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Meribel for Skiing and Snowboarding
| Skiing & Boarding in Meribel |
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The Méribel Valley is in the middle of the three roughly parallel, North/South valleys, making it the idea base for exploring the whole 3 Valleys ski area. Around the Altiport you’ll find gentle, tree-lined runs ideal for beginners. Higher up on the Saulire are steeper blues and reds which allow mixed-ability groups to ski in the same area. The whole area is one giant natural fun park (snowparks and half pipes included!), and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available.
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| Insider's Guide to... |
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With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout the Three Valleys and suggested some itineries for you to try. There's also sections on how to get around the whole three valleys area using only blue runs, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... more |
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last updated 31-Jan-2008 |
| Snowparks in Meribel |
In the Meribel valley there are two snow parks with jumps, tables, half pipes, a snow-cross etc. One is under the Plattieres II lift above Mottaret, and the other (known as the Moon Park) is in the Arpasson sector above Meribel (take the Plan de l'Homme lift). Check the latter out at moonpark.net.
There is even a cheaper lift pass which gives access just to the two parks. Regular competitions are held during the season - details are published at the tourist offices. And yes, skiers can use the snowparks too.
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last updated 19-Nov-2007 |
| Handiski (Skiing for the Disabled) in Meribel |
Meribel has at its disposal two sit skis. The ESF (French Ski School) has one adaptive instructor, Raphaël Serve. He is qualified to teach seated skiing, has experience of teaching the visually-impaired and those with Down’s Syndrome and speaks English. Other adaptive instructors work for the Courchevel and Les Menuires ESF. A useful source of all resort information for handicapped skiers is Dennis Liegeois who also speaks English.
Meribel is associated with the British Ski Club for the Disabled.
Contact details:
Tourist Office 04 79 08 60 01
Raphaël Serve 04 79 00 49 49 or 06 07 05 01 10
Dennis Liegeois 06 60 38 57 57
Click here for information on access to lifts and ski areas
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last updated 27-Feb-2008 |
| 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 |
| Skiing Tips & Techniques |
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We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... more |
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last updated 6-Dec-2007 |
| Equipment & Clothing Guide |
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Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen sport/activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed you along in your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and your ability. ... more |
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last updated 6-Dec-2007 |
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