Experienced or expert level mountain bikers will want to pit their wits and their skills on some of the most technical and challenging trails in the valley, and there a good handful to choose from.
Black MTB trails
Technically difficult mountain trails for expert level mountain bikers
Downhill trails
Brides Les Bains
Trail no. 5 takes you all the way down to the valley floor in Brides Les Bains. It's 10.5km long and descends 1,000m, taking you from just below the Altiport, past Méribel Village and down through the forest to the bottom of the trail. From here you can pick up a bus back into Méribel.
4x de la Chaudanne
This is a sector at the bottom of the Tougnete lift that's specifically for four cross. It was built for the French Championships in 2011 and is reserved only for the most experienced riders. Helmets and knee protection are essential.
La Saulire
Trail no. 3 is 3.8km long and descends 490m from the top of the Saulire and Pas du Lac gondola above Mottaret. It's a shared trail so watch out for 4x4's, and it finishes at the mid-station of the Pas du Lac lift.
Cote 2000
Trail no. 4 picks up where La Saulire trail leaves off pretty much, after you've ridden a small part of blue trail Bellevue. It's also where red trail 15 (les Grands Numeros) finishes, so you can ride top to bottom from the red into the black. The trail is 4.7km long and descends 1,000m.
Bois de Corbey
Trail no. 7 is an off-shoot of red DH trail no.19 Forest Jump. It's only 1km long, descending 176m and joins up with the 4x area at the Chaudanne at the bottom of the Tougnete lift.
Enduro Trails
Col de la Chambre
Trail no. 13 links up with Val Thorens trails crossing over the Mont de la Chambre at 2,850m. It's a 9.8km long rocky enduro trail with some fantastic views and if you're coming over from VT you'll descend 1,100m back into Méribel-Mottaret. There's no lift access for this trail in the Méribel Valley, so you can only really join the trail from the top of the Bruyeres lift in Val Thorens or pedal up and over from the top of the Belleville Valley.
Mergollaz
Trail no. 6 traverses the valley side from the mid station of the Tougnete lift, dropping through the trees and ending up in Les Allues. It's a 6.9km trail and has 220m of climbing and 900m descent. You can pick up a bus from Les Allues to take you back up the centre of Méribel from here.
Creux Loop
Trail no. 17 starts from near Le Blanchot restaurant at the Altiport taking you through the forest on 6km of trail. There's only a 30m climb and the trail descends 280m.
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What to see
Sights in Meribel
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Musée des Allues
Exhibits of the history and traditions of the Meribel valley and surrounding area
The museum in Les Allues is located in an old house the 'Maison Bonnevie', opposite the church and shows exhibits of the Méribel valley's history and traditions.
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Meribel
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Le Cookie's Club Restaurant
Mountain restaurant with a sunny terrace, easily accessible on skis or a snowboard
Ideal for skiers on the go, Cookie’s Club serves generous international dishes, sweet treats and sunny terrace vibes - all in a prime ski-in/ski-out location.
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Tsaretta Restaurant
Open all year round bar, restaurant and live music venue, in the heart of Les Allues
Located in a traditional stone village house, this British-run bar/restaurant is the centre of nightlife in Les Allues. A dozen pizzas are on offer, including the popular l’Anglaise (mozzarella, tomato, smoked bacon, sausage, mushrooms and egg) or the Orientale (hoisin sauce, shredded duck and spring onion). You can also ‘bespoke’ your pizza by adding or subtracting your own ingredients.
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Aux Petits Oignons restaurant
Fantastic, great value restaurant just above the town centre towards the Altiport.
Owners Sarah Mundy and Eric Gelin have turned this restaurant into a popular eating place and a heart of Méribel social life. Aux Petits Oignons is open all year round and has a reputation for great food and drinks at fair prices and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
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La Terrasse la Brasserie du Village
Popular après-ski bar and restaurant close to the pistes with international cuisine
La Terrasse, nestled in the heart of Méribel Village just 100m from the Golf chairlift and at the base of the Lapin piste, is open all year round - even during inter-seasons. Book your table online via the “Check website” button above and enjoy lunch, après-ski, or dinner on the heated terrace or in their cosy dining room, whatever the weather.
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L'Adray Telebar Restaurant
Charming mountain restaurant with traditional Savoyard flavours and sunny terrace
Immerse yourself in the warm and authentic world of their restaurant Le Télébar, a true tribute to traditional Savoyard cuisine. Here, they invite you to discover homemade dishes, carefully prepared using local and quality ingredients.
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Barometer Bar and Restaurant
Contemporary restaurant, pizzeria and bar in the centre of Méribel
Located at the heart of the Three Valleys, Barometer Bar offers a warm, vibrant, and stylish setting with a truly international atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting Méribel for skiing, sightseeing, or simply to unwind, this bar and restaurant provides the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and soak up the lively alpine energy. Open every day, Barometer is famous for serving some of the best pizzas in town, alongside a menu inspired by both French and Italian cuisine.
What to do
Things To Do in Meribel
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Snowshoe walks
Snowshoe walks for all abilities
Strap on your snowshoes and discover the Meribel trails with a qualified instructor.
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Telemark ski lessons
Private telemark lessons for all levels
Learn one of the oldest and most elegant forms of skiing with the French ski school this winter.
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Adaptive ski lessons
Adaptive skiing with the official French ski school
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.
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Biathlon lessons
Private and group biathlon lessons for all levels
Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!
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Cross-country skiing
5 or 6 day cross-country skiing course
Why not try a new activity this winter and learn how to cross-country ski!
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Women's mountain biking courses and guiding
Two days women specific courses and groups and mountain bike hire
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.
