Pints And Pistes: Méribel’s Mighty Après Scene

Even the most devoted skier needs time off the pistes, which naturally leads to the question: what does one do after skiing is over for the day? Lively and energetic people may feel terrified at the prospect of staying in a remote mountain resort cut off from civilisation. You can set aside these doubts and fears as you head to the Alpine resort of Méribel. Ski-wise it is a world-renowned winter destination, but its charms lie not only in its superb skiing facilities. Composed of four separate villages, the resort is as lively and full of life as any town, and even more so for being inhabited by merry tourists all through the winter season.

While peace and quiet are by no means lacking in the upper parts of Méribel, ski-lovers with a taste for revelry are invited to pop down to its lower regions which offer a wide variety of lively bars and other entertainment venues. Below are a couple of places not to miss during your stay in the resort.

La Folie Douche

As the sun is setting beyond the horizon, and you are making your way down the mountain, your fun can start right there. Positioned tantalisingly close to the Saulire cable car, La Folie Douche welcomes guests as early as late afternoon. You are greeted with lively music, warmth (created as much by the heaters as by the revellers themselves) and delicious food.

Le Rond-Point

Too eager to bother with taking skis off before joining the fun? Le Rond-Point, otherwise commonly known as “the Ronnie”, is positioned right off the ski piste. As you drift gracefully off the piste and in, you enter an other-worldly atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Often termed a true world-class après ski bar, the Ronnie boasts professional DJs every night. If you are cold and hungry after a day on the snow, the bar’s excellent selection of wines will more than warm you up and its delicious assortment of local dishes will have you licking your fingers.

Le Coeur de Cristal

Another good choice for the merry tourist, Le Coeur de Cristal doesn’t fall far behind the Ronnie in terms of attracting fun seekers. While you can have a range of good snacks in here, you’d be well advised to keep them off the tables, especially in the evenings when the party vibes hit the crowds and they hop on these to dance. In terms of drinks, a fair selection of delicious wines, champagnes and beers is at your fingertips.

If the places above tickle your off-piste fancy, you should book your next winter holiday in Méribel. Ski right off the pistes and find yourself enjoying nights of fun and entertainment like nowhere else.

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for the best ski chalet accommodation in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, and tips on Meribel ski holidays or vacations anywhere else in the region, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the experience of a lifetime.