Méribel is a very popular French ski resort and most visitors arrive at Geneva airport. Ski shuttle service from here offers stress-free travel to the resort.
Méribel is undoubtedly one of the most famous of all Alpine ski resorts. Stunning mountain peaks shrouded in towers of sugar snow icing atop a wood brown box chalet decorated with classic heart shapes and other alpine features. You may be surprised to find however that despite typically French in appearance, over a third of visitors to the resort are British. There is also a large contingent of British living and working in Méribel throughout the year, so much so that it has been referred to as “Little England upon Alps”.
Why Did Méribel Appeal to Britain?
It’s interesting to note that it was actually a Scotsman by the name of Colonel Peter Lindsay who founded the resort in the 1930’s. He was looking for a new destination for British ski lovers who avoided skiing in Germany and Austria because of the political situation at the time. In pursuit of his ambitions Lindsay founded a property company and started a project involving the purchase of land from local farmers on which he could build a resort.
Due to the large number of British visitors, and because of the large amount of British capital invested in Méribel, there was 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 speaking English, and bars like Barometer and La Taverne offer a traditional pub atmosphere. Nevertheless, French alpine character still resonates throughout the city. Enter La Fromagerie or Bar du Vin and you are greeted with a ‘Bonjour’ rather than a ‘hello’!
How to get to Méribel: By plane
Most visitors arriving by plane to Geneva International airport, from where it is very easy to book one of the companies that offer Geneva airport ski transfers direct to Méribel. There are flights to Geneva arriving from most major European cities with some arriving from London Gatwick and London Luton every day. EasyJet is your best choice for competitive prices but order ahead. British Airways also offers some good deals too. You can arrange a shared or private Geneva airport ski shuttle in advance, making your onward journey to the resort smooth and hassle-free.
How to get to Méribel: By train
Getting to Méribel by train is easier than you think. A special direct ‘snow train’ to Moutiers operates in winter and offers passengers rations for winter sports equipment. Moutiers is a small town just a 25-minute drive from the resort and train travel means you avoid the hustle and bustle of Geneva airports. A ski shuttle service from Moutiers to Méribel can be ordered, or you can also take a public bus.
How to get to Méribel: By car
Self-driving to the resort is very easy. Make sure you have snow chains and are ready to charge tolls on the highway. If you’re not an experienced winter driver and don’t want to worry about overcoming snow chains, you might want to abandon your rental car and hire one of the local services that offer Geneva airport ski shuttles.
For anyone planning a ski holiday this year, whether it’s at Méribel or a nearby resort, flying and booking a company to provide you with Geneva airport ski transport at either end of your trip is the most convenient way to get to and from.
