Events in Meribel & the 3 Valleys

Events in Meribel

There are loads of events organised year-round. From quirky local events to large scale sporting spectacles there is always something worth a gander. In this section we bring you information about the major annual events in resort and don't forget to check out our calender for the latest updates.

Meribel International Backgammon Tournament

Early December

With over 100 participants from around the wolrd, the Meribel Backgammon competition goes from strength to strength. It's a friendly event with some great prizes and warm hospitality up for grabs! There is a range of competitions, from doubles to speedgammon - all the entry fees are redistributed as prize money. Please visit the website for the full programme of events.

Christmas & New Year

Wondering what to do this Christmas and New Year?  The festive season in the snowy Alps is always magical and every year there is some sort of celebration in resort to mark the occasion.  Christmas is a far less commercial event in France than in the UK and so you won’t find things publicised for months in advance - but you can always be sure of a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine), a few carols and perhaps the odd firework or two!

Many of the restaurants will put on a special festive menu with champagne and traditional French dishes, so book in advance if you want to treat yourself to a meal out.  Likewise, planning ahead is advised if you have your heart set on ringing in the New Year in a particular bar or club – many of them are ticket-only, so enquire in advance to avoid disappointment!

The week leading up to Christmas sees Méribel sparkling with Christmas cheer!  The lights are up throughout resort and there is a lovely festive atmosphere.  On Christmas Eve you can welcome Father Christmas when he arrives in his sleigh and parades throughout the resorts of Méribel and Mottaret.  There will be Christmas carols and a special Mass held at the ice rink.  On Christmas Day itself there is normally some sort of children’s show and perhaps a last glimpse of Father Christmas before he flies back to the North Pole.

New Year’s Eve is one big party – as well as all the events laid on by the individual bars there is also a firework display, torch lit descent of the pistes and live music to dance the night away to.

To find out exactly what Méribel has in store this year have a look at our What’s On Calendar.  To get a feel for what Méribel nightlife is all about, take a look at our Dining and Going Out Guide.

British Land National Ski Championships

late March to early April

Great Britain’s National Ski Championships have been held in Meribel for many years The competition produces some fierce competition between the top British skiers and can be watched from the Chaudanne area in Meribel. The Championship has in the past included popular British Skiers Alain Baxter, Findlay Mickel, and Chemmy Alcott, all previous winners in Slalom, Downhill and Super G titles. The Seniors’ competition is shortly followed by the Junior & Children Championships where events follow a similar pattern to that of the seniors, incorporating the Super G, Giant and Slalom races.

Les 3 Vallees Enduro

Discover the Three Valleys

The legendary X-Wing Rally has changed its name to the 3 Vallees Enduro but still promises to be a great day out! Races and competitions such as the Val Thorens snake run, the Les Menuires slalom, the Courchevel Big Air Bag and the Meribel ski cross will take place right across the Three Valleys ski area.

Join up in teams of 3 to take part in a host of games and enjoy a giant Savoyard buffet lunch. More than a competition, the Enduro is a fun day out. All races are open to all categories, from beginner to expert, from children to oldies - with prizes for everyone!

Click on the website link below to sign up.

Three Valleys Bike Competition

Early July

The Three Valleys Mountain Bike competition takes place in Méribel at the start of the official summer season and is open to all. Running over the weekend, there are two main events; a ‘Free Bike’ competition, a timed descent from the top of the Saulire (2700m) to Brides-les-Bains (600m), and a 70kms 'Rando Tour' event completing circuits around the Three Valleys at various levels of difficulty thanks to the use of the ski lifts. The timed decent from La Saulire to Brides-les-Bains is a particularly spectacular event, the winner completing the course through the thick forest and narrow tracks on the bottom section in under 30 minutes. For further information see here : 3VTT 

Drive des Gourmets Golf Competition

Mid July

Drive des Goumets Golf Competition is Méribel’s most prestigious golf competition of the year. This three day event combines golfing on the resort’s mountain course with gourmet wining and dining. Each day competitors enjoy a four course lunch half way round the 18 holes, and each evening the prize giving is accompanied with champagne and further gastronomic offerings.

For further information see here : Drive des Gourmets Golf

Fete de la Musique

21st June

Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.

Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid. The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.

Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!