Meribel Mottaret

Apartment & Chalet Rentals in Méribel Mottaret - Ski Holiday

Méribel Mottaret is located at 1,750 meters and is the highest part of the Méribel ski resort. Ideally situated at the center of the Three Valleys, it is the perfect destination for skiers who want quick access to the entire ski area. With its ski-in ski-out accommodations and modern infrastructure, Méribel Mottaret is particularly appreciated by families and ski enthusiasts looking for convenience and great snow conditions.

Choosing an apartment rental in Méribel Mottaret means you can enjoy a car-free holiday, as everything is within walking distance: slopes, ski lifts, shops, restaurants, and ski schools.

Skiing in Méribel Mottaret

Méribel Mottaret is known as the "skiers' village" because it offers direct access to the slopes of the Three Valleys. Thanks to its high altitude, snow is guaranteed from December until the end of April.

Booking a ski-in ski-out apartment rental in Méribel Mottaret allows you to step out of your accommodation and directly onto the slopes. The village is surrounded by ski runs, which means you can start your day on skis without wasting time.

Slopes for all levels

Beginners will find wide green and blue slopes around the village, as well as dedicated beginner zones. Families appreciate the safe ski areas where children can learn at their own pace.

Intermediate and advanced skiers can take the Plattières gondola or the Pas du Lac lift towards Val Thorens and Courchevel for a day exploring the wider ski area. With over 600 km of slopes, every day offers a new adventure.

Ski schools in Méribel Mottaret

Several ski schools, including the ESF (École du Ski Français), operate in Méribel Mottaret. They offer lessons for all levels: group classes for children, private lessons for adults, and snowboard sessions.

Staying in an apartment near the ski school in Méribel Mottaret is particularly convenient for families, as it makes morning drop-offs easy and ensures children can rest quickly after their lessons.

The neighborhoods of Méribel Mottaret

Méribel Mottaret is divided into two main areas:

- Le Laitelet: located above the village, offering panoramic views and easy access to the slopes. Many residences here are ski-in ski-out.

- Le Châtelet: the newer part of Mottaret, with modern residences, shops, restaurants, and direct access to the slopes.

Both areas are connected by free shuttle buses and a pedestrian lift, making it easy to move around the resort without a car.

Shops, restaurants, and services

Méribel Mottaret is compact but well-equipped. You'll find supermarkets, bakeries, ski rental shops, and restaurants within walking distance of your apartment.

Dining options include traditional Savoyard specialties such as fondue and raclette, as well as international cuisine. Après-ski in Mottaret is more family-oriented and relaxed compared to Méribel Centre, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Renting an apartment close to shops in Méribel Mottaret guarantees convenience and a stress-free holiday.

Parking and free shuttles

Méribel Mottaret is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly resort, but for guests arriving by car, there are parking facilities available. Choosing an apartment with parking in Méribel Mottaret is a smart option during busy holiday weeks.

Free shuttle buses connect Mottaret with Méribel Centre, allowing you to easily explore both areas.

Méribel Mottaret throughout the season

- December & Christmas holidays: snow is guaranteed, and the village comes alive with festive decorations and activities for families.

- January: a quieter period, perfect for those looking for excellent snow conditions and fewer crowds. Apartment rentals in January are often more affordable.

- February holidays: the busiest time of year, when families book apartments in Méribel Mottaret well in advance to secure the best ski-in ski-out locations.

- March: longer sunny days make skiing even more enjoyable. A great month for families and friends who like combining skiing with après-ski.

- April: thanks to its altitude, Méribel Mottaret enjoys excellent snow until the end of the season. Spring skiing here is fantastic, with warmer weather and good deals on accommodation.

Mont Vallon and the legendary pistes

The emblem of the area, Mont Vallon tops out at 2,950 metres at the head of the valley and unrolls 1,000 metres of vertical facing the Vanoise glaciers - two legendary red runs every skier visiting Mottaret should link. Add the combes of the Saulire side, the Plattières boulevards and, over in Méribel, the Roc de Fer of the 2023 World Championships: big skiing is at home here, from first light to last.

The Tueda nature reserve

On the resort's doorstep, the Tueda plateau and its lake form one of the valley's most beautiful landscapes, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. In winter, snowshoe trails and a cross-country track wind between century-old larches; in summer, hikes head for the refuges and passes. Few resorts offer nature this pristine a few minutes' walk from the residences - it is Mottaret's other face, more secret and just as precious.

Après-ski and evenings in Mottaret

Après-ski happens on the snow-front terraces, drink in hand as the last skiers carve home, before moving on to the centre's bars and cinema. The mood is more relaxed and family-oriented than in Méribel Centre - skiers relive the day together, then everyone returns to their balcony for sunset over Mont Vallon. For bigger nights out, central Méribel is ten minutes by shuttle; for cocooning evenings, our concierge delivers raclette, groceries or a private chef.

Our apartments and chalets in Méribel Mottaret

Our Mottaret collection favours the piste side: ski-in ski-out apartments in Le Laitelet and Le Chatelet, family duplexes facing Mont Vallon, clever studios near the snow front. All are selected, equipped and managed by our Méribel-based concierge team: hotel-quality bedding, linen provided, full kitchens, wifi, heated ski lockers and a personal welcome. Passes, lessons and equipment can be waiting in the apartment on day one.

A typical day in Mottaret

8.45am: skis on at the foot of the residence, a glide to the snow front, children dropped at ESF. Morning towards La Saulire and Courchevel via the Pas du Lac, lunch on the mountain, afternoon on the Val Thorens side via the Plattières - or Mont Vallon if the legs allow. 4.30pm: ski home to the door, snack on the balcony, snowshoes towards Tueda for the tireless. In the evening, family fondue under a high-altitude starry sky - tomorrow, swap the valleys around.

Which lift pass should you choose?

At the geographical centre of the area, Mottaret is where the 3 Valleys pass (600 km) pays off best: every valley is a ski-to day trip. For a family stay focused on learning, the Méribel Valley pass (150 km) is plenty. We prepare the whole group's passes with your booking - they will be waiting in the apartment.

Getting to Méribel Mottaret

By train: TGV and winter Eurostar services to Moûtiers (a 30-minute drive), then a transfer arranged by our team or the shuttle. By air: Chambéry 1h45, Geneva and Lyon around 2h30. By car: the A430 to Moûtiers, then up through Les Allues and Méribel; winter equipment mandatory from November to March. Once here, the car sleeps in the car park: free shuttles, the Chalets gondola and skis replace the wheel all week.

Summer in Mottaret

In summer the resort reinvents itself as a high-altitude base camp: hikes to the Vanoise lakes and passes from Tueda, mountain biking and enduro on the valley's trails, via ferrata, trail running and lake fishing. The cool air of 1,750 metres works wonders in August, rates soften considerably and the big apartments open up to family groups. A quieter, wilder mountain - and sunsets over Mont Vallon worth the journey alone.

Why choose Méribel Mottaret?

To ski more than anywhere else: altitude, ski-in ski-out living, the pivotal position of the 3 Valleys and some of the most reliable snow in the Alps. Mottaret is the choice of passionate skiers, of families who want zero-logistics holidays and of everyone who measures their trips in kilometres of skiing rather than shop windows. The great ski area starts at the foot of your building.

Frequently asked questions about Méribel Mottaret

How high is the resort? The village sits between 1,700 and 1,800 metres, with the local area topping out at 2,950 metres at Mont Vallon - a guarantee of reliable snow from December to April.

Is Mottaret genuinely ski-in ski-out? The vast majority of residences sit piste-side; we confirm each property's exact configuration before you book.

How does it differ from Méribel Centre? More altitude and doorstep skiing in Mottaret, more village life in the centre - ten shuttle minutes apart, and we cover both.

Is the resort good for beginners? Yes: learning zones at the snow front, ski schools at the base of the village and gentle runs on the lower slopes.

Can you come without a car? Easily: train to Moûtiers, a transfer, then free shuttles and the Chalets gondola - the whole stay works without driving.

Is there a supermarket in the resort? Yes - supermarket, bakery and shops in the pedestrian centre, with grocery delivery to your apartment available through our concierge.

What about non-skiers? Snowshoeing at Tueda, pedestrian lift rides for mountain lunches, the cinema and spa treatments keep non-skiers happily busy all week.

Winter highlights in Mottaret

Torchlit descents by the ski schools light up the snow front over the festive weeks, fireworks mark the New Year, and family entertainment fills the school holidays. Across the valley, international races on the Roc de Fer stadium add big-event energy, while April's end-of-season celebrations stretch the sunny terraces late into the afternoon. From Mottaret you dip into all of it - then return to the calm of the hillside residences.

Choosing the right residence in Mottaret

West side (Le Laitelet) for morning sun, the free Chalets gondola and big piste-side residences; east side (Le Chatelet) for afternoon light, panoramic views over Tueda and a quieter perch above the centre; snow-front level for shops and ski schools at the door. Check the exact distance to the piste, the balcony's orientation and the ski locker - and tell us your priorities: our team knows every building in the resort and will match you to the right one.

The resort through the season

Early December brings the first descents and lit-up windows; Christmas and New Year the fullest, most festive fortnight; January cold snow and gloriously empty pistes; February the buzz of the European holidays; March long sunny days; April spring snow towards Mont Vallon until closing day. Then Tueda's larches turn green and the summer season begins - quieter, gentler, and increasingly loved by families.

Ski equipment and services

The centre's sports shops rent and adjust skis, boots and helmets for the whole family, with slope-side storage so you never carry equipment. Book online ahead of your stay for the best rates, or let our concierge handle it entirely - delivery to the apartment included. Add grocery delivery for arrival night and lift passes prepared in advance, and your holiday starts the moment you walk in.

Are restaurants open outside the ski season? A handful serve the summer season; between seasons the resort rests, and we brief you on exactly what is open for your dates.

Is Mottaret family-friendly in summer too? Very: the lake, gentle trails, via ferrata and cool air make it a lovely July-August base, at rates far below winter.

Book your apartment in Méribel Mottaret

Whether you are searching for a ski-in ski-out apartment rental, a family apartment near the ski school, or a modern apartment close to shops and lifts, Méribel Mottaret offers a wide range of options to suit every need.

Our accommodations are fully equipped for your holiday: spacious living areas, cosy interiors, ski lockers, and parking options. They are perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for comfort and convenience.

Book your apartment rental in Méribel Mottaret today and enjoy direct access to the slopes of the world's largest ski area. Experience the magic of the French Alps and create unforgettable memories in this ski-in ski-out village.