Meribel Top Tips

Paragliding (parapente) From near the top of la Saulire or Col de la Loze one can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. An early intermediate skier can manage the take-off, but for boarders a good technical level is needed. In summer one simply runs down a slope until you take off. Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer. Adrenaline factor: 9/10 Merinet verdict:The most fun you can have with skis on. Contact details

Indoor climbing wall (mur d’escalade)
Complete beginners can make a first ascent of the indoor climbing wall with instruction from local mountain guides. Harness, helmet and climbing shoes are provided, and safety ensured by a safety rope. Once you reach the top, climb or abseil back down to the ground. Open to adults and children 5 or over.
Available Tues and Thurs 6 – 8pm (Tues to Fri during holiday periods).
Adrenaline factor: 4/10
Top tip: don’t look down
Merinet verdict: surprisingly challenging physically, and good fun. Contact details

Cross-country skiing (ski de fond) Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. Hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles from any hire shop, and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics. 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. Once you have grasped the essentials, head off into the beautiful and tranquil cross-country trails situated at the Alitport in Méribel, or around the Lac Tueda in Mottaret. No lift pass is needed, and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes. Adrenaline factor: 2/10 Top tip: wear layers of clothing that can be removed as you warm up. Merinet verdict: perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or who finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. Contact details

Walking trails (itinéraires piétons) The Méribel valley 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. Adrenalin factor: 0/10 Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping (available from Sport Boutique, 15€) Merinet verdict: these beautiful trails are a wonderful way of exploring the valley in peace and quiet.

Hot air balloon flight (vol en montgolfière) Hot air ballooning looks serene, but there are moments of excitement. Once the creaking wicker basket rises of the ground you are uncomfortably reminded that you are suspended hundreds of metres above the ground in a small twig structure. The views are stunning, and as you glide over the forests you may see deer and other animals normally hidden from view. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view. Top tip: warm clothing Adrenaline factor: 5/10 Merinet verdict: unforgettable experience, but not ideal if you suffer from vertigo. Contact details

Via Ferrata – summer only
A prepared itinerary around a rock face, equipped with metal rungs and ropes, which allows beginners to experience the thrills of rock climbing in complete safety and without any previous experience. Méribel offers one relatively advanced circuit at the summit of the Dent de Burgin, and an easier circuit suitable for children and beginners at nearby Lac Rosière. The local Mountain Guides’ Office arranges group and private outings to both Vie Ferrate, and provides all the necessary equipment.
Top Tip: don’t look down if you suffer from vertigo
Adrenalin factor: 8/10
Merinet verdict: a fantastic way for all ages to experience climbing.
Contact details

Mountain Biking (VTT) - summer only
Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular in Alpine resorts. Méribel and the Three Valleys have fitted special bike racks to the gondolas and some chairlifts, so you can be transported to the top of the trails and freewheel down. A trail map covering the Three Valleys is available from the Tourist Office, and group outings are organised during the summer season. Mountain bikes are available to hire from several sports shops in the resort.
Top Tip: check which lifts are open each day in advance at the Tourist Office. Wear a helmet.
Adrenaline factor: 7/10
Merinet verdict: the best way to cover the Three Valleys in summer
Contact details

Walking (randonée) - summer
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.
Top Tip: take plenty of water, sunscreen and waterproofs – the weather can change fast
Adrenalin factor: 1/10
Merinet Verdict: beautiful walking scenery and uncrowded trails
Contact details

Riding (l’équitation) - summer only
Improve your skills with lessons in the outdoor arena (adults or children, minimum age 5 years), or join guided treks into the mountains. Although the views are splendid, there are only a few places where one can gallop.
Top Tip: be honest about your ability
Adrenalin factor 5/10
Merinet verdict: the treks are wonderful for intermediate riders, less exciting for experienced riders.
Contact details

Swimming Pool (piscine) open winter and summer
25m indoor pool, plus flume, children’s paddling pool and Jacuzzi. Swimming lessons and aqua-gym classes are also available.
Top Tip: go early on poor weather days to avoid the hoards of children
Adrenalin factor: 0/10
Merinet verdict: get fitter faster by swimming at altitude.
Contact details

Skiing in Courchevel
Up and over. Take the Loze Chairlift. This is the queue-free way to get from Méribel to Courchevel.
Courchevel 1650: this tucked-away area isn’t nearly as busy as 1850 and there are some gorgeous wide blue runs (eg Grande bosses)< and more challenging reds (Chapelets, Rochers, Bel air)
Courchevel 1550: it’s easy to miss the start of the blue run Tovets (by the mini ski jump at Courchevel 1850) so no one ever uses it. Shame, because it’s great
Courchevel 1300: when the snow is good lower down don’t miss the Brigues and Jockeys runs
La Saulire Seek out M and Pylones (the piste, not the things holding up the chair-lift!)

If you dislike busy pistes try to avoid: the main runs from the Saulire / all of Couchevel 1850 / the Doron piste into Méribel at the end of the afternoon (take the bubble down, or wait in a restaurant until they throw you out and enjoy being the last off the mountain). Try booking your next ski holiday in January when almost everywhere is quiet

Seek out the lesser used runs - see ‘deserted pistes’

The pistes are less busy over lunch time. Ski between 12.00 and 2.00 and lunch late when the restaurants are quieter

Collisions become more common as the pistes become busier. To reduce the risk remember the rules of the piste: it is always the downhill skier who has priority; when overtaking leave enough room for unexpected manoeuvres, and slow down when approaching a beginners’ area or where two pistes cross. Most importantly, be in control of your speed at all times

Tips for riding your mountain bike on all terrain

Climbing Hills

Traction is the key to successfully climbing hills on a mountain bike, this can be hard to achieve on loose rocks, roots and mud as is common place in most mountain biking areas. The biggest problem to overcome is the rear wheel spinning and slipping as you climb, or the front wheel lifting and you ending up doing an unforced wheelie. To get the right traction, you just need to learn how to distribute your weight evenly across the bike whilst feeding power to the right areas of the bike; oh yeah whilst picking the best line, pedalling at the right time and in the right gear. Piece of cake eh?! Shift your weight slightly to the back of your seat and lean your upper body forward - Remain seated. Learning how far to slide back and how much to lean is where the finesse of hill climbing becomes a real skill. It takes practice to learn how simple variations in forward and backwards movements of your body can help you get over obstacles and up steep hills. Drop your elbows and keep them close to your side, lowering the centre of gravity - as you become more expert you can start to shift your weight slightly further forward which should additionally help with the front wheel lifting. Keep your head up to pick your line - we all do it, we all look at the next dangerous obstacle and panic about how we're going to negotiate round it. For beginner riders this invariably means that you tend head straight for it. Turning the handlebars to avoid an obstacle can more often than not upset your balance rather than just going over it. Where it's not possible to power on over, you should see the obstacle and focus your attention immediately on the best route around it. Keep your focus on this point of reference and you will usually successfully navigate the tricky obstacle. Get in the right gear - When approaching a hill a common problem is to flick into the lowest gear (aka 'the granny ring') and attack the hill. Instead, select the gear that's just low enough that doesn't mean you have to stand on the pedals. Keep your pedalling motion constant and rhythmic.

Riding Downhill

Downhill mountain bike riding has to be one of the most exhilarating, adrenaline pumping activities you can do on a mountain bike. It's also one of the most dangerous, where wipe outs are all too common. Before heading out to do some serious downhill mountain biking you should make sure you have all the correct safety equipment. Full face helmet, relevant limb protection and suitable back and torso protection. It's pretty obvious, but make sure that your brakes are in full working order too, you don't want to spend several days licking your wounds!! Place your weight over the rear of the bike - Keep your rear end as far back as you can without losing control of the front of the bike. Stay Low, holding the front of your body as close to the bike as possible - On steep sections, place your belly on the saddle. Keep your legs and arms relaxed and flexible - Even though you may be riding a full suspension downhill mountain bike, your arms and legs are the most effective shock absorbers you have, and flexibility in your legs is key when riding over humps and bumps. When riding over the bumps, get your weight back over the rear wheel, and either grip the saddle with your thighs, or place your belly on the saddle keeping your knees bent and relaxed. Your elbows should also be slightly bent. Keep your feet in line with the ground - Unless negotiating sharp tight switchbacks or corners your feet should be in a 'platform' position at roughly 3 and 9 o'clock. If you start to loose control it's easy for you to just jump off the back of the bike. Trying to dismount over the top of the bike is not always the most practical on the steep stuff. Break evenly using both the front and back break - Sure, you'll want to rip down the trail at high speed but control your speed in case of unknown obstacles, there could be another rider or leisurely hiker that's lurking around the corner. Some people prefer to use the back break to stop them being thrown over the front handlebars, but theoretically, if you weight is correctly positioned across the bike then there is no problem using both. Additionally, if you overuse one or other break it could potentially overheat and fail. Pick a line and stick to it - As you descend, look ahead 15 to 20 feet. The route you choose and your brake control contribute to a fluid descent as well.

Switchback Riding

Tight switchback turns are tricky enough for even the most competent of riders. Tight, steep trails taking you up or down the mountain mean that switchbacks are commonplace in the Alps. It is not a good idea to skid round a switchback not only does it rip up the track, but you end up with less control and run the risk of falling off. If you're not an expert at bunny hopping, then you'll need to slow right down. Stay on the uphill side of the trail as you approach the switchback this will allow you to make the widest circle possible and avoid any obstacles lurking in the inside of the corner. Place your weight over the rear wheel and put your outside pedal forward (that's the pedal closest to the corner!). This is important to ensure that you remain flexible to move the bike and rotate your upper body. Pick your line - As you approach the corner, ensure your weight is on your outside pedal and slightly back on the saddle. Put your wheel to the outside of the corner and lean your the opposite direction until you are almost falling to the inside. Ease off the brakes and let the your bike roll under yourself. Remember to look at the exit of where you want to go, try to avoid looking at the drop off! When you have passed the tightest point of the inside corner and are beginning to come out of the corner, let off the brakes and start accelerating away. Some riders will naturally favour one foot over another and therefore find switchbacks to the right (left foot forward) easier than switchbacks to the left (right foot forward).

Try starting your car the day before you have to leave the resort - if the cold weather has affected the battery you have a day to sort it out

The words ‘Méribel’ and ‘budget skiing’ are not often seen together. Méribel is better known for its luxury chalets, extensive skiing and bourgeois charms, than for cheap holidays. However, with the following insiders’ tips, you could save hundreds of Euros on the cost of your holiday.

Travel
More and more low-cost airlines are offering flights during the winter to airports near Méribel (see our FAQ Travel & Transport section for full details). If you can book your flights several months in advance you can travel for as little as £15 each way (not including airport taxes). Flights tend to be cheapest mid-week, and less expensive on a Sunday than on Saturday.

Lift passes
You may qualify for a reduced prices lift pass – check with the lift pass office before you buy. Children, seniors and families all qualify for reductions, though note you need to bring proof of date of birth to qualify. Families of two or more children can save a considerable amount by choosing a Family Pass. The first and last weeks of the season see reductions in lift price pass across the board.
If you are a beginner skier then you don’t need to buy a Three Valley pass – a cheaper Méribel Valley pass will suffice for the first week.

If you aren’t a keen skier, or want to spend part of your holiday doing other activities, then why not buy half day passes when you need them? Both morning-only and afternoon-only lift passes are now available. Alternatively buy a pass for a limited area (Méribel Alpina zone or Méribel Mottaret zone).

There are a few beginners’ free lifts (see our FAQ section) which are ideal for children and complete beginners. Alternatively, take up cross country skiing – there’s no lift pass to buy.

Eating on the mountain
Mountain restaurants can make a whopping hole in your holiday budget. Try eating in the resort at lunchtime instead, or taking a picnic lunch with you. Use the special picnic areas (marked on the piste map) rather than getting a cold bum in the snow. Favourite budget lunch stops in the Three Valleys include: the Pub Ski Lodge in la Tania, the Kalico in Courchevel 1850, the Petit Rond Point snack bar in Méribel, and the snack bar near the Galoubet restaurant in Val Thorens.

Free Activities
There is more to do than just ski in the valley. There are many kilometres of specially-prepared walking paths and cross-country trails in the most scenic part of the valley which are free to use. The shuttle buses are free throughout the valley, so why not explore some of the village below the main resort? The Tourist Office organises various entertainments each week, most of which are free or for a nominal sum. Finally, lift company Méribel Alpina offers lift pass holders the chance to ride on a piste grooming machine in the early evening.

Don’t schuss (don’t call it a ‘shush’, please) with your head tucked down, bum and poles sticking skywards - this is only permissible if under the age of seven. Good skiers bend slightly from the hips, hands behind back, poles behind them

Don’t put your hands-free ski pass in the right hand pocket of your jacket zip - the automated scanning equipment is always on the left hand side of the gates. You'll be left bobbing and gyrating wildly while a queue builds up behind you. Cool tip - keep it in your left hand pocket and the gates will smoothly open at your approach.

Don't pollute the mountain Please make sure you don't throw your rubbish off the lifts (including cigarette butts) - the marmottes don't want it either. Put stuff in your pocket and take it home

Loiterers People who wait, sit or lie down in the middle of the piste, or over a ridge where they can’t be seen

Skiers who cut boarders up because they don’t understand how boards turn

Ski school classes that snake across a narrow piste

Those who insist of skiing with a mobile phone turned on and make everybody else wait around on the piste while they chat.

Those who don't fill up the chairs/bubbles even when there is a long queue behind them.

Avoid lift queues at la Chaudanne between 9.30 and 11.00 when the area is at its busiest. Instead start early (the lifts open at 9.00), or avoid the area totally by taking the free bus up the resort and start from the Adret or Altiport chairlifts

Lunch stops: the quality of a mountain restaurant tends to be in inverse relation to its altitude (there are a few notable exceptions at higher altitudes in the Méribel valley: Le Roc Tania, Les Cretes and Plan des Mains, all of which are good.)

Listen to radio station R'Méribel in the morning - it gives you all the info you need on weather conditions, what lifts are open and where the best apres-ski is to be found

Unless you want to split up, don’t try to teach your partner to ski

Seek out the ‘ single skier’ lanes at many of the lifts in Courchevel and at the Pas de Lac gondola in Mottaret - and legally jump the queue.

The underground car park at the Chaudanne only costs 3 Euros per day, and steps lead directly from it to the Rhodos gondola lift

Don't walk to the pistes in your ski boots - leave your equipment in a locker at the Chaudanne. A week's rental costs 44E per week for up to three people. (tel. Meribel Alpina on 04 79 08 65 32)

Backcountry Safety Code – Guidelines for staying safe in the backcountry (submitted by Mountain Tracks)
Never ski alone – always ski in a group and always ensure that your goals are realistic and achievable by the whole group.

Before setting out ensure you have collected information about the weather, snow conditions and recent avalanche activity. Listen to the experts and ask for advice. If in doubt, don’t ski it.

Equip yourself properly. Always check that your bindings release properly and your other gear is in good order. Always ski with the essential safety gear: transceiver, shovel and probe.

Stay humble. Keep a sharp eye and ear out and heed your own instincts. Always ski within the limits of your ability.

Pick your route carefully & be prepared to handle changing situations – with other skiers and with the mountain and the conditions.

Remember that human factors are the most common cause of accidents on the mountain - fatigue, complacency, over-confidence, single-minded lust for powder. Listen to your gut and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Take a course in mountain & avalanche awareness and have the knowledge to understand the dangers and the courage to make the right decisions.

Never travel off-piste without adequate insurance.

It is strongly recommended that you ski in the backcountry with a mountain guide.

Avoid having your skis and/or snowboard stolen It’s a sad fact that we can no longer leave our skis outside as we enjoy a warming hot chocolate, après ski, or a leisurely lunch at the side of the piste. "Prevention is better than cure" so be very careful about how and where you leave your skis unattended.
the following tips could minimise your risk of your skis departing by an unwanted hand :

•	Never leave your skis unattended for a long period of time outside a bar or restaurant. Some bars may offer a “ski monitoring” service.
•	Avoid leaving skis on your balcony, even if your apartment is located on the higher floors of the building (thieves have been known to scale up to four floors for the latest skis and boards!)
•	Always keep your skis in your sight line.
•	Swap a ski with a friend when going into a mountain restaurant or bar; but don’t put the unmatched pairs next to each other!!
•	Where you have rental skis, ask the rental shop to write your name on the skis as many people will have the same or similar pairs, and may take your skis by accident.
•	Use ski lockers where provided.
•	Invest in a ski/board lock. Although they won’t prevent the determined thief, they may deter them.
•	Check your insurance policy to see what’s covered should your own skis, or rental skis be stolen.

If your skis or snowboard are stolen here's a list of things you should do:

•	Double-check the area where you left them, just in case. It is possible they have fallen over, and / or have been put back in a different location.
•	Report the theft to the police as soon as possible. Don’t be fobbed off by the lack of interest by the local police force. They see this type of incident all the time, and are therefore not always the most helpful. Be persistent, this is necessary and required by all insurance companies.
•	If applicable, tell your resort representative. If they were rental skis, you'll probably have to deal with the shop, and they may be able to provide some assistance. When hiring the skis, some rental shops will offer additional insurance to protect you against theft. If you choose not to take this option, or the rental shop doesn’t provide this service, you will probably have to pay for the skis (to the replacement cost value) and then claim on your insurance.
•	Theft tends to happen when you least expect it. Speaking from personal experience, even placing your skis directly behind you as you sit in a café or bar can be a mistake…- BE AWARE!!

Don't waste time on your first morning in a lift pass queue - order your lift passes before your holiday and either have them sent to your home address, or arrange to have them delivered to your hotel / estate agency in the resort.

Stop frequently for hot drinks and food - especially if your are skiing with children as they lose body heat much quicker than adults. Don't even think of following a diet on a ski holiday - you'll need many extra calories to keep warm.

Warm up before your start skiing - cold muscles and tendons are more likely to be injured. (Avoid the classic exercise of swinging the leg back and forth - the weight of the ski boot can over-stretch leg muscles)

Wear women's stockings! Contrary to popular belief go for the thinnest socks you can in your boots. You end up with more control (less 'squishy') and it is blood circulation which keeps your feet warm (not scrunched up thick socks and cranked-up clips)

Wear mittens rather than gloves. Yes, you'll feel like a six year old, but then at minus 20, do you care?

Ten things to do before you leave the Meribel valley:
Ski the Combe Vallon piste on the Mont Vallon. Starting at the highest skiing point in the valley, this red run is long, challenging and affords fabulous views. You know you’re truly ski-fit when you can ski it without stopping

Ski all Three Valleys in one day – make the most of your lift pass and put some kilometres under your belt. Even near-beginners can manage both the blue Loze Bleue in Courchevel and Grand Lac in Les Menuires in the same day.

Spend an après-ski at le Rond Point bar. Situated on the main piste though town, with live bands six days per week, this is one of the hot spots in Méribel. Just don’t drink too many toffee vodkas before attempting the ski home

Indulge in a massage or jacuzzi after skiing. Avoid skiers’ stiff muscles by having a massage in your own chalet, or using the swimming pool’s own ‘espace détente’ with its saunas, Jacuzzi and steam rooms

Try the local liqueur, Génépi. Made from grape brandy, sugar and a green plant that grows only at high altitudes. You’ll either love it or loathe it