Here 4 the Apres

La Folie Douce is so popular that Les 3 Vallees gets two locations! La Folie Douce Meribel Courchevel is the best option for those staying in either Meribel or Courchevel. The vibrant atmosphere, lively patrons dancing on tables, albeit lower and therefore less dangerous tables than the Val Thorens location, combined with fewer champagne showers make it an ideal choice for those who want to revel in the après-ski madness while ensuring the safety of their expensive ski gear. However, be warned, La Folie Douce doesn’t translate to “the little madness” for no reason; it’s still a super fun party with libations galore.

Slopeside Revelry: How to get to La Folie Douce Meribel-Courchevel

La Folie Douce Meribel-Courchevel is strategically located just below the mid-station of the Saulire Express Gondola. Its unique positioning on a gondola offers the option to bypass skiing and simply take the gondola up and down to the après-ski festivities. While there is a short hike down from the gondola location, the experience is likely more enjoyable with skis than in regular shoes.

If approaching from the Courchevel side, take the Saulire gondola up, and then descend via the intermediate blue run, Biche, or opt for the convenient Saulire Express gondola on the Meribel side, but this might take a bit of a hike. When returning to Courchevel, be mindful of the last Saulire Express gondola’s schedule, typically around 4 to 4:30 pm, contingent on the time of year. The uphill walk to the gondola is not insignificant, so factor in enough time to ensure a seamless return. If you miss the gondola, you’ll have to pay for a very expensive cab ride back to Courchevel from Meribel, easily costing over 100 Euros.

For those coming from Val Thorens, there’s no need to venture to La Folie Douce in Meribel. Val Thorens boasts its own, making it a more convenient choice for those looking to head home promptly.

Days and Dusk: When to Revel in the Alpine Madness

The beauty of La Folie Douce Meribel Courchevel lies in its accessibility every single day. The French take après-ski seriously, and you can revel in the lively atmosphere every day of the week. Saturdays might be a bit quieter due to the changeover of skiers, with many opting for a Saturday-to-Saturday ski holiday. However, on other days, the party starts around 2:30 or 3pm and continues until around 4 or 4:30 pm, coinciding with the resort’s closing time.

Entrance Etiquette: No Cover Charge, No Worries

No need to worry about a cover charge; La Folie Douce Meribel Courchevel has never implemented one.

Security and Screening: ID Checks and Baggage Scrutiny

During my visit in 2022 amid the Covid-19 Omicron outbreak, France rigorously enforced the green pass requirement. To gain entry during that time you needed proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid rapid test.  While age and bag checks were not explicitly mentioned in my experience, it’s advisable to carry necessary identification and cooperate with any security protocols in place.

Age Demographics: From University Soirees to Family Frolics

Compared to the La Folie Douce in Val Thorens, the Meribel Courchevel crowd leans slightly older. The cost of accommodations in Meribel and Courchevel, especially in the more luxurious Courchevel 1850 area, tends to attract a more mature audience. However, there’s a mixed crowd, including younger college-age or early career adults, along with individuals in their 30s and 40s. Families are not uncommon, with some even joining in on the table dancing and merriment.

Sonic Landscapes: Electronic Beats, Pop Anthems, and Alpine Vibes

La Folie Douce in Meribel Courchevel boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a DJ, accompanied by a singer/MC, guitarist, and go-go dancers. The playlist is a mix of electronic beats and pop songs, ensuring a diverse musical experience.

Cost of Libations on the Heights

As of February 2022, a bottle of rosé was priced at 40 Euros, while a glass of authentic champagne cost 16 Euros. Checking their latest rates for the 2023/2024 season on the website reveals a slight increase, with a bottle of rosé now priced at 50 Euros. Much like the La Folie Douce Val Thorens location, you pay a premium for the larger format bottles, which is the exact opposite of regular restaurants, which gives you a bit of a discount.

Convenience and Coinage: The Restroom Line

Unlike the Val Thoren La Folie Douce location, the Meribel Courchevel location does not charge partrons to use their restrooms during apres ski hours. The restroom can be found downstairs inside the restaurant, with the door being closer to the entrance of La Folie Douce. I would suggest having a few euros on hand, just in case this policy has changed, and they do end up charging.

Ski-Branded Treasures: La Folie Douce Souvenirs

While I find the gear at the La Folie Douce Val Thorens location cuter, the Meribel-Courchevel spot offers basic gear featuring their iconic logo with their name and altitude in meters. Prices remain consistent, with stickers at 3 Euros, shirts at 35 Euros, beanie hats ranging from 26 to 45 Euros, and baseball caps priced between 29 and 39 Euros.

Navigating your Way Home

The mature crowd at La Folie Douce Meribel Courchevel contributes to a less chaotic scene when patrons leave. The option to take the gondola down further eases the departure process. For a swift return to Meribel Centre, taking the red Chamois run down to the blue Doron run is recommended. If you’re not confident about tackling the red run, especially after a few drinks, consider the alternative routes – either hike up a bit to access the green Blanchot or the blue Marmotte runs, following the signs back to Meribel Centre. The safest, albeit more time-consuming, route is to hike back up the hill to the Saulire Express gondola mid-station and take it back down.

For those headed back to Courchevel, skiing down and taking the Saulire Express gondola up is an option, or opt for a longer hike up the hill to catch it at the mid-station.