Malpensa to Méribel through the Mont Blanc Tunnel

In winter there's only one way

In summer you can cross from Italy to France over the Little St Bernard Pass. On the Italian side, though, it closes in early November and stays shut until spring. So in winter the car goes like this:

1. Motorway through the Aosta Valley to Courmayeur.
2. The Mont Blanc Tunnel into France.
3. The A43 to Albertville.
4. The N90 to Moûtiers.
5. The winding D90 up to the resort for the last 18 km.

Moûtiers is where all Three Valleys branch off: it has the railway station and the turnings for Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens. In winter the climb from Moûtiers is a series of hairpins, kept clear by snowploughs, and chains are sometimes needed.

On Saturdays in season the valley jams up, so the driver sets off with time to spare.

Documents and the Savoie rules

The French border lies within Schengen. Even so, everyone needs a passport or ID card, because there are sometimes checks at the tunnel entrance.

The tunnel is tolled, as are the French motorways. If you travel with us, both charges are already included in the price.

Savoie applies the mountain law: from 1 November to 31 March, a car must have winter tyres or carry chains. In winter our cars run on winter tyres with chains on board, at no extra cost.

Train and bus: 8–9 hours

There's no direct train. The route goes via Geneva and Chambéry with changes as far as Moûtiers, followed by a bus of around 45 minutes. Tickets come to €90–150.

Operator fares were checked on 5 September 2026. For winter dates, check again.

Méribel Centre, Mottaret or Village

Méribel is really several villages, and we drive to any of them, Méribel Village included. The two main ones are:

• Méribel Centre, 1,450 m. Savoyard-style chalets, shops and restaurants.
• Mottaret, 1,750 m. Higher up and nearer the lifts towards Val Thorens, with skiing almost from the door.

Centre and Mottaret are 6 km apart, linked by the free Méribus shuttle. So put the chalet's exact address in your booking, not just "Méribel".

The resort has no left-luggage facility. If you arrive before check-in, ask your hosts to keep your bags. If you're driving yourself, reserve covered parking at least five days ahead and for at least two days.

The Three Valleys and the 2026/27 season

Les 3 Vallées offers around 600 km of pistes between 1,100 and 3,230 m on a single ski pass. In 2023 Méribel co-hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships with Courchevel.

Méribel is open from 5 December 2026 to mid-April 2027. Dates for the diary:

• 28–29 December 2026: FIS night slaloms at the Corbey stadium;
• 28–29 January 2027: the Telemark World Cup;
• 13–18 April 2027: the Challenge ESF.

Fares to Méribel

Tap a row to book this route.

That's the price for the whole car. You see it when you book, and for this route it doesn't change afterwards. The tunnel, motorways in both countries, luggage, ski carriage and 60 minutes' waiting at the airport are all included. A child seat for any age is free. The return trip is 10% cheaper. You pay the driver on the spot, by card or in cash, with no prepayment.

Include your flight number in the booking: if you're delayed, the driver comes for the time you actually land. A night-time pick-up costs more on some routes, and you see that supplement in advance.

When to go from Milan

To be honest, Geneva, Chambéry and Lyon are all closer to Méribel. Starting from Milan makes sense if you're flying into Italy anyway or combining the trip with a stay in Milan.

The car pays off best for a large group. Three people with skis fit in a saloon; from four, you need a minivan. Eight people in a minivan pay about €108 each, without dragging ski bags through changes at Geneva and Chambéry.