There is a common misconception that you have to ski to enjoy a winter break at a ski resort, which is a shame, as these places are absolutely fantastic for anybody who enjoys the little luxuries in life and is looking for a bit of downtime. I highly recommend a Méribel ski holiday to anybody seeking a fulfilling vacation, as this fabulous resort has many wonderful opportunities that are sans skis. Exploring the mountain summit by foot - This is a very rewarding experience as it also allows you to go at a leisurely pace and take in the superb views. Simply purchase a “Pedestrian Pass†and you are able to make your way to your chosen summit. I also suggest stopping off for a bite at the mountain restaurants. Flight in a light plane - With astonishing views of the 3 Valleys or le Mont Blanc, a trip in a light aircraft is an amazing activity that can be much more exhilarating than skiing. Hiking - Méribel is an area of outstanding beauty and there are 25km of brilliant walking trails that link the villages. These are well signposted, so hiking around these is a great way to explore the winter wonderland. You will also pass many inviting cafes, bars and restaurants where you can reward yourself after a long hike. Snowmobiling - Snowmobiling is a great option for non-skiers as it provides the same adrenaline rush, but you do not need any prior experience. Hour-long evening sessions see you follow the tracks and go off-piste, enabling you to see Méribel in all its glory. Horse drawn sleigh - A lovely activity that will certainly be hard to top, a horse-drawn sleigh is an excellent way to see the lake and its enchanting surroundings at a leisurely pace. Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing allows you to reach hidden and peaceful areas on foot. Local tours can show you the best spots where you can also learn about the wildlife, history and flora of the valley. Ice climbing - This may sound somewhat dangerous, but it is actually very safe and a spectacular experience. Head out with an adventure company and they will help you to conquer epic frozen waterfalls that surround the 3 Valleys. Hot air ballooning - An absolute must for anyone on a Méribel ski holiday in my opinion, hot air ballooning is a magical experience that provides you with the best possible views. You will get to see deer and other animals within the thick forests as you take off, and then sublime views of the entire area as you ascend into the heavens. Spa session - After a day of exploring, you simply cannot beat a spa session; you are spoilt for choice here. There are many spas offering different pampering sessions and facilities, all of which will help you to feel completely rejuvenated and recharged. Shopping - Méribel features many fantastic shops selling everything you could need, so be sure to dedicate some time to retail therapy. I also highly recommend the twice-weekly market that takes place in Méribel centre. How to Get There The nearest airport to Méribel is Chambéry, so book a flight here from London - this takes around an hour and 40 minutes. I suggest that you book a private Shuttle Direct transfer from the airport to Méribel, as this eliminates any stress of using public transportation and allows you to sit back and enjoy the views. The resort is just over an hour away by road. You do not have to ski to enjoy Méribel ski holiday - these are just a few of the activities that you could enjoy during your break. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. For those heading off on a Meribel ski holiday, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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