There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Meribel and the Three Valleys, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Meribel, and don't forget to check out our weekly what's on calender.
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.
2nd Stage of the Savoy Trophy Dogsled Race (mid January)
This famous Savoy dogsled race takes place in 4 Alpine ski resorts: Le Grand Bornand, Meribel, Peisey-Nancroix and Saint Gervais. In Meribel, the competition takes place around the mixed-terrain trails of the protected forest surrounding the Altiport, under the mighty Dent de Burgin peak.
Hundreds of mushers and huskies from all over Europe turn out to compete in sprint and long-distance events over the course of two days. The equivalent to a canine world cup, these magnificent dogs prove that there's certainly no need for skis to pick up speed on those challenging Alpine tracks.
Altitude Comedy Festival (end March/early April)
Since 2008 Méribel has hosted an international festival of comedy, music and slope events, offering visitors the chance to ski by day and be entertained by world class acts by night. Top name stand-up comedians from the UK, USA, Canada and France, famous DJs and well-known bands perform in a variety of venues around the resort, including the Méribel Auditorium and many different bars. The Festival atmosphere continues during the daytime with events such as fancy dress competitions, big air contests and three legged ski races.
British Land National Ski Championships (end March/early April)
Great Britain’s National Ski Championships have been held in Meribel for the past two seasons and set to be held in Meribel during 2006. The competition has been sponsored by British Land for the past 25 years and produces some fierce competition between the French and British teams. The championship is open to competitors who were born after 1989 or earlier, and has in the past included popular British Skiers; Alain Baxter, Findlay Mickel, and Lynn Sharp, 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.
3 Valley X-Wing Rally (mid April)
Open to everyone who’s game for a laugh, the Three Valleys X-Wing Rally is fun for all ski/board lovers. There are three categories: Pros, Sporting Amateurs or Families that can enter the various ‘events’ that are held around the three valleys during the day. Skiers, Telemarkers and Snowboarders are all eligible for entry, you just need to make up a team of three and get round all the different events across the valleys including : Derby thrill power, Skiercross madness, Freeride, the Family Schuss, the Flying K (short for the Flying Kilometre!) and the Slalom XXL. It’s a small programme of activities that can be as hard or as much fun as you wish. In most events the team of three will start together, however there are individual events to take part in. There’s no compulsory itinerary, and teams can choose their departure point from any of the following resorts that make up the Three Valleys skiing area: Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Les Menuires or Val Thorens. A log book and bibs are presented to the team at the start of the race, thereafter it up to each team to go out and have as much fun as they can! For further information click here : X-Wing Rally. Photo credit ¦ Les3Valleys.com.
Skinets Support Tool |
