Meribel Events
*POA - Price on Application
Sky-Diving
This is just as crazy as it might sound but if you have the courage to decide to do a skydive, you will certainly not regret it. After a brief in English or French, you will take off in a small passenger plane from Courchevel Altiport. After a 15 minute flight to get you up to approx 5000m (15,000ft), you are helped out of the plane by your tandem instructor. A free-fall of 45 seconds then follows which is as close to a life changing moment as you can experience. The views of the 3 valleys are breathtaking and after having taken in all of the thrills and excitement, the instructor launches the canopy and you gently float down for around 15 minutes - the quiet after the storm. This event only runs from Saturday 8th March '08 to Sunday 6th April '08 (4 weeks) and places are few and far between. If you decide that this is the activity for you, then please make a reservation as soon as possible. If the weather is too bad, then the dive is postponed to the next day or until a suitable day presents itself.
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
Helpful advice: Not for the faint-hearted but a truly once in a lifetime experience. Do it!!!
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Helicopter Flights
Can you think of a more prestigious way to arrive to your chalet than by helicopter. Each trip is customized to your needs with the ability to take up to 6 passengers each way. Take in the stunning views in the comfort and stability of your own private helicopter. The pilots are very experienced and know the routes and conditions well. This can also be adapted to bring in other parts of the below events as well. If you wish to take the opportunity for a Heli-dogsled or a Heli-bob then this is the activity for you. You are picked up by one of our representatives in one of our executive 4×4's so your trip is completely seamless from start to finish. Highly recommended!!
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful Advice: Try to use all the seats available as the price is for the helicopter, not per seat.
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Snow-mobile (motoneige)
Our most popular event with thrill seekers. For those people who don't even know what a snow-mobile is, it's a bit like riding a set of four skis with a motor, only a bit safer! The machine looks a little like a water jet-ski but has tank style caterpillar tracks on the underside which gives the vehicle traction. There is a smaller option available for children with this particular event, kids 4 and above can ride a smaller version around a specialised circuit during the day. For the rest of us, this is operated after the pistes close (17:30 onwards) to give you a completely open run. You will arrive and go through for a specialist brief with the instructors. They then take you out for a quick test to make sure you are happy with the controls and then off you go! The bikes can take 1 or 2 people at a time and there is also the option of swapping over half way through the activity. This means everyone has the option of being in control, being controlled and then just totally out of control! There is an option for more experienced riders or complete adrenaline junkies to go on a safari style course. More details can be provided on request.
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful Advice: dress practically (warmly) especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles.
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Husky sledding (traineaux a chiens)
Be at one with nature and charge your own traditional Alpine sled and team of dogs, driving them along and through the twists and turns of the forest. You arrive and are immediately introduced to your prospective team of huskies - these will be in control of your blood pressure and fun factor for the next couple of hours so treat them well. You are then briefed by the team showing you the basics of what to do, what to shout and where to hold on to. This truly is a very exhilarating activity and not for the faint hearted. Your main task as the rider of the sled is to keep it upright when negotiating the twists and turns. There are also some uphill parts to the adventure so you may need to help push the sled to help the dogs. This event is great fun for all the family with a slice of nature thrown in.
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
Helpful Advice: Wear warm clothing and definitely take a good pair of gloves!!
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Paragliding (parapente)
One of the premier ways to view the trois vallees is from above - above everything! If your heart can take the intensity or if you are an adrenaline seeker this could the event for you. From near the top of the Col de la Loze or Saulire, you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. They do all the hard work so you don't have to - no previous technical knowledge is needed. After a deep breath and a quick explanation of what you must be ready for, you begin on a downward slope on your skis (or board) and as soon as there is enough speed for the parachute to inflate, you'll find yourself up above the lofty heights of the birds. The rooftop views of the classic chalets found all over the 3 valleys is just breathtaking. Taking off with a board on is slightly trickier but can still be performed by a novice - it just might take more than one attempt! The better the day, the more chance of being able to catch the thermals which are needed to help you ascend and keep you in the air longer.
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful Advice: you might want to go on a warm, sunny day when the thermals will keep you up the clouds for longer.
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Indoor climbing wall (mur d’escalade)
Even with absolutely no experience in climbing or abseiling, you can still have a great time at the indoor climbing wall at La Chaudanne. All equipment is provided (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and a full safety brief is explained to you in English or French. You are then given almost a free reign of the walls that are gauged from complete beginner to experienced pro under the watchful eye of the guides. Kids must be 5 or over to take part and a reasonable level of fitness is recommended as this can be hard work. It is always very rewarding when you or a family member reaches the top though try not to get too competitive. Available Tues and Thurs 6 - 8pm (Tues to Fri during holiday periods).
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
Helpful Advice: not advisable if you suffer from vertigo!
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Snowshoe Outing (raquette à neige)
A great outing alone or in a group, this tranquil activity puts you bang in the middle of some of the most beautiful trails that the Alps have to offer. The basis of walking with snow shoes means that you can walk over even the lightest of powder to have a look at nature which would not normally be accessible normally. Skiers and boarders can sometimes zoom by these closely kept secret spots but with out snowshoes, you would never have the time to be able have a closer look and trust us, it's definitely worthwhile. One to think about when the weather isn't so great or for non-skiers as no previous knowledge of skiing is needed. Contact our team about specific spots that you may have in mind and we can advise when & where to go.
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
Helpful advice: can be best to keep a mobile phone on you when straying off the beaten track.
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Balloon flight (vol en montgolfière)
If you've never had the good fortune of setting foot in a hot-air balloon then you have missed out on one of life's simplest pleasures. Don't miss out any more and be the envy of everyone by jumping in the relaxing environment of a hot-air balloon ride. The guide will take care of all the technical aspects (keeping it in the air!!) and is happy to answer any questions of what you will be looking at. This activity is available with the added extra of a champagne breakfast for celebrating a special occasion or even just celebrating someone special. This lovely experience can be very intimate and a good setting if one was ever thinking of popping that question to someone special . . . . would you?
Helpful advice: be prepared - the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours. Take warm clothing, sunglasses and a thermos flask
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
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Cross-country skiing (ski de fond)
Some people think that you may look a bit silly doing this crazy sport so ear-muffs are recommended - not just for warmth but also so that you can't hear the shouts of abuse from people! Seriously, this is a great sport for those of you who wish to take life and your holiday at your own pace. To the naked eye, this may seem similar to going out with a pair of snow-shoes but this is a bit trickier to get the hang of but provides superb enjoyment once mastered. Just ask anyone that has tried it before. You can expect to work up a bit of a sweat on this event so breathable thermals are recommended. To make the most of the amazing tranquility, take a small picnic lunch and treat someone special. Specialist equipment is needed for this which is available for hire. Ensure that you have had adequate training before disembarking on an outing. We can arrange a team of superb guides or instructors if needed.
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful advice: Ear-muffs!
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Off-piste group guiding (ski découverte)
This is great for those of you that have grown tired, if that's at all possible, with the pisted parts of les Trois Vallees. Of course, people have been coming here for years but some of the regions best kept secrets are only known by locals or the very most experienced instructors. These few people have been hand picked to give you the best that the Alps have to offer in off-piste action but whilst being as safe as you can be at the same time. On the wrong day, this region can be exceptionally dangerous and without having had experience with possible avalanche conditions, the risks can be too much. This is what our group of guides can offer you. You are also given avalanche equipment and a safety brief to ensure that you can get your way out of trouble should a situation arise. This is a must for skiers or boarders looking to take it up a level but without the huge risks one is faced with by finding out for themselves. There is also a free Avalanche forum that goes on in Pizza Express once a week. More details of all of the above can be provided on request.
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful advice: never venture off piste without the necessary equipment. If you do not know what the equipment is, then seek plenty of advice and take a guide.
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Walking trails (itinéraires piétons)
Walking in Meribel comes highly recommended from all the ramblers that have set foot there. As with all of our events, a guide is recommended to get the most out of it but if you want to go alone, maps are freely available everywhere. Connecting your walk with buses or the use of lifts gives you superior views of the resorts. Although the walking is amazing in the summer time, winter does have a lot to offer the experienced walker. Snow-shoes aren't completely necessary but it's worth taking a pair should you find yourself in deep powder from time to time. There are specially prepared walking trails that total over 21km, all of which are labeled on the tourist maps.
SnoEscape Thrill factor: 
Helpful advice: try to steer clear of the roads as the locals tend to drive fairly quickly.
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Tourist flights (vols touristiques en avion)
Not much description is needed to explain the awesome benefits of a private airplane flight. Generally, just saved for the special occasions whilst on holiday, these flights can be used as means of transportation from one resort to the next or just for an epic view of the scenery. SnoEscape get special bespoke pricing on all tourist flights so contact us with details of your proposed flights and we do the rest. Our Land Rover Defender 4×4 is available to pick you and your luggage up from anywhere to ensure that your journey runs as smooth as possible. Flights are available from any airport but the most popular are Méribel & Courcehevel's Altiports. The planes can carry up to 3 passengers so try not to invite all of your friends at once.
SnoEscape Thrill factor:
Helpful advice: take a camera to relive the moment after the flight is over.
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Golf - summer only
For those of you that can think of nothing better than 18 holes of golf whilst away relaxing, the golf course in Meribel ranks up there with the best. Normally, skied over in the winter seasons, the course goes almost unnoticed for some 5 months. Once the snow starts to melt through in spring, a superb 71 par course presents itself. There aren't many courses in the world at this altitude so it offers a great challenge and a slice of something different to every golfer to step foot. If you're a regular visitor to the resort in the winters, it's definitely worth a look just to see what is underneath all the snow. You will not be disappointed. Of course, lessons are available in English or French for any standard of golfer. For those of you wishing to push the boat out, caddies and buggies are available as well.
Helpful advice: bring your own clubs if you don't want to have to hire a set. Don't forget your sunnies.
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Mountain Biking (VTT) - summer only
This is almost the most popular of all the sports offered in the 3 valleys. Apparently, there's a rather famous French cycling race that runs through the region so this does have a small effect on the popularity as well. All of the lifts that normally transport skiers and boarders around now miraculously transform to accommodate the cyclists and their bikes. This gives almost unlimited access to all areas and for those who know where to go, the possibilities are endless. We have a great team of experienced guides that are equipped to take people of any age and ability on a range of trails. All equipment can be provided if required but please be honest when speaking to the guides about your ability.
Helpful advice: take plenty of water along with you.
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Canyoning – summer only
Great fun for all the family, canyoning is for those of you that have a lot of energy to expend and prefer to be in amongst the action. The basic idea of it is that your guide takes you on a course provided by Mother Nature herself. Expect to be walking, jogging, swimming, climbing, sliding and abseiling. This is a full on activity for full on people. If you fancy yourself as a bit of an Action Man or a GI Jane, then is undoubtedly for you. As normal, all equipment is provided by the guides as well as their expertise and first aid knowledge. Plan for a full and energy absorbing day out.
Helpful advice: take everything in your own time, it isn't a race.
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Walking (randonée) - summer
Whether your idea of walking in the mountains is a gentle ramble or a three day hike, Méribel has something for you. The valley has hundreds of kilometres of beautiful, marked walking trails, some of which link up with the lifts, and a booklet of recommended circuits is available from the Tourist Office. For the more adventurous, try longer hikes into the Vanoise National Park, perhaps staying overnight in a refuge. The local Mountain Guides Office offer guided group walks, walks on a glacier, and private, longer trips.
Helpful advice: take plenty of water, sunscreen and waterproofs – the weather can change fast
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Tennis - summer only
Dust off your whites, grab your racquet and relive the finest moments of the French Open right here in Meribel. There is always the option of taking private coaching or joining group lessons at Le Bois d'Arbin if you feel you're not quite Grandslam standard just yet. You can hire courts for as long as you like and can play singles or doubles to keep things competitive as well. Méribel has a total of 10 courts (plus another four for children) at Le Bois d'Arbin, situated on the Truite piste. Mottaret has another four by the Tourist Office and one court is also available in Les Allues.
Helpful advice: try to play against someone of a similar standard otherwise this sport can be no fun at all.
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Riding (l’équitation) - summer only
Guided tours of the area on horseback are a cheap and alternative way to enjoy the fresh air and see everything from a different view. Routes for all ages and abilities are available but it does always pay to be honest to the guides with your previous riding experience. The last thing you want is for your novice grandmother to be on the back of a huge, strapping stallion running off in to the sunset! This can be a very romantic and peaceful activity and if you have a love for horses, then why not go riding in this part of the World as well. Boots and helmets are all provided as well as transport to and from the stables.
Helpful advice: only available for kids 5 and over
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Adventure park (parc aventure) – summer only
A closely guarded secret is the wild adventure park situated off the beaten track in the woods near the Truite piste. Essentially a series of obstacles to test your bravery, skill and balance, it can be described as your own Crystal Maze challenge at altitude. This wonderland combines high ropes, death slides, puzzles with a series of rope bridges connecting each other. As with all the activities, expect to be a little short of breath because of the lack of oxygen in the air - don't push yourself too hard. There are varying levels of difficulty on the course to test your courage and wit so more than one trip to the course might be necessary to work your way up.
Helpful advice: this does have a height restriction of 110 cm
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Swimming Pool (piscine) open winter and summer
One of my personal favourites is the giant pool situated at the Chaudanne, just above the bowling alley and ice rink. The pool doesn't stay open past 6pm so you have to be quick if you're looking to unwind after a hard day's activities. Take it from me though, there is no better way to de-stress than in the 'de-tense' section of the pool which offers all of the usuals including 2 saunas, a steam room and a jet stream Jacuzzi. The pool is 25m long with a slide for the kids going in to a plunge pool. It can get busy so try to go early on weekdays and when there's bad weather.
Helpful advice: don't forget to ask for the extra de-tense bracelet when paying as the area is restricted on numbers.
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Archery
Try out as a Robin Hood with the chance to give archery a go. Our specially trained archery instructors, governed by the Grand National Archery Society (GNAS), can give you expert advice on safety and how to improve your accuracy. Normally, you will take control of a recurve bow with specialised aluminium arrows and get the chance to master this ancient sport. This activity is excellent for all ages and all levels of ability. With the surroundings of the mountains and countryside, you can't help but feel whisked back to medieval times in France. Ask about the William Tell challenge - if you think you're good enough?
Helpful advice: always wear an arm guard when shooting.
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Clay Pigeon Shooting
Take aim and fire under the watchful eye of our expert instructors. Please bear in mind that this activity does involve the use of a powerful firearm which can be very dangerous if not used responsibly. Always make sure that you listen fully to the instructor and take extra care when handling the guns. In much the same way as the sport has always been conducted, ceramic clays or 'pigeons' are catapulted from either side, giving the shooter just a few seconds to try to hit them and obtain a score. If you are keen to give it a try in your own environment, i.e. your chalet, special arrangements can be made with our laser clay system which can be used almost any where. Instead of firing an actual shotgun, you are given a modified shotgun which a laser sighting with which to shoot. An excellent alternative to bring the party to you and better for the children as there are age restrictions on the full clay pigeon shoot.
Helpful advice: try to hold the gun correctly as shown and bear in mind, everyone will need to be 16 and over.
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Paintball
Imagine running through the forests of Courchevel hearing the noise of paint pellets whizzing past your ears in the crisp snow. Granted, this may not sound like much fun to some people but there is a whole league with hundreds of teams dedicated to this adrenalin packed sport throughout Europe. On arrival, you are kitted out with all the necessary protective gear and given a quick safety brief. The hire of the gun and gas canisters for firing are all included but you will have to take a bit of extra cash to pay for paintballs if you are a little trigger happy. This is perfect for large groups of Corporate clients or stag/hen groups. There is also the capacity for showing up all alone should you be the only one who wishes to try this. You can just join in one of the many games going on throughout the day.
Helpful advice: always wear your protective masks supplied and take something to drink as it can be very warm running around in the suits.
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Rafting
Available in both summer & winter but on different terrains, rafting is action packed to say the least. In the summer, you take the water at the foot of the 3 valleys and are asked to paddle and hang on as best you can. Great fun for beginners and experts alike, all equipment and training is provided. You are escorted down by our expert instructors who are always at hand to help you out should your raft capsize. It is recommended that you are at least comfortable in water. Being able to swim is not essential but please let yourself be known if you feel out of your depth and the instructors can give you the attention you may need. In the winter, you don't need to be able to swim to feel safe. The Snowrafting experience runs from Courchevel and lets you fly down one the pistes at high speed after they've closed to skiers & boarders. This one is recommended for people who are looking to for the extremist of extreme sports. Great fun for insane but not recommended for the sane!
Helpful advice: for the snowrafting, please wrap up with lots of clothing - for warmth and padding!
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Ice-Karting
Ice-karting is the newest of the winter sports due to the development of studded ice tyres. In essence, the ice-karts are almost exactly the same design as normal go-karts used on land only with the adapted tyres, they have the tendency to handle quite differently. An acquired technique, it takes a bit of patience and a smidgen of skill to come out on top. There is the choice of driving indoor or outdoor in the 3 valleys so no matter what the weather, you can still have fun racing against one another. A new experience that no-one will have tried before so give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
Helpful advice: listen to the brief on how to master driving techniques.
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Quads
The standard quad bike is normally found on farm yards in the rural parts of Europe covered with mud towing bails of hay from field to field. Now you have the chance to take these bikes to the extreme going up and down trails being led by our team of instructors. Many people now have their own quads at home but the chance to go on a quad safari in this setting must not be overlooked. As normal, all equipment is provided as well as a safety brief to get you off to a flying start. This activity runs in both the summer and winter.
Helpful advice: even if you have ridden a quad bike before, you must listen to the instructor' advice. Every quad handles slightly differently to the next.
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Ice Diving
Perhaps the most daring of our events, ice diving is exactly what it sounds like, diving under ice. A hole is carved in the ice, and you are geared up in a dry suit to prevent you from getting a little chilly under the water. You will need a PADI Openwater certification to take part but if you do have this, then this promises to be the ultimate dive of dives. According to past customers, this is even better than a wreck dive and a night dive put together. As long as you have a level head and the inclination to try something new, this is the sport for you. The tranquil atmosphere of being under the water is incomparable and a must if you have any diving experience.
Helpful advice: don't forget to take an underwater camera and your PADI book to log the dive.
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Bob Sledding
Bobsleighing has been going on in Europe for more than 100 years and is one of the most iconic sports when you think of the Winter Olympics. When the Olympics were hosted in Albertville in 1992, the track was developed to allow all the bobsleighing practice warm ups and the finals for all the competing countries. Now only used for the odd training session for a handful of European teams, you can experience bobsleighing as only the Olympians would have done before. This is an activity for true speed freaks and for people with nerves of steel. The track has been meticulously maintained and you can expect a high level of training and expertise from the instructors. This works out as a great activity to promote teambuilding as the sport relies almost wholly on everyone doing their job well.
Helpful advice: don't plan to do anything else after this activity as nothing else will compare.
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Piste Bashing
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a true Savoyard resident running around on the pistes in the dark, leveling off the pistes in your very own huge PisteBasher? A glance at the slopes at night will give you just a small insight in to the fun these people get up to when everyone else is sleeping in their log chalets. You may have seen a series of lights and loud noises going on but without being inside one these huge powerful machines, you'll never know. Comparable to driving a military equipped tractor on snow, this is a superb experience for people fascinated by these SnowCats. You'll learn how to work the snow and make it perfectly groomed by the fully trained professionals.
Helpful advice: take a thermos flask for a small coffee break.
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Other summer activities to try:
Crazy-golf, trampoline, fly fishing, ice-skating*, ten-pin bowling*, skateboard park.
*also available in winter
