What’s new in Méribel for Winter 2019/20

The short answer is apparently “red is the new black”! The resort has announced the opening of two new red runs in the Roc de Fer area these are named Gypaète (lammergeyer) and Daguet (young stag). A lammergeyer is a large Old World vulture of mountainous country, with a wingspan of 3 m (10 ft) and a tuft of dark feathers under the beak, noted for its habit of dropping bones from a height to break them. The resort is suggesting that you warm up during your holiday before you tackle these runs. They don’t know what good skiers we have at the Yeti! You can expect “an exciting gradient and plenty of enjoyable thrills”. You get to these new pistes from the top of the new Legends chairlift. Gypaète starts from the top of Cherferie. Daguet starts at the top of the Olympic Chair.

Possibly what is of more interest to some of you is that night skiing is being introduced on the Saulire every Thursday evening, it cost €25. Details for what should be a super evening are as follows.

– Registration in the S3V offices of Méribel Mottaret (+33.4.79.00.43.44) or the Pierres Plates restaurant (04 79 00 42 38)
– Access with the PAS DU LAC gondal at 5.45 pm
– Aperitif at the top of Saulire, in the Pierres Plates restaurant (included in the price)
– Distribution and lighting of torches  
– Ski descent under the stars on the freshly groomed  red Marcassin and Aigle slopes

The descent is reserved to good skiers.
Headlamps are mandatory. We have a few in the chalet.
In case of bad weather, the descent will be postponed by one evening.

Huw, Ursula and I did a torchlight descent a year or two back. It is really a magical experience.

Apparently there are going to be games and entertainment for children on the children’s pistes. Himalayan trumpets are being introduced for the children in the Yeti Park at Mottaret

Elsewhere, there are three new lifts in Courchevel,  a new telecabine from Le Praz 1300  to Courchevel 1800; a new drag lift to replace the old Creux Noir chairlift, and a new chairlift at the Grandes Combes.

There are new snow canons on 4 Meribel runs. The investment for the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2023 continues.

There is much to look forward to in December and throughout the season.

Lucy Rose

Lucy Rose

Owner

For over 30 years, The Roses have owned Chalet Le Yeti in Méribel.
Lucy has grown up skiing in Meribel and helping run the family rental business. Her knowledge of Meribel and the Trois Vallées ski area is extensive through her personal experience as a skier and chalet owner.