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Meribel Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Meribel |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in Meribel, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination!
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| Cross-Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 33km of prepared cross country trails in the valley; situated at the Lac de Tueda in Mottaret and around the Altiport area of Méribel. A total of 90km of trails are available in Meribel, Courchevel and La Tania.
Both classic and skating forms of the sport are accommodated, usually side by side. The trails are free to use and you can pick up a guide booklet and map from the Tourist Offices.
Pistes are maintained each night and walkers are requested not to use the marked trails. The ESF (French Ski School) offers private or group lessons in cross country skiing in both Meribel and Mottaret. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the Three Valleys area. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 11-Apr-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Three Valleys.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Horse Drawn Sleigh |
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You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lac Tueda from the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Rides start every hour from 10am to 4pm and leave from Le Chatelet. Prices start at €25 for 15 minutes; reserve in advance for this popular activity +33 (0) 603 55 20 89. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Hot Air Ballooning (Vol en Montgolfiere) |
Hot air ballooning looks serene, but there are moments of excitement. Once the creaking wicker basket rises off the ground you are uncomfortably reminded that you are suspended hundreds of metres above the ground in a small twig structure! The views are stunning, and as you glide over the forests you may see deer and other animals that are normally hidden from view. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view.
Remember to wear warm clothing and bring your binoculars, see Flying & Parapenting for details of hot air ballooning companies. |
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
| Husky Sledding (Traineaux a Chiens) |
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Action, Fun & Sports page. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. There are many stunning locations in and around the Vanoise National Park where you can try your hand at ice climbing. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Karting |
Every Monday evening at 9pm Méribel's Olympic Ice Skating rink is transformed into a race track! With studded tyres and extra thick bumpers you can take on your friends and speed around the ice on a go-kart. You'll find, as you spin round the corners, that technique is more important than speed and this can really bring out your competitive streak!
Helmets must be worn and instructions will be given before you are let loose on the rink; remember to wrap up and bring a pair of warm gloves. Anyone over the age of 10 years and over 1.40m tall can take part - just be sure to book in advance as this is a really popular activity. A 10 minute session costs around €20. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
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Méribel's Olympic Ice Rink hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics ice hockey matches. These days it features a swimming pool, restaurant and other facilities for the general public. It is still a huge arena, with a capacity of 2400, and hosts international ice hockey matches, skating galas and other events. It is open for public skating daily from 4pm until 7.30pm and on Thursday evenings until 9.30pm, you can even try ice-karting on a Monday night! |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Indoor Climbing Wall (Mur d’Escalade) |
Complete beginners can make a first ascent of the indoor climbing wall at the Olympic Centre with instruction from local mountain guides. Harness, helmet and climbing shoes are provided, and safety ensured by a safety rope. Once you reach the top, climb or abseil back down to the ground. These is a great way to get fit, as it is surprisingly hard work (you'll certainly feel it the next day!) and is suitable for anyone over the age of 5.
Available Tuesday and Thursday 6–8pm (Tuesday to Friday during holiday periods). |
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last updated 2-Jun-2008 |
| Paragliding (Parapente) |
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From near the top of la Saulire or Col de la Loze one can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Meribel for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Piste Basher Driving |
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Fancy a unique mode of transport while you’re in Méribel? Piste basher driving is not just confined to the pisteurs; after a short briefing you can take your place behind the controls and guide your vehicle over the snow on its enormous caterpillar tracks. Sessions can be arranged through some Tour Operators or activity companies such as Whitetracks or AOB Leisure. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) above Mottaret after the pistes close (5.30 – 9.30pm). Seated either one or two per bike, one follows the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder. Half way through the hour-long outing driver and passenger swap places, and off you speed again. More experienced snow-mobilers can take a more advanced outing. Accompanied children aged four and above can ride mini snow-mobiles around a mini-circuit during the day. Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder.
See Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking (Raquette à Neige) |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are usually provided. See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshoe Website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
Although there are no official toboggan or 'luge' runs in Méribel there are a couple of places where children may sledge: in Mottaret near to the Combes chairlift, at the Chaudanne near to the Rhodos bubble lift and at the Altiport. You can buy or hire sledges fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops.
There is also an annual organised toboggan event each February when when the green Truite piste from Mottaret to Méribel is opened after 6pm. You must register in advance at Mottaret Tourist Office and for a small entry fee you will be given a sled and helmet before you set off, check out our What's On calendar for further details. |
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last updated 10-Jul-2008 |
| Tourist Flights (Vols Touristiques en Avion) |
Take off from Méribel’s Altiport in a light aircraft equipped with skis. Flights vary from a ten minute flight around the valley to a one hour tour of Mont Blanc. The small plane takes up to three passengers, and for those used to jet planes, it sounds worryingly like a diesel engine Morris Minor. Once airborne you forget the rattling and shaking and enjoy spectacular views.
See Flying & Parapenting for details of local flight companies. |
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
| Winter Walking Trails |
The Méribel Valley is a walker’s paradise throughout the year. During the winter season a network of groomed walking trails allow walkers to discover the resort and its surroundings on foot. 25km of trails link Méribel, Mottaret, the local villages and even some of the mountain restaurants. One circular walk enters the Tueda Nature Reserve above Mottaret, and another climbs to la Traie mountain refuge.
These trails are groomed after each snowfall, meaning that no snowshoes or special equipment is needed to enjoy them. A free map can be obtained from the Tourist Office, together with a list of which trails are open and groomed. If you don't know the valley very well you can join a guided group or download the useful trail map and walking guide below.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth! Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping, all of this can be bought from most local Sport Shops.
Click here for prices of pedestrian lift passes.
Méribel Winter Walking Map & Guide
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
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