The Most Beautiful Hikes in Méribel
Hiking is the ideal activity for exploring Méribel and the surrounding mountains. Whether you are with family, friends, a partner, or on your own, the trails of this Savoyard resort have something for everyone: family strolls around Lac de Tuéda, sporting climbs to the Col de la Loze, fun routes for children, and much more.
With over 200 kilometres of marked trails, breathtaking panoramas and unspoilt nature, Méribel reveals itself as the perfect playground for lovers of walking. Follow the guide: we take you on a journey to discover the best hikes in Méribel in summer and winter, and how to make the most of them.
Top 5 Hikes in Méribel
With over 30 marked itineraries across the resort, choosing your hike in Méribel is not always easy. Here are five summer hikes that perfectly capture the best of what the Vallée des Allues has to offer.
- Tour of Lac de Tuéda
- Refuge du Saut
- Crêtes de Tougnète
- Saulire
- Col de la Loze
The Tour of Lac de Tuéda: An Accessible and Enchanting Family Walk
Distance: 1.8km • Elevation gain: 41m • Difficulté: easyNestled in the heart of the Plan de Tueda National Nature Reserve, this lake is a must-visit for hikers of all levels. From Méribel-Mottaret, a free car park provides easy access to the start of the trail, which is also served by shuttles from the resort centre.
The 1.8km loop, with very little elevation gain, is suitable for all-terrain pushchairs and people with reduced mobility, with two dedicated parking spaces below the lake.
Shaded by stone pines, this path winds around the lake and offers views of the Gébroulaz glacier. With a little luck, you may spot marmots, frogs, and even the golden eagle. Benches, picnic tables and fishing pontoons line the water’s edge, making this Méribel hike the perfect spot for a relaxing break with family or friends.
The Crêtes de Tougnète: A 360° Panorama of the Surrounding Mountains
Distance: 3km et + • Elevation gain: 230m • Difficulty: easy
For an breathtaking view of the Alps, the hike to the Crêtes de Tougnète is a must. Accessible from Méribel-Centre via the Tougnète chairlift, this trail leads to the Crête path, offering a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, the Vallée des Belleville and the Aiguilles d’Arves.
Orientation tables allow you to admire and identify famous peaks, and the return trip can be made by chairlift for those who prefer not to descend on foot. A Méribel hike that combines accessible effort with visual reward.
The Refuge du Saut: Discovering the Vanoise National Park
Distance: 13km • Elevation gain: 480m • Difficulty: moderate
Perched at 2,126 metres above sea level, the hike to the Refuge du Saut is an invitation to discover one of the jewels of the Vanoise National Park. Accessible from Méribel-Mottaret, this trail takes you through wild scenery, past high-altitude lakes and majestic peaks. Be sure to stop at the beautiful Lac des Fées for a well-deserved rest on the way up.
The mountain refuge, nestled in a haven of preserved nature, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding glaciers and valleys, while providing a warm stop to eat or stay the night. An ideal Méribel hike for lovers of wide open spaces and tranquillity, where the alpine flora and fauna reveal themselves in all their splendour.
La Saulire: The Legendary Summit Between Méribel and Courchevel
Distance: 14km • Elevation gain: 1025m • Difficulty: difficult
Reaching 2,738 metres, La Saulire is one of Méribel’s most iconic summits, offering an exceptional panorama over the 3 Valleys, Mont Blanc, the Grande Casse and the Vanoise glaciers. You can ascend via the Col du Fruit, straddling Méribel and Courchevel, then descend by gondola — or the other way around.
Marmots are plentiful along the route, seemingly cheering you on. As charming as they are fragile, observe them while keeping your distance so as not to disturb them.
The Col de la Loze: Legendary Stage of the Tour de France
Distance: 13.2km • Elevation gain: 757m • Difficulty: difficult
From Méribel-Mottaret, reach the famous Col de la Loze at 2,275 m altitude, a legendary point on the Tour de France. The trail is demanding on the ascent, with fairly steep slopes, before joining the tarmac road 100 metres below the summit.
The Col de la Loze trail offers one of the finest panoramas in the area, with the Méribel Valley below and Mont Blanc in the distance.
Other Hikes Not to Be Missed Around Méribel in Summer
Still have energy? Here are more ideas for hiking trails to explore in Méribel, for all durations and difficulty levels.
- The Plan de Tuéda Botanical Trail: an educational walk to discover alpine flora, with information panels and a view of the lake.
- Pracoua, les Granges: a 1h30 route through alpine meadows and forest, ideal for a short and refreshing outing with views over the various districts of Méribel.
- The Animal Trail: a fun, shaded walk specially designed for children, along a trail featuring life-size forest animals.
- Mont Vallon: a demanding loop to reach the summit, which is the highest point of the Méribel ski area.
- The Doron Trail: a refreshing walk along the river, perfect for hot days.
- Le circuit des lacs: this 20km loop lets you discover the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the area (Lac des Fées, Lac du Vallon, Lac du Borgne, Lac de la Chambre and Lac de Tuéda).
What About Hiking in Méribel in Winter?
Winter in Méribel is not limited to alpine skiing. For those seeking a more contemplative winter escape, snowshoe hikes offer a total immersion in nature. Between snowy forests, silent alpine meadows and exceptional winter panoramas, these walks — accessible to all — allow you to explore an unspoilt setting, far from the busy pistes.
Fresh snow transforms the usual trails into fairy-tale landscapes, where every step becomes a discovery. Itineraries cater for all levels, from families to experienced hikers. Regularly maintained footpaths also allow you to explore the resort and its various villages in winter.
Among the best winter hikes in Méribel, we recommend:
- The Rhodos Trail: approximately 1 hour’s ascent from the Altiport to the Rhodos.
- Le Clos Bernard : from the Altiport to the Clos Bernard restaurant, passing through a lovely clearing.
- The Poetry Trail: starting from Les Allues, this walk introduces you to 25 poems and their authors.
- La forêt du Fontany : a 5km loop from the Altiport, offering various viewpoints over the Tougnète slope and the Traie clearing.
Where to stay during your winter stay in Méribel?
To make the most of the mountains in winter, the Hôtel Mont Vallon is the perfect address. Located at the foot of the slopes, this 4-star establishment offers a restaurant and spa to recharge after a day of skiing or winter hiking. The perfect base from which to explore the snowy trails of the 3 Valleys and enjoy a truly exceptional luxury experience.
Why Is Méribel a Hiking Destination in Its Own Right?
Méribel stands out as a hiking destination in its own right thanks to a remarkably well-developed network of trails, suited to hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers alike. Its exceptional location, between the Vanoise massif and the summits of the 3 Valleys, provides varied itineraries for all levels, from valley floors to ridge lines.
Along the way, you will pass through charming hamlets with old stone walls and lauze-tile roofs, testament to an authentic mountain heritage and way of life that the modernity of the resort has not erased. The Méribel Altiport, perched at 1,740 metres, is another unique landmark: hikers passing nearby always stop to watch small planes landing, set against a striking alpine backdrop.
To help you navigate, the Méribel Tourist Office has compiled a wide range of available hiking itineraries, categorised by difficulty level. The trail map is available free of charge at the Tourist Office or in digital format on their website.
Exploring with Family: Our Tips for a Successful Hiking Trip in Méribel
Méribel is a ideal destination for families, with trails suited to all ages. To make the most of your family hikes, follow our tips below.
Choosing the Right Hiking Itinerary by Difficulty
Tourist offices classify hikes into four difficulty levels, just like ski runs: green, blue, red and black. A simple way to choose based on your level and the mood of the day. If you have young children, go for green or blue trails, such as the Tour du Lac de Tuéda or the Animal Trail.
Getting Properly Equipped for a Hike
In the mountains, conditions can change quickly and the terrain puts more strain on the body than on flat ground. The right equipment is therefore essential to enjoy your outings safely, especially with children.
- Footwear: opt for enclosed, comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun protection: a cap, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential at altitude.
- Hydration and snacks: bring enough water and snacks for breaks.
- Baby carrier: for very young children, a baby carrier is more practical than a pushchair on uneven trails.
Enjoying Complementary Activities
Hiking in Méribel is far more than simply walking. The region offers abundant wildlife, authentic mountain refuges and varied landscapes that invite you to slow down and explore differently.
- Picnic: many spots, such as the shores of Lac de Tuéda or Lac des Fées, are perfect for a gourmet family break. For a typically Savoyard picnic, pack some Beaufort cheese, local charcuterie and country bread, all easily found in the resort’s shops.
- Wildlife watching: the Méribel area is home to remarkable wildlife including marmots, ibex, Alpine choughs and chamois. Children love spotting them during hikes. Bring binoculars, keep quiet and always maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
- Discovering Authentic Mountain Refuges: the Refuges du Saut, du Christ and de la Traye offer local dishes for a comforting break during a hiking day. It is also a wonderful opportunity to spend a night at altitude with your children and introduce them to the warm spirit of a mountain refuge.
FAQ
Do the ski lifts operate in summer in Méribel?
Yes, several ski lifts are open in summer in Méribel. A pedestrian pass provides access at a reduced rate, ideal for gaining altitude quickly and enjoying trails suited to your level from the summit. Check opening dates and times directly with the Tourist Office or on their website.
Can you hike with a dog in Méribel?
Yes, dogs are welcome on many trails, but rules apply. In nature reserves, such as the Plan de Tuéda, they must be kept on a lead at all times. Some trails are completely off-limits to dogs in order to protect local wildlife. Check with the Tourist Office or consult the on-site signs before each outing.
What is the best time of year for summer hiking in Méribel?
From mid-June to mid-September, the trails are fully open, the vegetation is in bloom and the chances of spotting alpine wildlife are high. July and August offer the most stable conditions, with long, sunny days. Outside of this period, some paths may be snow-covered or closed depending on weather conditions.
What equipment do you need for mountain hiking?
For accessible hikes, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient. For red or black level hikes, hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Whatever the day, bring water, a windproof jacket, sunscreen and food. Mountain weather can change quickly. Do not hesitate to let someone know about your planned route.
Is camping (bivouac) allowed in Méribel?
Bivouacking is tolerated in Méribel under certain conditions. In the Vanoise National Park and nature reserves such as the Plan de Tuéda, it is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of certain refuges. To find out about authorised locations and avoid any issues, check with the Tourist Office before you set off.
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