Meribel Town or Mottaret
Discussion
Good evening,
Stayed in Val Disere for the past 10yrs and we fancy something different. A few years back we did a few days in Courchevel 1850 and whilst we weren't fond of the resort we thought the 3 valleys looked alright...
Currently have family staying in a hotel in Meribel Mottaret and they want to rebook the hotel for another trip in a few weeks where we'll join them with others. But my Mrs is leaning towards Meribel main town as there is more going on...
I'm travelling with my wife and a 18month old, would like a 6/7birth SC chalet (sole use) and will need a nanny for the duration.
From what I can see on the web, Meribel has a lot more going on, more chalets, lots of childcare choices and subsequently better amenities for the nanny to entertain my little one for the week.
How easy is it to pop between Mottaret and the main town? What's the pros and cons of each? How does Meribel stack up against val D?
Happy to have any recommendations of accommodation, childcare and even transfers from Chambery...
Cheers.
Stayed in Val Disere for the past 10yrs and we fancy something different. A few years back we did a few days in Courchevel 1850 and whilst we weren't fond of the resort we thought the 3 valleys looked alright...
Currently have family staying in a hotel in Meribel Mottaret and they want to rebook the hotel for another trip in a few weeks where we'll join them with others. But my Mrs is leaning towards Meribel main town as there is more going on...
I'm travelling with my wife and a 18month old, would like a 6/7birth SC chalet (sole use) and will need a nanny for the duration.
From what I can see on the web, Meribel has a lot more going on, more chalets, lots of childcare choices and subsequently better amenities for the nanny to entertain my little one for the week.
How easy is it to pop between Mottaret and the main town? What's the pros and cons of each? How does Meribel stack up against val D?
Happy to have any recommendations of accommodation, childcare and even transfers from Chambery...
Cheers.
Meribel is quite a nice town and has provided plenty to do for the non-skiers who have joined us over the years. I've never needed childcare but would think it's no problem, often see plenty of the little mites being guided about.
Personally, I prefer Meribel Village as a place to stay. The ski run home is much better than into the main Chaudanne area at the end of the day which is chaos. Ski bus does a regular loop back and forth to the main centre so really easy for moving little ones about.
Never gone there from Chambery as I hate the place, way too prone to being closed down and zero facilities. Geneva has been my choice.
I've used this lot www.skibasics.com most times. don't be fooled by the name.
Personally, I prefer Meribel Village as a place to stay. The ski run home is much better than into the main Chaudanne area at the end of the day which is chaos. Ski bus does a regular loop back and forth to the main centre so really easy for moving little ones about.
Never gone there from Chambery as I hate the place, way too prone to being closed down and zero facilities. Geneva has been my choice.
I've used this lot www.skibasics.com most times. don't be fooled by the name.
Like yourself op we've done val'd to death over recent years, we've samrayed in Meribel in the Morel area of town.
We found it to be a bit of a walk and to far out of town for us.
We love the 3 valleys but we find ourselves staying in VT as opposed to Meribel.
Not as pretty but we like the layout and the ski area always seems a bit quieter, Meribels in the middle and we always felt that it was getting loads of people from both sides which made it seem busier than VT.
We found it to be a bit of a walk and to far out of town for us.
We love the 3 valleys but we find ourselves staying in VT as opposed to Meribel.
Not as pretty but we like the layout and the ski area always seems a bit quieter, Meribels in the middle and we always felt that it was getting loads of people from both sides which made it seem busier than VT.
Very fond of Meribel - it was our default destination when I went skiing as a kid with my parents, and going again later this year.
I'd always prefer the village, as it's much prettier, but Mottaret could arguably be a bit more convenient.
Mottaret vs. Meribel is like Tignes vs. Val d'Isere - purpose built vs. old village - so perhaps this helps narrow it down?
I'd always prefer the village, as it's much prettier, but Mottaret could arguably be a bit more convenient.
Mottaret vs. Meribel is like Tignes vs. Val d'Isere - purpose built vs. old village - so perhaps this helps narrow it down?
ladderino said:
Very fond of Meribel - it was our default destination when I went skiing as a kid with my parents, and going again later this year.
I'd always prefer the village, as it's much prettier, but Mottaret could arguably be a bit more convenient.
Mottaret vs. Meribel is like Tignes vs. Val d'Isere - purpose built vs. old village - so perhaps this helps narrow it down?
In that case it doesnt help Mottaret, as I much prefer Val over Tignes for various reasons! Either way... I have found a lovely looking 5 Bedroom Catered Chalet in Mottaret which we can have exclusively, its pretty good value so we might just get on and book that up today. Then Ill have a good scout round the area on our trip and learn the resort for next time! Gotta start somewhere...I'd always prefer the village, as it's much prettier, but Mottaret could arguably be a bit more convenient.
Mottaret vs. Meribel is like Tignes vs. Val d'Isere - purpose built vs. old village - so perhaps this helps narrow it down?
You'll love it. So much variety.
However if you get bored one day, try this, the 3 Valleys Escapade;
There is an updated route now which is even longer. When I did this version a few years back, the lift companies would issue you with a certificate to confirm you'd done all the points, why should the kids have all the fun?
Two of us managed it in a day, I wouldn't suggest trying it with a bigger group. It's a mad way of seeing the resort but don't expect to stop for much coffee or to enjoy the view!
However if you get bored one day, try this, the 3 Valleys Escapade;
There is an updated route now which is even longer. When I did this version a few years back, the lift companies would issue you with a certificate to confirm you'd done all the points, why should the kids have all the fun?
Two of us managed it in a day, I wouldn't suggest trying it with a bigger group. It's a mad way of seeing the resort but don't expect to stop for much coffee or to enjoy the view!
That looks like a days skiing! How many miles was it? We like to Ski a fair amount, but dont go too crazy. We typically do 18-25miles a day when in Val D...
The only thing that concerns me is that one of my friends currently in the 3 Valleys (for only his 2nd time), who Skis with me in Val D is saying that its very flat in comparison. He said its fun, but the pistes are typically wider and not so steep and therefore the skiing overall is a bit more laid back? Is this a true statement from anybody on here who has done a lot of both?
The only thing that concerns me is that one of my friends currently in the 3 Valleys (for only his 2nd time), who Skis with me in Val D is saying that its very flat in comparison. He said its fun, but the pistes are typically wider and not so steep and therefore the skiing overall is a bit more laid back? Is this a true statement from anybody on here who has done a lot of both?
For nightlife and nice restaurants, I would go for Meribel Town. Much prettier and more amenities (including the swimming pool complex).
Mottaret is more convenient for access to the whole 3 Valleys. Would save you one lift in the morning if going to Val Torens, say.
Connections between the two - too far to walk (though not impossible, but I wouldn't want to).
Easy flat straight green/blue from Mottaret direct to Meribel (5 mins) so no time saved at the end of the day if staying in Mottaret, as opposed to Meribel. And there's buses but don't know how late they run.
In terms of crowds on the slopes, the Chaudanne in Meribel is no busier than the centre of Mottaret. But both see heavy traffic.
I've stayed in the Morel district of Meribel (right behind Chez Kiki <3 ). Agree it's a bit of a distance into the centre at night. Home run needs to be the Lapin run, and there's a 2 man chair to take you up above the Rond Point to start your day.
I've also stayed in a chalet right in Meribel centre, and that was great.
Mottaret is more convenient for access to the whole 3 Valleys. Would save you one lift in the morning if going to Val Torens, say.
Connections between the two - too far to walk (though not impossible, but I wouldn't want to).
Easy flat straight green/blue from Mottaret direct to Meribel (5 mins) so no time saved at the end of the day if staying in Mottaret, as opposed to Meribel. And there's buses but don't know how late they run.
In terms of crowds on the slopes, the Chaudanne in Meribel is no busier than the centre of Mottaret. But both see heavy traffic.
I've stayed in the Morel district of Meribel (right behind Chez Kiki <3 ). Agree it's a bit of a distance into the centre at night. Home run needs to be the Lapin run, and there's a 2 man chair to take you up above the Rond Point to start your day.
I've also stayed in a chalet right in Meribel centre, and that was great.
LFB531 said:
You'll love it. So much variety.
However if you get bored one day, try this, the 3 Valleys Escapade;
There is an updated route now which is even longer. When I did this version a few years back, the lift companies would issue you with a certificate to confirm you'd done all the points, why should the kids have all the fun?
Two of us managed it in a day, I wouldn't suggest trying it with a bigger group. It's a mad way of seeing the resort but don't expect to stop for much coffee or to enjoy the view!
Definitely do this. I did it on a snowboard back in 2010. Garmin showed something like 50 miles on the board, 20 or so miles on lifts and 28,000ft elevation change. Great day boarding.However if you get bored one day, try this, the 3 Valleys Escapade;
There is an updated route now which is even longer. When I did this version a few years back, the lift companies would issue you with a certificate to confirm you'd done all the points, why should the kids have all the fun?
Two of us managed it in a day, I wouldn't suggest trying it with a bigger group. It's a mad way of seeing the resort but don't expect to stop for much coffee or to enjoy the view!
russy01 said:
The only thing that concerns me is that one of my friends currently in the 3 Valleys (for only his 2nd time), who Skis with me in Val D is saying that its very flat in comparison. He said its fun, but the pistes are typically wider and not so steep and therefore the skiing overall is a bit more laid back? Is this a true statement from anybody on here who has done a lot of both?
An often cited complaint about VDI is that the Greens & blues are a little too challenging and return to resort runs not the easiest, that said in total kms of piste terms 3Vs is almost twice the size of Espace Killy (3Vs-600km, EK-300km) but "Meribel" is much the same as "VDI" both with 150km. Looking at classifications of runs
Greens - 3Vs-96km , EK-45km
Blues - 3Vs-264km, EK-126km
Reds - 3vs-222km, EK-78km
Black - 3Vs-60km, EK-51km
Assuming you're a Reds man that's nearly 3 times more piste to play on.
By contrast if you're an off piste man then it's generally accepted that VDI is better for off piste.
Reality is most competent tourists ski c30/50kms a day so both have plenty to go at!
Marcellus said:
russy01 said:
The only thing that concerns me is that one of my friends currently in the 3 Valleys (for only his 2nd time), who Skis with me in Val D is saying that its very flat in comparison. He said its fun, but the pistes are typically wider and not so steep and therefore the skiing overall is a bit more laid back? Is this a true statement from anybody on here who has done a lot of both?
An often cited complaint about VDI is that the Greens & blues are a little too challenging and return to resort runs not the easiest, that said in total kms of piste terms 3Vs is almost twice the size of Espace Killy (3Vs-600km, EK-300km) but "Meribel" is much the same as "VDI" both with 150km. Looking at classifications of runs
Greens - 3Vs-96km , EK-45km
Blues - 3Vs-264km, EK-126km
Reds - 3vs-222km, EK-78km
Black - 3Vs-60km, EK-51km
Assuming you're a Reds man that's nearly 3 times more piste to play on.
By contrast if you're an off piste man then it's generally accepted that VDI is better for off piste.
Reality is most competent tourists ski c30/50kms a day so both have plenty to go at!
Yea not arguing the size, just more into whether its Quantity over Quality. We spend most our time doing Fast Blues, Mainly Reds and adding on Blacks - not much off piste. So yea, as your post shows we'll have plenty of Reds to cruise about on, just Blacks are going to be a little more rare...
Cant wait now...
LFB531 said:
Meribel is quite a nice town and has provided plenty to do for the non-skiers who have joined us over the years. I've never needed childcare but would think it's no problem, often see plenty of the little mites being guided about.
Personally, I prefer Meribel Village as a place to stay. The ski run home is much better than into the main Chaudanne area at the end of the day which is chaos. Ski bus does a regular loop back and forth to the main centre so really easy for moving little ones about.
Never gone there from Chambery as I hate the place, way too prone to being closed down and zero facilities. Geneva has been my choice.
I've used this lot www.skibasics.com most times. don't be fooled by the name.
What he said ^^^ Personally, I prefer Meribel Village as a place to stay. The ski run home is much better than into the main Chaudanne area at the end of the day which is chaos. Ski bus does a regular loop back and forth to the main centre so really easy for moving little ones about.
Never gone there from Chambery as I hate the place, way too prone to being closed down and zero facilities. Geneva has been my choice.
I've used this lot www.skibasics.com most times. don't be fooled by the name.
When heading to the Three Valleys I'm more a fan of Val Thorens these days (simply because of altitude/better snow record, not the architecture!) but have stayed with Ski Basics twice in Meribel Village and found them to be outstanding, far better than many other (so called) 'premium' operators.
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