What better way to relax after a day on the slopes at Meribel than a few rounds with friends, old and new, at a mountainside bar in the French Alps. The options for après-ski in Meribel are as good as anywhere in Europe, whether you fancy a quiet mug of hot chocolate or several pints of bitter. With nearly two dozen venues to choose from, it won’t be hard to find just the right scene to fit your mood.
The unofficial start time of après-ski in Meribel coincides with the closing of the slopes, usually around 16:00. Bars located directly on the ski hill, such as Rond Point or The Pub, are natural meeting points for people trickling down from the mountain. Happy hour is a common feature of these bars, typically running until 17:00 or later with live music and drink specials.
The well-established Jack’s Bar, the newly rebranded Meribar and The Pub are some of the best places to unwind in the village core at the end of the day. These establishments feature live music and pub food every evening from 17:00 to 19:00. For something even more laid-back, check out Evolution, the 50-50 Bar or Scott’s for a welcoming and comfortable place to drink, surf the internet or grab a bite to eat.
As the light begins to fade into alpenglow, the crowds dissipate from these slope-side bars as skiers return to their chalets for some freshening up before the next round of night-time entertainment. While the après-ski scene in Meribel is reliably lively, one factor that’s unavoidable is the sheer quantity of Brits. If you’re coming to Meribel expecting a charming dose of French alpine society, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Fortunately there are a handful of quieter, more sophisticated bars in Meribel that will remind you that you’re still actually in France. La Poste and the Taverne are both ideal for a calm evening of drinks and conversation. You can also venture down the mountain about 12kms to the little casino in Brides-les-Bains village for some gambling and schmoozing.
The party crowd has plenty to choose from in Meribel, though these bars are where you’re most likely to endure the crush of Britain along with packed and noisy rooms. But this is exactly what some visitors come for aside from the incredible skiing. Dick’s Tea Bar is the reigning champion of nightlife in the village, offering live music every night and plenty of action for singles. Le Privilege and Le Loft are also popular venues, with DJs, dancing and live music.
It’s quite possible that during your stay at Meribel there will be a special concert or performance by a celebrity figure. Headlining concerts and other cool events like the Altitude Comedy Festival provide a dose of special entertainment throughout the peak ski season period.
Top places for après-ski in Meribel
Ront Point: Ronny’s, as it’s known to anyone who has been here, is the place to go on the slopes between 16:00 and 18:00. Regularly in the world’s top 10 list of hot après-ski bars, Ronny’s is the home of the famous toffee vodka and hosts live bands every afternoon.
Dick’s Tea Bar: for more than a decade, Dick’s has been the place to head after dinner for dancing and serious late night partying until 04:00 with the young set and local workers. Headliner DJs that rotate every night of the week ensure quality sounds.
Le Poste: arguably the most chic and urban bar in Meribel, this place is the favoured haunt of young French skiers and older well-heeled patrons looking for a touch of sophistication and a classy drinks list.
Taverne Bar: an all-around winner with a cool alpine atmosphere right in the heart of Meribel village. Live music après-ski segues into a relaxing dinner scene followed by live football matches on the big screens and plenty of fun.
John is a guest blogger from Alpine Action who have a great choice of chalets in Meribel to rent for your ski holiday. Image by Leo-setä
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