{"id":5142,"date":"2026-03-05T11:19:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T11:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/?p=5142"},"modified":"2026-03-18T15:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T15:35:59","slug":"how-much-is-a-ski-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Ski Trip Really Cost? A Full Breakdown for Meribel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski holidays are often seen as expensive, complicated to budget for, with hidden extras that only become clear once you\u2019re there. However, this definitely doesn\u2019t have to be the case.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most things, the cost of a ski trip depends on how you choose to do it. Accommodation style, time of year, travel choices and how much you like a long lunch on the mountain all play a part.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how much is a ski trip? In this guide, we\u2019ll break down the real costs of a ski holiday to Meribel, so you can plan with clarity and confidence and decide what makes sense for your group.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this guide:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Is_Meribel_Considered_an_Expensive_Ski_Resort\" >Is Meribel Considered an Expensive Ski Resort?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#What_Makes_Up_the_Cost_of_a_Ski_Trip\" >What Makes Up the Cost of a Ski Trip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Accommodation_Costs\" >Accommodation Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Travel_Costs_to_the_Resort\" >Travel Costs to the Resort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Lift_Pass_Costs\" >Lift Pass Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Ski_Hire_and_Clothing_Costs\" >Ski Hire and Clothing Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Food_Apres_and_Day-to-Day_Spending\" >Food, Apres, and Day-to-Day Spending<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Lessons_Insurance_and_Other_Extras\" >Lessons, Insurance, and Other Extras<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#How_to_Plan_a_Ski_Trip_Around_Your_Budget\" >How to Plan a Ski Trip Around Your Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#So_How_Much_Should_You_Budget_for_a_Ski_Trip\" >So, How Much Should You Budget for a Ski Trip?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/how-much-is-a-ski-trip\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Meribel_Considered_an_Expensive_Ski_Resort\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Meribel Considered an Expensive Ski Resort?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4769 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Group of skiers relaxing after high altitude skiing in Meribel\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/40024155131_e2fa4f833e_o-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/\">Meribel<\/a> sits right at the heart of the Three Valleys, and that central position matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re perfectly placed between Courchevel and Val Thorens, with quick and easy access to the full 600km linked ski area. For many groups and families, it\u2019s the perfect balance of strong skiing, excellent access, and a wide range of accommodation and dining options to suit a range of budgets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to Courchevel, which leans heavily towards high-end luxury, Meribel offers broader choice. You can indulge in a long, slope-side lunch if you want to but you can just as easily grab a good sandwich from a local boulangerie and be back on the lifts in 20 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to more budget-focused resorts like Les Menuires, Meribel delivers stronger central access and a more traditional alpine feel, without being exclusively premium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Val Thorens offers good value in parts and reliable high-altitude skiing, but it\u2019s further away in terms of day-to-day access across the Three Valleys. From Meribel, popping over to another valley is part of the rhythm of the week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So is Meribel expensive? It can be. But it\u2019s also flexible. And for many skiers, the balance of cost versus experience makes it a favourite year after year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_Up_the_Cost_of_a_Ski_Trip\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Makes Up the Cost of a Ski Trip<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re opting for a package deal or an independent chalet holiday, a ski holiday is made up of several moving parts. The main ones are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/catered-chalets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/travel\/\">Travel<\/a> (drive, fly or train)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/ski-pass.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lift pass<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/ski-hire.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski hire<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/best-restaurants-in-meribel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food and drink<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lessons (if required)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance and extras<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you understand each of these, it becomes much easier to shape a trip around your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_Costs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation Costs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation is usually the largest ski trip cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4826 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"ski in ski out meribel village chalet Hermine\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/SKB1119-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/>Where you stay, and what\u2019s included, will have the biggest impact on your overall spend. For many groups of six or more, a chalet stay can actually work out better value than it first appears, particularly when you factor in catering and shared costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s common for guests to assume that self-catered or hotel stays are cheaper. In reality, once you add in meals out, drinks and the time spent organising everything yourself, catered chalets often compare very favourably.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re weighing up options, it\u2019s always worth looking carefully at what\u2019s included rather than just the total price.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catered Chalets<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/catered-chalets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catered ski chalets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> run on a 7-night basis, typically Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll usually enjoy five fully catered days, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hearty cooked breakfast with pastries, cereals and fruit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freshly baked afternoon tea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A three- or four-course evening meal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House wines and beers (with Ski Basics, these are included and flow freely throughout your stay)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also have your own space to relax in after skiing, ideal for social groups who want to unwind together, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/family-ski-chalets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">families who appreciate the flexibility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of their own lounge rather than a hotel bar, making <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chalets a popular choice vs hotels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for many.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On chalet staff nights off, you can head out for dinner, cook for yourselves, or order in. Some Ski Basics guests opt for a relaxed raclette night in the chalet, with everything delivered to the door by one of the team.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4160 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"family out for dinner in traditional savoyard restaurant in Meribel - how much does a ski trip cost\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/50517113417_d490b39f99_o-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/>Chalet costs are usually divided per person. However, how you choose to split it within your group, equally or by room type, is entirely up to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-Catered Chalets and Apartments<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/self-catered-chalets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-catered ski chalets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and apartments typically bring a little more flexibility. You can cook in, eat out, or mix the two. For families or groups who enjoy <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/best-restaurants-in-meribel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exploring local restaurants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on more than just the chalet staff night off, this can be part of the fun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key cost consideration beyond accommodation is food and drink. Buying groceries in resort is convenient but slightly more expensive than stopping at a larger supermarket lower down the valley on arrival (which is an ideal way to save if you\u2019re driving and can stop on your way up).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a Ski Basics self-catered guest, you can still make use of additional concierge services like ordering in a ready-made raclette evening, Nespresso pods and other items from our online shop to maintain that totally taken care of feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Location Affects Price<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meribel\u2019s central position gives it an advantage in terms of access across the wider Three Valleys ski areas. From La Chaudanne, the main lift hub in Meribel, you can access the full area quickly. Meribel Village offers quieter surroundings with direct lift access, while Meribel Mottaret gives quick and easy access towards Val Thorens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courchevel tends to be the most expensive overall, though charming areas like La Tania can be more moderately priced but with slightly less convenient access.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Val Thorens offers range and altitude reliability, but skiing back towards Meribel or Courchevel is more of a planned day out than a quick pop over into the next valley before you head back to the chalet, as you can do from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/can-you-ski-from-meribel-to-courchevel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meribel to Courchevel.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Meribel, you\u2019ll generally find a strong balance of cost, convenience and ski access.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Costs_to_the_Resort\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel Costs to the Resort<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your travel choice will often be the next biggest factor into your costs. Driving, flying and train travel are all popular options when travelling to Meribel. Costs will depend on group size, departure location and most predominantly the time of year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re travelling as a group of friends and can drive to Meribel together in one vehicle, splitting fuel, tolls and Channel crossing costs can be very good value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flying can initially appear cheaper, but remember to factor in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski carriage fees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold luggage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airport transfers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Train travel to Mo\u00fbtiers is also a practical option. It\u2019s around 30 minutes down the mountain from Meribel and offers a relaxed, comparable journey time to driving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More detailed travel guidance can be found in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our guide on travelling to Meribel.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flights and Transfers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nearby airports to Meribel include Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chambery is closest but smaller, with fewer flights. Geneva often offers more regular services and competitive pricing, even with a slightly longer transfer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shared <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/travel\/transfers.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transfers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are typically the most economical option. Private transfers offer flexibility and speed but at a higher per-group cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving to Resort<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving remains popular with many of our returning guests for good reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) takes around 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, while ferries from Dover take around 90 minutes making the journey from the UK to France quick and easy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you arrive in Calais, the journey to Meribel is roughly 900km and takes around 9\u201310 hours depending on traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many guests choose to break the journey overnight in Reims or Dijon, or continue to Mo\u00fbtiers and stay there before heading up the mountain on changeover day. This gives you the added benefit of being able to get out on the slopes on the day of arrival too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving gives you flexibility and can be particularly cost-effective for families or groups sharing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lift_Pass_Costs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lift Pass Costs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lift passes are the other larger fixed cost alongside accommodation and travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3726 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/31529589407_c377f72fc6_o-1-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Meribel lift pass cost\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/31529589407_c377f72fc6_o-1-1-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/31529589407_c377f72fc6_o-1-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/31529589407_c377f72fc6_o-1-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/>When skiing in Meribel, you can choose between:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/ski-pass.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meribel Valley<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pass<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skipassmeribelmottaret.com\/en\/skipass-prices-3-vallees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full Three Valleys pass<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The full-area pass is more expensive but offers complete freedom across all three valleys. For intermediate and advanced skiers, it\u2019s almost always worth the upgrade.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ski_Hire_and_Clothing_Costs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski Hire and Clothing Costs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment hire is another key part of your ski trip budget, alongside lift passes and accommodation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booking in advance almost always offers better value than walk-in rates in resort. It also means smoother arrival days and greater likelihood of getting the exact ski category and boot size you want.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski Basics guests receive up to 35% off with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/ski-hire.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trusted local hire shops in Meribel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can result in some great savings across a group.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helmets are available for a small additional weekly cost, and some shops also offer jacket and trouser rental for those travelling light.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment Hire Prices<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a typical 6\u20137 day hire you can expect to pay:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beginner \/ economy packages: around \u20ac80\u2013\u20ac110<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intermediate \/ performance: around \u20ac120\u2013\u20ac150<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced \/ premium: \u20ac160+<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renting vs Bringing Your Own Gear<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to whether to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/buy-or-rent-ski-equipment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rent or buy your ski equipment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there\u2019s a few different elements to consider. Renting usually makes sense if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You ski once per year or less<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re flying and want to avoid baggage fees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You enjoy trying new ski models<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, buying your own ski equipment is a great choice if:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You ski multiple weeks each season<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have specific performance preferences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You already travel comfortably with ski bags<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many experienced skiers bring their own boots but rent skis locally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most holiday skiers, renting remains the simplest and most cost-effective option, particularly with pre-booked discounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_Apres_and_Day-to-Day_Spending\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food, Apres, and Day-to-Day Spending<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When budgeting for a ski holiday it\u2019s important to remember to factor in spending money for food whilst out during the day and for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/apres-ski-meribel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apres ski.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re fully catered and only buying mountain lunches and a few drinks, budgeting around \u20ac100 per day for spending money is sensible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re self-catered and eating out in the evenings too, this will naturally increase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can expect a premium for slope-side restaurants. So if you\u2019re looking to save costs in this area, picking up a sandwich in resort before heading out on the slopes, or buying ingredients to make one at the chalet is a simple way to reduce daily spending.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating in Your Chalet vs Eating Out<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fully catered chalets often offer the strongest overall value, particularly when drinks are included and you factor in the convenience of not having to organise meals each day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-catered can work just as well if you\u2019re happy to cook in and keep an eye on grocery costs, especially if you stock up at a larger supermarket lower down the valley before heading up to resort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating out most evenings will naturally push the budget higher, particularly in higher end spots, where the experience comes at a price.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apres-Ski and Evening Costs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much you can expect to pay for apres drinks and eating out in the evening will depend heavily on the resort you\u2019re visiting as well as your choice of apres bar and restaurants. However, eating out and enjoying apres-ski in European resorts like Meribel typically costs between \u00a350 and \u00a3100 per person per day for food and drinks, with evening meals often exceeding \u00a350 per person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning lunch and dinner out plus apres, you\u2019re likely looking at \u20ac150 to \u20ac200 per day, more if choosing higher-end venues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lessons_Insurance_and_Other_Extras\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lessons, Insurance, and Other Extras<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With good planning and a helpful, experienced chalet or accommodation provider, there shouldn\u2019t be any surprises when it comes to the cost of your ski holiday to Meribel, but a few extras are worth factoring in.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski School and Tuition Costs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/ski-schools.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ski school<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lessons, the type of lesson you opt for will influence the price. Time of day will also often influence the cost, with afternoon lessons often coming in cheaper than those starting at 9am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Group lessons are the most economical option, often around \u20ac25 to \u20ac35 per session (2\u20133 hours).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whereas private lessons start from roughly \u20ac100\u2013\u20ac150 per hour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Across a week, you can expect:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a3235\u2013\u00a3550 depending on lesson type, frequency and season<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For experienced skiers or those just looking for a little fresher or confident boost, a private session early in the week can be a worthwhile investment to fine-tune technique and set you up for the week.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Costs to Factor In<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/travel\/insurance.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an absolute must for any ski holiday. You should also always double check that your policy covers winter sports and ski-related injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll also have the option to add <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/carreneige.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carre Neige insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to your lift pass for a few euros per day for additional slope-side cover. Think of this as your \u201cget off the mountain\u201d cover \u2013 it covers the costs if you need emergency transport off of the mountain,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other optional extras might include spa visits, sledging, ice hockey matches or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/meribel\/things-to-do-meribel.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">non-ski activities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for evenings or rest days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example Budgets for a Ski Trip<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact budget needed for your ski holiday to Meribel will always vary from person to person and is dependent on a whole range of factors that we\u2019ve explored. However, as a rough guide per person (7 nights) you could expect to pay:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation: \u00a3500\u2013\u00a31,500<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flights &amp; transfers: \u00a3150\u2013\u00a3400<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lift pass: \u00a3300-\u00a3358<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment hire: \u00a3100\u2013\u00a3150<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lessons: \u00a3235\u2013\u00a3550<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance: \u00a325\u2013\u00a350 (+ \u20ac3\u20135 per day Carre Neige)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending money: \u00a3300\u2013\u00a31,500<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total: roughly \u00a31,500\u2013\u00a33,500 depending on choices and season.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to make your trip as affordable as possible, check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/affordable-ski-holidays\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tips for an affordable ski holiday.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plan_a_Ski_Trip_Around_Your_Budget\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan a Ski Trip Around Your Budget<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booking early is usually the simplest way to control costs and get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/ski-deals-chalet-meribel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good ski deal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although, it\u2019s always worth taking a look around if you fancy doing a last minute trip too as this is another way to potentially save.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peak weeks like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/skiing-at-christmas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christmas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, New Year, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/half-term-skiiing-in-meribel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">February half term<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the Easter Holidays book up quickly. Many chalets are already booked up for a number of weeks for the following season before the current one ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can travel outside peak weeks (early December, January or mid-March), you\u2019ll often find:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better availability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quieter slopes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More favourable pricing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you know your dates, getting organised early avoids compromise later. It\u2019s also always worth looking out for extra value weeks, like during the first two weeks of January when those staying with Ski Basics receive a complimentary Meribel lift pass per person, worth around \u20ac300. You then have the choice to simply upgrade this to a Three Valleys lift pass if you wish to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_How_Much_Should_You_Budget_for_a_Ski_Trip\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, How Much Should You Budget for a Ski Trip?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t one single answer when it comes to the question of how much you should budget for a ski trip. Your total spend depends on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation type<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time of year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel choices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lift pass selection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How you like to eat and socialise<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some, it\u2019s about maximising ski time and keeping evenings simple. For others, it\u2019s part skiing, part mountain dining and apres experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With informed planning, Meribel offers flexibility. You can shape the week around what matters most to you, without any unnecessary surprises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d like help choosing the right chalet or understanding costs for your preferred dates, explore our catered and self-catered options or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speak to the Ski Basics team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We\u2019re always more than happy to help. If you\u2019re ready to book your next trip to Meribel, why not <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/skibasics.mychaletbooking.com\/chalets\/?_gl=1*16s94c1*_gcl_au*MTIxMzA1Mzk4Ny4xNzcxOTUwMzY5*_ga*OTEzNjEwMzIzLjE3MzkzMDA5MjA.*_ga_35S9QV4YK5*czE3NzIxODk0NTEkbzc5JGcxJHQxNzcyMTkxMTY1JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..&amp;_ga=2.254335820.511646794.1772177701-913610323.1739300920\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">explore our chalet prices and availability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> now!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Meribel more expensive than other French ski resorts?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some areas, yes but not across the board. Meribel offers one of the strongest overall balances between ski access, village atmosphere and range of accommodation in the Three Valleys.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What time of year offers the best value for a Meribel ski trip?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early December, January and later in the season (spring skiing) often provide great value, with quieter slopes and reliable conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are lift passes included in most Meribel ski packages?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually not. However, during the first two weeks of January, Ski Basics guests can benefit from a complimentary Three Valleys lift pass per person, worth around \u20ac300.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ski holidays are often seen as expensive, complicated to budget for, with hidden extras that only become clear once you\u2019re there. However, this definitely doesn\u2019t have to be the case.\u00a0 Like most things, the cost of a ski trip depends on how you choose to do it. Accommodation style, time of year, travel choices and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":5143,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[255,69],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-booking-a-ski-holiday","category-skiing-in-meribel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5142"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5142\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skibasics.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}