Méribel lies in the Les Allues Valley at the centre of the world’s largest linked ski area, les Trois Vallées. The resort was founded by a British Colonel, Peter Lindsay, in 1938. As the largest of the villages in the valley Méribel has plenty more than its skiing on offer.
Bobsleighing: Available in the neighbouring resort of La Plagne you will find one of the best bobsleigh tracks in the world. It was the official Olympic track used for the Albertville Olympic Games in 1992. It is 1500m long, allowing you to experience an average speed in excess of 100km/h. Each ‘run’ can take 3 passengers in the bobsleigh, with your qualified ‘pilot’ steering you down the course. This is a really unique experience as this is the only bobsleigh track in France. The journey from Meribel to La Plagne takes about 50-60 minutes depending on traffic and weather, or alternatively you could take a helicopter from the Méribel altiport to La Plagne.
Snow-shoe walks: You can either head off independently on a number of marked trails in the area (guide books and maps available from the local tourist office), or book a guide to take you further into the back country to explore the beauty of the Vanoise National Park in which Méribel lies. A lovely option is to walk around Lac Tueda up in Mottaret; this is a nature reserve and very peaceful in winter. There is little restaurant half way around the lake which is perfect for a hot chocolate, or light lunch.
Horse Drawn Sleigh or Husky sledding: Experience the beauty of Lac Tueda from a traditional horse drawn sleigh for a romantic little outing. The Husky sledding is Based from Le Pantin, a small village a short walk from Meribel-Village on the road to Courchevel, this is an exiting and exhilarating experience. A physical activity as you will be driving the huskies and this requires some strength and balance!
Scenic Flights & Parapenting: Taking off from the Méribel Altiport choose from a flight over the Méribel valley, Les Trois Vallées, or the ultimate flight around Mont Blanc and back. A very special way to view the beautiful surrounding mountains, and you can even take a turn at flying yourself as they offer private flying tuition. Parapenting, a truly exhilarating experience! Offered by a number companies from the top of Saulire to give you a unique experience of flying over the Méribel Valley.
Snowmobiling: Once the pistes have closed, and after some expert tuition, you can be out on an open country trail enjoying the buzz and adrenalin rush of being in control of a snowmobile through powder and speeding up and down the ski runs in the peace of a late moon lit evening.
Ice Rink & Bowling: The Méribel ice rink, built originally to host the 1992 Olympic Ice Hockey, has a capacity of 2,400 and regularly hosts both national and international ice hockey matches and skating galas. It is open for public skating daily from 16:00 – 19:30, and on Thursday’s it stays open until 21:30. Every Monday evening from 21:00 the rink is converted into a race track for ice karting. Anyone over 10yrs can take part and this should be booked in advance. Bowling Le Canadien is a bowling alley and sports bar in the centre of Méribel, open from 16:00 – 01:00 every day, and opening from 11:00 on a bad weather day. Perfect if you decide to take a day off the mountain!
Swimming Pool: Parc Olympique has a large swimming pool open throughout the day, and also boasts its own in-house spa area run by Cinq Mondes. You can relax and indulge with a beauty treatment or massage or just use the sauna, hammam, steam room and spa facilities.