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Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

Activities on the Meribel slopes over Christmas & New Year

featured in News & reviews Author Caroline Sayer, Meribel Reporter Updated

Good news for those of us desperate to get back onto the snowy mountains: Méribel will open in time for the Christmas holidays, albeit for a restricted range of activities.

From December 18th to January 3rd, the resort will welcome holidaymakers who will be able to enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces of the valley. However, French Government health restrictions prevent the ski lifts from opening during this period.

The following on-snow activities will be available during the holidays in the Méribel Valley.

Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

Cross-country skiing

The cross-country skiing trails at the Altiport will be open, as will the biathlon shooting range. And, don’t forget, a short drive to Courchevel will give you access to all the cross-country trails in this neighbouring valley.

Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

Winter walking & snowshoeing

Méribel’s many marked and groomed walking trails will be open. This extensive network of linked paths stretches all the way from the Tuéda Nature Reserve above Mottaret to Les Allues, with numerous paths in the Altiport area above Méribel. This is the perfect way to explore the lesser known areas of the valley and work off a mince pie or two.

You can also strap on a pair of shoe shoes (available at most hire shops) and explore the snowy paths around Lake Tuéda and Altiport. The Tuéda Reserve's “Explore Game” will also be open.

Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

Ski touring

If you are prepared to walk uphill, you will be able to downhill ski in the Méribel valley this Christmas! With special touring skis, you can walk uphill on two specially created tracks. The first starts at the Altiport and rises 400m to the Burgin relaxation chalet. After admiring the views from the terrace of this spectacular picnic spot, you can descend along the green Blanchot piste. Alternatively, start from Méribel-Mottaret on a 530m ascent to the mid-station of the Pas de Lac gondola lift. From here, you can descend on the red Aigle piste.

Oxygene Ski School Group Lessons, La Plagne kids lessons

Ski lessons

Ski schools will be permitted to offer lessons in skiing and snowboarding for beginners, as well as snowshoeing, cross-country, biathlon and ski touring. Lessons are limited to a maximum of six adults or children, including the instructor. The outdoor kindergartens at La Chaudanne and Mottaret will also be open.

Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

Christmas events

Christmas is always magical in the snow and this year will be no exception. Christmas parades will be held each afternoon along the resort’s streets and Father Christmas himself will be making an appearance in Méribel Centre in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by his spectacular gang of elves and stilt-walkers. Firework displays will be held high on the slopes so you can watch from the warmth of your own chalet.

Adventurous kids will also be able to whizz down the children's sled runs in Mottares, La Chaudanne and Altiport, which will be open.

Holiday season fun in Meribel this winter

When will the ski lifts open?

French Prime Minister Jean Castex stated on December 11th that ski lifts should be able to open from January 7th 2021, providing the health situation allows it. We will keep you informed as soon as any more official announcements are made.

More inspiration...

Check out our Covid Update page to learn all about the current situation in Méribel. Stay safe out there and have a wonderful holiday season!