WHAT TO DO IN MÉRIBEL IN SUMMER? SHOULD YOU VISIT IN THE SUMMER?

It would be a great mistake to reduce this Savoyard destination to its ski slopes alone. As soon as the snow melts, the valley reveals a different side: lush alpine pastures, high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear waters, Swiss stone pine forests and a programme of activities that grows every year.

Nestled in the heart of the 3 Vallées, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, it stretches from 1,100 to 2,952 metres. The 2026 summer season runs from 4 July to 29 August and is firmly focused on short hikes and the great outdoors.

• Cool temperatures guaranteed: around 25 °C during the day, far from the urban heatwaves
• Over 200 km of walking trails and 300 km of mountain bike trails for all abilities
• A ski-in, ski-out accommodation transformed into a nature base camp

Why choose Méribel for your summer holiday in the mountains?

In summer, Méribel stands out as a genuine alternative to the seaside and its crowded beaches. Holidaymakers’ reviews all point in the same direction. But why?

The cool mountain air works in your favour: expect around 25 °C by day and 12 °C at night. Perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep whilst the cities swelter. The fresh air, mountain pastures, lakes and Swiss stone pine forests create an unspoilt setting, a world away from the sweltering tarmac.

As a ‘Famille Plus’ accredited resort, it offers a range of crèches, kids’ clubs and play areas suitable for all ages. In terms of access, the A430 motorway, local mountain airports and the airports in Lyon and Geneva make it easy to reach.

Another highlight for 2026: micro-itineraries. The idea? To explore the valley in short stages, on foot or by ski lift, without having to get back in the car. The resort is, in fact, anticipating record visitor numbers and is updating its offering accordingly.

Everything you need to know about summer activities in Méribel

From leisurely family walks to challenging trail runs, via mountain biking and canyoning, there’s a wide range of options. Here are the main activities that will punctuate your stay, each accessible according to your ability and preferences.

Hiking: over 200 km of marked trails between lakes and peaks

Hiking remains the star activity of the summer. There’s something for everyone, from families to seasoned walkers!
 

The Tougnète cable car, open in summer, takes you up to 2,437 metres for a panoramic view of Mont Blanc without any physical effort. Don’t forget to buy a pedestrian pass and the 2026 Explorer Pass (€69 for 3 days, €99 for 6 days).

Before you set off, make sure you have the essentials: suitable footwear, sun cream, water, and check the weather forecast the day before.

Mountain biking and bike park: a 300 km playground in the 3 Vallées

Imagine riding 38 km of single tracks without ever having to pedal uphill. That’s the whole spirit of mountain biking in Méribel, where the lifts take your bike up so you can tackle one descent after another.

The area in figures:

• 10 downhill (DH) runs covering 38 km (1 green, 3 blue, 4 red, 2 black)
• 7 enduro routes covering 101 km
• trails for e-MTBs

At La Chaudanne, the pump track and play area are free and accessible even for balance bikes. Equipment hire is available on site (mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes, downhill scooters) and there are supervised schools to help you improve safely.

To find out more, visit our page dedicated to mountain biking in Méribel.

Outdoor activities for the whole family: horse riding, treetop adventure courses, canyoning… and much more!

As well as walking and cycling, Méribel offers a wide range of activities to delight young and old alike.

At the Ranch Nordique (Bois d’Arbin), horse rides take you as far as Lake Tuéda, with baby ponies, multi-activity courses and the chance to meet reindeer. Parcobranche features 80 activities for children aged 3 and over, including a course consisting entirely of zip lines.

Fancy a thrill? The Eau Rousse canyon awaits visitors aged 8 and over: natural slides and abseiling supervised by a qualified instructor.

Add to that an 18-hole mountain golf course, a via ferrata, rock climbing, a swimming pool, bowling and yoga by the lake. Enough to fill a week without ever getting bored.

Nature and heritage: what’s there to discover in Méribel in summer?

Méribel is about more than just sport. The valley is home to a protected nature reserve and a Savoyard heritage often overlooked by visitors. Two gentler sides, perfect for taking it easy.

The Plan de Tuéda nature reserve and the botanical trail

Plan de Tuéda is the valley’s natural gem. Created in 1990 to protect the Swiss stone pine forest, this 1,100-hectare reserve stretches as far as the Gébroulaz glacier.

The lake serves as a starting point for numerous hikes and hosts outdoor yoga sessions. On site, the Maison de la Réserve offers a permanent exhibition, workshops and a refreshment bar. The 2 km botanical trail, with a gentle gradient, winds through marshes, scree slopes and grazed meadows, dotted with information boards (allow 1½ to 2 hours).

The free Explor Games® turns the walk into a puzzle hunt centred on the marmot and the spotted nutcracker. For food lovers: artisanal ice cream, Beaufort cheese, the Tuéda refreshment bar and the Plan and Saut mountain huts.

Alpine villages and Savoyard heritage

Venture on to the picturesque hamlets. Chandon and its old barns showcase traditional timber-framed architecture that’s well worth a visit.

Guided tours take you to discover the Notre-Dame des Neiges church and the old sawmill with its colourful frescoes. Educational farms are a hit with children: Le Clos Bernard (snack time with the animals, Savoie black bees, cookery workshops) and the Refuge de la Traye (Nez Noirs sheep, long-haired donkeys).

On the events calendar, the Route des Tommes, the Route des Glaces and themed fortnightly events punctuate the gourmet summer.

Wellbeing and gastronomy: enjoy Méribel in a different way this summer

Can’t decide between the seaside and the mountains? The mountains also have the edge when it comes to relaxation and fine dining.

Méribel boasts luxurious spas open in summer: sauna, hammam, sensory showers, hot/cold circuits and massages. Outdoor yoga at Lake Tuéda is practised in small groups, for all levels, amidst total immersion in nature.

The mountain-top restaurants serve Savoyard cuisine on panoramic terraces overlooking the peaks. The highlight of your stay? A night-time hike followed by a Reblochon fondue, with a sunset over the Vanoise glaciers as a bonus. Hard to beat on a beach.

So, where should you stay in Méribel in summer?

The range of summer accommodation is just as varied as in winter: spacious chalets, family-friendly flats, practical studios and holiday residences across all price ranges.

Staying in Méribel-Mottaret is a real bonus in summer. Direct access to the Plan de Tuéda, hiking trails just a stone’s throw away, peace and quiet, and being right in the heart of nature.

Agence Saulire, a family-run, independent agency based in the valley since 1984, helps holidaymakers find their ideal holiday rentals. We also offer properties for sale for those wishing to invest in the 3 Vallées.

Browse our summer holiday rentals catalogue or contact our multilingual team (French, English, Spanish, Russian) for personalised advice. Don’t forget to find out about the 2026 Explorer Pass before you set off.

FAQ – Everything you need to know about summer in Méribel

What are the best hikes to do in Méribel in summer?

The walk around Lake Tuéda (20 mins) is suitable for families, whilst La Petite Saulire (4 hrs) and the Mont Coua Lakes loop (8 hrs) will appeal to experienced walkers.

Is the Méribel 2026 Explorer Pass good value for a family holiday?

Yes. At €69 for 3 days or €99 for 6 days, it gives access to the pedestrian and mountain bike lifts. After just two or three outings, the whole family will have made a clear saving.

Can you go mountain biking in Méribel in the summer, even if you’re a beginner?

Absolutely. One green trail, three blue trails and the free pump track at La Chaudanne – accessible even to children on balance bikes – make it easy to get started, with bike hire and supervised lessons available on site.

Is it hot in Méribel in summer, and what sort of weather can you expect?

Temperatures hover around 25 °C during the day and 12 °C at night. The altitude ensures a pleasant coolness, ideal for hiking without suffering from the intense summer heat.

How much do ski lift passes cost?

The 2026 Explorer Pass costs €69 for 3 days and €99 for 6 days, from 4 July to 29 August. Day passes for pedestrians are also available for occasional access to the panoramic views.