<p>Discover five things to do in Meribel for non-skiers this winter.</p><p></p>
Photo: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

Top 5 Things to do in Meribel

Discover five things to do in Meribel for non-skiers this winter.

Resort Guides
Published at: 19 May 2020
Last updated at: 9 Nov 2023

Are you wondering what to do in Meribel this winter? Found in the world’s largest ski area of Les Trois Vallées, this authentic alpine village is renowned for its amazing skiing with a staggering 600 km of slopes for skiers to explore. However with plenty of off-slope activities too, non-skiers can make the most of the alternative activities this popular resort has to offer.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan
Ski joering in MeribelPhoto: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

1. Take a trip through the forest with a spot of ski joering

A combination of skiing and horses, ski joering is the perfect activity for both horse lovers and skiers alike during your Meribel ski holiday. With only a basic level of skiing required, your ski joering adventure will start in the safety of an enclosure with a lesson on how to control the three speeds of the horse. Once confident, you will then move on to a wonderful itinerary through the forest, surrounded by the stunning winter scenery of Méribel, while those looking for a challenge can try a slalom and jumps. Taking place daily between 10 am and 5 pm, make sure you come equipped for skiing with a helmet and gloves, not forgetting your ski boots and skis!

Organised by the Méribel equestrian centre, horse lovers can also partake in the activities of horse-pulled sledges perfect for young children, or enjoy riding in the snow.

Meribel AltiportPhoto: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

2. Experience the mountains from the air

Discover Méribel high above the trees as you move with the wind in a hot air balloon. Weather permitting, hot air ballooning takes place every day in the morning with a flight time from 1-2 hours. Alternatively, delight in a flight tour over the snow-capped mountains as a qualified pilot guides you over the resort.

Take off from the snow-covered Altiport to enjoy a single 10-minute valley flight or experience a Three Valley flight over Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. This winter activity is one of the most thrilling and exciting ways of seeing the snow-covered resort in all its glory with the possibility of going further afield and flying over Les Arcs.

Rock climbing in MeribelPhoto: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

3. Ascend frozen waterfalls & ice-covered cliffs

An exhilarating activity for both new and experienced climbers, ice climbing will see you ascend the ice formations of frozen waterfalls and ice-covered cliffs with the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor. Teaching you first how to safely use the equipment of crampons and ice axes, you will then commence your ascent from a choice of summits. Climbing can get rather cold even with the adrenaline running through your veins, so make sure you stay warm by wearing ski gear and bring a spare pair of gloves.

Those who have never tried ice climbing before can still partake in this activity by getting to grips with the equipment and practising on the indoor climbing wall at the Olympic sport centre. This 14 metre-high wall is open everyday throughout the seasons for adults and children over six years old. gloves.

Snowmobiling in MeribelPhoto: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

4. Speed through deep powder on a snowmobile

When the ski runs have closed for the day, discover the Alps in a whole new light as you try your hand at snowmobiling. With the tuition of an expert instructor, you will soon be speeding across the deep powder of Méribel, as you explore the snowy country trails by moonlight. With several excursions available, you can give this exhilarating experience a go anytime in the evening after 5:30 pm. Designed to introduce you to snowmobiles, the discovery trip allows you to carry a passenger and is suitable for both beginners and intermediates, while those not wanting to give driving a try can ride behind one of the professional guides.

For the adrenaline seekers of the group, the intermediate/advanced sport trip will see you cover a variety of terrain from powdered snow to driving up embankments and flat-out up the pistes, a hair raising experience you will never forget.

Snowshoe trek in MeribelPhoto: Sylvain Aymoz/Meribel Tourisme

5. Discover the beautiful landscape on a snowshoe trek

The perfect activity for friends and family on a Meribel ski holiday, snowshoeing is a wonderful way to explore the snowy surroundings. Guided by a professional instructor, you will be following trails with half-day or full-day tours available to enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. Along the route, you will learn about the plants and wildlife of the region, exploring the untouched forests away from the crowds of skiers on the slopes. No experience is needed to participate in this winter activity with snowshoes, poles and transport all provided as part of the tour.

Méribel also offers 25 km of beautiful winter walking trails with links to various villages. Groomed and signposted, a pair of walking boots is all you will need to discover this wonderful resort on foot.