Méribel Preserved nature

Rejuvenate in close proximity to nature on exceptional sites

Sites of natural beauty

3 standout sites: Tuéda, La Traie and l'Altiport

Discover Méribel’s beautiful protected sites: a unique gift from nature in a major ski resort.

Here we highlight three unmissable areas for lovers of the mountains which offer easy access and a wide range of activities.

The Tuéda nature reserve and lake

A protected site

The nature reserve covers 1,100 hectares and stretches from Lake Tuéda to the Gébroulaz Glacier.

Lake Tuéda is part of Méribel-Mottaret and is situated at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. It lies at 1,730m altitude. The Cembro (or Arolla) Pines form one of the most beautiful pine forests in the Alps.

This area is a wonderful place for taking part in a variety of activities and it offers several well-marked walks.

With a bit of luck, you may spot some of the reserve’s wildlife, such as chamois, ibex, birds of prey or frogs… just be discrete and keep your eyes open!

The Altiport

Located in Les Hauts area of Méribel (at 1,700m), this very sunny area offers uninterrupted views over the resort.

Here Méribel’s Robert Merloz Altiport is found, the site of the very first plane landing in a winter resort in France.

The area boasts an exceptional environment and is a perfect place to recharge your batteries. Surrounded by a large spruce forest, this area offers direct access to the downhill pistes, cross-country trails and the walking and snowshoeing paths.

The free buses will transport you to and from le Plateau and Méribel Centre in just a few minutes.

La Traie

Far from the bustle of the valley

La Traie is an ancient area of alpine pastureland which takes us back to the traditions of the Savoy mountains. Far from the ski resort and human habitation, it offers you the sensation of being at the ends of the earth. It lies at 1,600m altitude, above the traditional village of Les Allues. Scattered with little mountain chalets and surrounded by forest, this space offers panoramic views of iconic mountain peaks, including le Mont Blanc, la Grande-Casse, le Grand Bec and le Burgin-Saulire.

Two classic itineraries allow you to access this area on foot, snowshoes or touring skis: from the village of Les Allues with 500m of total ascent mostly through forest, or from the Ravine car park in Méribel centre along a sunny path with 350m of total ascent. Skiers with local knowledge or who are accompanied by a guide can ski down to it from the pistes and ridges of Tougnète. This is not an area you will stumble on by chance!

And if you are feeling courageous, you can walk from la Traie up to Col de la Lune or Croix Jean-Claude which overlook the mountain pastures.

For a gourmet lunch or a night spent under starry skies, you have the choice of two sumptuous chalets which sit discretely in their surroundings: the Refuges of la Traye or du Christ.

While you are passing through, make sure to visit the chapel of St Bernard, patron saint of alpinists and mountain climbers.

Fantastic areas to discover on your own

Find information at Méribel Tourist Office on how to explore these areas independently or, alternatively, you can by accompanied by a professional guide.