9 Non-Ski Activities In Méribel

Travelling with your family or friends, but don’t fancy heading out onto the slopes yourself, or simply looking for some non-ski activities? Never fear, Méribel has plenty to offer: from a range of alternative mountain pursuits, to more sedate cultural or therapeutic options – you can make it as action-packed or as relaxed as you like!

Lunching
In Méribel, you can purchase a pedestrian lift pass, providing access to all of the cable cars, gondolas and most of the chair lifts. There are fantastic places to meet your friends for lunch on the mountain, for instance; the top of Saulire (Pierres Plates), or the top of Plattieres 3 lift, as both these summits offer fantastic views.

Walking
If you fancy some walking at high altitude, meet your friends at the Plan des Mains restaurant (at the bottom of the chairlift of the same name above Mottaret), where there are some new walking paths laid out. There are two easy walking routes that you can follow; a shorter route (0.8km/30 minutes), or a slightly longer route (1.6km/1 hour 20 minutes).

You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow. In fresh snow, snowshoes are recommended. Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping. You can buy these from most local Sport Shops.

Sledging
If you’re looking for a slightly faster way to make the most of the mountain, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow-covered hill! You can pick up a sledge at one of the many ski hire shops or sports shops in Méribel

Tubing
In Mottaret, ‘tubing’ is offered as a winter activity. During the afternoons and for Aprés ski you can whizz and slide down the slopes in an inflatable ring. It really is a fantastic fun activity for all of the family.

Parapenting
Known as “parapenting” in France & Switzerland, paragliding really is the best way to view the entire mountain region. From the very tops of the mountains you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by a fully qualified instructor, who manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views.

Helicopter flights
Alternatively, you can sit back, relax and admire the mountains from even higher up. Panoramic helicopter flights over the Tarentaise Valley offer you a unique experience and a breathtaking view over the snow topped mountains.

Parc Olympique
If you fancy keeping your feet on solid ground then look no further than Parc Olympique. In here you will find everything to keep you physically entertained throughout the duration of your holiday. There is a swimming pool, gym, ice skating rink, bowling alley and spa.

Relaxation
If relaxation is what you desire then why not stay in the comfort of your own chalet? Here in Méribel we work very closely with Ski-Physio, a company of fully qualified English Physio and massage therapists. They come directly to your chalet and offer a sublime mix of services, from full physiotherapy sessions to deeply relaxing lava

Market
On Tuesdays and Fridays there is the local street market in Méribel centre from 10:00am until 6:30pm. With stalls selling a mix of meats, cheeses, confectionery, clothes, accessories and much more – where else would you go to get everyone’s souvenirs?

In short, Méribel has plenty to offer to all people of all ages, on and off the mountain. So, what are you waiting for?