Méribel, the ultimate trail-running destination!

May 2021

Sustained by the development of locally-based association "Meribel Sport Montagne", Meribel now stands as one of the main trail-running destinations of the Alps. Prepare your poles, your nicest running-shoes and follow the guide for an overlook of the most amazing running trails of Meribel valley!

Summer Meribel Les 3 Vallées Family

Trail-running was not that popular 10 years ago and quickly developped in the valley, notably thanks to the enthusiam of Meribel Sport Montagne, an association gathering fans of trail-running, ski touring and mountaineering alike.

After running througout the whole valley and marking trails, they have launched the "Meribel Trail" and even hosted the French Trail Running Championships!

Forest trails winding through green pastures, small single lines following the mountain ridges, marmots-filled screes leading to the summits... Meribel valley offers a wide range of routes to please everyone!

Put your running shoes on, Agence Saulire takes you on 4 of the most mythical routes of the valley, from the easiest to the hardest ones!

1. Boucle du fond de Tuéda - The end of Tueda loop

3.4 km - 26m D+

For those who are looking to run just a bit with almost no declivity at all, Tueda lake plateau is one of the rare flat places of the valley. It is thus ideal for a Sunday run!

Start from Plan Ravet parking (better known as Tueda Lake parking) and start your running session by a small climb (the only one) to get to Tueda lake. Keep running along the lake towards Mont Vallon. Once you have reached the end of that plateau, turn around and run back to the lake. If you feel well and want to keep running for some time, just keep turning around the lake.

You will surely come across horse- or MTB- riders, families strolling around, nature-enthusiasts visiting the Reserve house, or fly-fishers detaching a trout that has taken their bait.

In Spring, chances are you will get across young cows from Mr Perret's farm located on the other side of the river. They will be the ones giving the amazing Beaufort cheese you like so much!

2. 10km du Méribel Trail - THe 10km OF "MERIBEL TRAIL"

11 km - 760m D+

That is an interesting route for trail-runners looking for a dynamic and diverse trail, without being too technical, even though there are 760m of positive declivity!

From le Hameau in Meribel-Mottaret, the loop leads you to a trail stretching along the mountain towards Tueda lake, before reaching La Plagne plateau, close to Aiguille du Fruit (that's when your thighs will start burning!). The trail then continues on the hill side of Dent de Burgin, before diving back to Mottaret center and climbing back again towards Le Hameau (that's when the thighs are going to re-burn!)

A great overview of the end of the valley, of pastures, screes and the fields you are used to ski during winter!

3. La boucle du défi de l'Olympe - The Olympus challenge loop

10.1 km - 640m D+

An original loop as it actually starts from Brides-les-Bains, climbs up to Les Allues, before passing through the villages of Hauteville and Grand Biollay. 10km, 640m D+ but all at a moderated altitude (max. 1,210m high).

You will go through the Cythere forest along the Doron river, underneath Olympe gondola lift. As you reach les Allues, you will go down to Pont Semont and climb up to Hauteville before starting your descent to Brides-les-Bains. This trail is usually accessible from April, once the snow has melted.

Each year, in April, this route is ranged by the runners of "Defi de l'Olympe" - Olympus Challenge - an original race since the runners go up to les Allues from Brides-les-Bains, but go back down using the gondola lift! More information here (in French)

4. Le KV de la Petite Saulire - Vertical Kilometer of Saulire

1.7 km - 1017m D+

KV, for those who are not trail-runners, means Kilometre Vertical i.e Vertical Kilometer. Still need some explanation? If that can help, "breathless" is a perfect adjective to describe the condition most runners find themselves into after going through the 1,017m of climb, along just 2,7km of length!

The ascent starts from the tennis courts in Mottaret and follows the shortest - and thus steepest - way to Petite Saulire summit!

Going up Mottaret stadium takes its toll on the thighs and the few flats located above Cote 2000 restaurant are just short respites as the hardest parts remain upfront! After another climb in a moorland dotted with bushes that are covered in berries during automn, you will approach the final part made of screes and massive blocks leading to the arrival, materialised by a large wooden cross.

You have arrived and will be able to catch your breath, even though it may be taken again by the amazing views on the Vanoise range and Meribel Valley.

FIND ALL THE TRAIN-RUNNING LOOPS OF MERIBEL VALLEY

Do not forget to download the trail guide.

WANT TO TAKE THE NEW STEP? JOIN IN MERIBEL TRAIL !

Meribel Trail will be held on August 8th, 2021! With the Vertical Kilometer (KV) of Petite Saulire on the 7th, it is one of the greatest events of Meribel summer season!

Choose your route between: the 50km 4200D+ (solo or as a relay), the 25km 1200m D+, the 10km 650m D+, the 5km 360m D+, the 2km or the kid's run Merib' Kids and discover the diversity of Meribel Valley in a convivial way!

Information and subscribtion on Meribel Sport Montagne's website!