Beginner Ski Routes
Easy gentle slopes
The place to head for is the Altiport above Meribel. This can be accessed from La Chaudanne. La Chaudanne is the central lift station in Meribel, this is where all the lifts fan out from and link you to all the Meribel skiing and 3 valley liaisons. From here take the Rhodos bubble to the top which brings you out at the green Blanchot piste. After you have finished your ski lessons in the morning this is an excellent place for consolidating early skills. It is a large wide open tree lined piste, gentle and picturesque. It is ideal for skiers and snowboarders. To return to the top you can either take the new 8 seater Altiport chairlift or the free drag lift. Practice here then either catch the Rhodos bubble back down or take the free bus from the Altiport hotel. I would not suggest skiing back down to La Chaudanne from the top of Rhodos bubble on your first day as it is a blue run and has some steep sections in places. You can either take a picnic lunch or there is the self service Rhododrean.
As your week in Meribel progresses then head for Mottaret. Catch the Tougnette bubble to the first stage and then there is a green run (Perdrix piste) down to Mottaret. It’s a mix of blue and green and quite easy. The very first part is a little steeper but short and wide enough to snowplough across. The middle section is an easy green path.The last section to Mottaret centre is more blue and gets busy so keep to the very left side and drop into the beginners slope by the Doron drag lift just past the Plein Soleil Residence. This brings you to Mottaret centre; you can ski down the green run called the Truite. This makes for a good circuit to practice on.
As your week progresses it is nice to take a trip over to the resort of Courchevel 1850. You can enjoy magnificent views from the summit of La Saulire 2738m. Courchevel is very accessible from Meribel. From La Chaudanne take the Saulire bubble to the top, you will see Mont Blanc in the distance. At the top, take the Saulire cable car down. From here you have a fantastic basin of green runs to explore. The Verdons or Renard piste takes you all the way down into Courchevel 1850. From La Croisette (central lift station in Courchevel 1850) you can take the Jardin Alpin bubble to another peaceful beginner area.To return home simply take the Verdon bubble from La Croisette then Saulire cable and Saulire bubble back down to Meribel. You need to allow 40mins to return home, but it is well worth skiing and seeing another valley.
For those new to the 3 Valleys check out this very comprehensive guide to the 3 valleys, kindly put together by long term 'saisonaire' Rob Smart Meribel Unplugged Beginners ski guide. Useful information to help you get the best of the 3 valleys. Advice for all levels.