Luxury in the Snowy Mountains, Méribel

Advertorial Feature - In collaboration with Meriski Luxury Chalets

We landed in Geneva Airport late morning, the skies were that unmistakable bright blue and the air crisp. Perfection. 

Our transfer collected us from right outside the door and we relaxed through the 2.5 hour drive to Méribel. 

We passed through several beautiful villages, with snowy mountains on one side and the misty lake on the other. It’s a beautiful place. 

On the approach to Méribel, the scene becomes increasingly snow covered, with white tipped mountains in every direction. 

Much of the journey is around Lake Annecy, a breathtakingly beautiful lake, bright blue with mist rising. The photographer in me was desperate to stop the car and capture it’s beauty, but we sat back and enjoyed the view instead. 

Méribel itself is a magical place. Known as one of the best ski resorts in France, it offers vast natural slopes suitable for all abilities, a classic and traditional feel as well as plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. 

Despite the 13 degree heat and bright sunshine, the snow is thick and fluffy. The chocolate box villages surrounding the town with their snow covered roofs, and cosy wood panelling, there really is beauty wherever you look. 

This is our second time in Méribel. Last year we visited for the first time and stayed at stunning Chalet Kashmir with leading Méribel specialists, Meriski. You can read about that here.

I had never really considered a skiing holiday before then, assuming that my naturally un-sporty nature would hate the cold, dangerous, risk-taking vibe. How wrong I was. We fell in love with Méribel, one of the most beautiful and romantic holidays we’ve ever had, and we knew we simply had to return. 

This time we stayed at Meriski’s newest addition to their incredible portfolio, Chalet L’Arpege. This 6 bedroom bedroom luxury catered chalet sleeps 12 adults and 2 children over 4 floors. It’s set at the bottom of the Hulotte Piste, a Stone throw from the chair lift. So while the Chalet enjoys an exclusive driver service, there really is no need to drive anywhere, you can ski in - ski out! 

Holidaying with Meriski really is the ultimate luxury. Think warm, thoughtful service and attention to detail...but with plenty of wow factor and exclusivity leaving you feeling like a real VIP. 

The whole team work incredibly hard to give you everything you could need and ensure you are completely comfortable for your entire stay. We’ve never experienced anything quite like it. 

On arrival, we left our bags with lovely Tom, our Chalet Manager, and asked Colin, our driver, to take us straight to the Altiport area for a stroll though the woods to our favourite restaurant Le Clos Bernard. The driver service is a total game-changer. They can usually be with you within 10-15 mins of your call and can take you anywhere in Méribel. They help with skis, luggage etc..they’re amazing.

Le Clos Bernard is tucked away in the woods and only accessible by foot, ski, or the little horse and cart that travels back and forth to Altiport. We walked, the crunch of the snow beneath our feet and the bright sunshine bursting through the trees. 

On approach to the restaurant, there was no mistaking that smokey barbecue fragrance cascading through the woods and the gentle beat of the music from the outdoor DJ. You’ll need to book a table if you want to eat here, it’s extremely busy, and for good reason. 

We went straight for the classics we’d been craving, tartiflette for me with a zingy green salad an ice cold glass of Rosé. 

Col opted for a beer and local sausage dish that was utterly delicious. 

We sat out in the baking hot sunshine for a few hours, just soaking it all in. We were back here at last, the most perfect way to spend the last few days of your thirties. 

A sunset stroll back though the trees and our lovely driver Colin was waiting to take us back to the Chalet. 

Back at L’Arpege we were offered a glass of champagne and shown to our room on the lower floor. This brand new chalet is so beautiful. Ultra modern with powerful rain showers, the fluffiest robes and crisp white sheets. 

We got to meet the other chalet guests. A group of four from London, and three other couples, one from Paris, another from Belfast and one more from London. Everyone was absolutely lovely, and it was so much fun chatting and getting to know them that first night. 

Sharing a chalet might be something you would feel a little nervous about. It’s perhaps unusual to eat dinner each evening with people you’ve just met, but it’s actually one of my favourite things about this kind of holiday. There’s a real 'dinner party vibe' and everyone is so relaxed, it soon feels like you’ve been friends for years. 

The chefs are outstanding. Colin is such a brilliant cook that I’m very spoiled, but both times we have holidayed with Meriski we have been blown away by the evening meals. Our Chef was only 24, and he cooked the most exquisite three course meal every night. 

We would meet in the cosy living area with the fire roaring, candles lit and music softly playing in the background. The evening starts with a drink reception, which can be anything that you like from Meriski’s impressive drinks cabinet. Polo Gin and tonic was a hit in our chalet, along with plenty of champagne. 

Freshly made canapés are offered around the party, like delicious Fois gras Bon-bons or homemade sausage rolls. The chef can also cater for any dietary requirements and often made guests their own little canapé selection. 

Once seated, the three course feast began, each course with accompanying wine. We drank and chatted late into the evening and usually finished with cheese before embarking on the 30 second stroll to bed. 

Each morning everyone commented on the exceptional nights sleep. Both Col and I always joke that on the rare occasion we have a night away and the opportunity to sleep through the night, we never can sleep soundly in a hotel bed. Here we did. Every single night. I’m not sure if it was the champagne or the silent dark room and cloud of a bed, but it was all a recipe for the most relaxing sleep. 

After our hearty breakfast and a few cups of coffee, we headed to the boot room to suit up for a day on the slopes. Last time we visited Méribel we had ski lessons with Oxygene Ski School. This was, without a doubt, essential for me. 

Oxygene came highly recommend by Meriski and it’s easy to see why. They are extremely organised and take care of everything. You simply turn up in the morning and they look after you for the duration of your lesson. 

Oxygene also told us about a new service they have where you can hire your ski-wear. We’d already bought and borrowed before we heard about this, but what an amazing way to travel light and save money too. Thought that was a brilliant idea. 

So after a few hours like Bambi on ice, nervously snow ploughing my way down a green run (for any non-skiiers, thats the easiest run) my body started to remember the things I’d learned last time. 

It’s amazing how quickly you can pick up the basics of skiing and before you know it, you’re gliding quite quickly down the slope. It’s one of, if not the only sport I’ve ever truly loved. The views are seriously breathtaking, the air is so clean and pure, it’s extremely liberating. I don’t think my pictures can do it justice. It’s incredible. 

Col is a great skier, and such a patient man. He went off on his own during my lesson, his time to go wild and whizz down the blues and reds, but he came to meet me when I said goodbye to our lovely teacher at Oxygene. 

We spent the afternoon and the whole of day two skiing together. So much fun and strangely romantic for busy parents who rarely get to have one on one time. We loved it. 

The best bit about skiing though....for me at least... is the après!! Day two we headed straight back to another of our favourites from last year...the infamous La Folie Douce. 

We skied there this time, clicked off our skis and trotted through the restaurant to our table. There’s nothing glamorous about trudging around in ski-boots, but I love that everyone does it, and that first glass of Rosé after a day on the slopes is hard to beat. 

La Folie Douce is famous for its deliciously European party atmosphere and loud live performances. We arrived around 2pm so it was quite tame, but get there any later and you’ll be dancing on the table. 

The food is AMAZING and the portions are huge. You’ll leave feeling revived, full and undoubtably merry! 

It took around 10 mins to ski back to Chalet L’Arpege, which is quite a luxury indeed! We’d return to clean sun drenched interiors and a freshly baked cake with all we needed for an afternoon tea set out on the dining table. 

I dived straight into the indoor hot tub and stayed there a while soothing my aching muscles. Such a good feeling. I didn’t have a massage this year, but you can pre-book a massage with Alpine Therapies if you fancy. They come to your chalet and set up your very own spa at home. I had one last year and it was dreamy, next time I will book in advance. 

While I pampered myself in the hot tub, Col would watch the rugby in the cinema room with some of the other guests. 

There are fridges filled with beer and soft drinks downstairs too so you never need to walk far for a nice cold drink. 

By the end of our second day skiing, I was a lot faster and more confident. I fell over so many times, but it doesn’t hurt (thankfully) and Col was there to pull me back up and encourage me to try again. 

We were one of the first on the slopes and skied non-stop until Après. We didn’t want it to end. Safe to say we are both HOOKED!! 

Our last evening was the best of our trip. Colin, not my Colin, but the founder of Meriski, joined us for dinner. By this point, everyone knew each other well enough to chat for hours. The food was scrumptious (as usual) and the wine was flowing. We all stayed up until the early hours, laughing, drinking and eating yet more cheese. A night to remember ❤️ 

I said it last year, and it still stands. In fact, I think we’re even more in love with Méribel than ever before. It’s the ultimate get away and leaves you longing to return. Perhaps we have one more year of skiing “just us” then the boys will be old enough to enjoy the slopes safely, so we’ll take them with us.

I can’t recommend Meriski highly enough, and this new Chalet is really special. If you’re available for a last minute trip to remember, or in my case, change your life, I’ve linked all of the brilliant last minute deals here.

See you next year Meriski! ❤️