Things to do in Meribel for Non Skiers

Meribel, like all ski resorts, is primarily focused on skiing. However, it does offer a range of alternative activities and amenities. The Meribel Olympic Sports Centre is a fantastic facility that provides various options for recreation. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the swimming pool, engage in some friendly competition with a game of ten-pin bowling, or glide across the ice rink while ice-skating. For those seeking a thrill, there is even a climbing wall available.

Apart from these adventurous activities, Meribel also offers a twice-weekly market. Brimming with stalls, the market is a vibrant hub where visitors can explore and discover an array of goods. From local produce to handicrafts, the market showcases a diverse selection of products. Whether you are looking for a unique souvenir or simply want to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, the Meribel market is the perfect place to spend a few hours.

In conclusion, while skiing may be the main attraction in Meribel, there are plenty of alternative activities and amenities to enhance your experience. From the fantastic facilities at the Meribel Olympic Sports Centre to the bustling market, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque ski resort.

If you fancy an indulgent day at the spa, check out our page on this here 

Swimming pool, Bowling,
Fitness Centre & Relaxation Spa


There is a large indoor heated swimming pool at the Olympic Centre in Meribel. There is also a small paddling pool for children and a large slide into another separate pool. There are showers and changing rooms and towels can be hired. It is open daily from 2-7 pm. A smart fitness centre has cardio training machines, fitness training machines, weights, rowers, steppers, running machines, fitness bicycles, and vibrating body toner machines.

The Wellness Centre & Relaxation Spa is open from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm the facilities include a sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage showers, and herbal tea bar. 

After a delicious meal in one of our Meribel ski chalets, you have time for evening entertainment.
The Olympic Centre's Canadian, ultra-modern 10-pin bowling alley. Open all day from 2 pm (10 am in adverse weather) till 2 am. It is a 6-lane bowling alley with an electronic scoreboard. 

Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 04 13 46

Snowshoe excursions


A snowshoe excursion offers breathtaking views of the mountains. Discover the valley's history, enjoy the mountain environment, and see local wildlife. The 'rackets' of snowshoes attach to your outdoor footwear and make it easy for you to walk on snow. Several walking circuits are available at the Meribel Tourist Office for you to enjoy independently or as part of a guided tour.
This quiet activity puts you in the middle of some of the most picturesque trails in the Alps, whether you are on your own or with a group. Snowshoes allow you to walk over even the lightest powder to see nature that would typically not be accessible. With snowshoes, you can get closer to these secret spots than you would without skiing or boarding, and trust us, it is worth it.

www.ski-school-meribel-mottaret.com/nordic-ski/snowshoes/
www.simplysavoie.com/tours/guided-snowshoe-walks-in-meribel/
www.naturelle-rando.com/

Cross Country skiing


There are some magnificent cross-country trails in the Meribel Valley, all graded from beginner to expert. It is a fantastic way to spend the morning or afternoon. At the top of the Meribel Valley in Mottaret, you have an excellent introductory route around the Lac du Tueda. As part of Vanoise National Park, this area is protected for wildlife and natural beauty. There is a small Alpine hut where you can stop for a hot chocolate and enjoy the views.
From the Meribel Altiport, there is something for all levels. Again, it is a very picturesque setting, and the route takes you through alpine forests. Cross-country skiing is one of the most enjoyable forms of aerobic exercise whilst enjoying fantastic scenery. Lightweight equipment can be hired from all local sports shops. If you are a newbie to cross-country skiing, an hour with a personal instructor is all you need to get going!
https://www.ski-school-meribel-mottaret.com/learn-and-progress/nordic/
Tel : 04 79 08 60 31

Flights over Meribel

For a whole new perspective on the breathtaking landscape, take one of these surprisingly affordable plane rides. Planes carry up to 3 passengers and depart from Meribel Altiport. For instance, the Mottaret Tour takes you on a flight over the Mottaret Valley and Mont Vallon for an unbeatable view of the French Alps.
www.ac-meribel.com/
+33 4 79 08 61 33


Helicopter Flights

Azur Hélicoptère has become one of France’s leading helicopter companies, specialising in helicopter training & VIP charter flights from the Alps to the French Riviera.
Their team based in Lyon, Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez and Monaco, as well as in Geneva and Courchevel during the ski season, is available 24/7, bringing you a tailor-made, top-quality service. They offer helicopter transfers direct to Meribel, which saves a lot of time compared to driving. 

www.azurhelico.com/en/helicopter-meribel.html
+33 (0)4 93 90 40 70


Look into a pedestrian pass

Pedestrian lift passes are available from us or from the lift pass office at 85€ for six days. These passes allow you to travel on many chair lifts and bubble lifts throughout the Three Valleys.
If you aren't skiing, Meribel is an excellent destination for you, and with the pedestrian pass, you can enjoy a picnic on the slopes, meet friends for lunch, take photos, or soak up the stunning mountain scenery from the top of the mountain. Take in some scenery with some beautiful local walks
Meribel has an abundance of walking trails all well signposted and easy to navigate. Several groomed forest trails make for a particularly enjoyable walk.

Download our free walking guide here 


Horse Riding 

The equestrian centre in Meribel is open throughout the year. Located along the Truite Piste. The centre is accessible from the road by car. In winter, it can be accessed via the green Truite piste, or on foot by walking up the track.

http://www.coeurequestremeribel.com
anne@coeurequestremeribel.com
+33 4 57 37 17 21 & +33 6 09 15 65 54


Indulge in some great shopping. 

You can find everything from chic new outfits to casual snowboarding gear in Meribel, whether you're looking for skiing equipment or kitsch souvenirs. If you're just looking for a spot of window shopping, Meribel Centre and Meribel Mottaret offer a great selection of shops to browse. Throughout the shops are bakeries and boutique food shops where you can pick up saucisson and Genepi. There is also a great open-air street market in Meribel every Tuesday and Friday in the centre - great for picking up regional products and Savoyarde gifts, and the sweets selection is fantastic! Lots of bar stops along the way, so refuel while you're on your way!
The best ski wear, Parisien chic, and top-notch equipment can all be found in Meribel. Explore Meribel's high street starting at the Galerie des Cimes and ending at La Chaudanne. There are also boutiques, delicious food shops - try the Les Glaciers bakery or Savoyard specialities - as well as practical stores (optician, pharmacy, newsagents).


Relax with a film

Meribel boasts an excellent in-resort cinema showing English-speaking films two or three times a week. The cinema is located in the Tourist Office auditorium. You can collect a cinema guide from the Tourist Office and look for films marked VO (version of original) for English-speaking films.
The cinema is part of the Cimes shopping complex at the top of town, 100m from the Tourist Office. Each week it shows films two or three times a week in English marked VOST in the cinema guide. These are available from the Tourist Office and posted around town. On adverse weather days, cinemas may open at 2 pm to show films. The films are screened at 9 pm

+ 33 (0)4.79.55.43.15
http://www.cinemameribel.fr/

Paragliding

This exhilarating and breathtaking activity can be enjoyed from the top of Saulire or Col de Loze. From the top of Saulire or the Col de la Loze, qualified instructors offer paragliding over the Meribel Valley. You can also take pictures and videos. An instructor can help you capture your flight using a GoPro camera attached to your helmet, for example. 
http://www.parapentemeribel.net/index.php/prestations-par-saison-et-tarifs
Stéphane Gorrand : +33 (0)6.12.45.75.17
Pierre Bouvier Garzon +33 (0)6.63.76.56.54
Reservation possible at the Méribel tourist office  +33 (0)4.79.08.67.25


Snowmobiles - moto neige

Once the ski runs close for the day, try driving these 500cc two-seater motorbikes built especially for snow. With the rear wheel replaced with a caterpillar track for momentum and the front wheel swapped for a pair of skis for steering. No matter whether you are a beginner or have done it many times before, after some expert guidance and tuition, you will soon be riding a snow scooter down an open country trail, enjoying the adrenalin rush of speeding up and down ski runs during a late-night moonlight evening, while the highly experienced instructors closely observe you.

http://www.parapentemeribel.net/index.php/prestations-par-saison-et-tarifs
+33 (0)6 09 94 18 11


Ice Rink - Ice Skating and Hockey

This arena, with a capacity of 2400, hosts international ice hockey matches, skating galas and other events. It is open for public skating daily from 3 pm until 7 pm and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 9 pm. The ice rink in Meribel is located in the Olympic Centre at La Chaudanne. Normal opening hours are 2 pm – 2 am. During the winter season, there are ice hockey matches almost every Tuesday evening which are worth a visit. At only €3 a ticket, it is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening out. Tickets cannot be reserved though usually there are plenty of spaces available.
The rink also offers ice karting on Monday nights at 9 pm. It is charged at €20 for 10 minutes. Public 
 *Please note on bad weather days they will open at 11:00

Telephone: +33 4 79 00 80 00

Taboggan runs

Meribel has 2 toboggan runs to explore. Mission Black Forest. It is a 3km sledge run, descending through the forest for an exhilarating 470m with 28 corners. They will provide you with your sledge & helmet. Open every afternoon and reached by taking the Tougnette telecabine from La Chaudanne in Meribel centre. Himalaya by Night is an exciting 2km sledging run located in Mottaret, & it is slightly tamer than Mission Black Forest!

www.skipass-meribel.com/fr/piste-de-luge
+33 (0)4 79 08 65 32


Climbing wall


The 14m high indoor climbing wall within the Olympic Centre is open free of charge to experienced climbers from 9 am to 8 pm. This is except during the time when mountain guides use it. Tuition is also available for beginners on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

+33 (0)4 79 04 13 46


Husky Sledging

Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. You will follow a guide throughout your husky tour  Sled dogs - Sledding (supervised descent) Snowmobile – Snowshoeing Takarnaka

+33 (0)4 79 55 39 52

Horse Drawn sleigh


Take a break from Meribel skiing and enjoy the picturesque Lac Tueda on the edge of the Parc National de Vanoise from a traditional horse-drawn sleigh.
To reserve telephone: +33 (0)6 03 55 20 89
 

Hot air balloon ride in Meribel

Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride for 1 hour or more at sunrise, departing from Courchevel's altiport. Choose between 5 or 6 passenger balloons. Destination unknown. Prices start at 280€ per person or book a private basket for 1400€


Website

 

Explore with the completely free bus service

This is an excellent way to tour Meribel and the surrounding areas, as Meribus runs three main services!
The can take buses all around Meribel, from the Centre to Meribel Mottaret and to the Altiport. It is completely free to ride the buses - no lift pass is required. You can take photos and explore each of these routes from many stops along the way. Buses run every 20 minutes during the day, so it's easy to hop on and off and explore the valley.