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Méribel Mottaret Ski Holidays
Sitting at 1,750m, the Mottaret is a compact, purpose-built village offering quick access to the rest of the ski area. Often overshadowed by its larger, noisier neighbours like Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, Mottaret is one of the ski areas' more relaxed resorts, with a primary focus on skiing and family vibes rather than partying.
Purpose-built between the mid-1970s and 1980s as a ‘modern’ resort, Mottaret was designed to reflect the traditional charm of the Méribel valley, with its traditional Savoyard-style buildings naturally blending with the surrounding forests. The resort has also hosted major sporting events, including alpine skiing and freestyle competitions during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Mottaret’s central position has kept it closely tied to this sporting heritage, with regular races and training still taking place across the valley.
Off the slopes, Mottaret offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a small selection of bars, restaurants, and shops centred around the snowfront. Visitors can enjoy winter walking trails, snowshoeing routes and easy access to Méribel Centre for additional dining and leisure facilities.
The highest, central hub of the Méribel with easy access to the other resorts in the Three Valleys
Jane Bolton, Product Director
Mountain facts
Méribel Mottaret has around 70km of slopes within its immediate vicinity, offering everything from confidence-building blues, like Truite and Aigle, to long reds like Combe du Vallon that drop 800 vertical metres back to the village. The local terrain in Mottaret rises to nearly 3,000m at Mont Vallon, where (predominantly) north-facing slopes keep conditions cold and grippy, even during warm spells. Just above the village itself, there is a mix of varied runs that cut across the Combes, Plattières, and Châtelet sections of the resort. Méribel Mottaret’s location also means skiers can move quite easily within the Three Valleys. It benefits from the ski area's efficient lift network, and its height makes it easy to connect key areas, like nearby Mont Vallon, Tougnéte, and Saulire.
Snow conditions in Méribel Mottaret
Mottaret is one of Méribel Valley’s most snow-sure bases, thanks to its impressive resort height. At 1,750m, the extra height makes all the difference when we’re talking snow reliability. The upper terrain around Mont Vallon is largely north-facing, which helps preserve cold, consistent snow throughout the season. Lower and mid-mountain areas benefit from strong snowmaking facilities, ensuring good conditions on the pistes even during leaner periods. Simply put, Méribel Mottaret combines genuine high-altitude skiing with some serious snow-making muscle.
Skiing in Méribel Mottaret
Méribel Mottaret is all about convenience. At the resort, you’re right in the centre of the Méribel Valley with lifts allowing quick and easy connections to the rest of the ski area with zero fuss.
- The nursery slopes and learning areas in Méribel Mottaret are conveniently located near the village, offering wide, easy slopes that facilitate smooth progression. These areas include the Truite, a green slope that winds through a wooded area with scenic views of the Saulire and Table Verte (accessible via the draglift), an easy blue located just above the resort that's perfect for practising all the ploughs, runs and turns.
- Mottaret is almost perfect for intermediate-level skiers. The terrain here is full of long, rolling blues and varied reds that weave through the wooded areas and open bowls. The runs around Combes, Plattières and Châtelet are a top favourite for cruisy, enjoyable laps. Most slopes are spacious and well-groomed, making them ideal for refining your technique.
- Advanced skiers have plenty to shout about here, too. With easy access to Mont Vallon, which rises to almost 3,000m, there's a good selection of steep descents, often kept in good conditions, thanks to its north-facing position and dependable snow. The area also features the Bartavelle and Combe Vallon pistes, which dish out thrilling runs without the need to venture far from the village. Off-piste adventurers, the areas beneath Mont Vallon, the back bowls towards Mottaret, and the Vallon du Fruit provide natural snow conditions that make for a memorable expedition. As always, we strongly recommend bringing a guide with you to map out the best routes and assess safety and snow stability.
Snowboarding in Méribel Mottaret
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Snowboarding in Méribel Mottaret is smooth, varied and well-suited to riders who want easy access to high-altitude terrain without the faff.
- There is a decent selection of cruisy blue and red runs perfect for carving around Mottaret, with the Combes and Plattières sectors especially great for long, flowing turns with wide, forgiving terrain. Also, the lift system here is modern and rider-friendly, with very few flats, so riders don't have to de-board.
- Seasoned riders have Mont Valons' north-facing runs to keep them occupied. Plus, the mountain offers steep powder bowls and natural drops when conditions permit, and the areas around Vallon du Fruit and Côte Brune provide enjoyable freeride opportunities with varied snow conditions.
Accommodation in Méribel Mottaret
Erna Low offers a selection of modern, conveniently located accommodations in Méribel Mottaret, primarily comprising hotels and self-catering apartments. The majority of residences in the resort sit close to the lifts, offering ski-in, ski-out access.
All accommodation in Méribel Mottaret
What's available at Méribel Mottaret ski resort?
Après-ski in Méribel Mottaret
The après scene in Méribel-Mottaret is unsurprisingly relaxed and perfectly pitched for skiers who prefer sociable bars to late-night partying and dancing. In short, you won’t find the wild table-dancing scenes of Val Thorens, but you’ll still get plenty of places to enjoy a few beers and Aperol spritzes when the lifts stop running for the day.
- Being in the Three Valleys, La Folie Douce is always an option for an afternoon thumping session, if you fancy it. It's only a short ski down from the Saulire Express and kicks at 3 pm every day with live music, DJ sets, cabarets - the whole lot.
- Le Rond Point des Pistes (or Ronnie’s, if you’re hip to the scene and in the know) is a Mottaret favourite. A piste-side party hub, famous for its sunny terrace and live bands, Ronnies differs from La Folie in that it's welcoming to families and often filled with locals. It’s a great place to grab a bite, too; it's known for its toasted sandwiches.
- Le Rastro is a Mottaret mainstay located right across from Plattières gondola. It's a cosy bar with authentic Savoyard vibes. A great local spot for a drink and a meal; expect wood-fired pizzas, fondue, raclette, and other traditional specialities.
Facilities in Méribel Mottaret
Méribel Mottaret offers everything you need for a smooth, convenient ski holiday. The village is compact, with a practical layout, where all essential shops and amenities, including rental shops, small supermarkets, and other attractions, are conveniently close by, making it a convenient base for skiers. Most of the cafés and restaurants are clustered in and around the main lift station, making them easily accessible when coming off the lifts. For downtime and added entertainment off the slopes, Mottaret has a small cinema and bowling alley. The resort also conveniently links to Méribel Centre via free buses, offering access to a wider range of shops, spa facilities, and indoor activities for those seeking a change of pace.
Facilities for children in Méribel Mottaret
Méribel Mottaret is brilliant for families visiting with children. It’s Famille Plus accredited, offering a practical setting for families seeking an easy and stress-free ski holiday with the kids. The compact layout means shops, supermarkets, and essentials are all within a short walk, which is especially helpful when younger children are in tow.
The village features dedicated beginner areas, complete with magic carpets and a gentle green slope, located near the resort and accommodation areas. This allows young skiers and their families to learn and progress in a safe, easily accessible environment. For off-slope entertainment in Mottaret, families will find a small cinema, bowling alley and several cafés ideal for a relaxed break.
Why choose Erna Low for Méribel Mottaret skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
With a quieter vibe than Méribel centre, Méribel Mottaret is great for families as well as those wanting to explore the largest ski area in the world
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
