Travelling to the Alpine Resort of Méribel

Jan 13
10:04

2016

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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Méribel is a very popular French ski resort and most visitors arrive into Geneva airport. Ski transfers from here offer stress free travel to the resort.

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Méribel is undoubtedly one of the most famous of all Alpine ski resorts. Stunning mountain peaks blanketed in icing sugar snow tower above wooden chocolate box chalets that are decorated with classic heart shapes and other alpine features. You might be surprised to discover however that despite being typically French in appearance,Travelling to the Alpine Resort of Méribel Articles more than one third of the visitors in the resort are British. There is also a large British contingent that lives and work in Méribel all year round, so much so that it has been referred to as “Little England upon Alps”.

Why Does Méribel Appeal to The British?

It is interesting to note that it was actually a Scotsman by the name of Colonel Peter Lindsay who founded the resort in the 1930s. He was searching for a new destination for the British ski lovers who were avoiding skiing in Germany and Austria because of the political situation at the time. In pursuit of his ambition Lindsay set up a property company and embarked on a project that involved buying land from local farmers on which he could build the resort.

Because of the large number of UK visitors, and due to the large amount of UK capital invested in Méribel, there is a corresponding British influence. The main après ski bar known as Le Rond Point and the Pub, which is part of the Doron Hotel, is full of people talking in English, and bars such as Barometer and La Taverne boast a traditional pub atmosphere. That said however, the French alpine character still resonates throughout town. Step into La Fromagerie or Bar du Vin and you are greeted with a ‘Bonjour’ rather than a ‘hello’!

Getting to Méribel: By Plane

Most visitors arriving by plane fly into Geneva International airport, from where it is really easy to book one of the companies offering Geneva airport ski transfers direct to Méribel. There are flights into Geneva that arrive from most major European cities with several coming in from London Gatwick and London Luton everyday. EasyJet is your best option for competitive prices but book in advance. British Airways also offers some good deals too. You can organise shared or private Geneva airport ski transfers in advance, making your onward journey to resort smooth and hassle free.

Getting to Méribel: By Train

Travelling to Méribel by train is easier than you might think. Dedicated ‘snow trains’ direct to Moutiers operate in the winter and offer passengers allotments for winter sports equipment. Moutiers is the small town only a 25-minute drive down the road from the resort and train travel means you avoid the bustle of Geneva airport. Ski transfer services from Moutiers up to Méribel can be booked, or alternatively you can take a public bus.

Getting to Méribel: By Car

Driving yourself to resort is straightforward. Just make sure you have snow chains and are ready for the toll charges on the motorway. If you are not an experienced winter driver and don’t want to worry about tackling snow chains, you are best to leave the hire cars and hire one of the local services offering Geneva airport ski transfers.

For anyone planning a ski holiday this year, whether it be in Méribel or any of the surrounding resorts, flying in and booking a company to provide you with a Geneva airport ski transfer at either end of your trip is the most convenient way of getting to and from.