Frequently Asked Questions

Transport
What is the cheapest way of getting from the airport to Meribel?
Our Ski Blanc transfers pick up from Geneva and Chambery at a cost of £80pp return. For other alternatives and options look at our Travel Arrangements page.

Where is the nearest train station and airport to Meribel?
The nearest train station is Moutiers, 12 miles away. We can arrange transfers from the station to your chalet or alternatively you can take a taxi from the rank situated just outside the station or the public buses located in the same complex.  Chambery is 60 miles away (just over an hours drive), Geneva and Lyon St Exupery both 2hrs drive. Grenoble is also just over 2 hours drive from Meribel.

Where can I park my car for the week if I drive out? Is there a charge?
There is free parking outside the majority of our chalets.  In Les Allues itself there are several free public car parks where you can leave your car for the week. We can advise you on the best place to park once you have chosen which chalet to stay in.

If I get the Eurostar from the UK what time can we get into the chalet and where can we leave our luggage? Can we store our luggage in the chalet on the following Saturday?
Is there anywhere to have showers after skiing?
The chalet will be available for you to come in and have a cup of tea, get changed etc from 8.30am. We will then bring your lift passes to the chalet so that you can maximise your skiing time and get out skiing on that first Saturday. You are able to change and store your luggage in the chalet. On the following Saturday you can also store your luggage in the chalet. You can then come back and pick them up before your departure. We just ask that you vacate your rooms by 9.30am so that the chalet staff can start their change over day and get the linen off the beds ready to go off to the laundry. At the Chaudanne in Meribel, the Olympic centre has a swimming pool and facilities to have a shower. They also hire towels for a small fee.

How long does it take to drive from Calais and which is the best route?
It is about 600 miles and takes around 8-9 hours. For a good route planner look up http://maps.google.co.uk/  maps for directions.

How much are the tolls?
The tolls to drive between Calais and Albertville cost approximately 80 Euros each way. There are no toll roads after Albertville.

Do I need snow chains in resort?
Snow chains or snow tyres are highly recommended as the weather constantly changes in the mountains.

Skiing
Do I need a photo for my lift pass?
You do NOT need a photo for lift passes anymore unless you buy a 12 day ''Flexi'pass or are under 5 or 75 years old & over. The Ready-to-Ski lift pass is a hands-free system with your chosen lift pass recorded on a microchip within the pass. Each time you approach the lifts the turnstile opens automatically thanks to a detection system based on Radio Frequency Identification.

Do you get any discounts for groups with the lift passes?
There are no discounts for groups but Méribel offers families a special price on passes of six days or more (4 people or more = two parents + two or more children (aged 5 to under 18 years)). We will advise you on the best lift passes to buy.

Can I hire helmets at the local ski shop?
Yes you can hire adult and children ski helmets in the local ski higher shop. If you email your requirements to us then we will let the ski shop know for your arrival what you require.
 
Which ski schools have British English speaking instructors?
Parallel lines have purely British instructors and ‘Magic in Motion’ has a mixture of British & English speaking instructors. See Ski Schools for further recommendations.

Can you reserve ski lockers in Meribel in advance?
Ski Blanc reserves ski lockers for all its clients in advance. We then cancel the ones that aren’t used. They are based in the Chaudanne area where all the lifts start at the base of the Burgin Saulire bubble.

If I wanted to ski off-piste who are the best people to take me for a day?
You can hire a ski guide from any of our recommended ski schools. Contact them directly to make booking.

Kids
What childcare facilities are available?
The Piou Piou club up in Meribel, in the Olympic Centre is run by the ESF for 18 months to 5 years. They have an outside snow garden and offer an introduction to skiing in a safe environment.  This establishment is within 15 minutes of all our Meribel ski chalets.

What are the options for babysitting and child-minding?
Try one of the following websites for private nannies and babysitting:
www.merinannies.com
www.snowbugs.co.uk
www.kidsetc.co.uk

What facilities do you have for babies in the chalets?
We have cots, highchairs, a baby bouncer, backpack; selection of children’s DVD’s and toys.

Other
When are the French School holidays?
The French holidays are spread over 4 weeks throughout February. See  www.education.gouv.fr/calendrier.php for further details.

Do I need to bring additional footwear for the chalet?
We kindly ask you don’t wear outdoor shoes in the chalet so for your comfort bring a pair of slippers to wear round the chalet.

Do we need to book a restaurant before coming on holiday for the chalet staffs night off?
If you are a large group it is probably advisable to book a table although your chalet staff will be able to recommend you somewhere to dine out on their night off.  See our Après Ski guide for places to dine out in Les Allues.

Does Les Allues have any nightlife?
La Tsaretta is a lively local bar in Les Allues which is open from 5pm until 1am each night and hosts British bands and themed nights throughout the week.  The 5 village restaurants each have a ‘locals’ bar. Ski Blanc also offers a free minibus service until 1am, six nights a week (excluding Saturday) where our dedicated drivers will pick you up from your chalet and take you up town into Meribel.

Is there Wi-Fi connection in Les Allues?
La Tsaretta has Wi-Fi connection.

Where is the nearest bank and cash point machine to change and draw out money?
In Meribel there are several places to change money and withdraw cash.

Is there a market in Meribel if so on which day?
On a Tuesday and Friday Meribel centre hosts a local market selling local produce.