What's on in Meribel summer 2018

The summer season kicks off with a major mountain bike event, the 3 Vallées Addict Tour. Once the snows have melted, Méribel’s slopes turn into a massive mountain bike playground, offering Downhill, Enduro, Cross-country and Electric bike trails. On this season opening weekend, novice and expert bikers can make the most of this extensive area by taking part in a Free Bike downhill event on Saturday 7 July and a Rando Tour around les 3 Vallées on Sunday 8 July. The Free Bike is a timed downhill from the summit of Saulire at 2,700m to Brides-les-Bains at 600m. The course is a mix of 4x4 roads and twisting tracks, and there may even be snow to negotiate on the summit! The Rando tour takes riders along an 80km route around the 3 Vallées resorts, with sections as high as 2,800m and plenty of refuelling stops along the way. And for riders not taking part in the competitions, this is a great weekend to simply explore the mountain and soak up the festive atmosphere.

This three-day salon dedicated to interior design, architecture and property renovation offers over 100 stands in a giant tented exhibition space, plus a range of talks, a festive opening night and “Garden party” plus children’s activities. Held at la Chaudanne, this is an unmissable event for anybody who owns an apartment or chalet in the area or is interested in the world of design. Entrance is free, but note you must register first.

One of the highlights of the summer, this local fete is held in Les Allues and starts on the Saturday night with a ‘bal populaire’ (outdoor dance) and fireworks. Sunday sees the main event, with craft and folklore displays, traditional costumes and music, home-made traditional cider, jams and cakes, stands, entertainment and exhibitions, float parade and much more. Make sure you don’t miss the demonstration of medieval combat or chainsaw sculpting!

Méribel-Mottaret’s annual Trail Running event is open to children and novices as well as serious runners. The course starts through the Tuéda Nature Reserve and takes competitors to wild, untamed mountainous terrain, offering unparalleled views over the Vanoise. Six different courses of varying length and vertical climb are held over two days. Adults can choose from an easy 10km route, a more testing 23km or a daunting 45km course with a 3,750m vertical climb. In addition, the Vertical Kilometre contest starts from Mottaret Centre and climbs up a steep track to la Petite Saulire – a feat managed in just 35 minutes by last year’s winner. For children, there is a choice of 5km or 2.5km. If the more thought of running up mountains fills you with horror, why not enjoy this event as a volunteer?

Méribel’s 18-hole golf course hosts 31 days of open competitions over the season, the biggest of which is the annual Pro-Am. In this, team of 3 amateurs play for 5 days on Méribel’s stunning mountain course alongside a pro golfer. Included are breakfasts and lunches on the course, cocktails opening parties, prizes for longest drive and nearest the pin, and closing parties and prize-giving –enjoyment is as taken just as seriously as the golfing at Méribel!