Meribel is fantastic for both families and groups of friends. With a fantastic night life and brilliant places to eat both on and off the mountain I would 100% recommend going.
Though the season this year (2017) was by no means the best, there was decent skiing all season. Definitely not the best resort if you are looking for powder.

After living in neighbouring Courchevel for two seasons, can say that I have always enjoyed a trip over to Meribel. The park is huge, there is tonnes of terrain to explore and loads of places to stop for food and drink, plus its between the two other valleys or the three valleys, so its ideally placed. Gives easy access to each of the other valleys and is home to a lot of varied terrain.