Mountain biking and bike park in Méribel: Dates, access and prices to enjoy this summer (copy)

As soon as the warm weather arrives, the mountains swap skis for bikes in the heart of the 3 Vallées. The groomed slopes give way to trails tailored for downhill, enduro and electric bike exploration.

Here’s what you need to know before fastening your helmet:

• Summer season 2026: open from 4 July to 29 August, lifts running 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
• Nearly 200 km of marked trails across four disciplines: downhill (DH), enduro, cross-country and e-bikes.
• Passes from €18 for a half-day, with family packages and long-stay rates available.

Staying on site makes all the difference. Agence Saulire, based in Méribel-Mottaret since 1984, offers ideal accommodation for a cycling holiday.

When does the mountain biking season open in Méribel for summer 2026?

The Méribel bike park will be open from 4 July to 29 August 2026 (source: meribel.net). Throughout the season, the lifts run seven days a week, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. That’s plenty of time to enjoy run after run from morning until mid-afternoon.

One thing to bear in mind if you’re setting off from Mottaret: the Pas du Lac gondola runs every day except Saturdays. Do bear this in mind when planning your days.

The season also features a top-level event. A round of the French Mountain Bike Enduro Series will take place in Méribel in July 2026 (source: enduroseries.fr). It’s a chance to see the best French riders in action on trails that you can then ride yourself.

A word on the best time to visit: in early July, the trails are still relatively quiet. From mid-July to mid-August, the atmosphere is at its peak. And in late August, you can often enjoy the best conditions with far fewer people around!

How do you get to the Méribel bike park?

It all starts at La Chaudanne, the bike park’s hub. Here you’ll find the departure points for the main ski lifts, the ticket office, equipment hire, mountain bike schools, the pump track and the fun zone – all in one place.

Three ski lifts then open up access to the mountain during the summer. You can reach the resort either by road or by air. Details of how to get to the mountains, followed by the main routes for those travelling from further afield to settle in at the right spot

Lifts open in summer

From Méribel Centre, the Tougnète 1 and 2 chairlifts take you to the summit and offer the greatest vertical drop on the descent.

From Méribel-Mottaret, the Pas du Lac gondola operates every day except Saturdays.

From Brides-les-Bains, the Olympe gondola lift operates on Saturdays and Sundays.

Top tip: collect your ski pass in the area you’re setting off from before you head out! This will save you having to go back down just for a single ticket.

And how do you get to Méribel for a mountain biking holiday?

Getting to the resort is straightforward. By road, the A430 motorway serves the Tarentaise Valley. By air, the international airports of Lyon and Geneva are around 2 to 3 hours’ drive away, depending on the airport, with organised transfers available. For private access, two local altiports complete the network.

Once you’re there, there are two car parks to choose from: the free Chaudanne car park and the covered car park at Méribel Centre. Free shuttle buses run to Méribel Centre, Méribel-Mottaret and the various neighbourhoods throughout the summer, so you can get around without a car.

That leaves the question that makes all the difference: where to stay? Staying in the resort (in Mottaret, in the centre or near the altiport) gives you access to the ski lifts within a few minutes’ walk every morning, without having to get back in the car. This is the type of accommodation offered by Agence Saulire in Méribel-Mottaret, with apartments and chalets right on the doorstep

What are the prices for mountain bike passes in Méribel for summer 2026?

Mountain bike passes are available in several options: a 3-hour half-day pass, a full-day pass, or long-term passes for 3 or 7 days. The trails are free to use, but you’ll still need to pay for the ski lifts.

For longer stays, the 3- and 7-day Liberté passes offer the best value for money, especially if you’re renting a flat by the week. Everything is available online – a handy tip to avoid queues at the ticket offices during peak season

What does the Méribel bike park have to offer in terms of trails… and disciplines?

Four disciplines coexist across the resort, offering a total of nearly 200 km of marked trails. Downhill takes centre stage, but enduro, cross-country and e-bikes open up other areas to explore. Here’s how it breaks down, level by level.

Downhill (DH): 10 trails for all levels

Downhill (DH) is at the heart of the bike park: 10 trails offering over 35 km of pure downhill riding, comprising 1 green, 3 blue, 3 red, 2 black and 1 double black. Plenty to help you progress step by step.

Beginners will start with the DH1 Bike Slope, a wide, fast-flowing green run, perfect for getting to grips with riding without getting scared. At the other end of the scale, the G Force (double black) follows the route of the 2017 Downhill World Cup: reserved for experienced riders.

These trails are exclusively for bikes and are maintained by bike patrols throughout the season. To help you find your way around, the difficulty levels range from easiest to most challenging:

• Green: beginner
• Blue: intermediate
• Red: advanced
• Black: expert
• Double black: very expert

Enduro, cross-country and e-bikes: a different way to explore the mountains

Enduro offers 10 routes covering 104 km (1 green, 2 blue, 3 red, 4 black), featuring wilder trails that open up to exceptional panoramic views. Cross-country features 4 routes (1 green, 1 blue, 1 red, 1 black), including an accessible loop in the Tuéda Nature Reserve and a physically demanding 17.8 km route.

Electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) are making mountain cycling more accessible to everyone, with three signposted circuits, including the climb to the Col de la Loze at 2,304 m, linking Méribel to Courchevel. Suitable for all fitness levels.

For beginners and fun, the pump track and the Chaudanne play area can be enjoyed without pedalling. In total, there are nearly 200 km of signposted trails.

Where can you hire a mountain bike and protective gear in Méribel?

There’s no need to bring your own kit. Several specialist shops in the resort rent out a full range of bikes: full-suspension downhill mountain bikes, enduro bikes, cross-country bikes, e-bikes and junior mountain bikes for children. As for protective gear, you’ll find full-face helmets, back protectors, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves, for both adults and children.

These include Intersport Méribel, Ski Higher, Sport Boutique, Olympic Sports and Précision Ski. A word of advice: book in advance during July and August, as demand is high. Last-minute hire is still possible, but choice dwindles quickly.

The staff know the bike park like the back of their hand and will be able to guide you towards the right bike. To help you improve, MCF-accredited mountain biking schools offer private lessons, courses for children and adults, guided enduro rides and introductions to e-MTBs.

You’ll work on the basics: braking, banked turns, negotiating obstacles, jumps and safety rules. This is often a crucial step towards building confidence

Some practical tips for riding in the bike park (safely)

Riding in the mountains isn’t something you can just wing. Between the kit you need to wear, sharing trails with walkers and unpredictable high-altitude weather, there are a few essential habits to adopt. Here’s what you need to bear in mind for a session without any nasty surprises:

• Essential protection: full-face helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves as a minimum. A back protector is strongly recommended on red and black runs.
• In your bag: goggles or a ski mask, a water bottle or hydration pack, a repair kit, a fully charged mobile phone and a light windbreaker.
• Sharing the trails: some enduro and e-bike routes cross paths with pedestrians. Adjust your speed accordingly.
• Changeable weather: always check the conditions before setting off. Some routes close in the event of a thunderstorm.
• Two bike patrols cover the trails throughout the summer to monitor the routes and assist riders.
• There are three bike wash stations in the resort to clean your bike after your ride.

Do you need to stay in Méribel to make the most of the bike park?

Staying in the heart of the resort is still the best way to make the most of a mountain biking holiday. You can reach the lifts in a few minutes’ walk, without having to travel or search for parking. You get to ride more and waste less time.

Two areas stand out: Mottaret, at the foot of the Pas du Lac gondola, and Méribel Centre, near the Tougnète chairlift. The bike park is right on your doorstep.

Agence Saulire, based in Méribel since 1984, offers apartment and chalet rentals in these areas, designed for stays of several days.

Another bonus: combining mountain biking with other summer activities. Hiking to La Saulire, a walk to Lake Tuéda, a via ferrata or relaxing at the spa. Everything you need for a well-rounded holiday, where everyone can set their own pace.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about mountain biking and the bike park in Méribel

Is the Méribel bike park suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. The green DH1 Bike Slope trail, the play area and the Chaudanne pump track offer a progressive and safe environment, ideal for introducing both children and adults to the sport.

Do you need a pass to access the mountain bike trails in Méribel?

The trails are free to access, but there is a charge for the ski lifts. A mountain bike pass is therefore required if you want to enjoy the descent without having to make your own way back up.

Can you hire a downhill mountain bike directly in Méribel?

Yes, several shops rent out full-suspension DH mountain bikes, enduro models, e-bikes and all the necessary protective gear. Book in advance during July and August, as demand is high.

Does the bike park remain open in bad weather?

The bike park operates in overcast conditions or light rain, but some trails close in the event of a thunderstorm. Weather at altitude can change quickly: always check the conditions before setting off and follow the instructions of the on-site bike patrols.