Ski Christmas in Chalet Lys Blanc, Meribel
Our owner, Sarah Fox shares her trip to magical Meribel spending Christmas in, Chalet Lys Blanc in Meribel.
Arriving in time for an afternoon ski on Christmas eve was the perfect way to get my festive short break off to a fabulous start. On arrival at Chalet Lys Blanc, a quick change in my room and in just a 3-minute walk to the Morel chairlift (pedestrians do not need a lift pass for this lift), I was quickly in the Altiport area of Meribel. This family ski area of Meribel is perfect for stretching the legs and doing a few warmups on the calm, gentle runs before skiing away into the Meribel/Mottaret area, or even popping over to La Tania or Courchevel for the remainder of the afternoon.
Being in the Morel part of Meribel is perfect for the end of day après ski too. After a stop at the Folie Douce, located at Saulire 1 lift station, for the infamous ‘on the mountain show’; dancing on tables is perfectly normal while watching flamboyant singers, dancers and musicians, you can then head home via the Rond Point (Ronnie’s) for their everyday après ski party until 7pm. Dance to the bands playing ‘covers’ in your ski boots, on a large terrace, with the most amazing views as the sun sets (this has been a personal happy place for quite some years now!). Don’t forget to go to the toilets via the slide!!!
As it was Christmas eve, it was a quick mince pie for afternoon tea before walking down to the Chaudanne area to watch the ESF torch light descent, before returning to the chalet for a hearty dinner of red pepper & Gorgonzola tart to start, followed by lamb tagine and then a lovely lemon posset to finish, all beautifully presented by our experienced host Harriet (now in her third season). Relaxing, while finishing off the wine served with dinner, we all reflected on what a great Christmas eve it had been; after arriving from the UK at lunchtime, getting 3 hours skiing in, along with a spot of après and a stroll into town to watch the torchlight descent and all before dinner.
Christmas day we were early up to do a few small pressies at breakfast before everyone headed out in the sunshine for a big day on the hill to work up an appetite! Blue skies, lots of skiing, Christmas lunch in the sunshine, après at Ronnie’s and then back to Chalet Lys Blanc for Christmas dinner. After canapes and something sparkling to drink around the roaring fire with lots of chat about the days skiing, we sat down to a huge traditional Christmas dinner; turkey, pigs in blankets, sprouts, roasties, carrots, gravy, stuffing, it was all there along with crackers to pull, Christmas tunes playing and a flaming Christmas pud to finish. Tomorrow will need to be another big ski day to work this years Christmas dinner off!
The remaining 2 ski days enabled me to ski over to Val Thorens and Orelle and enjoy this very high mountain area (totally snow-sure) and also to pop over to Courchevel 1650 for the lovely tree-lined reds & blues and a great value lunch in the main street of Courchevel 1650 at a galette & crepes bar.
Although a traditional chalet, my room was larger than the average chalet room, bright and it had a modern en-suite bathroom, twin/double bed, dressing table and a balcony. The hamlet of Morel is very peaceful ensuring a good night’s sleep. There is even a little sauna in the chalet.
Ski rental for Chalet Lys Blanc is in the centre of Meribel opposite the Office de Tourism. This is a 10-minute walk in day boots, or you can jump on a very regular bus service which stops outside the shop. There is a lift at the Office de Tourism that connects to a blue piste that goes on down into the centre of Chaudanne. SkiWeekends uses this ski hire shop as its open all day, unlike many others. This allows for ski pick up and drop off in the middle of the day, enabling afternoon or morning only skiing.
For non-skiers who enjoy walking, Chalet Lys Blanc is near pathways that go up into the picturesque Alitport area or you can take the free chairlift. This lets you meet your ski group for lunch in this area. Other fabulous walking is beyond Mottaret around the frozen lake. You simply take the ski bus to Mottaret before walking on well-signed paths.
Free buses run regularly around the Meribel villages from 8am to 11pm.
After three and half days skiing and a three-night stay in Chalet Lys Blanc, it was time to jump on the minibus transfer and head for Geneva airport. The transfer is just 20 minutes down the mountain road and then a straightforward 2 hour 10 mins dual carriageway/motorway trip back to the airport.
Happy Christmas, skied lots!
