Situated in the Vanoise National Park Meribel is a tastefully designed ski resort. Meribel is conglomeration of three neighbouring villages that nestle comfortably in the three valleys area of the French Alps. The villages are characterised by chalet style architecture and are perfectly located for skiers and snowboarders that want to explore the largest network of ski runs in the world.

The ski area that the villages source have an expansive 600kms of marked ski slopes and endless off-piste opportunities for people looking to explore. There is a great deal to keep you entertained. The ski season is also relatively long. Spanning from Christmas all the way through to May it is a great option for those of you that want to escape the miserable early months of the UK New Year.

The lift system in the area is one of the most comprehensive in the Alps. The enormous network of ski lifts will help you adventure to the remotest parts of these expansive mountains. There are two cable cars, thirty nine gondolas, sixty six stair lifts and fifty two draglifts. Ski and snowboarders can travel easily over a great section of these mountains.

Meribel has ski slopes that are suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. So even if you are new to skiing it would be good for you. Meribel is centrally located meaning it appeals to a broad range of clientele and these clients are committed to the area and the area benefits from repeat custom. There are wide blue and green runs that are suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. One of these runs is a phenomenal four kilometres long. There are also a number of black runs that will challenge all skiers - even the most adventurous. These steep runs are smattered with moguls and steep inclines that consistently challenge the skier.

Free style ski and snowboarders have a whopping 8 snow parks in which they can practice and show off their skills. With an extensive number of jumps and half pipes these are a great option for the more acrobatic freestyle skiers. Because of the vast range of opportunities in Meribel it is considered one of the best resorts in the Alps. It is also appealing to those that want an extended break - the tourist guide claims that you can ski a whole season and never ski the same run.

As mentioned there are three different villages in Meribel and they sit in the mountains at different altitudes. Meribel Les Allues is the prettiest of the three and sitting at an altitude of 1400 metres it is at a great altitude for consistent snow. The village is governed by a rule that states that all the new buildings in the village must be made out of stone and they must also comprise of wood with a slate roof. The rule is still in action after it was created by the village's father figure Colonel Peter Lindsay decided that the area would make a good resort in 1938. The Brit wanted to make a resort that kept the beauty of the mountains as a priority and as a result made the law to conserve the areas beauty.

The village of Merribel-Mottaret is a great option for those people looking for a quieter village whilst Meribel that is the lowest of all the villages on the mountain is an alternative option for people that want a quiet option. The three villages also offer a number of activities alongside skiing. These include cinemas, squash, concerts, bowling, a library and fitness centres.