Lying at the edge of the Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve, the refuge du Saut is the ideal base for all walkers and lovers of wild mountainous areas. From here, you can easily explore all the rich and varied wildlife, flowers and landscapes of the Vanoise National Park on a half- or full-day walk. For example, you can ascend the impressive col Rouge with a pause at the lac de Chanrouge where you can often spot ibex.

You could also walk to the immense Gebroulaz glacier, the source of the Doron river, and either content yourself with admiring its ice from below or, if you are feeling bold, by climbing up to le col du Souffre. Or you could cross le mont Coua in search of its six lakes in a sumptuous high mountain setting.

The refuge du Saut is eco-friendly: it uses solar panels and wind-turbine driven ventilation; drinking water is treated on site; sanitation is treated nearby; and wood is used for heating. It can take up to 25 people in comfortable accommodation of modern standards.

You can reach it easily from le lac de Tuéda (allow around 2 hours and follow the signs). For example, take the green Tuéda circular walk given above.

From le Plan and le lac de Tuéda, this walk over le Mont Coua and to its lakes takes approximately 7 hours with a total ascent of 1,000m. It can be achieved in one day by experienced walkers. For a gentler and more contemplative immersion in the mountains, you can take two days to complete the walk by spending one night in le refuge du Saut.

This walk will allow you to admire numerous lakes including the six spectacular Mont Coua lakes which lie between 2,520 and 2,820m in a striking, rocky setting.

📍 Step 1 :

From the plan Ravet car park in Mottaret (1,681m), set out towards the refuge du Saut, passing by the lac de Tuéda. After the lake, continue towards the refuge du Plan, then the refuge du Saut (signposted), climbing some fairly steep passages. Enjoy a breather along the flat Vallon du Fruit area, by the meandering Doron des Allues river as it flows through the green and flowery pastures.

Don’t miss the discrete but nonetheless superb lac des Fées, hidden to the right of the path. Rejoin the path which rises and passes through a narrow gully before reaching le refuge du Saut (2,140m). Spend the night at the refuge.

    ⌛ Around 2h

    🏔️ Elevation gain : 450m

📍 Step 2 : 

From le refuge du Saut, follow in the direction of Col du Soufre and climb up to the footbridge over the Doron des Allues (2,440m). After the footbridge take the path to the left (East) towards the lacs du Mont Coua. This is not marked, but the trail is clearly visible. After the first small lake, a little off the path, you will reach the second lake. Follow the little path and the cairns on the right (south-east) towards the largest lake (2,672m); this lake is highly prized by fishermen. After the large lake, continue along the little path following the cairns (south-east) towards the fourth and the fifth lakes (2,780m). You can, if you have enough time and the weather is favourable, continue to the sixth lake…

Above the fifth lake, find the le petit collet (2,787m) to the north (Passage des Eaux Noires), indicated by large cairns. Go down into the valley on the right of the Mont Coua cliffs. You will see numerous cairns in the beautiful, ochre-coloured scree. There are a few steep passages but no technical difficulties through this scree. This route does not appear on the IGN maps (the blue marks indicate a ski touring route). There is no difficulty in finding your direction: simply go down into the valley (north) and at the bottom you’ll find greenery and the marked path that leads to the col Rouge.

    ⌛ Around 4h 

    🏔️ Elevation gain: 700m

📍 Step 3 : 

Head back down from the Refuge du Saut via the Plagne plateau and the Bois des Ramées, most of the descent shaded by the forest before reaching Méribel-Mottaret. Don’t underestimate this final stretch, the first two legs of the hike are already demanding enough as it is.

    ⌛ Around 2h 

    🏔️ Elevation gain : 450m

This long walk, which takes on average 9 hours, will allow you to discover the most beautiful lakes in the Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve and the Méribel valley

📍 Step 1 :

At the entrance to the Nature Reserve (start from the plan Ravet car park) follow the tarmac road for 50m before the toilets, a small path sets out on the left, and joins a hairpin bend on the road to le Châtelet. Go along this and then head in the direction of le Refuge du Saut, 50m after the last garages on the right, by going around and behind the last buildings of le Châtelet. Cross a little stream, then follow the path towards the refuge du Saut until it opens out at the large plateau de la Plagne.

Descend to the plateau and cross the footbridge to join the main track, still heading in the direction of the refuge. Continue along the plateau to the chalets de la Plagne and head in the direction of le col du Vallon (2,394m). Once you reach the pass, go towards the left, ignoring the path to the side which leads to the old mine.

    ⌛ Around 3h

📍 Step 2 :

The path climbs up to a vast scree from the Mont Vallon just above the lac du Vallon. Follow the path around the mountain, it passes underneath the gondola ski lift amongst large blocks of rock and skirts the Mont du Vallon, offering a view over the entire valley, and leads to the lacs du Borgne (2,552m).

This rocky area is dominated by the glacier du Borgne. The path crosses the scree as far as the foot of the col de la Chambre and continues up the left of a large slope which in winter forms a ski run. In just 15 minutes you will reach the magnificent lac de la Chambre (2,637m).

    ⌛ Around 2h30

📍 Step 3 :

Retrace your steps for a few minutes back to the junction, then head left towards Côte Brune, Plan des Mains, Mûres Rouges and Plan de Tuéda.

Between Plan des Mains and Mûres Rouges, the trail follows the river, where arolla pine roots weave a lovely natural pattern along the banks. To make your way back from Mûres Rouges to Tuéda, you can either take the shaded Bois de la Ramée route, or follow the Plan de Tuéda path past the Refuge du Plan, stopping there or not, depending on the mood.

    ⌛ Around 3h30

Your rucksack is another essential to take seriously; if it’s not adjusted properly, you’ll soon feel the strain on your back or shoulders. As for capacity, it depends on the type of outing:

• 15 to 20 litres: a walk lasting a few hours
• 20 to 30 litres: a day hike, with enough food, drink and warm clothing
• 30 to 50 litres: several days with meals and nights in a mountain hut
•  50 litres and over: several days of complete self-sufficiency, including meals and bivouac.

For a day trip, always add a head torch, rain jacket, power bank, water and some snacks to your rucksack.

Inform someone of your plans

A quick message before you set off, including your planned route, estimated return time and a contact number, takes only a couple of minutes and could make all the difference if something goes wrong. If a search needs to be launched, it is better to have given specific details than a vague “I’m hiking in the so-and-so area”

Check the mountain weather forecast

You’re ready for the off, the weather’s beautiful and a glorious day in the mountains is finally beginning. However, in the mountains, a storm can blow up fast. We recommend checking a specialist mountain weather forecast beforehand – these are generally much more accurate than standard forecasts – to anticipate any sudden changes.

Marmot

You can’t mistake a marmot, its high-pitched whistle cutting through the air; perched like a sentinel on its rock, warning the colony that an intruder is approaching. A living emblem of Savoie, a marmot is fairly easy to spot, often basking in the sun before darting back into its burrow at the slightest sudden movement.

Morning and late afternoon are its favourite times of day, when the heat is less intense and he can venture out without becoming fatigued. The colonies around Lac Tuéda and on the Plagne plateau are particularly active; if you stop for a few minutes in silence you are likely to see several of them pop their heads out.

Ibex

You’ll need to hike a little to find these mountain goats, but once you’re high up, if you look in the right places, one may well appear! Head for the Gébroulaz glacier or the area around the Saut refuge, where chamois and ibex roam the same slopes.

Point your binoculars towards the rocky areas, ridges and boulder fields; you’ll recognise an ibex by its massive horns curving backwards, moving with ease across vertiginous slopes. Once spotted, it proves surprisingly tolerant of human presence, provided you keep your distance and remain quiet.

Bearded Vulture

With a wingspan of 2.80m, a diamond-shaped tail and its famous beard, the bearded vulture certainly makes an impression when it chooses to show itself. Long persecuted and on the brink of extinction in the Alps, it owes its current presence to a reintroduction programme launched in the 1980s, though the population remains vulnerable to this day.

Spotting one in Méribel is, as Thibaut confirms, a matter of luck. It nests on cliffs and may have up to eight different nesting sites across a territory of several hundred square kilometres, changing its nest from one year to the next. Suffice to say that an encounter with this majestic bird is a memory to treasure – it’s a rare occurrence.

After a leisurely breakfast and a coffee sipped on a balcony overlooking the peaks, it’s hard to imagine the day could pick up pace. But as Savoyard cuisine has top priority, lunch is taken on a terrace with a view of the mountains, in a quiet little square somewhere in the valley. Here, the fondue takes its time to melt and the tartiflette is shared out gradually; these specialities encourage you to savour every moment of the meal.

From Les Allues to Mottaret, there’s no shortage of restaurant terraces, each with its own view and local produce – all that remains is to discover your new favourite places.

It’s still dark when you strap on your crampons, while your guide ropes you together. Higher up on the glacier, other lights are already moving through the darkness, and you set off to meet them, off the paths you’d always stopped at until now. Day breaks over the glacier, and that feeling every mountaineer knows takes hold of you too: feeling tiny, and yet exactly where you belong.

From Méribel, the Vanoise national park opens the door to these views of glaciers and peaks rising above 3,000m. To help you prepare for your first glacier trekking experience, we spoke with Alain Petex, a guide in Méribel for 25 years. Here’s how a day out with the Méribel mountain guides office actually unfolds.

What are the physical requirements for glacier trekking? How does one go about choosing an objective that is adapted to one’s level?

For the routes we have just mentioned, you need to be able to climb at least 800 metres without being exhausted. By way of comparison, the hike from the Lac de Tueda to the Refuge du Saut, a classic in the summer in Méribel, requires an increase in altitude of 450 metres. However, for day-long initiations, it is possible to choose an itinerary with only 300m of ascent to reach the glacier. The destination of the day is always chosen by discussion. We ask a number of questions about your experience in the high mountains, your physical level, your potential fear of heights… Using these elements, we then propose options.

Is it necessary to have already climbed or done via ferrata to do glacier trekking?

No, as the name suggests, it’s only glacier walking. But there are other mountaineering routes in the Vanoise that require a little mountaineering or climbing experience to be done. It’s all about finding the right mountaineering trip for you and your level.

What equipment is provided on the day and what should one bring?

You have to rent the equipment in the rental shops in Meribel, i.e. crampons, shoes suitable for crampons, a harness, a straight ice axe, a helmet and a pair of walking sticks… and obviously you have to have the necessary equipment for the cold and the sun, which is more intense at 3,000m: category 4 glasses, gloves, a down jacket and a windproof jacket…

Finally, there is the equipment provided by the guide’s office: the rope and the safety equipment on the glacier, such as ice pins. How to use this equipment is obviously explained afterwards by the guide on the day.

20 years as a guide in Méribel, you must have had some great adventures. Can you share with us an outstanding memory that you have experienced in the 3 Valleys?

I remember once I took a group to Polset Dome. There was an 18 year old boy there. I saw him again 20 years later and he was still very happy about the trip. That day he had discovered something and continued to climb thereafter. Being introduced to mountaineering finally opens up the high mountains: you discover life in a refuge, you walk roped up with the day gradually breaking over the summits and glaciers, you see crevasses… In short, it’s a unique experience that leaves its mark, like the young man who spoke about it with stars in his eyes 20 years later.

The Méribel guide’s office offers other options beyond glacier trekking, what other activities are available in Méribel?

In the summer, the guide’s office also offers via ferrata, canyoning, climbing, mountaineering and themed hikes. We accompany both sporty people who want to discover or progress in a mountain sport, as well as families and less athletic individuals who want to discover nature and the mountains.

Wrong. You can certainly improve on your own by starting on the easiest runs, then moving on (after a fair few falls) to more challenging terrain. With time, motivation and a good dose of resilience, it’s entirely possible to reach a top level as a self-taught skier.

But if the aim is to move on to red and black runs without ending up off-piste straight away, Méribel’s qualified instructors make all the difference. Getting the right reflexes from the outset not only saves a considerable amount of time, but also means you’ll progress without picking up bad habits that’ll follow you on every run. And, between you and me, being coached by someone who knows every bend in the Bike Park like the back of their hand is still the best shortcut to the thrills you’ve come here for.

So, are you convinced?

At the end of the day, downhill is all about thrills and freedom, and everyone experiences them in their own way. Some will need the G Force to really get their adrenaline pumping, whilst others will be happy with a simple ride on an e-MTB along the ridges. The Méribel Bike Park was designed precisely for this purpose: to cater for everyone, from families to experienced riders, so next time, forget the excuses and come and see for yourself!

Those first few days in Méribel have that special charm of anticipation and discovery, as you find your feet, explore and settle into a rhythm. For families seeking adventure, start with a hike through the villages in the valley – just to get your legs warmed up and soak up the Savoyard heritage before tackling more challenging routes. The next day, a hike isn’t enough for the children any longer, so a visit to the Bike Park is a must. A leisurely family exploration of the resort on the green and blue runs – there’s still plenty of the week left.

On the other side of the resort, the atmosphere is completely different. Yoga by the shores of Lake Tuéda in the morning silence, with the peaks reflected in the water and your breath finally settling. Meanwhile, the children are discovering “Les P’tits Aventuriers”, supervised by enthusiastic instructors and with a never-ending stream of activities – it’s pure joy. A great way to start the week that sets the tone for the rest of the holiday.

Our sporty family are off and running, kicking things off with the Dent de Burgin via ferrata – quite simply the highest in France – to get the adrenaline pumping. Straight after, they head for the Col de la Loze on e-MTBs, with the 3 Vallées stretching as far as the eye can see from the summit.
On Friday morning, up bright and early with one mission in mind: the Gébroulaz Glacier, an organised group with a mountain guide. Up there, the rock gives way to ice and the rugged high-mountain panoramas unfold before them. What a panorama, what luck …but no, views like this have to be earned!

Happiness looks different for everyone

The family, seeking a more relaxing pace has also found its balance. The golf driving range in the sunshine, the children in the play area, and that drink on the terrace that naturally becomes the order of the day as the morning draws to a close. On Friday, with sandwiches tucked away in their bags, it’s off to the ski lifts! By the time they’ve reached the top, the scenery has changed, the air is crisper and the picnic takes on a whole new dimension. In the afternoon, the little ones dash off to meet the pony whilst the parents slip away discreetly to unwind at the spa.

That evening, as they round the corner onto Jack’s famous terrace, the two families bump into each other quite by chance. One is returning, exhausted yet happy after their day in the mountains; the other, who’ve been sitting there for a while with a drink in hand, have never felt so rejuvenated.

A word from our dog experts to ensure your outings go as smoothly as possible, for both your dog and the environment:

– Dogs must be kept on a lead on most trails, especially when approaching mountain pastures where herds are grazing. If you come across a Patou, the correct approach is the same as when walking alone: avoid sudden movements, and move away calmly whilst keeping your dog firmly on the lead.

– Don’t forget to bring water; dogs can become dehydrated quickly when exerting themselves, especially in the height of summer. A water bottle or a collapsible water bag is more than enough.

– As for wildlife, the temptation to chase a marmot or a fox can be overwhelming, particularly if the dog is off the lead, but this remains prohibited and stressful for the animals. Once again, keeping the dog on a lead is the best solution.

And on the way back, there’s one little thing you shouldn’t forget: check the paw pads, as stony paths can be tough on them, especially over long distances.

Although Méribel is very dog-friendly, the heart of the Vanoise National Park is off-limits to dogs, even when kept on a lead, with the exception of assistance dogs accompanied by official documentation. This is, of course, not because of the dogs themselves, but to preserve the fragile balance of the mountain ecosystem.

In the Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve, dogs are allowed on a lead, but only as far as the Plan refuge; beyond that, towards the Vallon du Fruit or the Refuge du Saut, you will need to leave your four-legged friend at home.

When it comes to swimming, a word of caution: mountain lakes, and Lake Tuéda in particular, are not suitable for dogs to swim in. Better to bring a water bottle than to let your dog cool off in these natural water sources.
For everything else, there’s no reason to leave them at home!

In early July, Méribel comes to life and the summer season gently gets underway. The trails are still relatively quiet, but the resort is already buzzing. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the activities and restaurants without worrying about fully booked slots. All the activities are already open, and something that isn’t said often enough: early July is often the best time to enjoy the mountains.

By mid-July, things pick up a pace as the lively, festive valley enters its peak season. From the Méribel Trail and the Hybrid Games to Zen Altitude, events punctuate the weeks. Take note that guided activities are in demand and the terraces are popular. But whether you’re a family or a group of friends, this is the perfect time for those who want to experience Méribel at its most vibrant.

By late August, the pace slows down and the mountains catch their breath. There are still enough people around to keep village life going, the terraces remain lively, and you can enjoy your favourite activities. All this, and a more leisurely pace than in the preceding weeks. Plus there’s that late-summer light on the peaks; golden, soft, a little melancholic. Very often, it’s the best time to not want to leave.

Among the finest experiences Méribel has to offer, the excursions organised by the guides’ office are in a league of their own. Glacier hikes on the Gébroulaz Glacier, themed nature trails, and introductory high-mountain courses – these excursions require a bit of planning, but they are well worth the effort.

Another way to take in breathtaking views is to take off from Tougnète or the Dent du Burgin in a paraglider. This is a unique experience. Morning flights, in the cool air above the still-sleeping valley, are among the most memorable moments you can experience here.

A round of golf also warrants planning ahead, especially in August. Perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres and stretching over more than 35 hectares, Méribel’s 18-hole course is one of the most spectacular in the Alps, and therefore highly sought-after.

The same applies to fine dining: the best restaurants are worth the effort. It’s easy to find a wealth of quality restaurants in Méribel that don’t require a booking, but for a special event, it’s best to book in advance. Whether it’s a gourmet restaurant with breathtaking views of the peaks or lunch on a terrace facing the ridges, these are the sort of places you don’t leave to chance.

Everything else… and that’s already plenty! Enjoy marked walking trails, pedestrian ski lifts, the swimming pool, the ice rink, the tennis courts and plenty of other activities without needing to book, just as you please. That’s precisely where the balance of your holiday lies: letting yourself go, without overthinking it.

And that’s exactly what the “Pass Explorateur” covers, with over 20 activities available at no extra cost, so you can plan your days however you like. Find out more about this essential travel companion: Pass Explorateur Méribel.

In the evening, as the last rays of the setting sun fade away, Méribel comes to life. Live music is part of the valley’s DNA; in the early evening, the first notes ring out on the terraces of the many bars such as the Rambler in Mottaret, the perfect spot to unwind after a great day in the mountains.  On the programme: rock bands, original artists and folk musicians.

Méribel Village has long been a favourite haunt of British visitors. The terraces come to life from late afternoon onwards, accents mingle and the atmosphere naturally takes on that laid-back feel you don’t find everywhere. La Terrasse du Village epitomises this, always bustling, often in full party mode, with an alpine village atmosphere that makes you want to stay. In the same vein, Jack’s at La Chaudanne is a must-visit in Méribel. Live music from on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons on a large sunny terrace, ideal for kicking off the evening or letting it drift on without even realising it.

• The Tourist Office is your first port of call: It’s not just for brochures. The team can guide and advise you, and knows the best times to visit and places that aren’t necessarily in the guidebooks. A must-visit from day one.
• The Meribus: Free shuttle buses connecting all neighbourhoods, at any time of day. Once you know they exist, you won’t touch the steering wheel again. (Méribus : Méribel’s bus station / info, hours etc).
• The Pass Explorateur: Many families arrive without realising it exists. €69 for 3 days or €99 for 6 days, with over 20 activities included. One of the best value-for-money experiences in the valley, especially for children.
• Book early for guided activities: Guide office, paragliding, supervised outings. In July and August, slots fill up fast. Try to book at the start of the week, not the day before.

The alpine flora you’ll see around Méribel is exceptionally rich. On the valley’s paths and in the Vanoise National Park, you’ll come across iconic plants such as edelweiss, Turk’s cap lilies and snow gentian, but also treasures found almost nowhere else: the Mont Cenis pansy, endemic to the Vanoise mountain pastures, or the Alpine columbine with its elegant star-shaped blue flowers.

There are around 1,700 plant species in the massif, representing a third of France’s flora on less than 0.5% of its territory. This diversity is protected, and the rule is simple: admire or photograph, but do not pick.

We know the temptation to venture off the marked trails and explore areas where no one has trodden. But repeated off-trail walking causes erosion that can take decades to repair. The mountain pastures bordering the trails are the resource of local farmers; trampling the vegetation has an effect on their livelihood.

You arrive in the valley, the sky is a pristine blue, there’s not a cloud in sight, only a golden eagle soaring in the distance. It’s hard to imagine that this scene could change in minutes. It is strongly recommended that you check a specialist mountain weather app before setting off (and keep an eye on it during your outing!)

When it comes to kit, certain items are essential, such as walking boots, high-factor sun cream, a lightweight jacket in your rucksack and, of course, plenty of water. If you wish to explore the high mountains or undertake more technically-challenging outings, the Méribel mountain guides are your best option. Thanks to their knowledge of the terrain, they can read the weather better than any app and will take you to the most beautiful spots in safety.

Good news for lovers of sleeping under the stars: bivouacking is permitted in the heart of the Park! However, you cannot pitch your tent just anywhere; bivouacking is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of certain mountain refuges during the summer months. Pre-booking is compulsory and we advise you not to leave it too late: in high season, places go fast.

If the weather decides to turn bad, the refuges’ dining areas welcome everyone without exception. In practical terms, a night’s bivouac at altitude offers a starry sky for a ceiling and a refuge within easy reach should you need it. We’ve seen worse camping conditions! To find the relevant refuges and plan your bivouac, the Vanoise National Park website is the go-to resource.

The “Pass Explorateur”, is your ticket to a great mountain holiday. Designed as an all-in-one package, valid for the entire duration of your stay, it gives you access to over 20 activities in the valley. Swimming pool, yoga, guided hikes, golf driving range, inflatable games and much more.

Unlimited use of the pedestrian ski lifts is also included, but an important point: this is valid only in the Méribel valley. So many experiences freely available, without having to think about the cost of each one.

What the pass really changes is your mindset. No more weighing up every outing, wondering if it’s worth it and instinctively dampening the children’s enthusiasm. And what if they fall in love with an activity and want to do it again? No problem – the pass allows you to take part in each activity as many times as you like!

Is your favourite activity not included in the pass? Don’t worry. The “Pass Explorateur” offers more than just the included activities. It also opens up a world of possibilities with a 15% discount at selected partners.

For fans of white-water activities, you’ll be able to tackle the rapids by raft or hydro-speed at a reduced price. Cycling enthusiasts will also find what they’re looking for at a number of partner rental companies offering e-MTB hire.

For families with young children who wish to explore the valley at their own pace, the “Pass Explorateur” offers the chance to hire downhill scooters and bike trailers at a lower rate.