Skiing Solo in the Alps - Never been Easier

Skiing is often seen as a group trip with shared chalets, long lunches with friends, and après-ski with a crowd. But what if you flipped the script? Could you go skiing in the Alps solo and actually enjoy it?

The short answer: absolutely. Skiing on your own offers something different - more freedom, more focus, and a chance to move entirely at your own pace. A solo ski trip can be one of the most rewarding winter experiences.

But not all ski resorts are built for it. You need somewhere easy to navigate, with a good mix of slopes, a solid solo-friendly atmosphere, and accommodation that doesn’t assume you're arriving in a group of 4. And perhaps most importantly, somewhere you can find good food and friendly faces when you want them.

One place that ticks all those boxes? Méribel, in the French Alps.

Why Méribel Works for Solo Skiers

Located in Les Trois Vallées, Méribel is perfectly positioned - right in the middle of the largest connected ski area in the world. With 600km of pistes linking Courchevel, Val Thorens, and more, you can cover serious ground without ever repeating a run.

But its central location isn’t the only reason it works for solo skiers. Méribel has a compact, well-organised village with reliable ski lift connections, plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation, and an international crowd that makes it easy to blend in. It’s lively without being overwhelming, and there’s a strong English-speaking presence in both the ski schools and the hospitality sector.

Most importantly, Méribel’s slopes cater to every ability. If you're looking to push yourself, you can drop into the steeper slopes of Mont Vallon or explore the off-piste runs with a local guide. Prefer something more chill? Cruise the wide blues in the Altiport area!

Where to Stay -  Hotel Le Savoy

For solo travellers, Hotel Le Savoy strikes the right balance between style and comfort without the sense that you're paying for space you won’t use. Centrally located in Méribel village, this four-star boutique hotel is just a short walk to the ski lifts and has excellent service.

The rooms are well-sized (even the singles), the décor is tastefully alpine without being twee, and there’s a cosy library lounge with a fireplace that’s ideal for reading or unwinding after a day on the slopes. The hotel also has a small wellness area with a sauna and steam room - perfect for solo downtime.

Staff are friendly and genuinely helpful, especially for those skiing alone, helping arrange lift passes or recommending quieter trails. They go beyond the usual check-in formalities.

Where to Eat -  L'Igloo Restaurant

Dining alone in a ski resort can feel awkward if you're stuck between communal tables filled with ski parties. L'Igloo on the other hand is a stylish, low-lit restaurant located in the centre of Méribel that’s as comfortable for a party of one as it is for a group.

Their menu leans into local Savoyard classics with a lighter twist, grilled fish, seasonal soups, and tartiflette. The bar area has counter seating, ideal for solo diners who want a drink and a proper meal. The wine list is also huge, with local bottles by the glass.

Getting There and Getting Around

Getting to Méribel is relatively straightforward. From Ireland, fly into Geneva, Lyon, or Chambéry. Geneva typically offers the most flight options, with Aer Lingus and Ryanair running frequent services from Dublin.

From the airport, Méribel is around 2.5 hours by car or transfer. Several shuttle services run directly from Geneva, such as Ben’s Bus and Altibus, which cater well to solo travellers and make the transfer hassle-free. Alternatively, if you're confident on the road, hire a car - Méribel has plenty of parking, especially if you're staying centrally.

Once in the resort, everything is walkable, and regular local buses connect different parts of the village. Lift passes cover the entire Trois Vallées, and ski schools (like Oxygène or ESF Méribel) offer one-on-one coaching or group lessons that welcome solo skiers.

Without anyone to wait for or catch up with, you ski at your own speed. Take that extra run. Skip lunch. Linger over coffee! Skiing solo is more than possible, especially in such a fantastic solo-friendly location like Méribel.