A charming mountain village in the heart of the Alps, Méribel attracts many skiers and holidaymakers every year. The resort is part of the 3 Vallées ski area, the largest in the world. A veritable giant playground, the village enjoys excellent snow cover, with over 85% of the ski area at altitudes of over 1800m. Downhill skiing, hiking, snowboarding... You'll be spoilt for choice. To help you prepare for your stay in Méribel, discover with us the 11 best things to do in the resort.
1- Snowboarding or downhill skiing
Perfectly situated to take advantage of the 3 Vallées ski area, the Méribel ski resort is ideal for snowboarding or downhill skiing. With its 71 ski slopes and 42 lifts, Méribel is an excellent playground, and also offers handiskiing. If you want more, don't hesitate to buy a 3 Vallées ski pass, and gain access to the area's 600kms of pistes, spread across 7 Savoie resorts.
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2- Snowshoeing
Located at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park, Méribel is the ideal resort for hiking in the surrounding area. Whether you're on your own or supervised by theFrench ski school (ESF), strap on your snowshoes and set off to discover the region. If you're hiking alone, be sure to bring a first-aid kit. You'll also be very close to Courchevel. To discover the village and its highlights, take the Col de la Loze loop. This fairly straightforward hike offers magnificent panoramic views over the valley.
3- Ski touring
Discover Méribel and the surrounding area in a whole new way, by trying your hand at ski touring! Unlike downhill skiing, ski touring involves using "sealskins" under the skis to climb up, before sliding down. More athletic, ski touring allows you to contemplate the surrounding nature. If you are not accompanied by a guide, be sure to respect the trails and other users (pedestrians, cross-country skiers) present on certain sections, and take along a safety kit.
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4- What to do in Méribel Climbing
Passionate about climbing? You can climb indoors and outdoors at Méribel. The resort has a 14-meter climbing wall, where you can climb freely or with a guide. However, you'll need to bring your own equipment. If you'd like to climb outdoors, there are ice falls in the 3 Vallées area, in Méribel, Courchevel and Tignes.
Activities to book discover ice climbing in the 3 Vallées ski area by booking a day of discovery accompanied by a guide.
5- Treat yourself to a moment of well-being
After a sporty day on the slopes, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in one of Méribel's many spas. You can also visit the Parc Olympique. This sports complex features a swimming pool, wellness area and fitness center. You'll find relaxation rooms, saunas, hammams and jacuzzis. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit for your ski trip!
6- Nordic skiing
Nordic ski fans won't be disappointed at Méribel. The resort offers a Nordic ski area divided into two sectors. In Tueda, you'll find two cross-country ski trails with two different routes around Lac de Tueda. For even more thrills, head to theAltiport, where 25km of cross-country ski trails await you, offering magnificent panoramic views over the valley.
7- Go skating
Don't hesitate to spend some family time at Méribel's ice rink. Located in the Parc Olympique, the resort's ice rink hosted the ice hockey events at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Skate with friends or children on a legendary winter sports venue.
Read the article 7- Méribel is one of the top 10 ski resorts to take your kids to, check out our list.
8- What to do in Méribel? Discover the area with a treasure hunt
If you're a keen investigator and explorer, don't hesitate to joinExplor Games in Méribel. This outdoor escape game takes you all around the resort. Solving riddles will enable you to advance your quest, while discovering the landscapes of the Tuéda nature reserve. Allow around two hours for this activity, which can be shared with family or friends for up to 8 players. All you need to do is download the application.
9- Treat yourself to a yoga session
The peaceful atmosphere of the mountains is perfect for a moment of well-being. If you're already a yoga enthusiast or would just like to discover yoga, Méribel offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor sessions. DiscoverLac de Tuega, for example, on a contemplative stroll followed by a yoga and meditation session in the heart of nature.
10- Tobogganing
Méribel has several tobogganing areas for families and friends, including the secure Altiport area. For something a little more adventurous, don't hesitate to try out sledging under the stars at Himalaya by Night, a night-time sledging area for young and old alike. Children can also try their hand at pony-sledging at the resort. For inseparable groups, try snake gliss: a train of sledges hooked together. Thrills guaranteed.
The activity to book if you're more into vertigo and thrills, take a two-seater winter paragliding flight over Méribel, bookable directly here.
11- Go bowling
On a rainy day, or for a lively evening after you've hit the slopes, don't hesitate to head to the Parc Olympique. Here you'll find a different kind of bowling alley. The lanes are equipped with barriers for children, ideal for family fun. There are also pool tables, video games, table soccer and, on certain evenings, sports broadcasts.
What to do in Méribel when you're not skiing?
If you come to Méribel more for the fondue than the skiing, here's a selection of some of the off-ski activities you'll find in the resort:
- Snowshoe hiking. Explore the resort's surroundings and the Vanoise National Park on nature walks.
- A treasure hunt. Discover the resort and its surroundings on an outdoor treasure hunt, combining fun and exploration.
- Rock climbing. The more adventurous can try their hand at ice climbing with the help of professionals. An indoor climbing wall is also available at the resort.
- Yoga and meditation. Spend a relaxing moment in an outdoor meditation and yoge session, ideal for getting back in touch with nature.
Where to stay in Méribel?
In Méribel, you'll find plenty of accommodation for your stay. To help you choose, we've put together a selection of the best-rated:
- The Odalys Le Hameau du Mottaret residence. This residence close to the slopes offers comfortable, well-equipped accommodation and a host of services. Book here.
- Hotel La Tarentaise. This 3-star hotel offers well-equipped rooms and accommodation with terrace and private parking. For further information and reservations, click here.
- Hotel Eterlou. This family-run establishment is a haven of peace in Méribel, offering cosy rooms decorated in typical Savoyard style. Book your room here.
Petit Futé tip tip: if you're driving to Méribel, make sure you have a electronic toll tag to make your journey easier.
What to do in Méribel in summer?
If you like the mountains but not the cold, Méribel has plenty to offer in summer. Here are just some of the things you can do in the resort in summer:
- Go hiking or mountain biking. Discover the region and the Parc National de la Vanoise on the many hiking and mountain-biking trails that surround Méribel.
- Golf. Take advantage of the magnificent Golf de Méribel course, considered one of the finest in the mountains.
- Via ferrata. Get a good dose of vertigo by trying out the via ferrata around Méribel.
- Water sports. Try your hand at canyoning at the Canyon de l'Eau Rousse, or opt for a rafting trip.
