A ski weekend in the Alps, planned to make every hour count
Two days on skis go by quickly. To make the most of a short break, the secret lies in removing everything that is not skiing: long transfers, queues for equipment, complicated meals. Staying at La Chaudanne, right in the centre of Méribel and close to the lifts, takes care of much of that. You arrive on Friday evening, sleep in the mountains and are ready for the first chairlift on Saturday morning.
Arriving on Friday. The resort is reached by the A43 motorway and the RN90 to Moûtiers, then a mountain road up the Allues valley, or by train to Moûtiers-Brides-les-Bains. On arrival, the valet parks your car, and a light dinner at the brasserie or in your room ends the journey on a relaxed note. Getting there the night before is what turns a ski weekend in the Alps into two full days on the snow.
Two days, two moods. On Saturday, many skiers explore the Méribel valley to find their bearings, from wide cruising runs to steeper pitches. On Sunday, they push towards a neighbouring resort of the 3 Vallées network, such as Courchevel or Val Thorens, before coming back for a final run in the early afternoon. For ideas beyond the pistes, see the winter activities published by Méribel Tourisme.
The right pace. A ski weekend Alps break is not a race. Taking a long lunch, stopping for a hot drink on a sunny terrace or returning early to the hotel for a swim are part of the pleasure. Being in the village centre gives this freedom, since the hotel is never far away. A well-paced ski weekend in the Alps often leaves you more rested than a rushed week.
Hotel services that save time on a short break:
- Valet parking: the car stays in the garage all weekend.
- Breakfast buffet: a hearty start before the first lift.
- Concierge desk: tips and bookings for the weekend.
Booking ahead. Weekends in high season can fill up quickly. Reserving on our official website lets you secure your room and tell the team about your arrival time, so everything is ready when you pull up on Friday night.
Equipment and rooms for a carefree weekend on the slopes
Carrying skis, boots and helmets for just two days is rarely worth the trouble. More and more skiers travel light and rent on site. In Méribel, this is particularly easy, as the rental shop sits on the same street as La Chaudanne.
Rental on the doorstep. Founded in 2010, Chaudanne Sport rents skis and clothing and adjusts boots through bootfitting, so that each foot finds the right fit. Its Ski Drive service delivers the equipment, which saves even more time on a short stay. The Rossignol and Fusalp boutiques complete the offer for those who need a new jacket or a pair of goggles.
A room to recharge. On a ski weekend in the Alps, sleep matters as much as the snow. Couples like the Standard South, with its sunny balcony and bathtub to soak tired legs. Friends travelling as a group often share the Lounge Suite, whose separate living space turns into extra beds at night, or the Superior Triple for three. Surfaces and bed types appear in the full room list.
Rooms often booked for a ski weekend:
- Petite Single: compact and quiet for a solo skier.
- Standard South: balcony and bathtub for two.
- Lounge Suite: up to four friends with a private lounge.
A stay that feels longer. Even two nights can feel like a real holiday when nothing has to be organised. The hardest part of the weekend is usually leaving, with the mountains still glowing in the Sunday afternoon light.
Morning efficiency. On the second day, breakfast can be brought to the room, allowing you to pack while sipping your coffee. Then it is back to the slopes for a final morning before setting off home.
Gear for every member of the group. Children, beginners and experts all find suitable equipment at the shop, from first skis to high-performance models. Knowing your boot size and level before you arrive makes the first visit even quicker. That is how a ski weekend Alps getaway starts without stress.
Travelling by train. Renting on site is especially useful for those who come by rail. You leave home with a simple weekend bag, and the transfer from Moûtiers can be arranged with our concierge team.
After the slopes: spa, dinner and a good night’s sleep
When the lifts close, a different part of the weekend begins. The cheeks are red from the cold, the legs are heavy, and the idea of driving somewhere for dinner is not appealing. At La Chaudanne, everything you need for the evening is under the same roof, which is exactly what tired skiers hope for after a long day outside.
Recovery time. The NUXE Spa welcomes skiers with massages focused on legs and back, and facials that soothe skin dried by wind and altitude. The indoor pool, steam room and sauna are ideal for a quick recovery session before dinner. Half an hour is often enough to feel light again and ready for Sunday. For two, the duo cabin turns recovery into a shared pleasure.
Dinner and drinks. As the light fades, Le 80 fills with skiers sharing an après-ski drink, before dinner is served in a lively setting. The bar, with its lounge and pub atmosphere, is perfect for a last drink while comparing the best runs of the day. On a ski weekend in the Alps, these shared evenings are often what friends remember most.
A good night’s sleep. After dinner, the calm of the rooms takes over, and the silence of the mountain night helps everyone recover. On a ski weekend in the Alps, this deep sleep is the best preparation for the second day.
Evening options without leaving the hotel:
- NUXE Spa: a massage after the slopes.
- Le 80 brasserie: après-ski, then dinner.
- La Chaudanne bar: a nightcap in a cosy setting.
For non-skiers. Not everyone in the group may want to ski both days. The resort maintains winter walking trails through the forest, and the Olympic Park offers a pool and an ice rink. Partners and children can enjoy the mountains in their own way, then meet the skiers back at the hotel. Younger children, meanwhile, love building with the bricks of our LEGO playroom before dinner.
Sunday departure. After a last morning on the snow, guests head home tired but happy, often already planning their next ski weekend Alps escape. Your next weekend in the snow is only a few clicks away on our official website.
