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.
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.
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!
The Three Valleys Mountain Bike competition takes place in Méribel. Running over the weekend, this is a ‘Free Bike’ competition which is open to all, with a variety of events including a timed descent from the top of the Saulire (2700m) to Brides-les-Bains (600m), a 70kms 'Rando Tour' event completing circuits around the Three Valleys at various levels of difficulty thanks to the use of the ski lifts! In 2005, the timed decent from La Saulire to Brides-les-Bains saw 494 entrants, the winner completing the course through the thick forest and narrow tracks on the bottom section in an amazing 26 minutes!! For further information see here : 3VTT
Drive des Gourmets Golf Competition (mid July)
Drive des Groumets 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.
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
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.
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