Trade the Heatwave for High Altitude: Why Méribel is the Ultimate Late-Summer Escape

With ‘coolcation’ the travel buzzword this summer, more people are swapping beach holidays for cooler alpine breaks. With the new Explorer Pass, fantastic hiking and biking routes and average summer temperatures of around 22 degrees, Méribel is the perfect escape for a late-summer break. Please find more information below, along with a collection of photos here.

With the UK still hitting record temperatures of nearly 38°C, it is no surprise that there has been an 82% increase in search interest for Alpine summer getaways (euronews.com). Engaging in Alpine activities boosts mental well-being by roughly 24% (NIH), making Méribel the obvious summer wellness destination; an escape from the stifling, stressful heat of the UK and into the refreshing, rejuvenating Alpine breeze.

Make the Most of the Mountains with a Family Pass

This summer, the launch of the Pass Explorateur gives families the unique opportunity to throw themselves into as many summer activities as possible, without worrying about cost. The pass provides access to more than thirty different activities, including inflatable castles and tubing, tennis, and even mini-farm experiences. Offering something for every age, there’s enough to keep even the most energetic little explorers busy from morning to evening. It also includes unlimited access to the pedestrian ski lifts, and even discounts with a range of local partners. This pass is available throughout the summer season, with a 3-day pass costing £59 and a 6-day pass at £85.

Rest, Re-energise and Renew

With Méribel’s calming mountain atmosphere, it’s the ideal place for a wellness break. Visit Alpen Ruitor, a gorgeous spa welcoming guests and visitors from Les 3 Vallées, and enjoy the personalised massage treatments and wellness facilities. The spa includes amenities such as a sauna, jacuzzi, sensory shower and more. Alternatively, bring yourself closer to nature with yoga classes, either by Lac de Tueda or at sunset by the altiport.

Hike for Views Worth the Climb

Use Méribel’s summer season to swap ski boots for hiking boots, and explore the abundance of hiking paths that surround the resort on foot. With a range of difficulty levels, there truly are routes for everyone, regardless of age and experience. Hike leisurely along the shores of the Lac de Tueda with its breathtaking views of the Aiguille du Fruit, or climb the challenging but rewarding path to the Col du Soufre. Travellers can even enlist a local guide to discover more about the valley’s best-kept secrets, and the details behind its flora and fauna.

Bike the Trails

As the snow melts, Méribel’s ski runs transform into bike trails. With multiple options for different experience levels, routes such as the Les Villages circuits are ideal for beginners. Or, for the more experienced, try the Col de la Loze loop, used in the Tour de France. For the daredevils in the group, get a thrill by trying downhill mountain biking. Descend steep slopes such as Bellevue or Tougnète Rocket, and master high-speed jumps and technical trails for an adrenaline rush that will keep riders buzzing all day long.

A Taste of the Alps

Regardless of the season, the quality of Méribel's local Savoyard cuisine remains the same. Try Le Blanchot, a delicious restaurant overlooking the second hole of the Méribel golf course. This gorgeous terraced lunch spot offers daily local specials and is accessible through hiking routes. At the heart of Méribel’s centre lies La Terrasse du Village, an ideal dinner spot that encourages a lively atmosphere with its live music evenings. Claim a table and enjoy watching the world go by, accompanied by delicately crafted, local dishes.

Drink Up

The lack of skiing doesn’t mean that Méribel has done away with the aprés-style evening entertainment. Bar le 80 is ideal for the wine connoisseur, with a large selection of wines by the glass and classic apéritifs. Its wine list ranks among the 100 most remarkable in France, while the bar offers a festive atmosphere and live music. Alternatively, head to La Taverne, affectionately known as the Tav, for its sunny terrace and cosy pub atmosphere to dance the night away in the heart of Méribel.

The Perfect Mountain Stay

Waking up to the smell of edelweiss, surrounded by forests, lakes and flowery meadows, the beauty of Méribel hits you first thing. Stay at La Chaudanne Hotel & Spa, and relax on its Solarium terrace, or make the most of the Nuxe Spa and facilities. With live music events on Thursdays and Saturdays, this hotel allows visitors to make the most of their summer escape. Alternatively, stay at the Falcon Lodge, a self-catered chalet experience that gives guests total freedom and flexibility over their holiday, while providing access to a wide array of shared wellness facilities.

Méribel Tourisme (MT) promotes the heart of the 3 Valleys, Méribel, as a world-class Alpine travel destination. MT aims to educate the wider public on what the region has to offer through the strengthening and development of the tourism industry, promoting local development that is economically viable, environmentally responsible and fulfilling on a human level. Easily accessible from the UK by train, plane and car, Méribel is home to 600 km of meandering slopes, majestic nature reserves and mouth-watering menus across the valley. From mountain biking, hiking, horse-riding, golfing and yoga in the summer, to carving f