Starting at the top of the Loze Express chairlift at 2,305m, this spectacular tree-line run is sure to leave a big smile on your face. Before setting off downhill, it is definitely worth taking a moment, or photo or two, of the stunning panoramic views across the Meribel valley and out towards Albertville. One of the joys of this run is that it is generally always quiet, and about halfway down there is a wonderful secluded patch with hammocks, or all things, in which to bask in the sun and catch a bit of rest and relaxation before you continue on your way.

Further down the mountain, be sure to keep on the lookout for dragons and other statues hidden amongst the trees. For those who love to ski to lunch, continue on your way to the alitport for a prestigious lunchtime treat at Le Blanchot. Also accessible by resort ski bus, or maybe with your chalet’s in-resort chauffeur service, this French gourmet restaurant is best-known for its Savoyard selection of local cheese dishes.

For those looking for maybe a more relaxed lunchtime experience, keep heading down to La Terrasse Brasserie in Meribel Village. Located less than 100m from the bottom of the Lapin slope and Golf chairlift, it offers lunch, snacks and a vibrant après ski atmosphere with live music and DJ’s after 3pm

If you’re seeking an entertaining day that’s a bit out of the ordinary, then head to the Platierres gondola that departs from Meribel Mottaret. This is a 2-stage gondola ride, so make sure you stay on-board for the full journey. This ski lift affords spine-tingling aerial views over the famous DC Area 43 snowpark. Looking out slightly to the lift of the gondola as you look up hill, you can really appreciate just how enormous the kickers, ramps, rails and yes, even the half pipes, truly are!

If you like, you can venture a little higher up the mountain by transferring on to the Plattieres 3 gondola for a quick ride in the 1960’s style bubbles where no two carriages are the same colour or design. If you do head right to the top, please be aware it is a red run down from here if staying within the Meribel valley.

If you are new to freestyle, have a bit of fun on the boarder-cross, or alternatively take the parallel and wonderfully undulating Sittelle slope and you can admire what brave young talent lurks in the mountains in the adjoining snowpark, whilst still enjoying your own skiing.

Located on Meribel’s highest peak, the Mont du Vallon gondola of the same name, takes you right the way up to 2,952m. At this altitude the views are rightly spectacular and snowy, and with 360 degrees of endless mountains to boot! From here you have 2 choices, either a red run or another red run! This is definitely the terrain for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Although the Combe du Vallon, with its steep and narrow descent of 1,000m, holds the record for the longest run in Meribel, many, like me, prefer the more condensed alternative, Campagnol. This alluring red piste gives you a breaktaking, heart-pumping, I’m on top of the world thrill ride!

This open slope is spacious (after the slightly narrow track that gets you in) and unsheltered enough for those wanting to challenge their dexterity to soar downhill unencumbered. When you have had your fill, or need to take a breather, be sure to have a reservation in place for lunch at Le Plan de Mains for a proper mountain lunch. If you prefer to maximise your time of the slopes, then you can just stop in for a snack and quick drink before clipping back in for the continuing journey back to Meribel Mottaret or Meribel Centre.

Accessed via the fast Cote Brune chairlift at the head of the Meribel valley, the best snow in Meribel is generally found here. This run is definitely a slope of 2 parts; the first, after an easy cruise along the ridge line between the Meribel and Belleville valleys, drops into a wonderfully continuous gradient that lets you carve from side to side, or of your legs are up to it, lots of quick turns.

Half way down the gradient eases off, allowing your legs and lungs a little respite and a few moments to enjoy the snowy scenery. It’s not the longest run in Meribel by any means, but with the quick lift access, is lots of fun for a few laps, as well as giving onward access into the 3 Valleys and resorts of Val Thorens, Reberty and St Martin de Belleville.

When the snow conditions are just right, you can’t beat the audacious black run, Face. It is by far one of the most challenging, yet often overlooked, runs in the whole of the Trios Vallees. Head up the Roc de Fer chairlift from the main lift hub at the Chaudanne in Meribel Centre, then jump on the Olympic chairlift to get you to the starting point at 2,290m.

There is no doubt why this run was used to challenge Olympic skiers back in the 1992 winter games. Think you can hang with pros? Kerrin Lee-Gartner from Canada was the winner of the women’s downhill Olympic title on this course with a time of 1:52.55. I’m pretty sure no one is getting near that time, but you can race against the clock to get back to Meribel Centre just in time to jump on the Rhodos bubble lift and to the Rond Point après ski venue in time for a few drinks before dinner in your chalet!