Our Favourite Things To Do In Meribel
Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Meribel - perfect for non-skiers and bad weather days.
Meribel is known as the central resort in the Three Valleys, the world’s largest linked ski area, boasting over 600km of piste. The sheer amount of lifts surrounding you wherever you are in Meribel is, at times, unbelievable. With so much ski terrain on offer, skiing is the first activity choice for most people visiting Meribel. But that’s not to say that Meribel has nothing to offer non-skiers.
This buzzing resort village is home to a huge variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and spas, with plenty to choose from when it comes to things to do. Here, we’re rounding up some of the best things to do in Meribel including activities and non-skier go-tos. There’s plenty to do in Meribel without making your way up the mountain.
Parc Olympique indoor climbing wall, 📷: Merinet
1. Get active at the Parc Olympique
If you’re not keen on skiing (or if the weather is playing up) but you still want to do something active, we’d recommend a trip to Meribel’s Parc Olympique sports centre. Located in the heart of Meribel centre, this activity hub features a swimming pool, gym, ice rink and indoor climbing wall. It’s very reasonably priced to buy entry on the door to each of these facilities. One thing to bear in mind though, is that if you do want to visit the swimming pool they don’t allow men to wear swimming shorts - it’s speedos only in here!
2. Take a trip to the cinema
If you’re looking for something nice and simple, you can’t beat a trip to the cinema. Obviously, Meribel is in France, so you’ll need to look out for special English screenings if you’re planning on catching a film. These take place regularly at both Méribel Cinema and Méribel Mottaret Cinema.
3. Try your hand at tobogganing
Meribel’s 3.4km toboggan run kicks off at the top station of the Tougnète gondola, where you’ll be able to buy a ticket to ride and grab a sledge. From here, you’ll snake 3.4km down the mountain back into town. There's also a night-lit toboggan run for those of you who are looking for a fun way to fill your evenings.
4. Go bowling
Everybody loves bowling, and you’ll find six lanes at this central Meribel bowling alley. There’s also a sports bar on site featuring pool tables, table football, and arcade games - the perfect place to grab a drink and settle in to watch the latest live sports match.
5. Enjoy a spot of après ski
Meribel certainly offers plenty of options when it comes to après ski. Just because you’re a non-skier doesn’t mean you have to miss out on experiencing Folie Douce, because you can buy return pedestrian lift pass tickets to the Folie for €10. Get up there and experience all that Meribel has to offer, without worrying about having your skis nicked by a tipsy reveller. You can find out more about Meribel’s après ski scene here.
6. Try paragliding
Ok, this one does require a set of skis and a beginner skiing ability, but it’s an excellent option for those of you looking for something different to do, nonetheless. Take off in a two seater paraglider with a qualified instructor and sit back and relax as you take in the stunning views over Meribel and the surrounding valleys. You’ll be flying for about 20 minutes, so it’s better value for money than you might expect at €120 a go.
7. Go horsing around
The number of horse-related activities in Meribel are frankly astounding. Adults can try their hand at ski-joering (where you’re pulled along by a horse whilst on skis) or go for a horseback ride in the snow, while children can enjoy pony sledging or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You’d neigh-ver believe there was this much possibility when it comes to our four-legged friends.
8. Indulge in a spa day
There are plenty of spas to choose from in Meribel if you’re not staying at a hotel or chalet that offers spa facilities. However, if you’re yet to book your accommodation, we can point you in the way of a few with spa access. The flexiski operated Chalet Ophelia offers two outdoor hot tubs, and the Hotel L’Eterlou, Hotel Le Mottaret, and Hotel Le Tremplin also all provide hot tub access.
Or, if you’re looking for a property with full spa facilities (available to use for an extra charge), we’d recommend staying at either Les Fermes de Méribel or L’Hevana, two self-catering options by Pierre et Vacances, both with ‘Deep Nature Spas’. Guest passes for these spas are available to purchase for non-guests. Parc Olympique also offers spa facilities including a hammam, steam room, relaxation room, indoor swimming pool, and sauna. Here you can also indulge in a relaxing massage or beauty treatment.
9. Go and watch an ice hockey match
The Parc Olympique ice rink hosts a hockey match every Tuesday evening during the ski season, which is well worth a look in. This costs just €5 per adult and children under 5 years old go free. We’d recommend rounding up your mates and heading there to have a beer and watch the match for an unconventional evening on the town.
10. Go on a snowmobile tour
If you’d like to see more of the area but a paragliding trip sounds a little too extreme to you, we’d recommend a spot of snowmobiling. Meribel offers a one hour discovery trip with an instructor on hand to show you the sites. This takes place all season, beginning at Le Hameau du Mottaret between 1.30pm and 11pm every day except Sunday and costs €120.
Looking to plan a short ski break or ski weekend to Meribel?
Our Ski Sales Specialists are on hand to help you organise every aspect of your trip. We specialise in tailor made packages and ski breaks outside of the usual Saturday - Saturday format and offer one flexiski operated chalet and a selection of hotels and self-catering accommodation in Meribel.
If you’d like to learn more or want some help putting together a package just give us a call on 01962 587777.