My first skiing trip was almost ruined, but then I experienced the true magic of the Alps.

Have you ever dreamed of skiing down snowy mountains, staying in cosy chalets, and experiencing the thrill of conquering the slopes? I certainly did, and after years of yearning for this adventure, I finally decided to make it a reality. The only problem? I didn't know how to ski. But that wasn't going to stop me. I was determined to learn and nothing was going to stand in my way.

I spent £200 on gear and mentally psyched myself up for the challenge. As I arrived at Le Coucou in Méribel, I could feel the excitement building within me. This was my chance to live out my Chalet Girl dreams. Standing on the glistening snow under the clear blue sky, I was ready for my hour-long training session to begin. The instructor started with the basics - putting on skis, shuffling across flat ground, and slowly gliding down a gentle slope. To my surprise, I managed to stay upright and even make some wobbly turns by the end. I was hooked and couldn't wait to book more lessons.

But fate had other plans. Due to a scheduling mix-up, I was only able to have one session, and going solo was deemed too dangerous. My heart sank, but I refused to let this hiccup ruin my Alpine adventure. I decided to leave the skiing to the experts and explore the winter wonderland beyond the slopes.

As soon as I arrived in Méribel, I discovered a whole new world of possibilities for those who prefer to stay off the slopes. One of my favorites was snowshoeing - a peaceful and scenic way to experience the snow. Our guide took us on a trek through forests and meadows, where the only sounds were the crunching of snow underfoot and the occasional birdsong. The trails offered breathtaking views, perfect for photo stops. Being someone who loves capturing every moment, I was in heaven. The sky never failed to put on a show for us.

But the most memorable moment of my trip was watching the sunrise over the mountains with a hot cup of coffee in hand. Even if you're not an early riser, the allure of that breathtaking view is irresistible. It's a view that makes you feel connected to the world around you.

Méribel is at the center of the world-famous Les 3 Vallées, and getting to Le Coucou is easy. You can take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV train to Moutiers, followed by a 30-minute taxi or bus ride to Méribel. Or you can fly from London to Geneva or Chambéry and then take a transfer.

Inspired by the sunrise spectacle, I decided to try something new - snow yoga. At first, I was skeptical. How could yoga work in sub-zero temperatures? Would we have to lie down on icy ground? Did I need to bring my yoga pants? Thankfully, we were able to keep our coats and gloves on as our instructor guided us on a slow walk through the snow-topped woodland, encouraging us to connect with the air for a mindful experience.

Despite being someone who loves to explore and be on the go, I found that some of the best moments from my trip were the quiet ones. The chalet I stayed in had a pool and sauna, and I spent my evenings floating and enjoying a steam session. The outdoor pools were a standout, and even though I was initially worried about swimming in the cold, the contrast between the hot water and chilly air turned out to be a blissful experience. Definitely one for the bucket list. The on-site spa also offered indulgent treatments to help me defrost after a day in the snow. I highly recommend trying the Le Coucou Facial and the "Grand Froid" for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Aside from the mountains, Méribel had so much more to offer. Its charming streets were dotted with boutiques and cosy cafes, perfect for warming up and soaking in the après-ski vibe. One of my favorite experiences was taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride to Le Clos Bernard, a traditional mountain restaurant by the piste that served Savoyard specialties like fondue, grilled lamb, and raclette. And back at Le Coucou, the menus in its four restaurants were just as impressive. I savored creamy risottos at Biancaneve, grilled seafood at Beefbar, and delicious après-ski desserts at the Bar des Pistes. But my absolute favorite was the Ile Flottante - a soft meringue that melted in my mouth. I might just have to go back for that alone!

My time in Méribel was full of surprises, from start to finish. Whether you're drawn to this snowy paradise for the thrilling slopes, peaceful moments in the crisp mountain air, or the stunning sunrises, one thing is certain - the memories will stay with you long after you leave. I was a guest at Le Coucou in Méribel, and I highly recommend it. Nightly rates start from £382 per room on a half-board basis, and rates at Chalet Eglantine and Chalet Eleonore start from £5,391 on a half-board basis. So what are you waiting for? Book your Alpine adventure now.

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