Working and holidaying with the Chalet Company in Méribel

Introducing Heather!

  ... who tells us how she came to work for The Chalet Company, what she loves about Méribel, what it’s like to work for The Chalet Company and crucially, why you should choose us for your luxury home from home in Méribel. A wonderful place from which to explore the magnificent and extensive Three Valleys ski area. Read on to hear Heather in her own words.

How did you find yourself doing a season with The Chalet Company?

So I’m 23, post university. I did my first season last year in Courchevel where I was solo hosting a 9 guest chalet and loved it so much I had to come back. I really wanted to focus more on the cooking and come where there were more saisonnaires and just generally more going on so I decided on Méribel. I had a few friends who had worked for the Chalet Company before and recommended it. When I had my interview, I couldn’t believe how much they offer as a company, I’m very lucky to work for them. (They’re very lucky to have you too :) – Ed)

What is your job in the Chalet Company Méribel team?

I’m a chalet chef, inclusive of cooking delicious breakfasts, afternoon tea’s and 4 course evening meals. I have been predominantly catering for 12 guests in Chalet Bruyere but I have also recently been in Evergreen (our biggest chalet). Here's a taster of the kind of tea time cakes and supper dishes we love to rustle up ...

What is your favourite ski run / route in Méribel and why?

Hard to say, but probably any run from the top of Saulire back down to centre/Méribel village way. The views are stunning, it’s in the sun all day, the pistes are wide and never get moguls so you can just cruise down. While the Saulire run is one of my favourites in the Méribel valley that’s not to say I don’t have plenty more favourites spanning across the 3 valleys - it is the biggest ski area in the world after all!

What are your favourite resturants / bars / cafés - in town and on the slopes and why?

Salut! In town Tav (La Taverne) is a great classic pub, Brewers Den is also a great pub always having different events on and also serving tasty food. Copiña is lovely for a cocktail, as is Barometer, and Lodge du Village is great for both food, après and good vibes. For restaurants there’s La Fromagerie for a classic French vibe or Tsaretta Spice for a little bit of Indian. On the slopes Ronnies (Rond Point) has both great (and cheap – good value!) food, après and views. It’s also handy and accessible for those who can’t/don’t want to ski. There’s also Le Clos Bernard, a hidden gem in the woods near Méribel village. Also in Mottaret there’s both Chez Bif (the cheapest yet most delicious mountain burger with raclette) and Uncle Tsu’s for more of an asian vibe (both delicious). We’re still on the hunt for the best chocolat chaud on the slopes but I think that lies outside the Méribel valley. (This is just for Méribel on the slopes but there are loads of other nice places across the 3 Valleys too). I’m lactose intolerant which makes this hunt a bit more challenging for me – but I've heard Aux Petit Oignons does a good one for me so I need to check that out!

What are you enjoying most about your stay in Méribel?

The skiing, the people, the beautiful scenery, both work and socialising, making memories for life basically.

Would you recommend people to book their holiday with the Chalet Company?

Yes. The chalets are lovely, the food is delicious and the company will go out of their way to ensure you have a great holiday regardless.

What other activities are there to do / do you enjoy in Méribel other than skiing?

There’s the Olympic Centre which is full of activities such as bowling and ice skating (they occasionally have ice hockey matches which are really fun), and they also have a spa. There are also other lovely spas dotted around resort (it’s all about finding the one with the best deal). You can go on skidoos in Mottaret too which is fun. As we live in Les Allues we’ve found some lovely walks to appreciate all the stunning views as well. Most of the pubs have events on such as live music, bingo and blues night.

Is Méribel good for a family ski holiday with young children?

Yes, I’ve had many families stay with children and they’ve all enjoyed it. There are quite a few good ski schools (New Generation, Oxygene & ESF), as some of our chalets provide a driver service it helps in ensuring guests are on the slopes in time for ski school and can reunite with the children when they finish. We also provide a varied yet delicious kids menu.

Is Méribel good for a family ski holiday with teenage children?

Yes. There’s a good variety of runs to cater to all abilities, an excellent selection of ski schools for those less confident and a diversity of restaurants from varying cuisines and price points to try and make it accessible for all.

Is Méribel good for a group of adults holidaying together, young and old?

Yes. The variety of skiing means it caters to all, and being able to rendezvous at après is ideal (especially when you can all dance on the tables together). There are loads of bars and restaurants and even a few clubs with events constantly going on - you can’t go wrong with a bit of live music. Staying in a catered chalet is always ideal as it means you don’t have to worry about reservations and know you can always have dinner all together.

Is Méribel good for a romantic ski holiday à deux?

Yes. Because the scenery is beautiful and although it’s busy you can definitely find quiet moments to yourselves. There are plenty of spas, small bars with a nice ambience as well as lots of people to socialise with if you get bored of each other!

Last word?

Méribel is a place that ‘makes’ skiing for everyone no matter where you come from, or what your ability. It’s a home away from home for me. The Dream Team Well, enough said ...Thank you so much to Heather for such a comprehensive overview of Méribel heaven! Get in touch to book your catered chalet holiday in Méribel with us now – what are you waiting for? Tel +44 (0)7737121411 Email alex@thechaletcompany.com Live Chat facility from our website Instagram Facebook Many thanks to Heather for providing words and photos – from the glorious season of 2022/23 Kate Swainson Price