December Highlights in Méribel
Experience the magic of the holidays in Méribel !
October 18, 2024
Did you know that Méribel is home to some of the best live bands in the Alps?
Treat yourselves to a slope-side break and discover that every single afternoon and night, there is not just one or two but a plethora of live music concerts to choose from at several different venues in bars and restaurants all over the Méribel valley…something that few other Alpine resorts can boast!
Indeed, with upwards of 40 live music concerts a week, all season long there is something for every taste…with an impressive range of artists from many different genres, styles and countries.
As Reblochon belongs to Tartiflette and snow to the Saulire, après-ski music is part of the DNA Méribel.
The World famous Rond-Point, was one of the first proponents of après-ski in France, having been originally inspired by the Austrian style slope-side terrace bars, originally called Yorkies it seemed like a jolly good idea to have après-ski a couple of times a week – straight off the slopes, party vibes with ski boots on. As the revellers flocked to the scene more and more, further dates were added.
Roll on 30+ years and now the resort sees between 5-10 concerts a day, every day of the week, all season long!
Meribel didn’t invent “après-ski” but we’ve certainly put our own stamp on it, which is recognised and loved by its many visitors who know that après-ski and live music is something that makes Méribel truly stand out.
Méribel’s position as the premiere resorts for après-ski entertainment is in little doubt. In fact, The Rond-Point is regularly voted BEST APRES SKI VENUE IN THE WORLD by British skiers and boarders.
Clearly many agree because they choose to return year after year BECAUSE of the live music scene.
But, you don’t even have to wait until the slopes close. If your taste runs to Moulin Rouge style cabaret complete with pianist, guitars, singers and dancers, followed by electronically enhanced dance music then start in the afternoon at the Folie-Douce, at the mid station of Saulire.
Alternatively, if you prefer tearing rock and pop cover bands, in addition to the huge stage at the Rond-Point, try Jacks bar at the Chaudanne; for acoustic mellow sounds head to the Terrasse du Village in Méribel Village; or guitar duos at the Rastro in Mottaret. Indeed every level of resort offers live musical entertainment and a range of style for all tastes.
Time for a break and a bite to eat, artists are playing to encourage you to take a pause on terraces high on the slopes and at the foot of the mountain
There are lunch time concerts at least twice a week at Café Del Mott ,l’Arpasson, the Maya Altitude and the Blanchot.
What better way to get in the mood for a memorable night. Early evening concerts tend to be chilled and very often acoustic.
Early evening or pre-dinner concerts can be found at the Tsaretta Les Allues, Rambler Mottaret, Chaudanne Hotel, Savoy Hotel, Kaila Hotel, Le Coucou Hotel and Allodis Hotel.
Or why not sharpen your appetite with entertainment whilst you dine.
Often with a variété francaise twist dinner concerts can be found in the Altiport Forest at Le Clos Bernard.
For those that want to rock on with a real party vibe then the best of the local bands offer late night sets usually starting at 10pm.
Head to O’Sullivans, The Doron Pub, Lodge Du Village, Jacks and The Tsaretta.
Méribel boasts a 330 seat auditorium which hosts international artists throughout the season, with live music festivals like the Jazz Variations.
However, our real strength, is our family of lesser known, or we prefer to say “not yet discovered beyond the Alps” artists.
It may be a badly kept secret but part of Méribel’s success is that the quality and diversity of our music venues has drawn ever more talent to the resort. So much so that today there is a thriving community of musicians who have chosen Méribel as their base all year round.
According to local music agency Après Ski Bands many musicians originally chose Meribel for its easy access and central location for working in neighbouring resorts across the Savoie and Tarentaise ski regions. But now they are attracted to the thriving musical community that has become established and the long lasting friendships thanks to a common love of what they do!
So enthusiastic are they about what they do, that it is not rare to see some of them on a night off attend each other’s concerts, where they cannot resist the invitation to jump up on stage to provide the audience with an improvised but exceptional treat.
Indeed the monthly “Blues Nights” “Funk Nights” “Open Mic” and “Originals Nights”, where as many as possible of them get together to jam or showcase their combined talents are events with cult followings…Maybe on your next holiday you will discover your favorite new artist.
A sunny terrace, a table with friends why not take an extended break
The lifts may be closed but the fun never stops…start your party with you ski boots still on
Plenty of atmosphere to accompany a cocktail or dinner
Dance the night away
In Méribel, enjoy the ultimate après-ski experience by booking your accommodation in the heart of the action. Whether you opt for the rustic charm of a chalet, the contemporary comfort of a flat, the elegance of a hotel or the conviviality of a tourist residence, you’ll always be ideally placed.