A Christmas day in a chalet in Méribel

What is it like spending Christmas in Méribel, in a catered chalet?

Waking up in a cosy chalet, for Christmas in Méribel, you realise Father Christmas knew you were here all along – how does he do it?? Additionally, he knew that all you wanted in your stocking this year was a saucisson, a ripe Savoie cheese and a bottle of fine French wine…

Christmas morning in a chalet

Coming down to breakfast on Christmas day in the chalet is lovely. Not only is the outside of chalet surrounded by twinkling lights, snow and pine trees – inside your chalet will be wonderfully decorated and hosting its very own, sparkling Christmas tree. Back outside, surprise, surprise, it’s a guaranteed white Christmas in Méribel, but that doesn’t inhibit the excitement of Christmas morning. Christmas breakfast can be as early or as relaxed as you like, but you’ll probably want to get out on the hill asap to make the most of the special day. Treat yourself to everything (it’s Christmas after all!!) pancakes, pastries, an omelette or full fry up – our hosts will liaise with you in advance to check what will make your group’s perfect Christmas breakfast.

Skiing in Méribel on Christmas day

When it’s time to get ready for skiing, take note that you get bonus points for Christmas attire or at least a Christmas jumper under the ski kit. You’ll spot all sorts out on the slopes – bits of tinsel on ski poles or Santa hats squeezed over helmets. For the weather, we cannot guarantee fresh powder or a bluebird day I’m afraid. That said, whatever the weather, it won’t really matter as nothing will damped the Christmas cheer! Christmas week falls relatively early in the season for Méribel and the Three Valleys. While our chalets are nearly always full at Christmas, the rest of the resort might not be at capacity so you’ll benefit from quiet slopes and minimal queues.

Christmas in Méribel: food and drink

It’s imperative to eat and drink throughout the entirety of Christmas day and, even if you’re spending it skiing in Méribel, this is no exception! That means you’re entitled to coffee/hot chocolate/vin chaud/demi pression breaks whenever you wish… If you want something special, head to the terrace of Les Pierres Plates and soak up the panoramic views. Continuing the theme of eating, choose your lunch lightly as you’ve got a festive feast to look forward to later in the chalet. Then again – go for the tartiflette! You know you want to! It’s Christmas after all! Hopefully, you’ll enjoy a day full of great skiing throughout the Three Valleys. The best place to finish it off, and toast the festive season, is atop a table in your ski boots… après of course! The Rond Point, of course, is a Méribel classic. If heading to the bar isn’t on everyone’s to-do list, you’ll find a mass service, in English, at the church. As the sun sets, and your group returns to the chalet, nothing will be more of a holiday treat than a glass of champagne in the hot tub. Many of our chalets also have lovely, open fires – perfect for cosying up with canapés ahead of dinner.

Christmas food in a Méribel chalet

When it comes to Christmas dinner in the chalet, we go traditional with all the trimmings! However, let us know if your family has any special requests, preferences or traditions. If you hate Christmas pudding (I get you), for example, make sure we know and we’ll replace it with something delicious. We can do Christmas dinner for vegetarians, vegans, nut-free, dairy-free etc (please do bear in mind we can’t do 12 different versions of Christmas dinner in a 12-person chalet, so let’s discuss!). Suitably full to the brim of catered chalet delights, including lovely French wine, it’s time to relax on the sofas (or simply slumping at the dinner table) and let the games commence. Charades, of course, might make an appearance, along with festive sing-alongs, more chalet wine, and perhaps even a Christmas movie. In this time, your dedicated chalet staff will be clearing away all the Chrimbo crumbs and dirty dishes, and probably thinking about their family back home. Working a season in Méribel is full of joy, but there are days when staff might feel a tad homesick – and Christmas day can be one of them. Invite them into your festive fray (if you/they want to!) and make sure they get to share the festive cheer.

Christmas Eve in Méribel

A top tip! In France, their big meal and celebrations for Christmas in Méribel actually happen on the 24^th, Christmas eve. It’s the perfect excuse to get the party started a day early. The festivities in Méribel are full of fun – in the early evening a Christmas parade goes through town, featuring circus performers, acrobats and even the big man himself! Rumour has in, down on earth his sleigh is pulled by horses, the reindeer are reserved specifically for flying. Father Christmas (Pierre Noël) will make a stop at Méribel’s Place Centrale to say hello to the kids and enjoy some live jazz. Following that, you can join in with carol singing and hot drinks next to the Tourist Office. The other men in red… the ESF instructors… will put on a stunning torchlit decent of the mountain and fireworks will follow. It’s set to be a magical Christmas in Méribel! Stay up-to-date with The Chalet Company’s news, new chalets and offers, by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.