Today's weather in Méribel

The Alpine region has a very special climate. Although the thermometre shows relatively mild temperatures in the ski resort, the actual temperature can be quite different when skiing in winter in the mountains and at altitude: so dress warmly!

If you're skiing in the morning, on north-facing slopes or in the late afternoon, temperatures can change significantly. If you're afraid of being overdressed, carry a backpack which has room to store excess layers if you get too hot.

• A breathable first layer: to wick away perspiration when making effort, and to prevent you from feeling cold when you're sitting on/in the lifts. Ideal for downhill skiing is merino wool, offering warmth and breathability.

• The cosy second layer: to keep your body warm. A fleece or micro-down jacket is perfect, or both for the coldest skiers and depending on your type of ski jacket.

• The third layer: the ski jacket. It is essential that this is windproof. Wind is always present when you're on the slopes, from the weather (the 'bise', 'foehn', north wind...) and also the wind caused by the speed of the descent when you're hurtling down the Méribel slopes, or the wind on the chairlifts during the ascent.

Even if the sky is blue, the average temperature seems mild and the weather forecast seems good, it's essential to dress warmly! The weather changes rapidly in the mountains and the temperature can feel much lower than you expect. At altitude, it is not at all unusual for the temperature to drop below 0 degrees.

A pair of ski pants and thermal leggings are ideal to keep you warm and dry! Real ski socks are more comfortable in ski boots, and will also protect you from sub-zero temperatures.

Choose a ski jacket with a waterproof membrane, especially as precipitation can sometimes turn to rain in the lower parts of the ski area. At such times, you'll feel much cooler so it's important to cover up properly.

The temperature often feels colder in the mountains, even when the ski is blue. Make sure your kids are comfortable and cosy with warm and waterproof layers. Children are often rolling and playing in the snow, even when they're budding champions! Our top tip for keeping kids warm from morning until afternoon: mittens. Easy to take on and off, and the warmest option for little fingers.

In conclusion, whether it's sunny, foggy, damp or windy, whether temperatures or in the positive or negative (less than 0 degrees), in the Alps we don't mess about: we head out on the slopes covered up and cosy!