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Guide / Tour Things To Do in Meribel — 9 of Our Favourites

Find your perfect Meribel activities. Book directly or with help from our local experts

The main draw for people coming to Meribel in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the vast Meribel and Three Valleys area.

Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Meribel Activities Guide.

ESF Introduction to Biathlon, Meribel

1. Biathlon lessons

Location
Meribel

Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!

Discover biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. This exciting activity challenges you to switch quickly between physical endurance on the skis and calm, precise focus while shooting. Thanks to adapted equipment, biathlon is accessible to everyone and takes place in a friendly, fun, and safe environment.

Lessons are guided by professional instructors, who provide coaching and support throughout. Equipment, including rifles and access to the shooting range, is provided. You can book a private lesson for up to four participants, or join a group lesson of up to six people if you’re on your own.

Two skiers, a man and a woman, walk uphill on a snowy mountain under a clear blue sky. They are dressed in winter gear and helmets.

2. Telemark ski lessons

Location
Meribel

Learn one of the oldest and most elegant forms of skiing with the French ski school this winter.

Since its creation in 1945 by a group of instructors from the valley, this ski school has grown to become one of the largest in France. All 450 instructors are trained professionals from the National School of Skiing and Alpinism in Chamonix. They have extensive knowledge of the Meribel and Three Valleys ski area and are passionate about sharing their love of skiing and the mountains with you. Whatever your age, skill level, or goals, lessons with them promise a fun and enjoyable experience.

Telemark skiing is a physically demanding discipline, but once mastered, it offers one of the most rewarding experiences on the slopes. The technique uses a special binding that fixes the ski at the toe while leaving the heel free.

You can book full- or half-day lessons for groups of up to six people at the same level. Lessons are available in several languages, including English and French.

ESF Ski School Adaptive Skiing, Meribel

3. Adaptive ski lessons

Location
Meribel

Skiing is for everyone and everyone should be able to enjoy the mountains. The official French ski school offer adaptive lessons with specialist instructors for a variety of disabilities.

Since its founding in 1945 by a group of local instructors, this ski school has grown to become one of the largest in France. All 450 instructors are trained professionals from the National School of Skiing and Alpinism in Chamonix. With extensive knowledge of the Meribel and Three Valleys ski area, they are passionate about sharing their love of skiing and the mountains with you. Whatever your age, technical level, or goals, lessons with them promise a fun and enjoyable experience.

The ski school continually invests in instructor training and new equipment to ensure each lesson is tailored to your needs. This winter, options include:

  • standing skiers: uniski or biski
  • seated skiing: Nordic armchair and sledge
  • guidance for visually impaired skiers

For more information or to book, please click the 'Check Website' button at the top of the page.

ESF Cross-Country Skiing, Meribel Valley

4. Cross-country skiing

Location
Meribel

Why not try a new activity this winter and learn how to cross-country ski!

For most people, the only time they really experience cross-country skiing is by watching the Olympics. With this ski school, you can try it for yourself! Cross-country skiing is a fitness-based discipline, mainly practised on specially developed tracks.

You can choose to learn or improve in either:

  • skate skiing
  • classic skiing

Most professionals say that classic skiing is easier to learn, as the movement is similar to walking, while skate skiing is more dynamic and suited to athletic participants.

All staff speak English, ensuring clear communication and the best possible learning experience.

A group of people are sliding down a waterfall

5. Compagnie des Guides de la Vanoise

Location
Aime La Plagne

The bureau of Mountain Guides Montchavin les Coches can tailor each activity to suit you and your group, from canyoning, hiking, and high mountain adventures.

In summer you can go hiking, mountaineering, canyoning, climbing and try via feratta. And in winter there is snow shoeing, ski touring, winter mountaineering and ice climbing.

They cover the whole of the Tarentaise but also lead guided tours to other popular mountain destinations such as Chamonix and Mont Blanc, Zermett and the Gran Paradiso in Italy.

Snow Shoe Walks, Meribel

6. Snow shoe walks

Location
Courchevel 1850

Laurence is a certified mountain leader, who enjoys taking clients away from the busy pistes and spicing up your ski holiday with a guided snowshoeing trip.

No experience needed: If you can walk, you can snowshoe!

This is a great opportunity to explore beautiful, remote parts of the mountain and take in the unspoilt scenery.

Laurence will pick you up at your hotel or chalet, where you will set off together. She can tailor the walks to suit your needs or timings, so if you have a question please ask!

Tea, cookies, snowshoes, poles, and transport are provided.

Please note that Laurence only runs private group snowshoe trips for one to four people, rather than open tours. You can join her for a morning, afternoon or full day walk.

a picture of two people on mountain bikes looking at a mountain view

7. Women's mountain biking courses and guiding

Location
Meribel

For girls who want to go mountain biking in women's specific groups, or for those who wish to develop their skills with advice from mountain bike guides, Fast Riding People mountain bike school offers guiding and courses.

On the beautiful slopes of Meribel and with 100 km labelled mountain bike trails in the Three Valleys, the girls will quickly learn how to ride like champions!

Courses run with Fast Riding People

A person riding a bike with the number 28 on their shirt

8. La Trace Verte mountain bike courses

Location
Meribel

Learn some skills from local guide and mountain biker Clement, a specialist downhill enduro rider.

Clement likes to take his students to places with beautiful panoramic views to enjoy the local scenery which is just as important as improving your performance!

He offers advice on electric mountain bikes as well as regular ones, and you can book to go out with him for a half-day, full day or even longer. He also covers family groups as well as individuals.

  • half day or full day in summer
  • group of up to 6 people maximum
  • accessible to all levels of riders
  • mountain bike rentals are available
Please send an enquiry to ask for prices or to book.
An image of a child rock climbing in the Alps, summer activity with Meribel Bureau des Guides

9. Bureau des Guides - High Mountain Guides, Summer, Meribel

Bureau des Guides de Meribel are a team of highly qualified, experienced and enthusiatic mountain guides. As well as winter activities they also offer a wide range of summer activities for all ages and levels of fitness.

Hike through the beautiful landscape of the Vanoise National Park; see Alpine wildlife, enjoy breathtaking scenery and relax by crystal clear glacial lakes. Your guide will tell you about the flora, fauna and history of the area.

They also offer more technical mountaineering treks to Grande Casse (3852m) and Grand Bec (3398) meters. 

Indoor or outdoor rock climbing will get you strong and fit. Your guide will teach you the skills you need to climb in safety and take you to the best places to suit your level of skill. You can also try the increasingly popular sport of Via Ferrata - getting up high into the mountains safely secured by a series of ropes, cables and iron ladders. Routes include Burgin-Verdons, La Rosiere or La Fraiche. 

Canyoning is a great day out for groups and families; abseiling down waterfalls, sliding down rivers, leaping into natural pools! There are different canyoning sites suitable for everyone from children/beginners to true daredevils!

Meribel Guides organise activities for all ages and abilities. They have a special Summer Camp for 10-15 year olds and a Junior Beavers club for 6-12 year olds - fun and adventure guaranteed!