Top things to do in Méribel in winter, apart from skiing

Méribel is about more than just its slopes. At the heart of the 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area, this Savoyard resort offers a thousand and one ways to enjoy winter. Season after season, the resort expands its non-skiing activities for holidaymakers who don’t spend their days on the slopes. Skiers, non-skiers, families, couples and groups of friends will all find plenty to keep them busy.

• The ski lifts are also open to pedestrians, offering panoramic views up to 2,952 m.
• Snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, night-time tobogganing, spa treatments: there are dozens of alternatives to skiing.
• Méribel-Mottaret serves as a base camp, with ski-in/ski-out accommodation selected by Agence Saulire.

Explore the high-altitude views with the 3 Vallées walker’s pass

The walkers’ pass gives non-skiers direct access to the peaks of the 3 Vallées, without having to put on a single pair of skis. Available for a single day or over several days, it opens up the lifts to anyone wishing to admire the winter scenery without hitting the slopes. This is a winter activity in Méribel suitable for everyone.

From the cable cars, the peaks roll by. La Saulire, at 2,738 m, offers a 360° view stretching from Méribel to Courchevel. Further on, Mont Vallon rises to 2,952 m, whilst Cime Caron overlooks Val Thorens. At every stop, the mountain-top restaurants welcome you for lunch with a view of the peaks – the perfect opportunity to meet up with your skiing friends at the same meeting point. The resort has tailored its offering for walkers: groomed trails, easy access and a variety of activities.

What outdoor activities can you enjoy in Méribel (without skiing)?

The winter mountains can also be enjoyed away from the marked slopes. Around the resort, the unspoilt countryside invites you to enjoy both contemplative walks and more lively adventures. Our guide to things to do in Méribel-Mottaret when you’re not skiing brings together all the options for breathing in the mountain air in a different way.

Snowshoe walks and winter hikes

Hiking on foot or in snowshoes remains the simplest way to explore the snow-covered landscapes. A network of marked and groomed trails criss-crosses the surrounding area. Lake Tuéda, a nature reserve, is a particular favourite of Audrey, the agency director, for its unspoilt scenery. Guided outings, such as those organised by Raquette Evasion, take you, torch in hand, in the footsteps of wildlife, with activities ranging from snowshoe games to igloo-building.

Dog sledging, horse-drawn carriage rides and snowmobiling

Horse-drawn sleighs and motorised vehicles add a touch of magic to your stay. Three experiences stand out in Méribel-Mottaret:

• Dog sledging: glide through the forest pulled by a team of huskies, with the chance to take the reins alongside the musher.
• Horse riding and horse-drawn carriage rides: romantic and family-friendly routes through the woods, with horse rides available at Lac de Tuéda. Children also love the pony sleigh ride, which is well worth trying straight after the carriage ride.
• Snowmobiling: guided tours from the resort, including night-time trips under the starry sky, open even to beginners.

What thrills can you experience in Méribel in winter off the slopes?

Adrenaline junkies aren’t forgotten. The resort and the whole of the 3 Vallées have some mind-blowing experiences in store, from flying over the peaks to high-speed night-time descents. Enough to spice up a holiday without ever setting foot on skis.

Paragliding, zip-lining and torchlit descents

Tandem paragliding takes off from La Saulire: accompanied by an instructor, you’ll soar over the valley with a bird’s-eye view of the 3 Vallées.

In Val Thorens, the Cime Caron zip line is one of the highest in Europe, with a dizzying start at 3,230 m.

In the evening, torchlit descents light up the snow front at La Chaudanne or Méribel-Mottaret, a spectacle open to skiers and spectators alike. The ski area also offers ice diving and fat biking on snow for the more adventurous.

Sledging: from thrilling runs to night-time descents

In Méribel, tobogganing is far more than just child’s play. Three experiences are well worth a visit:

1. Mission Black Forest: the longest toboggan run in the 3 Vallées, a 3.4 km descent with a 470 m vertical drop and 28 bends.
2. Snake-gliss: toboggans linked together in a serpentine formation for a descent lasting around 30 minutes, supervised by Méribel’s ESF instructors and also available in Courchevel.
3. Himalaya by Night: a night-time run down the Little Himalaya green run from the summit of Yéti Park, with views of the illuminated villages of Méribel and Mottaret, followed by toasted marshmallows and hot drinks on arrival.

What indoor activities are there to enjoy in Méribel after a day’s skiing… or in bad weather?

When the sky clouds over or your legs need a break, the resort has plenty to offer. There are several indoor activities on offer, perfect for après-ski or a rainy day. Our guide to the best indoor activities in the Méribel valley details the top options.

The Olympic Park: swimming pool, ice rink, bowling and climbing

The Méribel Olympic Park brings together several activities under one roof. The swimming pool is a hit with its fun water course and slide. The ice rink offers open sessions, ice hockey matches and introductory sessions. There’s also a free-access climbing wall and a bowling alley, whatever the weather.

Wellness and spa: recharge your batteries after a day in the mountains

Méribel also caters for relaxation. Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and massages await you in many holiday residences and dedicated facilities. Local practitioners also offer yoga, shiatsu and nature coaching sessions. A gentle interlude to round off a day spent in the great outdoors.

And what about unique and gourmet experiences? What’s worth trying in Méribel in winter?

A winter holiday is also defined by these unique moments, blending adventure with fine dining. Méribel offers a wealth of experiences that transform a simple holiday into lasting memories.

• An evening of fondue in a mountain igloo, followed by a night-time ski run to round off the evening.
• An introduction to biathlon at the Altiport’s certified shooting range, supervised by the ESF: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, just like the champions.
• Explor’ Games: a puzzle trail for the whole family to solve, lasting one to two hours, offering a fun way to explore the resort.
• Little Trapper Evening: after the nature-themed activities, it’s time for a convivial trapper’s meal, featuring shared specialities.
• Family Cool Area: a space designed for families, featuring play areas and relaxation corners suitable for children.

When it comes to food, Savoyard cuisine takes centre stage: mountain restaurants, fondue, raclette and local produce. Events punctuate the season, from Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve fireworks to torchlit descents.

Where to stay in Méribel to make the most of all these winter activities?

Choosing the right accommodation goes a long way towards ensuring a successful holiday. Perched between 1,700 and 1,800 metres, Méribel-Mottaret offers a strategic base: the ski-in/ski-out holiday apartments provide direct access to the lifts and trails, making every outing easier, from a walk to a snowshoe hike. All that remains is to choose where to stay in Méribel to suit your preferences.

There’s a wide range of options. Chalets, flats and studios are suitable for large families, couples and groups of friends alike. To guide you, Agence Saulire – a family-run, independent agency founded in 1984 – brings together over 40 years of property expertise in Méribel and the 3 Vallées. Specialising in holiday lets and property sales, it offers comprehensive support and a selection of high-quality, refurbished properties, backed by a multilingual team (French, English, Spanish, Russian) available all year round. Browse our catalogue of holiday let apartments in Méribel or, for a longer-term investment, our guide to investing in a ski apartment.

FAQ: The best winter activities in Méribel

What is there to do in Méribel in winter if you don’t ski?

There’s no shortage of options: snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, sledge runs on the Mission Black Forest run, a pedestrian pass to reach the peaks, the ice rink and swimming pool at the Olympic Park, spas and gourmet experiences such as fondue in an igloo.

Does the 3 Vallées pedestrian pass give access to all the ski lifts?

The non-skiers’ pass gives you access to the main lifts suitable for non-skiers. This means you can reach the summits and mountain restaurants without skiing, whether for a day or over several days.

What family-friendly activities are available in Méribel in winter apart from skiing?

Families can enjoy the free toboggan runs, pony-drawn sleigh rides, the ‘Himalaya by Night’ night-time descent, the Olympic Park (swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley, climbing wall), the Explor’ Games and horse-drawn carriage rides. Children and parents alike can enjoy action-packed days here.