Méribel, one of the most beautiful trail running destinations in the Alps!
Trail running, which was relatively unknown just 10 years ago, has grown rapidly in the valley, largely thanks to the dynamism of Méribel Sport Montagne, which brings together enthusiasts of ski mountaineering and trail running.
After criss-crossing the valley to map out and mark the most beautiful routes to explore, they launched the Méribel Trail and hosted the French Trail Running Championships.
Forest tracks through lush greenery, narrow paths along the ridges, scree slopes teeming with marmots leading to the summits – the Méribel valley offers a wonderful variety of trails to suit everyone.
Lace up your trainers, Agence Saulire is taking you on 4 legendary routes through the valley, from the easiest to the most challenging!
1. Tuéda Valley Loop
3.4 km - 26m elevation gain
For those looking to avoid steep climbs and seeking one of the valley’s few flat spots for a jog, the Fond de Tuéda loop is ideal!
Starting from the Plan Ravet car park (the Tuéda car park), begin your run with a short climb (the only one) and follow the lake towards Mont Vallon.
Once you reach the end of the plateau, turn around and head back to your starting point, or continue running laps around the lake.
You’re likely to come across horse riders, mountain bikers, families out for a stroll, visitors to the Maison de la Réserve and fly fishermen.
In the off-season, you’re more likely to come across the heifers from the nearby Ferme Perret, which will produce some wonderful Beaufort cheese!
2. 10km Méribel Trail
11 km - 760m elevation gain
Here is an interesting route for trail running enthusiasts looking for a beautiful, dynamic and varied route, without being too technical, even though the elevation gain is still 760m.
Starting from Le Hameau in Méribel-Mottaret, the loop takes you along a balcony path around Lac de Tuéda before climbing up to the Plagne plateau, near the Aiguille du Fruit (this is where your thighs will really start to burn!).
The path then heads up the flank of the Dent de Burgin before descending back to Mottaret centre and beginning the tough climb back up to Le Hameau (that’s where your thighs will really start to burn again!).
A great view of the valley floor, mountain pastures, scree slopes and winter ski runs!
3. The Olympe Challenge Loop
10.1 km - 640m elevation gain
An original loop as it starts from the spa resort of Brides-les-Bains and climbs towards Les Allues, then the villages of Hauteville and Le Grand Biollay. 10km, 640m elevation gain but at a moderate altitude.
You’ll pass through the Cythère forest alongside the Doron des Allues, beneath the Olympe cable car, then descend to Pont Semon to cross the same stream to reach Hauteville, before heading back down to Brides-les-Bains. A trail accessible from April, once the snow has melted.
Every year in April, this route is used for the Défi de l’Olympe, a unique race in which runners climb to Les Allues from Brides-les-Bains but descend by cable car! More information here.
4. The Petite Saulire KV
1.7 km - 1,017m elevation gain
KV, for the uninitiated, stands for ‘kilometre vertical’. If you need a clearer picture, bear in mind that the expression ‘out of breath’ perfectly describes the state you’ll be in after climbing 1,017m of elevation gain over a distance of just 2.7km!
The climb starts at the Méribel-Mottaret tennis courts and follows the shortest route, the steepest one, as the local old-timers say.
The climb up from the stadium puts your thighs to the test, and the few flat sections above the Côte 2000 restaurant offer only brief respite, as the hardest part is yet to come! After another climb through the moorland and the bushes covered in berries in autumn, you begin the final section, consisting of a scree slope of massive boulders leading to the finish, where a wooden cross stands.
You’ve made it and can finally catch your breath, though the breathtaking view of the Vanoise and the Méribel valley might just take your breath away.
Want to take it to the next level? JOIN THE MERIBEL TRAIL!
The Méribel Trail takes place on 8 August 2021! Preceded by the Petite Saulire KV on the 7th, it’s one of the most beautiful events of the summer in Méribel!
Choose your route: the 50km 4200m elevation gain (solo or relay), the 25km 1200m elevation gain, the 10km 650m elevation gain, the 5km 360m elevation gain, the 2km or the Merib’ Kids children’s race, and discover the diversity of the Méribel valley in a friendly atmosphere!
Information and registration on the Méribel Sport Montagne website!
Feel free to visit the Méribel Tourist Office website or the Méribel Sport Montagne website.
