In the Savoie department, a region well-known for its ski resorts, lies Méribel. Dating back to before World War II, and located in the municipality of Les Allues, at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, it enjoys worldwide renown for alpine skiing and its breathtaking landscapes; but did you know that Méribel is also a prime destination for hiking? Whether you prefer walking on snow or on a marked trail, read on and discover a whole new side of Méribel and its surroundings!
Méribel is a true paradise for hiking, outdoor, and nature enthusiasts! With over 200 kilometers of marked trails, everyone will find something to enjoy, regardless of their level or requirements.
Lovers of green valleys will feast their eyes during their stay in Méribel in summer : it is during this time of year that you can experience wonderful moments, under the sun and away from the crowds.
Among the places to see while hiking near Méribel, you cannot miss the Plan de Tueda Nature Reserve, a true gem nestled in the heart of the Vanoise National Park; for trek enthusiasts, you can start from Méribel and head towards Le Plan, then reach its lake, whose shores are perfect if you plan to stop; from there, you can continue by taking a marked trail that will lead you to the Vallon du Fruit, a place of unparalleled beauty where you can picnic and spot golden eagles! By taking this path, you will also have the opportunity to see the Doron des Allues, which lies beneath the imposing Aiguille du Fruit, the highest point of the area.
The bravest hikers will reach the superb yet little-known Mont Coua lakes (2810m) via a magnificent mountain hike: arranged in successive tiers at the foot of Mont Coua, these lakes can be reached by undertaking a 20-kilometer hike ; note that the beginning of this hike is well-marked and will allow you to cross several passes before reaching Mont Coua, but you will then need to follow cairns to avoid getting lost and to reach Lac Supérieur.
Another flagship hike to undertake in the Vanoise region, near Méribel in summer: Lac des Vaches: with its submerged stone slabs that allow you to cross the lake without getting your feet wet, starting from Pralognan-la-Vanoise, this hike offers an exceptional immersion at 2,318 meters of altitude with a view of the surrounding glaciers! However, be aware that it will take you approximately 4 hours round trip to complete the loop.
Finally, there are more than twenty possible hikes whose starting point is in the commune of “Les Allues”, not far from Méribel, such as La Traie et Plan des Danses, Col de Leschaux, or Dou de la Motte. In short, when visiting Méribel, hiking is an essential activity if you love the mountains in summer!
Besides alpine skiing, it is possible to go hiking in winter in Méribel to discover the French Alps in the most magnificent way possible! During this period, you can indulge in this activity by equipping yourself with snowshoes to enjoy outdoor walks in a magnificent setting between mountains and forests.
Thus, set out to discover hiking trails such as the Poetry Trail, a very easy route of about 5 kilometers from Les Allues, the village circuit which allows hikers to discover the pretty Saint Sébastien Chapel and then head towards Le Blanchot and the Altiport.
To learn more, you can download the online map of pedestrian and snowshoe trails.
For experienced individuals and those who want to put on skis to enjoy fresh snow, it is possible to rent ski touring equipment to combine the pleasure of gliding with breathtaking panoramas! Nevertheless, we advise beginners to start with an instructor, or to hire a guide if you want to avoid getting lost during your hike.
Méribel offers a plethora of hikes for hikers of all levels, year-round; to find out which ones are accessible depending on the time of year, we strongly recommend visiting the website of Méribel Tourist Office, where you will find all the necessary information, maps, and hiking guides to ensure you follow marked trails and avoid dangerous areas typical of mountain hikes.
Before setting out to discover Méribel’s superb landscapes, it’s important to prepare well in advance; here are some recommendations for a successful hike:
Méribel is much more than just a ski resort: it’s an area that offers exceptional and impressive hikes in the Alps, year-round! So, are you ready to discover Les 3 Vallées on foot or with snowshoes?
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