The Meribel Valley has much to see and do – not only for the skiers amongst us. If skis or boards are not for you, or you just fancy a day off the mountain, then have a look at our ideas below……
WALKING ROUTES – With a good pair of boots with a grip, you can walk to some of the most beautiful places in the Trois Vallees. There are 25km of excellent pedestrian trails in and around Meribel. We have a few pairs of snow shoes at Fish&Pips so if you would like to borrow these then ask a member of staff. As a non-skier you can obtain a ‘walker’s pass’ which enables you to enjoy some of Meribel’s finest walks higher up, to take the bubble to the very top to admire the view across the 3 Vallees, to take the lifts to Courchevel and to join the rest of your group for a spot of lunch. Here are some of our favourite places to visit!
LAKE TUEDA – Take the bus up to Motteret from Meribel Centre and hop off at the end of the route. You will see signs to Lake Tueda, follow the path and you will come to the Lake in the heart of the Tueda Reserve. The reserve reaches from the Lake, all the way up to the Gebrolaz glacier. The reserve is home to a rare and protected evergreen, the Cembro pine, and offers walkers beautiful, untouched scenery. Look out for Marmottes in the later months of the season. There is a small refuge there where you can stop for a vin chaud or a cup of coffee.
LES ALLUES – This is the first mountain town you see on your way up to Meribel, a lovely original Savoyard village with narrow streets, beautiful old barns (many converted into luxurious accommodation) and home to the Mairie of the Meribel Valley. There is a path that runs from Le Raffort all the way to Les Allues, and when the snow is not too abundant, this makes a beautiful walk. Ask the Fish and Pips team to show you the route! Once there, do look out for the Les Allues Museum, the beautiful Church, and the old bread oven in the heart of the village.
ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE – At the Chaudanne, buy a walker’s pass from Meribel Alpina and head up on the Tougnete bubble. You can then ‘down load’ on the St Martin chairlift and bubble and will find yourself in the heart of the village of St Martin de Belleville. This pretty village in the Val Thorens valley is well worth visiting; it has retained more of France than perhaps other villages in the Trois Vallees region.
COURCHEVEL 1850 – Courchevel is easily accessed with a walkers pass as well. Take the Saulire bubble to the top; see the AMAZING panoramic views from the top before hopping on the ‘James Bond’ cable car down in to Courchevel 1850. Once there, wander round the expensive boutiques or sit and have a café enjoying ultimate people watching! Courchevel is definitely ‘the’ place to be seen!
SNOW SHOEING – if you wanted to be a bit more adventurous with your walking, this is a great way to experience what the area has to offer. Snow shoeing is relaxing and peaceful way to explore the valleys. Maybe you quite like the sound of a guided snow shoeing walk with a local mountain expert and get acquainted with the local flora and fauna to see some stunning areas not accessible on skis. For full or half day tours you can book with Pip Line who can be reached on +33 (0) 671097595
VISIT THE OLYMPIC CENTRE – Built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, this centre has been developed into swimming pool, new spa and gym complex,, ten-pin bowling, ice-skating and even a climbing wall. Well worth a visit! The gym costs €10 per visit and is open 10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm Monday to Friday (10pm on Wednesday) and 4pm until 9pm on Sundays. The swimming pool costs €10 and is free for children under 5. The pool is open from 3pm-7pm daily with late night opening until 10pm.
MERIBEL MARKET – There is also a twice-weekly Meribel market with many stalls displaying a selection of cheeses, cured meats, confectionary and the occasional clothing bargain.
PARAGLIDING (€100 APPROX PER FLIGHT) – One of the best ways to view the Three Valleys is from above – above everything! From near the top of the Col de la Loze or Saulire, you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. They do all the hard work so you don’t have to – no previous technical knowledge is needed. After a deep breath and a quick explanation of what you must be ready for, you begin on a downward slope on your skis (or board) and as soon as there is enough speed for the parachute to inflate, you’ll find yourself up above the lofty heights of the birds. The better the day, the more chance of being able to catch the thermals which are needed to help you ascend and keep you in the air longer. Call +33 (0) 609 04 72 51 for further information.
HOT AIR BALLOONING (€300 APPROX) – If you’ve never had the good fortune of setting foot in a hot-air balloon then you have missed out on one of life’s simplest pleasures. Don’t miss out any more and be the envy of everyone by jumping in the relaxing environment of a hot-air balloon ride. This activity is available with the added extra of a champagne breakfast for celebrating a special occasion or even just celebrating someone special. This lovely experience can be very intimate and a good setting if one was ever thinking of popping that question to someone special . . . Would you? Helpful advice: be prepared – the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours. Take warm clothing, sunglasses and a thermos flask (we have some available to borrow).
AQUAMOTION – If you are stuck in on a snowy day with lots of hyper kids to entertain, or maybe would like to spend some time relaxing your muscles after a few hard days skiing in fresh powder, why not try out the Aquamotion in Courchevel 1650? The center provides an array of options for all ages. There are slides suitable for adults and children, a mixture of indoor and outdoor heated pools. If you would like to escape from the active kids section, there is an adult’s only area that provides you with the peace and serenity to indulge yourself. This area includes its only separate indoor and outdoor pool, with a salt pool, Jacuzzis and access to saunas, hamman’s and steam rooms.
MORE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN MERIBEL AREA CAN BE BOOKED THROUGH YOUR RESORT MANAGER IN YOUR CHALET.