Discover summer activities in MĂ©ribel, at the heart of the 3 VallĂ©es. From hiking, mountain biking, and adventure courses to mountain lakes, paragliding, outdoor yoga, and family experiences, enjoy an active and thrilling summer season. Whether for a family holiday, a trip with friends, or a coupleâs getaway, MĂ©ribel offers a wide range of outdoor activities, alpine landscapes, and relaxing moments in the heart of nature.
For mountain bike addicts, there are more than 10 downhill trails in MĂ©ribel in summer! If youâre not ready to tackle the steeper slopes, you can start gently on the Bike Slope, the bike parkâs green trail (accessed from the top of TougnĂšte gondola lift). If you at home on a bike, long and varied trails (notably Bellevue) are available, all of which offer fabulous views over the valley. And if youâre an experienced mountain biker, thereâs a whole range of more technically challenging descents featuring steep sections, jumps and fun wooden features. Finally, if youâre fearless and want to test your nerve and improve your performance, there are dizzyingly steep slopes too, such as the GoPro G-force, the 2014 World Cup trail! (Make sure you are fully equipped from head to toe, and youâll probably want to wash your bike at the end of the day at one of the three special washing points in Les Allues, MĂ©ribel and MĂ©ribel-Mottaret.)
If you are more interested in views than thrills, there are also lots of enduro trails, ranging from very easy to challenging, and cross-country itineraries especially for electric mountain bikes. The wide choice on offer is ideal for families (see article) because âMountain biking in summer in MĂ©ribelâ can mean everything from a toddler learning on a balance bike to experts tackling a trail so steep they rarely touch the ground! Thereâs something to delight everybody, whatever their level.
For those who prefer exploring the mountains on foot, there is a huge range of walking paths. If you need to work off some energy, from MĂ©ribel Village or the resort set out to climb to the ridges and then to Mont de la Chambre (1,400m uphill) on one of various itineraries that start in the woods. If youâd rather skip the first 1,000m climb, a gondola and chairlift will whisk you to 2,400m altitude, an easy way to reach the same place. From here, why not continue on the Tarentaise Grand Tour, which drops towards la Chambre lake and pass
Further to the east, starting from Méribel-Mottaret, you can explore the Vanoise National Park and Tuéda Nature Reserve. Feast your eyes on the wealth of fauna (especially marmots), flora and forests, including rare Cembro pines. If you wish, you can easily arrange to spend a night high up in one of the refuges which dot the mountains (remember to book in advance). And if you want to know more about biodiversity, local crafts or heritage, guides are on hand to unlock the secrets of this area...
If you prefer running along the paths with the wind in your hair, youâll find 9 sign-posted trail running routes around the valley, totalling 150 km. With routes ranging from the easy to the arduous (the green, valley floor loop at TuĂ©da for beginners; the 45km of the MĂ©ribel Trail for the fittest), youâre sure to find just what suits you. The âMĂ©ribel Trail Guideâ, available in the valleyâs Tourist offices, will help you make your choiceâŠÂ
In addition to the bike park, which is among the best in Savoy, and access to a particularly unspoiled and authentic area on the walking trails, MĂ©ribel also offers the opportunity to try a host of other sports. You can get up high on the highest via ferrata in Europe, or fly even higher in a paraglider. The village, nestling at the foot of the summits, is a superb setting for golfing, horse riding, a treetop rope course, kayaking, canyoning etc... If youâd rather take it easy, there are many activities geared towards relaxation and well-being, such as yoga and Qi-gong, or pampering and a massage in one of the many spas.
MĂ©ribel offers plenty for younger children (8 to 16 years old) who, with the Sportkids club, can discover mountain biking, kayaking, via ferrata, and many other sports. Finally, you can take advantage of MĂ©ribelâs idyllic setting in a novel way. Take fresh look at the mountains (or the clear skies) during out theme fortnights such as âMountain Artâ or âMĂ©ribel in the Skyâ, which will fill your MĂ©ribel holiday with delight.
Via-ferrata, yoga, parapente... and more to discover out of mountain bike and hiking !
Some of the hiking routes allow you to venture further afield and even reach another 3 VallĂ©es resort. To the east, a path starts from the Altiport and leads via Col de la Loze to Courchevel. If you are tempted by a full dayâs hike, you can also reach Courchevel from TuĂ©da lake, passing by the Saut refuge then Merlet lake. Between these two, lies a relatively easy route via the ski lifts to Col de la Saulire. On the other (western) side of the valley you can continue towards Les Menuires from Pas de Cherferie (2,125 m) or TougnĂšte (2,434 m, accessible by the ski lifts). From each side of the valley, the panoramas are superb, especially the views of the Grande Casse and Mont Blanc!