Big news for Méribel skiers and holidaymakers—major improvements are coming to the Rond-Point area!
The resort has laid out a detailed redevelopment plan to improve access, comfort, and sustainability for everyone using this key part of the ski area.
The Drawbacks and Difficulties of the Current Configuration of the Area
Difficulties for Beginner Skiers
Departures from the Rond-Point
Currently, beginner skiers wanting to depart on skis from the Rond-Point (or arriving from the Altiport) have only two options:
- Take the Côtes drag lift (which is quite steep) to reach the Rhodos gondola mid-station and access the Altiport beginner area. This lift is poorly suited to beginners or young children.
- Ski down to the Chaudanne to take one of the four lifts from the snow front, each providing access to easy pistes. This descent must be done via the Doron piste (or its variants), which requires a ski level that beginners often don’t yet have. For many, this descent can feel stressful, especially during peak hours.
Additionally, the Adret chairlift, which starts from the Doron piste, is not a suitable alternative for less experienced skiers because it only leads to blue and red pistes at the top.
Skiers wanting to descend to La Chaudanne
At midday or the end of the day, many beginner or intermediate—and sometimes just tired—skiers arrive at the Rond-Point via:
- The green Forêt piste from the Altiport area
- The green Rhodos piste from the top of the Rhodos gondola
Once at the Rond-Point, these skiers face the same challenges mentioned above:
- Difficulty reaching the Rhodos mid-station to descend safely to the Chaudanne (for those coming from the Forêt piste)
- Difficulty skiing to the Chaudanne via the Doron piste, especially at the end of the day when it’s busy and worn
- Difficulty skiing between the Rhodos mid-station and the Rond-Point, as the piste becomes blue at that point and is heavily trafficked late in the day
So the Goal is..
The main aim is to make it easier and safer for beginner and tired skiers, as well as pedestrians, to move between the Rond-Point, Chaudanne, and Belvédère without relying on buses or tricky ski routes. The plan also takes into account low-snow periods, with better lift connectivity to keep the ski day running smoothly.
What’s Changing?
Here’s what’s in the works:
A new two-way cable lift will link the Rond-Point directly to the Rhodos gondola mid-station.
It’ll carry 700 people per hour and be accessible to everyone—skiers, pedestrians, families, even strollers. This means no more stressful descents for beginners or relying on shuttles.
The Rhodos gondola is getting a full upgrade
Over 2024–2026: new cabins, refurbished stations, better electrics and mechanics—all aiming for more comfort and reliability.
A new green piste will run from the Rhodos mid-station to the Rond-Point
This will give beginners a safe, easy route separated from advanced skiers.
The Adret chairlift will be removed,
Thus making room for the new cable car and allowing the Doron piste to be widened at the base of the old Adret lift—great news for intermediate skiers who often find it crowded at day’s end.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about sustainability. By improving lift connections and reducing the need for road transport, Méribel is making solid progress toward its climate goals. It also makes the mountain more accessible to all levels of skiers, which is a win for everyone.