Watersport Things To Do in Meribel — 6 of Our Favourites

Venturing down a river on a raft does not require any particular technical skills, nor do you have to be extremely fit. However, you do have to be in good health, know how to swim, and not be afraid of going under water.

Rafting involves, above all, a team spirit - the fearless in front, the more relaxed in the middle and the more technically able at the back. Rafting allows each person to experience an adrenaline rush as they glide down the rapids, while at the same time discovering some amazing scenery.

There are introductory rafting sessions (on a grade three river) and more difficult sessions for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Their excursions take place on the Haute Isere river, which is easily accessible from Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val d'Isere resorts, and the Doron de Bozel, which can be easily reached from the 3 Valleys resorts.

Half day excursions

• rafting course for children - from Bourg-Saint Maurice to Gothard - eight years and above.
• two descents on the Doron of Bozel - one of the fastest rivers in the Northern Alps, the course is 6 km long, takes about 1h15 to paddle down with quick sequences, tight bends, small jumps, navigation under tree cover, all leaving you with some unforgettable memories - 12yrs and above. The river is at the base of the 3 Valleys so is ideal for people on holiday in the the areas of Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens.
• Bourg-Saint Maurice to Centron - a demanding expedition down the magnificent Haute Isere river covering 18 km in all for 2h15 non-stop paddling. First of all, you glide down the easier section of the course Bourg-Saint-Maurice/Bellentre, giving you a gentle introduction to the techniques and sensations of rafting. You then move on to a more demanding section of the Isere river with the famous rapids of Aime and then the magnificent canyon of Centron. The minimum age limit for this descent is 12 years old. The river is ideally located for those on holiday in the Haute Tarentaise resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d'Isere.

Full day excursions

• On the full day excursion, you will get to experience both rivers as described above with lunch on the riverbank.

The activity consists of swimming down the river with the aid of a foam float, using and playing with the currents. This activity is a little more demanding physically than the others so you do have to be in good health, know how to swim and not be afraid of going under water. This allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. What fun!

The Isere is a perfect river for this activity, providing many possibilities and easily accessible from a number of the main resorts. The trip usually departs from Bourg Saint Maurice to Gothard/Aime, however, the team will choose the best courses according to water levels and capabilities of the participants. 

Discover the vast terrain of Les 3 Vallées with experienced mountain guides who know the area inside out. From off-piste routes to quieter corners of the resort, they offer a safe and memorable way to explore the mountains. Trips can be tailored to suit your ability, interests and schedule, whether you're new to the slopes or looking for more of a challenge.

Groups and individual trips are possible.

Rafting, hydrospeed, canoe rafting, and Airboat on the Isere and the Doron de Bozel, two magnificent rivers in the Alps. Canyoning in the gorges of the Tarentaise in the Savoie and the Haute Savoie near Lake Annecy.

They can also organise a variety of mountain sports: mountain biking, paragliding, Via Ferrata and adventure assault Course.

With a sauna, steam room, tea room, relaxation area and a swimming pool, in this sports centre you can relax your muscles and enjoy the calm of the spa area.

Offering a range of beauty treatments and massages you can book in for a treatment with one of the highly qualified therapists and melt your stress away. Choose from a variety of massages or Cinq Mondes packages.

Last entry: 45 minutes before closing time. The pool must be vacated 15 minutes before closing time.

There is an entry price, discounted rates for children who must be accompanied by an adult.

Baggy swimming shorts are not permitted. Swimming trunks and costumes can be bought at the pool.

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!