TRAIN TO MÉRIBEL

The resort is made up of several villages, the main hub being Méribel Centre where the majority of bars and restaurants are found. Nearby is Méribel Village, with its clusters of independent chalets, village vibe and quick access to quiet slopes.

The local slopes in Méribel alone comprise a respectable 150km and the resort sits in the middle of the 600km Les 3 Vallées ski area, giving you options to explore whichever way you point your skis. On one side is Courchevel, on the other side Val Thorens and Les Menuires. For a rollercoaster, snow-sure piste, try the Mont du Vallon-to-Mottaret red run, encompassing a 1,200m vertical descent. Or for steeper gradient, the Roc de Fer-to-Méribel black piste. For a more leisurely cruise, the Sitelle blue run down to Mottaret is ideal.

Méribel has plenty of gentle local slopes for children to start out on, including a huge snow garden in the Chaudanne area and a 300m green run accessed by the Altiport chairlift.

There are lots of activities in Méribel apart from the skiing. You can learn to control a team of huskies to take you through the forest, or try ice climbing. Parq Olympique in Méribel Centre is a massive sports centre with a pool, gym and spa. At the ice rink you can skate and also watch professional ice-hockey matches. And for a winter walk, the resort has a fabulous network of groomed trails.

At the top of the Tougnette lift, Les Cretes has a large sun terrace for warmer days and a chalet-style rustic interior when you want to be in cosy surrounds. At the mid-station of the Saulire cable car, La Fruitière uses fine organic ingredients and the creativity of head chef Franck Mischler to reinvent Savoyard classics.

Méribel is one of the big hitters for après ski in the French Alps, with legendary favourites like the Rond Pont being joined in recent years by La Folie Douce, situated further up the slopes.

Méribel has one of the largest collections of catered chalet accommodation anywhere in the Alps – which is one of the reasons for its popularity with the British market.