Climbing in Meribel

A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide, choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. Different companies will have their own policies on age limits, but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. 

Like most of the Alps, Meribel is a great place to go rock climbing. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountainside rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). While there are a number of adventure companies and mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'. 

For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March. You can either go with a guide from an adventure company in Meribel or you'll need to know what you are doing and bring your own kit.

If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Meribel has somewhere for you to go. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

The summits and ridges of the region make fantastic terrain to discover ski mountaineering. The quantity of snow in winter usually requires using touring skis for the approach hike, which means ending the outing by a really enjoyable downhill run.

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain. This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. Following marked routes through the mountains, you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight.

You can hire all the essential equipment, including helmet, harness and "cows tails" at most sports shops in resort. If you're a beginner, you should also book a mountain guide or instructor.