Cross-country skiing

Discover cross-country skiing on Méribel’s two exceptional areas which offer you a wide variety of free trails.

You can set out for skating or classic skiing (or even biathlon) on cross-country trails which are suitable for beginners as well as experts. Méribel and Courchevel share a total of more than 90km of cross-country trails, including one which links the two resorts around the flank of the mountain (8.5km one way).

Circuits starting from Méribel-Mottaret, and itineraries starting from the Altiport.
View the opening and grooming status of cross country trails on this table.

Runs Open / snow report

Three trails wind through the protected Altiport forest, which becomes magical when fresh snow dusts the trees and give it a special atmosphere. Another bonus is the biathlon shooting range where the French championships are regularly held, and where you can learn this sport with local instructors.

• Green trail
Length 1.5km, Vertical rise 25m
Start point: Le Blanchot restaurant, next to the free Méribus bus stop (line C).
This loop runs around the biathlon shooting range and close to the ski runs and lifts.

• Green trail
Length 1.5km, Vertical rise 10m
Start point: Le Blanchot restaurant, next to the free Méribus bus stop (line C).
A flat trail running through the forest.

• Blue trail
Length 5km, Vertical rise 110m
Start point: Le Blanchot restaurant, next to the free Méribus bus stop (line C).
A circular trail with plenty of ups and downs.

• Red trail
Length 10km, Vertical rise 230m
Start point: Le Blanchot restaurant, next to the free Méribus bus stop (line C).
This itinerary starts along the first part of the blue run before gradually descending to the lowest point in the cross-country ski area. It then rises over a series of hillocks, from which you can pause to enjoy the magnificent views over the valley.

• Méribel Altiport – Courchevel 1850
Length 17km out and back, vertical rise 400m out and 300m back
Despite the length of this undulating itinerary around the side of the mountain, it offers few real challenges and mostly steady ascents and descents. Enjoy superb views of Méribel, the Tarentaise area, Courchevel and the Grand Casse at the end.

• Méribel Altiport / Courchevel La Tania
Length 16km out and back, vertical rise 100m out and 520m back
Start point: Le Blanchot restaurant, next to the free Méribus bus stop (line C).
An gently undulating forest trail with views over the Vanoise peaks. Take the start of the trail to Courchevel 1850 before taking a left to descend towards la Tania.

Two trails run through the heart of the Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve, where a lake of the same name lies in an alluvial plain surrounded by Arolla pines. This area is ideal for learning cross-country skiing.

• Green loop
Length 3 km – vertical rise 20 m
Start point: Plan Ravet car park, or Les Piou-Piou kindergarten. Bus: Line D, Chatelet area
A flat loop on the plain around the frozen Tuéda Lake, perfect for learning skating or classic cross-country skiing.

• Blue loop
Length 5 km – Vertical rise 100 m
Start point: Plan Ravet car park, or Les Piou-Piou kindergarten. Bus: Line D, Chatelet area
This circuit climbs the slopes bordering the lake and offers ups and downs through the forest, and overlooks the magnificent nature reserve.

RENT YOUR EQUIPMENT

Cross-country skiing requires specific skis, poles and boots. You can rent or buy equipment in a number of sports shops in the resort. These shops are listed below.

LEARN WITH THE PROS

Professional ski instructors offer cross-country ski outings so you can learn or improve your technique without having to worry about which trails to take.

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