe du Vallon. Snowboarders and cross-country skiers are well catered for, too.

Go snow-shoeing, parasailing, snow-biking or take a scenic helicopter flight over the mountains. There’s also an Olympic ice-skating rink, a huge swimming pool and a bowling alley. For something postcard-picturesque, take kids for a spin in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Have a mooch around cosmopolitan Méribel with its boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. The twice-weekly market has a fabulous array of cheeses, cured meats and gifts. 

In summer, head for the adventure park in the Bois d’Arbin, with four circuits of varying difficulty and a mini-course for over-2s, and try out archery at the school in La Chaudanne. With over-8s, try canyoning or hydrospeed. There are also tennis courts (some kid-sized) and indoor and outdoor rock-climbing.

With hikes to suit everyone (pick up a booklet of recommended circuits from the tourist office), pack a picnic and head out. Or hire mountain-bikes and set out with a trail map covering all three valleys (also from the tourist office).

Take over-5s to horse-ride at the Club Hippique du Bois d’Arbin. Or leap in a hot-air balloon, with flights lasting 1–2hrs depending on the wind (dress warmly). Kids need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket.