Val Thorens or Méribel: which ski resort is right for you?

Val Thorens and Méribel both sit within the renowned Three Valleys ski area, offering access to an impressive 600 km (372 mi) of pistes. Despite their proximity, each resort provides a distinctly different ski holiday experience. Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resort, guarantees snow-sure skiing and energetic après-ski, whereas Méribel combines classic Alpine charm, exceptional family facilities, and picturesque surroundings.

This guide will help you choose the ideal resort for your skiing style, group type, and personal preferences.

Val Thorens or Méribel?

1. Quick comparison table
2. Ski area & terrain
3. Accommodation & village atmosphere
4. Après-ski & dining
5. Families & beginners
6. Advanced skiers & snowboarders
7. Activities beyond skiing
8. Accessibility & transfers
9. Cost and value for money
10. Which one should you choose?

Quick comparison table

Ski area & terrain

• Val Thorens provides snow-sure conditions thanks to its high-altitude slopes, with excellent terrain for all levels. Beginners have gentle nursery slopes conveniently located close to accommodation, intermediates enjoy extensive blue and red runs, and advanced skiers find challenging terrain at Cime Caron and Peclet Glacier.
• Méribel offers scenic skiing with terrain ideal for intermediates, particularly around Tougnète and Saulire. Beginners can comfortably start at the Altiport area, while advanced skiers have options like Mont Vallon's off-piste bowls and challenging black runs such as Les Bosses.

Check out Val Thorens piste map and Méribel piste map

Accommodation & village atmosphere

• Val Thorens is purpose-built and compact, offering convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations, modern hotels, and apartments. Its high-altitude setting ensures easy slope access, complemented by pedestrian-friendly zones, creating a vibrant and accessible environment.
• Méribel contrasts this with its traditional Alpine village charm, characterised by wooden chalets and boutique hotels. The resort is more spread out, offering fewer ski-in/ski-out accommodations but exuding warmth and sophistication in its relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

Explore some accommodation options in Val Thorens and in Méribel

Après-ski & dining

• Val Thorens has a lively après-ski scene with legendary venues such as La Folie Douce, Malaysia, and Bar 360, known for high energy entertainment and parties that last late into the night. Culinary experiences range from Michelin-starred dining at L’Oxalys and Le Diamant Noir to cozy mountain eateries serving traditional dishes.
• Méribel boasts an equally vibrant but more diverse après-ski atmosphere. Popular spots include Rond-Point ('The Ronnie'), Jack’s Bar, and La Folie Douce Méribel. Its dining scene balances hearty Savoyard restaurants like La Kouisena and Chez Kiki with refined dining experiences in venues such as Grand Coeur and Allodis.

Families & beginners

• Val Thorens offers good beginner facilities, with accessible nursery slopes and effective ski schools. Its pedestrianized center, extensive children's facilities, and dedicated fun park make it suitable for families, although it can feel busier and less intimate compared to Méribel.
• Méribel same as Val Thorens, excels as a family-friendly destination, having received Famille Plus accreditation. It provides numerous beginner-friendly slopes, extensive childcare options, and family-oriented activities such as Yéti Parc and the Inuit trail. The resort's welcoming ambiance and wide selection of family-friendly accommodation enhance its appeal.

Advanced skiers & snowboarders

• Val Thorens offers extensive advanced terrain, with demanding runs such as the Combe de Caron and thrilling moguls at Plan de l'Eau. Off-piste enthusiasts have abundant options, notably around the Glacier de Thorens and the Orelle Valley. Snowboarders enjoy excellent freestyle facilities including a large snowpark and snowboard cross.
• Méribel provides solid challenges for advanced skiers, with black runs like Les Bosses and the Women's Olympic Downhill. Off-piste possibilities around Mont Vallon and couloirs under Saulire attract expert skiers and snowboarders. Its two snowparks cater to freestylers of all levels.

Activities beyond skiing

• Val Thorens provides adrenaline-fueled activities such as ice driving, ziplining, paragliding, and snowmobiling, alongside family-friendly fun like bowling, cinemas, and ice skating.
• Méribel complements with diverse activities such as snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tandem paragliding, and extensive spa and wellness options, ensuring a variety of non-ski entertainment.

Accessibility & transfers

• Val Thorens typically offers quicker transfers, around 2 hr 30 min from Lyon and Grenoble, and about 3 hr from Geneva and Chambéry airports. 
• Méribel's transfers are slightly longer, typically around 3 hr to 3 hr 30 min from major airports, due to its lower valley position.

Cost and value for money

• Val Thorens offers a range of accommodations, generally providing excellent value with many ski-in/ski-out options, suitable for various budgets. Dining and après-ski can range from affordable to luxurious, catering to diverse tastes.
• Méribel tends to be pricier overall, reflecting its exclusive image and upscale ambiance. Accommodation is typically higher-end, with prices matching its sophisticated atmosphere, though some mid-range options remain available.

Explore our Val Thorens deals and Méribel deals

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Val Thorens if you want guaranteed snow, vibrant nightlife, ski-in/ski-out convenience, and extensive advanced skiing opportunities.
• Choose Méribel if you prefer traditional charm, family-friendly facilities, picturesque scenery, and excellent intermediate skiing.