Home › Eat & après-ski › Bars & après-ski
Aux Petits Oignons Méribel: Cozy Fireside Après-Ski
If you want an authentic spot to unwind after skiing over from Courchevel, Aux Petits Oignons Méribel is well worth the short journey across the ridge. Operating since 2007, this welcoming neighborhood bistro and bar has spent years serving skiers, resort workers, and local residents who want good food, honest drinks, and an unpretentious room to relax in.
The space revolves around an open hearth that warms cold ski boots in minutes, flanked by a sunny terrace that catches the southern alpine light during clear afternoons. It feels less like an international tourist venue and more like a dependable mountain living room where you can linger over a cold draft beer, share a board of Beaufort cheese, and stay for a hearty dinner without any resort fuss.
At a glance
| Type of place | Alpine bistro and neighborhood après-ski bar |
|---|---|
| Village | Méribel (Altitude 1600) |
| Best time | Late afternoon for fireside drinks; 19:00 for dinner |
| Music | Casual background atmosphere; varies |
| Dress code | Casual skiwear and mountain attire |
| Entry / tables | Free bar entry; dinner reservations strongly recommended |
| Season and hours | Mid-Dec to late April; Mon–Sat 11:00–00:00 (closed Sun) |
| Price range | Moderate for Les 3 Vallées; prices change season to season |
Why It Is Worth a Visit
Skiing across Les 3 Vallées gives you access to a huge range of afternoon stops, but many slopeside venues tilt toward high-volume party crowds or high-end luxury dining. Aux Petits Oignons strikes a completely different chord. Established in 2007, it has carved out a loyal following by focusing on straightforward mountain hospitality, home-cooked comfort dishes, and a relaxed social environment where everyone is welcome.
The venue works equally well for guests stepping off the piste in damp ski boots and those heading out in street clothes for dinner. It sits slightly away from the crowded commercial center of Méribel, which keeps the atmosphere calm, friendly, and grounded in everyday valley life. British and French seasonal workers sit alongside visiting families, sharing space by the fire and swapping notes on snow conditions across the Saulire and Pas du Lac sectors.
What makes an afternoon or evening here special is the unforced sense of comfort. You do not need bottle service, a wristband, or a strict dress code to enjoy yourself. It delivers the classic alpine warmth that draws people back to the mountains year after year.
The Vibe and Atmosphere
The heart of the interior is an open central log fireplace that sets a rustic, welcoming tone the moment you walk through the door. Simple wooden furnishings, warm lighting, and traditional alpine decor make the indoor dining and bar area feel immediately comfortable, especially on stormy January days when snow is falling heavily outside.
On clear and sunny days, the outdoor terrace takes center stage. Facing south, it collects direct mountain sunshine through the afternoon, offering an easygoing perch for a daytime drink, a hot chocolate, or a shared apéritif while watching skiers return down the lower slopes. The crowd here is casual and friendly, with conversation flowing easily across tables.
Rather than loud performance sets or intrusive sound systems, the venue keeps the focus on shared conversation, warm crackling logs, and unhurried hospitality. It is the sort of room where you can easily lose an hour reading by the hearth or discussing the day’s best ski runs with the person sitting at the next table.
When to Go
The winter season at Aux Petits Oignons runs from mid-December through late April, alongside additional openings in the summer and inter-season periods. During the ski months, the bar opens Monday through Saturday from 11:00 until midnight, closing on Sundays so the team can rest.
If you are dropping in for food, keep their service schedules in mind. Lunch is served from 12:00 to 14:00, making it an excellent midway stop if you have spent the morning cruising the Méribel trails. Evening dining in the restaurant runs from 19:00 to 22:00, while the bar remains open for drinks until midnight.
Certain nights draw extra interest during the week. The team hosts specialty winter evenings, including cheese fondue and hot stone grill nights on Mondays, as well as a traditional British-style roast on Christmas Day. Because hours, weekly schedules, and seasonal dates can shift, it is always smart to check their official website before finalizing your plans.
Drinks, Food, Tables and Dress Code
The kitchen emphasizes generous, home-cooked comfort food tailored to big appetites earned on the mountain. One of the standout favorites is their signature Maxi Croque Monsieur, prepared with rich local Beaufort cheese. You will also find homemade burgers, warming soups, thoughtful vegetarian options, and traditional French evening mains that rotate across the winter.
For après-ski, table service makes ordering effortless. You can settle in with sharing boards loaded with Savoyard cheeses and cured charcuterie, paired with draft beers, French wines, regional spirits, soft drinks, or hot winter drinks.
Entry to the bar area is free and informal, but the dining room fills up quickly in the evenings. Because the restaurant has limited seating and a strong local following, advance reservations are strongly recommended if you plan to stay for dinner.
The dress code is completely relaxed. Mountain attire, everyday knitwear, and casual ski jackets are standard. You will fit right in arriving straight from the slopes in salopettes or strolling over from your chalet in warm winter boots.
| Service | Days | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Service | Monday to Saturday | 11:00 to midnight |
| Lunch Service | Monday to Saturday | 12:00 to 14:00 |
| Dinner Service | Monday to Saturday | 19:00 to 22:00 |
| Weekly Closure | Sunday | Closed all day |
Rules, Safety and Practicalities
Aux Petits Oignons is genuinely family-friendly. Parents traveling with young skiers will find high chairs and a dedicated children’s menu, making it an easy choice for family lunches or early suppers. Dogs and household pets are also permitted, so four-legged companions can rest quietly beside the table.
Local tip: If you plan to attend the Monday cheese fondue or hot stone grill evening, book your table several days ahead, as valley locals and season workers regularly pack the dining room for those nights.
If you are enjoying alcoholic drinks, keep in mind that the legal drinking age in France is 18, and proof of age may be requested. Mountain roads around Altitude 1600 freeze quickly once the sun drops behind the ridges, creating slick patches of black ice on asphalt and stairways. Never drive after drinking. Instead, make use of the free valley shuttle buses, book a local taxi, or walk carefully with sturdy winter footwear.
Getting There and Staying Nearby
The venue is located in the Altitude 1600 section of Méribel, situated directly alongside the Sherpa supermarket and the Sport 1600 ski shop. Dedicated parking is available directly outside for patrons arriving by car.
If you are arriving on skis, descend the Doron piste toward Méribel. Pull off at the Marie Blanche corner, from which it is a flat, easy 150-meter walk right to the front door. Always remember to wear a helmet, follow marked trail boundaries, and verify the daily avalanche bulletin before entering any unmanaged terrain.
Pedestrians can reach the bistro quickly from other parts of the resort using the free Méribus shuttle. Line C stops just steps away and operates until midnight, making it simple to travel between Méribel Centre and 1600. Local taxis also regularly serve Route 1600 for those heading back late at night.
If you are staying in the Courchevel valley, reaching Méribel by lift via the Saulire cable car or Verdons gondola is quick during the day, but you must monitor lift closing times closely so you do not miss the last connection back over the ridge. For those staying overnight in Méribel, the chalets and rental apartments throughout Altitude 1600 and the Morel area provide convenient, quiet lodging within walking distance.
Nice to Combine With
A stop at Aux Petits Oignons pairs naturally with an active day exploring the linked runs of Les 3 Vallées. You can spend your morning on the wide cruisers of Courchevel 1850 or Moriond, cross the top of Saulire at midday, and ski down into Méribel for a relaxed fireside lunch before returning to Courchevel ahead of the final lift horns.
If you are spending the entire afternoon or evening in the Méribel valley, you can contrast the laid-back neighborhood style here with livelier entertainment options closer to the resort center. For live music and slope-side energy, check our guide to Jacks Méribel, or travel down the valley road to sample the outdoor terrace at La Terrasse du Village Méribel. Ending your evening with a quiet nightcap by the open fire at Aux Petits Oignons brings the day to a restful close.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“A very nice place to stay in Méribel. The owner, Sarah, is very friendly and efficient.”
“Dish of the day ~€16, set menu of the day ~€20, unbeatable prices in Méribel Mottaret.”
“Very nice atmosphere and great / friendly service and the food was really tasty and very good Highly recommended ❤️❤️❤️”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ski directly to Aux Petits Oignons?
Yes. Skiers can descend the Doron piste to the Marie Blanche corner and make a short, flat 150-meter walk straight to the front door.
Do I need to book a table for dinner?
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for dinner service in the restaurant. The bar area offers free entry for walk-in après-ski drinks.
Are children and dogs allowed?
Yes, the venue welcomes both children and pets. High chairs and a dedicated children’s menu are available for families.
How do I get back from Aux Petits Oignons late at night?
The free local Méribus Line C stops just steps away from the restaurant and runs until midnight. Local road taxis can also be hired for journeys back to your accommodation.
Find it
Address: Altitude, Rte 1600, 73550 Les Allues, France
