Ski Méribel resort guide - Telegraph Accommodation is mostly in chalets and the spread out geography of the resort means ski-in/ski-out is rare, with access to lifts often by shuttle bus. The resort has a lively après scene but isn't great for those wanting a quiet life, and is frequented by a large number of Brits - a plus or a minus depending on how you look at it. Méribel caters well for the alpine shopper, with a predictable number of technical ski and boarder wear outlets in resort, plus designer brands including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and White Stuff. The best bakery is Glaciers on Route de la Montée in the centre of the resort, while the Maison de la Presse on the same street sells English newspapers. Twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays), there's a small market on the Route de la Chaudanne in resort. The Olympic Centre built for the 1992 Winter Olympics is open daily, offering a 25m indoor swimming pool, children's pool, water slide, fitness centre, climbing wall, spa and indoor ice-rink. Snow-shoeing, horse-sleigh tours, snowmobiling and walking routes are also available. The combination of extensive slopes, superb location and attractive architecture makes Méribel one of Europe's safest bets for a great holiday. Méribel expert Sophie Butler: "I first went to Méribel as a student and have been back many times, mainly staying in catered chalets, whether on all-girls" trips, with young children attending ski school or, most recently last season, with teenagers. It's easily my favourite French resort not least because of its welcoming architecture, but also because of its lively après and good, family-friendly restaurants. And, of course, it's the perfect springboard to the Trois Vallées. Getting there Chambéry is the closest airport (59 miles, one hour and 20 minute transfer) served from the UK by BA (ba.com) and Flybe (flybe.com) but the low number of flights doesn't make it the most attractive gateway. A better option in terms of number of flights is Grenoble (74 miles, two hours and 15 minute transfer), served by easyJet (easyjet.com) and Ryanair (ryanair.com). The same can be said of Geneva (83 miles, two hour and 15 minute transfer) served by BA, Swiss (swiss.com), Jet2 (jet2.com), Flybe (flybe.com) and easyJet while Lyon (114 miles, two hour transfer) is served by BA and easyJet. If you're organising your transfer independently there are a variety of options, including NASA (lys.altibus.com), Transdev Savoie (mobisavoie.com) and Ben's Bus (bensbus.co.uk). Prices range from around £44 for return from Chambery, to £114 for return from Geneva and tickets can be booked online. By train, take the Eurostar to Paris, the TGV from Paris to Chambéry, then the train to Moutiers, 12 miles from Méribel. Bus transfers from Moutiers to Méribel with Altibus cost around €12 one way, or a taxi will cost around €45 (see Méribel what's on site merinet.com for taxi contacts). More information: Méribel Tourisme (meribel.net); the best place for information on activities in the resort are merinet.com and activities-ski-resort.meribel.net. For airport minibus transfers visit 3vt.co.uk. Insider ratings (out of three) Beginners ** Intermediates *** Experts ** Extent *** Snow reliability ** Off piste/Powder ** Village charm *** Terrain parks *** Families *** Budget ** Luxury *** Après * Nightlife *** Off slope activities/facilities ** Shops ** Foodies *** Scenery *** Snowboarders *** Méribel: piste guide Méribel: hotels Méribel: restaurants Méribel: bars and nightlife Méribel: itineraries