C’est La Vie
I’ve never had an intimate relationship with snow. The wet British winters and my bug for surfing managed to keep me segregated from the wonders of Alpine life. But in March this year, the mountains called and I got the opportunity to work in Meribel, France as a lodge assistant for Ticket to Ride.
I earned the name of ‘Typical Punter’ amongst the well seasoned Mountain Lodge residents very quickly, mainly because I broke my wrist after two weeks of being out there (that’s a story for another time). But also because I was as inquisitive about mountain life as one of those crazy little puppies that want to sniff everything they see. I wanted to everything.
So after experiencing the mountains for myself and getting the lowdown from the crew in the lodge, I feel like a reasonably well-seasoned mountain dweller. Despite the broken wrist I managed to get to grips with snowboarding very quickly getting stuck in with the park sessions and getting to snowboard with Olympic Bronze Medalist Jenny Jones on our Girls Snowboarding Camp!
Split Boarding Sessions on the Girls Snowboard Camp
So, now a well versed ‘apres-ski’ attendee and 3 valleys explorer here’s my vibe guide to Meribel with everything from food, nightlife to the breakdown on what to expect from accommodation out here.
The Meribel Skiing/Snowboarding Experience
Location wise Meribel has it all. Located in the centre of The Three Valleys which includes Courchevel and Val Thorens, you are well placed in one of the largest ski resorts in the world with 620km of piste on your doorstep. Being the middle valley of the three valleys makes it easy to nip over the courch for an arvo park session or head over to VT for an afternoon of long cruisey runs and a flirt with Folie Douche, The infamous Apres Bar.
The great thing about the vast expanses of piste is that there’s always somewhere new to explore and you won’t be bored by the choice of runs, parks and eateries. It also means that no matter what time of the season you go there’s always a good set of runs with snow cover making it a great place to head out to for a budget end of season bash.
Whether you’re looking for a good freestyle spot, black run, park or backcountry, the three valleys with providing the goods. For the full lowdown on shred sessions in Meribel, check out our Meribel Riding Guide
The Food
By the time I got back from the Alps and jumped into the UK spring/summer it was safe to say that those ‘summer body goals’ had melted away with the snow. The food in the Mountain Lodge was just too good to deny endless helpings of mains and desserts.
No skipping out on the Sweet Treats
Across the lodges and chalets Ticket To Ride looks after for the season, the meals are considered an intimate social occasion where we all get to sit down and have a good chin wag about our day on the slopes. Dinners consist of healthy hearty meals cooked from scratch inspired by cuisines from all over the world. Food varies from our Mexican and Tapas Nights to a classic Sunday Roast. This is if you can manage dinner after filling yourself with cake at afternoon tea. The brownies are definitely a highlight!
The Accommodation
Ticket to Ride Mountain Lodge
The Mountain Lodge in Meribel-Mottaret is where it all started for Ticket to Ride’s alpine pursuits. It’s the home of our riders undertaking their BASI Ski and Snowboard Instructor Courses for the season as well as being a welcoming lodge for individuals to stay at from all over the world. The on-site bar is the cheapest in Meribel. With draft ale on tap, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with a pint after a day on the slopes. The Ticket to Ride Mountain Lodge has a reputation for its sociable and inclusive atmosphere, making it a great choice if you’re looking to socialise with like-minded powder heads. It’s also only a 5-minute walk from the chairlifts running to DC Park, Courchevel and Val Thorens making it the best location for a rider on Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses.
By the end of my time here I felt like part of a massive family. What sticks with me was the treat of having Yorkshire Teabags at the lodge. We would all take turns making a round of cuppas and then sit together in front on the sofas, fluffy socks on, sharing our adventures of the day. It was simply splendid.
Budget: from £85 per person per night, including breakfast and dinner
Capacity: 20
Highlights: The bar, social buzz and flexible dates available at affordable rates. Also, Lodge manager Gwil. He’s one of the coolest guys going and goes the extra mile to make sure you have an incredible time in the Three Valleys.
The Ticket to Ride Mountain Lodge in all its glory
L’Arclusaz
Our beautiful flagship Chalet, L’Arclusaz is located in Mottaret, a five-minute bus journey up the mountain from Meribel Centre. It boasts fantastic views over Meribel valley with a sun terrace. Winter evenings can be enjoyed tucked up in front of a traditional stone fire or in the hot tub looking out over the beautiful views down the valley. This is pretty much the ultimate chalet getaway.
Budget: £7,250
Sleeps 10
Highlights: The Sauna, Hot Tub and Terrace ensuring you can kick back and fully relax after a day’s riding
The Chalet Leopold
Leopold neighbours the Mountain Lodge in Meribel – Mottaret and has a fantastic view over the Three Valleys. It’s a great option for families and powder heads looking to get up and spend the full day on the slopes. It’s only a 5-minute stroll to the lifts running into Courcheval and Val Thorens.
Proximity to the slopes, maximizes your riding time
Budget: £2895 – self catered
Capacity: 9-10
Highlights: Its location being higher up in Meribel Mottaret for good snow and it’s cosy family space.
The Vibes
I really did feel there was something for everyone in Meribel. The apres bars such as Jacks, The Ronnie and Folie Douche provide a great vibe for riders wanting something a bit more lively after a day cruising the slopes. There are free buses running between Meribel and Mottaret making nights out in ‘The Centre’ hassle free. Being based in the Mountain Lodge for the season was great. We had a bar onsite and would always head out in a big crew ready for a good night out.
However, for those looking for something a bit quieter there are some great pubs and restaurants in Meribel such as Evo’s and ‘Tav’ so if you’re looking for an evening out with family or friends without going wild there is something out there for you.
Happy vibes in the Mountain Lodge
One of the selling points of Meribel is the friendly atmosphere and tight-knit community. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Newcomers to the Lodge like myself easily slotted into the flow with the rest of the seasonaires and it felt like one massive family. Solo Travellers should not feel put off coming to Meribel, the Lodge is the perfect place to find a crew of like-minded skiers/boarders frothing over a day shredding.
Other than skiing, snowboarding and apres there are some other great activities to enjoy in Meribel. Nestled amongst the slopes is Vanoise National Park which boasts an impressive lake and some beautiful waterfall walks, so it’s worth taking a day off the slopes to enjoy the scenery and landscapes on foot.
So if you’re heading to the Mountains this winter and fancy a warm vibe, great cake and sick shred sessions check out our Chalets and Ski/Snow courses in Meribel. Just don’t break your wrist like I did, the only plus side is the sympathy beers people buy you and you can get you first pick of the cake at afternoon tea.