Les Ravines Apartments, Méribel, France

Stayed here in January 2011 for a week as part of a group of four friends on a snowboarding holiday. We were trying to keep costs to a minimum and this was pretty much the cheapest we could find in Meribel. Our main concern before booking was that our apartment was officially for four but that a lot of reviews had said it wouldn't accommodate that number comfortably. While it certainly wasn't luxurious, it was fine and functional for our needs. We had bunks in the hall-way and a fold out double in the living room/diner. There's a fair bit of innovative storage space and with a bit of common sense and organisation we were fine. Kitchen was your alpine standard, couple of rings and a microwave with a grill in it - we managed fine. Decent sized balcony as well for a chill after getting in. Also good for chilling down beers! Ski room is in the basement but there's a lift so that's no bother. Getting four boards and four pairs of boots in the locker wasn't the easiest but was possible with a bit of creative thinking. Location wise it was ideal. You cross the road and head up an escalator and you're just above the main area where the lifts begin. Just over the road you have a small supermarket and there's a bigger one down the road (5-10 minute walk). The free shuttle bus stops literally outside and you aren't more than three minutes from various lively bars. As a ski area itself Meribel - and the three valleys - has something for everyone. As Meribel is in the middle valley you are ideally placed to explore all three. There are all types of run, plenty of boarder parks and plenty of apres! Les Ravines ticks the box on bargain accommodation if you're after somewhere cheap to eat and sleep.

Apres-Ski 4/5

Matthew Gamble