Méribel, located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps (Savoie, France), is a world-class destination, offering the best things to do in Méribel, such as adventure activities, like paragliding, sleigh riding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, hot air balloon rides, charming villages, spa and wellness, and many more activities beyond skiing.
Surrounded by three valleys and multiple villages, this is one of the best destinations for family and friends, best visited during the winter months (January-March) and the summer months (June-August). Buy your pass directly from Méribel’s Website now to begin your adventure. This article covers some of the best things to do in Méribel, the best time to visit, and more.
Top 8 Things to Do in Méribel Beyond Skiing
Exploring Parc Olympic, enjoying a hot air balloon ride and a sleigh ride, exploring culture in the top districts, and enjoying adventure activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, buoy jumping, and attending cultural events and festivals are some of the best things you can enjoy in Méribel on your best family vacation.
Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Visit The Parc Méribel Olympic
Located in the La Chaudanne district of the French Alps, Méribel Olympics is an ideal place for skiers as well as non-skiers. Ideal for children and adults alike, Parc Olympique hosts multiple indoor activities throughout the year, such as bowling, wall climbing, ice rink, fitness facilities, swimming pool, spa, wellness centre, and so on. Visitors can also enjoy aqua-biking and aqua-gym sessions, alongside watching ice hockey games in a lively environment.
| Best Time to Visit | Early to Mid July |
| Price Details | Per Game € 10 |
DISCLAIMER!!
Due to technical issues, Méribel Ice Rink is not available for the summer of 2026, as it is under repair and maintenance. Other activities are available.
2. Attend Events and Festivities
Méribel hosts a rich calendar of must-attend summer and winter festivals, such as:
- Astronomy Festival (5-6 August): Workshops, Constellation Identification, and Observing the Universe
- Circus Festival (10-12 August): Fire Acts, Circus Arts, Magic.
- Méribel Hybrid Games (10-12 July): CrossFit, Running, DJ, Hyrox.
- French Enduro Mountain Bike Coup (24-26 July): Mountain Biking and Sporting Events.
| Best Time to Visit | July and August |
| Price Details | Free |
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Located 45-minutes away from the Méribel Center, the hot air balloon ride typically starts from the Courchevel Altiport and lasts for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the altitude and the weather conditions. The activity is ideal for both kids and adults, best visited in the morning, starting from 9:00 am. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the French Alps, the Three Valleys, and Mont Blanc.
| Best Time to Visit | Operates daily throughout the year, but availability depends on the weather conditions. |
| Price Details | €500 per person €2000-2200 for private gondola (5 person) |
4. Sleigh Ride Through the Forest
Highly popular among families, sleigh rides are one of the most enjoyable activities for kids and non-skiers. Located in the frozen Lake Tueda, this winter excursion enables visitors to ride a sled pulled by a horse, pony, or huskies. This is a great romantic or family-friendly ride through the snowy forests and traditional Alpine villages.
| Best Time to Visit | Winter Season: Early December to Mid-April |
| Price Details | €30-70, depending on the ride duration and animal |
5. Tobogganing and Skating Adventure
One of the best adventure activities in Méribel is a tobogganing ride, located in the Trois Vallées ski area. Méribel offers two tobogganing experiences: Himalaya by Night, which is a 2km floodlit run in Méribel Mottaret, and the Mission Black Forest, which offers a daytime run and a 470 meter vertical drop. Themed around the mission of saving “people of the forest,” this is the most thrilling activity.
| Best Time to Visit | Winter Season: Early December to Mid-April |
| Price Details | €11.50 per person *Accessible to children above 12. |
| Opening Hours | 1:00 pm to 4:25 pm from December 21st to February 7th 1:00 pm to 4:50 pm from February 8th to April 10th |
6. Snowshoeing and Hiking
Explore the mountains, forests, Alpine villages, fauna, and flora by taking a self-guided or a professionally guided hike to the Aiguille du Fruit in Méribel. There are multiple walking trails, such as the Vallon Path in Mottaret and the Poetry Trail, offering a 5 km round trip. A snowshoe walk to the Lac de Tueda is perfect for beginners to start their snowshoe walking journey in Mottaret.
| Best Time to Visit | January to February |
| Price Details | €180 |
7. Cultural Experience at Méribel’s 4 Districts
The iconic four districts of Méribel are perfect for a luxury holiday in France, offering a cultural immersion like no other. Here are the famous four districts you must explore while visiting Méribel:
- Méribel-Mottaret: Known for Hiking, Snowparks, Mountain Biking, Sport Activities, Paragliding, Picnicking, and other Outdoor Activities.
- Méribel-Village: Cultural Immersion, Gastronomy, Observing Savoyard Culture, Shopping, Hiking, Mountain Biking.
- Méribel Les Allues: Known for Olympe Cable Car Rides, Summer Sports Activities, Culinary Arts, Mountaineering, and Small Village Sightseeing.
- Méribel-Centre: Perfect for Shopping, Wellness, Live Music, Bars, Restaurants, Sauna and Steam Baths, Bowling Alleys, and more.
| Best Time to Visit | March to April |
| Price Details | Free |
8. Buoy Jumping
Operated by Dingo Paradise at Front de Neige, Buoy Jumping is best for your next group getaway. It is often referred to as tubing or jumping onto the giant airbag, is a popular and thrilling snow activity in Méribel. This playful and action-packed activity is ideal for children and adults alike, offering a perfect and adventurous family time together.
| Best Time to Visit | Summer Season: June to August |
| Price Details | €4 for 1 jump |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, whether you’re chasing an adventure or seeking family-friendly activities, Méribel offers everything, from mountain trails to games and sleigh rides for children. This destination offers activities throughout the year, and hence, this should definitely be on your list of next travel destinations.
Is Méribel, French expensive?
Yes, Méribel in the French Alps is generally considered an expensive ski resort, due to its central location, alpine charm, and premium locations.
What is the prettiest ski resort in the Alps?
Méribel is the prettiest ski resort in the Alps, offering multiple activities, charming villages and districts, Savoyard food and culture, and more.
What are some of the best things to do in Méribel beyond skiing?
Exploring Parc Olympic, enjoying a hot air balloon ride and a sleigh ride, exploring culture in the top districts, and enjoying adventure activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, buoy jumping, and attending cultural events and festivals are some of the best things to do in Méribel.
Are there any adventure activities to enjoy in Méribel?
Yes, there are multiple adventure activities in Méribel beyond skiing, such as mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, paragliding, tobogganing, and more.
When is the best time to visit Méribel?
The best time to visit Méribel is during the winter months (January-March) and the summer months (June-August), offering ideal temperatures for outdoor exploration and adventure activities.
