Travel: Skiing: Meribel - best resort for piste-bashing

FOR the Great British Intermediate Skier, who prefers to travel around on skis rather than perfect turns on the same dreary old piste or undertake arduous adventures off-piste, there is nowhere like the Three Valleys, each a major ski area in its own right (or, in the case of the westerly Belleville valley, two major ski areas). For easiest access to the whole area, stay in Meribel-Mottaret, near the top of the central valley.

PLUS POINTS: Vast amounts of skiing. Efficient lifts, negligible queues. Ski-in, ski-out accommodation if you pick the right spot.

MINUS POINTS: Less than ideal nursery slopes. Limited apres-ski and night-life.

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