Méribel-Mottaret: Nature and Mountain Sports

Méribel-Mottaret lies at an altitude of between 1,700 and 1,800 metres. Fir forests and the Tuéda Nature Reserve surround the resort; it is also located at the gateway to Vanoise National Park.

Scenery, the lake and the visitor centre

Lac de Tuéda covers three hectares and is a first-category fishing lake. It is known for its clear water and high density of brown trout and rainbow trout. Fishing is possible at the lake; access and regulations may vary by season or be subject to local rules.

The Maison de la réserve naturelle du Plan de Tuéda offers a permanent exhibition and family activities with a guide.

Summer: hiking and the Bike Park

A summer hike leads from the Lac de Tuéda car park in Méribel-Mottaret along mountain trails to the Col du Fruit at 2,516 metres. The route involves an ascent of 900 metres; snow and weather affect conditions. For planning purposes, it is useful to distinguish the destination altitude from the ascent: 2,516 metres refers to the Col du Fruit, while 900 metres is the elevation gain to be climbed.

The Méribel Bike Park has 11 downhill trails, 9 enduro routes, 6 e-bike routes and 2 cross-country routes. Downhill and enduro are the largest of the four listed groups; cross-country is the smallest. This breakdown offers more guidance than a single total if you have a particular type of riding in mind. The published trail inventory may change if the park is updated in the future.

The two summer options have different points of reference for comparison: the hike focuses on destination altitude and ascent, while the Bike Park focuses on riding categories and the number of trails in each.

Winter activities and getting your bearings

The winter snowshoe trail, Chemin du Vallon, starts at the Plan Ravet car park in Méribel-Mottaret. Signs and purple markers indicate the route; seasonal maintenance may affect the condition of the markers. Conditions on the winter route are also seasonal. Check the current markers and winter conditions before setting out. The two routes can thus be distinguished by season and reference point: the summer hike leads to the Col du Fruit, while the winter snowshoe trail starts at the Plan Ravet car park in Méribel-Mottaret.

Méribel-Mottaret also provides access to a snow park. In winter, skating and cross-country skiing are possible at Lac de Tuéda.

Planning a visit to the Maison

A shuttle service to the Maison de la réserve naturelle du Plan de Tuéda runs from the Châtelet stop. Visitors must park in the car park in Méribel-Mottaret; from there, it is a 15-minute walk. As seasonal transport arrangements may change, check the shuttle information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-De-Chevelu, Jarrier, Jongieux, Villard-Sur-Doron, Saint-Paul, Gerbaix, Aiton, Séez

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.