Last March, I went skiing in the French Alps and shared my experience on Instagram. The response was so positive that I thought it would be amazing to share a stylish skier’s guide of Méribel and Courchevel. I spent an incredible amount of time in the Alps before moving to the U.S., and many Americans have asked me about Megève after seeing it featured in Emily in Paris.
Although Megève is undeniably famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and unforgettable spas, as a true ski enthusiast, I’ve always preferred Méribel and Courchevel. The skiing there offers a far superior experience—without sacrificing luxury.
Wearing Perfect Moment ski suit and accessories in Meribel
Do it like the French: stay in Méribel and explore Courchevel
My go-to is Méribel, because it offers some of the most spectacular ski experiences in the French Alps—seamlessly blending world-class slopes with refined luxury. Méribel is a “quiet luxury” destination: relaxed yet exquisite, with a more airbrushed French charm. Courchevel, on the other hand, is all about high-end shopping and a glamorous atmosphere, catering mostly to international millionaires who love to party. (If you’re familiar with the South of France, Courchevel is like Saint-Tropez, while Méribel is more like Ramatuelle.)
Nestled in the heart of Les Trois Vallées, Méribel and Courchevel offer direct access to one of the most spectacular ski domains in the world. Getting from Méribel to Courchevel is effortless—whether skiing across the valleys during the day or taking a short drive in the evening for shopping and dining. It’s the best of both worlds: the charm and warmth of Méribel paired with the glitz and high-end experiences of Courchevel.
Hotel Barriere Les Neiges
Where to shop?
For those who love luxury, Courchevel 1850 is a shopping paradise, home to the most prestigious designer boutiques. The village features flagship stores from Moncler, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, and Rolex, offering the latest in high fashion and fine jewelry.
For ski and après-ski essentials, head to Bernard Orcel, where you’ll find Perfect Moment Sports—one of the most stylish brands for performance ski wear. If you’re looking for the perfect alpine eyewear, Lafarge Optique is the go-to boutique for premium goggles and sunglasses, carrying Gucci ski goggles, as well as sleek Vuarnet, Celine, and Saint Laurent sunglasses to complete your winter look. With Méribel just next door, it’s easy to spend a day shopping in Courchevel before returning to the cozy elegance of Méribel.
Most refined lunch on the slopes
The Dessert at Chalet des Pierres
What sets skiing in Méribel and Courchevel apart is the exceptional dining right on the slopes. The upscale restaurants in this region turn a ski day into a full-on luxury experience.
For an unforgettable meal in the mountain, Maya Altitude, Chalet des Pierres, and Tipi Méribel each offer something unique. I’ve listed them in order of personal preference—and trust me, save room for dessert, the dessert buffets are truly unforgettable.
-
Maya Altitude (Méribel, 2,300m) – A high-altitude hotspot with panoramic views of Mont Blanc, offering a fusion of French and Asian cuisine. Expect wood-fired meats, truffle-infused dishes, and a lively DJ scene on the terrace. It’s a true feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Maya Altitude
-
Chalet des Pierres (Courchevel 1850) – A Courchevel classic nestled at the foot of the slopes. Known for its cozy elegance, premium meats, and indulgent cheese-based dishes, it features a beautiful terrace and roaring fireplace for a perfect après-ski moment. Bonus: you can also shop their Moncler boutique directly on the slopes.
Chalet des pierres
-
Tipi Méribel (Méribel) – A hidden gem with a laid-back alpine-chic vibe. The hearty food, unique decor, and stunning mountain views make it a favorite for those in the know.
Tipi Meribel
Each of these slope-side spots delivers a memorable culinary experience right in the heart of Les Trois Vallées—proving that in the French Alps, ski days and gourmet dining go hand in hand.
Don’t Forget the Après-Ski & Dinner
No ski trip is complete without après-ski, and La Folie Douce Méribel is one of the most iconic spots. Known for its high-energy parties right on the slopes, it’s where the ski day turns into an open-air celebration—with live music, dancing, and champagne showers all set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
When it comes to dining, Méribel and Courchevel are home to truly exceptional restaurants:
In Méribel:
Le Mont D’Or at Le Coucou Meribel
- Le Coucou Méribel: For a luxurious and refined meal, this alpine-chic hotel offers exquisite cuisine in a stunning setting. It’s the kind of place you could happily spend the entire day—cozy, elegant, and full of charm. Honestly, we wanted to order everything on the menu. But as true cheese lovers, we went for the Mont d’Or… and of course, it was absolutely delicious.
- Lilie Méribel – A charming and stylish gem, known for its welcoming ambiance and homemade French dishes with a local twist. Ideal for après-ski drinks or a cozy dinner after a day on the slopes.
- La Fromagerie – A must-visit for cheese lovers. This cozy, inviting spot specializes in hearty fondues and raclettes, celebrating the best of traditional Savoyard fare. Naturally, we had a classic French raclette—and it was perfection.
- Le Cro-Magnon – Recommended by my mother, this elevated dining experience blends creative French cuisine with rustic elegance. A refined yet relaxed setting that delivers every time.
In Courchevel
Loulou Courchevel
- Cheval Blanc Courchevel – A must for fine dining lovers. Though reservations are essential—and sadly, we couldn’t secure a table during our visit—it’s renowned for its exceptional gastronomy.
- Loulou Courchevel (Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges) – Instead, we dined at the famous Loulou, located at the Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges. With its cozy-yet-luxurious Italian-inspired atmosphere, it was an excellent choice. The hotel’s bar is also perfect for a chic goûter after a day on the slopes.
Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels in Méribel
Le Coucou Meribel
For those looking to stay in Méribel while enjoying the convenience of Courchevel, here are a few standout hotels that combine top-tier hospitality with incredible charm:
Méribel offers a beautiful range of accommodations—from ultra-luxurious escapes to more budget-conscious yet stylish stays.
-
Le Coucou Méribel is the ultimate five-star ski-in/ski-out retreat. It’s chic, cozy, and perfectly positioned with breathtaking mountain views. The refined alpine decor and peaceful ambiance make it feel like a dream.
-
For a secluded, nature-focused escape, Refuge de la Traye is something truly special. Nestled in the mountains, this intimate lodge offers high-end comfort, a serene spa, and personalized service—it feels like a secret hideaway.
-
L’Hélios Hôtel & Spa is another elegant ski-in/ski-out option. It has that cozy-sophisticated balance just right, with a lovely atmosphere that feels both warm and refined.
-
And for a more budget-friendly luxury stay, Pierre & Vacances L’Hévana is a fantastic pick. The stylish apartments come with high-end amenities, offering both comfort and convenience right in the heart of Méribel.
Wearing Perfect Moment ski suit and accessories in Meribel
With Méribel as your home base, you get the best of both worlds: relaxed French alpine charm with easy access to Courchevel’s glitz and glamour. Whether you’re carving through pristine powder, savoring après-ski moments, or browsing designer boutiques, this region truly delivers an unforgettable alpine experience—perfect for those who love adventure with a touch of elegance.
Chalet des pierres
Maya Altitude
