Méribel, everything you want for summer

For mountain bike addicts, there are more than 10 downhill trails in Méribel in summer! If you’re not ready to tackle the steeper slopes, you can start gently on the Bike Slope, the bike park’s green trail (accessed from the top of Tougnète 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 you’re an experienced mountain biker, there’s a whole range of more technically challenging descents featuring steep sections, jumps and fun wooden features. Finally, if you’re 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 you’ll probably want to wash your bike at the end of the day at one of the three special washing points in Les Allues, Méribel and Méribel-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 “Mountain biking in summer in Méribel” can mean everything from a toddler learning on a balance bike to experts tackling a trail so steep they rarely touch the ground! There’s something to delight everybody, whatever their level.

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, Méribel 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 you’d 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.

Méribel 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 Méribel’s idyllic setting in a novel way. Take fresh look at the mountains (or the clear skies) during out theme fortnights such as “Mountain Art” or “Méribel in the Sky”, which will fill your Méribel holiday with delight.

Via-ferrata, yoga, parapente... and more to discover out of mountain bike and hiking !