Guides & Tours in Meribel — 17 of Our Favourites

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.

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.

Their professional instructors know the Three Valleys inside out and will help you ski or snowboard on all kinds of terrain - from fresh powder to spring slush and wind-packed snow - so you can make the most of the mountains in any conditions.

They’ll guide you to the best spots for your level, giving tips and advice along the way. Whether you’re an experienced off-piste skier or snowboarder, or trying it for the first time, your instructor will tailor the lesson so you get the most out of it.

For the ultimate off-piste adventure, heli-skiing is also available. Fly over the peaks and escape the pistes and lifts as your pilot takes you to some of the most remote and beautiful places, ready to be explored with just you and your guide.

If you want to explore the incredible off-piste terrain of the Méribel valley, hiring a mountain guide will help you get the most from your day on the slopes. Guides can meet you at any ski area in the valley, allowing you to maximise your time on the mountain wherever you’re staying.

The team consists of individual experts, each with a world-class background in snowsports. Every guide has extensive experience in their speciality - skiing or snowboarding - as well as a broad knowledge of the sport overall. The international team means you’re likely to find a guide who speaks your language, with fluency in English, French, German, Italian and more.

These guides understand that skiing in fresh, untouched powder is an unforgettable experience, and they aim to make it a highlight of your off-piste adventure.

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 professionals, trained at the National School of Skiing and Alpinism in Chamonix, with extensive knowledge of Meribel and the 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, skiing with them is sure to be a fun and enjoyable experience.

These lessons are designed for experienced skiers or snowboarders looking to explore freeride terrain in Meribel and the Three Valleys. With their in-depth knowledge of the area, instructors know where to find the best snow and hidden spots away from the crowds.

All instructors are fully qualified to lead groups off-piste and have extensive experience in freeriding. They also speak English, along with several other languages, so communication is never a barrier.

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.

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.

FT Outdoors will take you on a thrilling off-piste adventure where you will get to discover remote areas and ski in fresh powder away from all the crowds. Skiers and snowboarders wanting to go off-piste should be confident on both red and black runs.

Their fully qualified guides and off-piste specialists have years of experience which helps minimise risk. To further ensure your safety, they provide small backpacks containing an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel for each off-piste client. ABS backpacks are also available upon request for a small additional fee.

With FT Outdoors you don't have to worry about any communication barriers, they have some British guides as well as instructors who speak Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German. There will also be no waiting around in lift queues, their clients have the fantastic advantage of lift line priority.

Make the most of each powder day. If you want to explore the true terrain of the mountain, learn how to ski across powder and ride the line of the season, they are there to help. They offer sessions for those that are just starting to explore off-piste through to those that already have plenty of experience and want to find the best powder spots in the valley.

All their mountain guides are fully qualified and have plenty of experience in the local terrain. They all speak English (other languages are also available) so you can relax and communicate with ease. They take safety seriously.

That’s why when you book one of their off-piste and guiding lessons, they provide transceivers, shovels, probes and ABS bags completely free of charge. At this school, they know how to handle the mountain with care.

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.

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

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.

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!

This artificial wall is open everyday throughout the season for adults and children above six years old. Free access is available only to experienced climbers who have insurance and proof of experience.

If you are an inexperienced climber, the Bureau des Guides des Meribel can offer a two-hour session at the climbing wall. They can assist you in your first climb or help you improve your skills and climbing techniques.

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