Meribel Hiking & Walking Trails

Whether your idea of walking in the mountains is a gentle ramble or a three day hike, Méribel has something for you. The valley has hundreds of kilometres of beautiful, marked walking trails, some of which link up with the lifts, and a booklet of recommended circuits is available from the Tourist Office. For the more adventurous, try longer hikes into the Vanoise National Park, perhaps staying overnight in a refuge. The local Mountain Guides Office offer guided group walks, walks on a glacier, and private, longer trips.

The Méribel valley also offers 20km of specially prepared walking trails linking the various villages. Pick up a free map from the Tourist Office and head into the mountains on foot. Some of the walks are circular, for others you will need to return via bus or ski lift. Only one is flat (around the Lac Tueda above Mottaret) so be prepared for hills.  Read more about Hiking & Walking in Méribel.

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.

Well signposted trails

Once the snow has melted in spring, however, the range of walking options becomes much wider, with over 500km of walking paths in the Three Valleys. Clearly marked trails lead through forest and pasture, to summits and breathtaking viewpoints, to mountain lakes and past working farms, and into the nearby Vanoise National Park. Wildlife is abundant thanks to the proximity of this protected area, and one can often see marmots, foxes, red and roe deer, buzzards, choughs and, if you are lucky, a golden eagle. During July and August some of the ski lifts are open to walkers and mountain bikers, allowing easy access to the summits and into the neighbouring valleys. Lift tickets can be bought by the trip, day or week. An English-language booklet called ‘Guide to Walks’ is available from the Tourist Offices (cost €6.50). This gives details of the best circular walks in the valley, some of which are suitable for families, and includes a section on Mottaret’s Botanical trail. It is worth also buying the map of the Three Valleys, number IGN 3615, available from the Maison de la Presse.

Carpets of flowers

Walkers enjoy free access to two protected areas: Méribel’s Tueda Nature Reserve, and the Vanoise National Park. The Tueda Reserve reaches from the Tueda lake above Mottaret to the head of the valley and the Gebrolaz glacier. It is home to a rare and protected evergreen, the Cembro pine, and offers walkers beautiful, untouched scenery. A botanical trail allows you to discover 80 varieties of alpine flora, and the free visitor centre (Maison de la Réserve) gives information on the local environment, flowers and animals. Méribel is one of gateways to the Vanoise National Park, an outstanding protected mountainous area which stretches to the Italian border. For walkers there are nearly 500km of marked trails which can be explored in day trips or longer treks staying in some of the 50 mountain refuges. (Note that camping and dogs are not allowed.) The trails are not difficult and are accessible to all walkers with suitable equipment. The Mountain Guides’ Office (Bureau des Guides) offers a variety of guided outings, many in the national park. A weekly hiking programme is offered during July and August, with half, one and two-day treks (book at Méribel Tourist Office). For the more adventurous, high mountain tours, rock climbing, canyoning and via ferrata are available. Children can also enjoy exploring the area: Les Castors Juniors’ club offers children aged 6 to 12 an introduction to the mountains and nature.

Col de la Loze

Walking can be enjoyed all year long in Méribel. The best months to come for winter walks are usually January, February and March (in April the trails melt). June sees the best wildflowers and very few other walkers. July and August mark the official Méribel summer season when the resort is full of activities and entertainment. You can also make use of the ski lifts during these months. September and October are often beautiful months with glorious autumn colours and the mountains are again very quiet. Merinet Top Tips:

• Start out gently, and build up to longer and higher walks.
• Buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping on snow (available from Sport Boutique, 15€).
• Take plenty of water and high energy snacks with you.
• Check the weather forecast before you set out. This is posted at Méribel Tourist Office each day.
• High factor sun cream is a must at any time of year in the mountains. Reapply at least every two hours.
• The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring a fleece and waterproof jacket with you even on sunny days.
• Tell someone where you will be going, and when you are expected back. In an emergency call 112

Contact details Méribel lift company - Méribel Alpina Tel 04 79 08 65 32 Mottaret lift company - S3V Tel 04 79 08 20 00 Bureau des Guides & Les Castors Junior Tel 04 79 00 30 38 Info point at Meribel Tourist Office - Vanoise National Park Tel 04 79 08 69 88 French Ski School Tel 04 79 08 60 31 Raquett’Evasion Tel 06 09 40 20 28 Maison de la Reserve de Tueda Tel 04 79 01 04 75