Autumn in Meribel

After a long Australian winter staring at Computer screens we have managed to secure early release from desk bound work and have escaped to Meribel 5 weeks earlier than usual. Whilst there is always lots to do in the Chalet to prepare for our guests, this year we have time to stop and admire the scenery in between getting ready for Winter.

We have posted before about the many walking tracks around the area which can be enjoyed in Winter if your legs need a break from skiing, some are even "groomed" by the mini piste basher machine to make the going easy. The range of walks expand before the snow falls so we have our map at the ready to see how many we can complete.

Lac Tueda - Mottaret

The weather is currently sunny and the autumn colours against the snow capped peaks are stunning so we took the opportunity to walk to Refuge du Saut. Positioned at the base of the Glacier de Gébroulaz the Refuge can be reached from Lac Tueda in Mottaret. Achievable during winter but certainly easier at this time of year the trail is well marked and takes you from lakeside to the base of the glacier.

Aiguille Du Fruit  

Seeing the Aiguille du Fruit up close as opposed to from some distance whilst skiing is fascinating and brings a new appreciation for how hard it is to ski down by those who leave the off piste tracks in the snow during winter.  

Early snow on the peaks

Some people consider the ski lifts to be scars on the landscape but to us they represent the lifeblood of the area, without them there would not be as many visitors or as much employment in the area. Looking at ski runs and lifts before the snow arrives is interesting and allows you to see the terrain type, pitch and angle much more clearly. In some cases this is not good, the pitch on Mont Vallon, usually one of my favourite runs, is scarily steep when seen from below.

News on what is planned for the coming season in The Three Valleys will be covered in our next post - in between walking of course.

Refuge du Saut

Spending the night in a Refuge

We are lucky in Meribel with a handful of Mountain Refuges which can be reached relatively easily on foot or via off-piste. At New Year we walked up to the Col de la Lune which is just above Les Allues and decided that this Season we really did have to try out one of the Refuges for the night. So that is why this week after a day skiing we set off late in the afternoon as the snow was falling to walk to The Refuge du Christ.

We were under no illusion that the refuge we had chosen was a typical Mountain refuge. En suite bedrooms, fully catered, sauna and even a wood fired hot tub. What a lovely way to relax after a hard day.

Hot tub while the snow fell

The rooms are comfortable, warm, and spacious. Sleeping 13 in total in a combination of double and 4/5 person rooms. Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends.

Lovely double room with private bathroom

Dinner was plentiful and delicious, served in the dining/kitchen alongside the open fire. An exceptional wine list is available to accompany your dinner. The hosts are welcoming, friendly and have a wealth of local knowledge.

Perfect setting for a lovely dinner

After a great sleep a breakfast which would set anyone up for the day, including  a range of homemade Jam and Marmalades. As the sun broke through the clouds across the valley the view from the breakfast table was stunning.

The view from our breakfast table

The view from our room was not too shabby either. From the back the Meribel Valley, from the front Mont Blanc.

The view from our balcony

Mont Blanc rising from the clouds, the view from our front door

The walk back to Chalet Vache Bleue was a little easier than the walk up to the Refuge although the snow was deeper. We didn't spot any of the local wildlife just their tracks. Perhaps another time - as if we need an excuse to visit again. We will definitely be back.

Refuge du Christ

More information about the Refuge du Christ

A break from skiing

A combination of dry and unseasonably warm weather has resulted in many ski areas in Europe being closed or only partially open. The Three Valleys has extensive snow making and a large proportion of pistes high enough to take advantage any snowfall and colder temperatures. The snow is not perfect but there is still plenty to ski on and every night the Pisteurs do an amazing job. 

A combination of the conditions, New Year week and day visitors from other resorts have resulted in busier than normal Pistes especially after mid morning so we have been taking advantage of the many walks available from our front door. The most demanding is probably the track up to the two Refuges above Les Allues - Le Refuge de la Traie and Le Refuge du Christ. The climb of approximately 1.5 hours is on a well marked, wide track and the reward of reaching the plateau is that you can get lunch, hot drinks, cold drinks (including wine) and if things are really desperate a bed for the night.

The views on the way up to the Refuges are stunning especially on a clear sunny day.

If you have the legs continue past the Refuges for another 20 minutes to the Col de la Lune where you will be rewarded with more open views of the Meribel Valley and then views into the Belleville Valley.       

If you are lucky you may spot wildlife whilst walking, we were not lucky this time probably because one of the Village dogs decided to accompany us (uninvited). She spent a lot of time chasing scents here, there and everywhere and an equal amount of time burrowing in the snow no doubt seeking a local wildlife snack of her own. Despite many other walkers she stuck with us, waited patiently while we ate lunch and when we were within sight of Les Allues on the return leg she bounded off no doubt happy that her work as a Mountain Guide was complete for the day.

Dogs who take themselves for a walk is definitely one of the nice things about French Alpine life.

                

Summer in Meribel

Midwinter in the southern hemisphere and parts of the south east of Australia certainly knew about it this week with wild weather hitting Melbourne and Sydney. Great news for the ski resorts although current visibility at Blue Cow is slightly limited.

Conditions at Blue Cow this morning

While the Australian ski resorts enjoy snowfalls of over a metre just in time for the school holidays, the summer season in Meribel officially starts on the weekend. From the 28^th June to 29^th August the Tougnete and Pas du Lac lifts will be open to whisk holidaymakers to the summits to enjoy walking, cycling or simply the amazing views. In addition to the Meripass as detailed in our last post lift tickets are available on daily, weekly or even sector basis.

You don’t have to take lifts at all if you don’t want to, there are plenty of paths for walking and trails for mountain biking that can be accessed from different points throughout the valley. From our Village of Les Allues you can access easy walks up to Meribel Village or Meribel Centre, and across the valley interesting loop trails can be taken which go through small Villages giving a real insight into life in rural France. Feeling a little more energetic? The climb to Col de la Lune from Les Allues is well worth it for the views into the Belleville Valley. The area around the Altiport and the Golf course is picture perfect at this time of year, hard to believe that beautiful green grass was covered in snow just a few months ago.

If you feel like being a bit more adventurous perhaps exploring the glaciers and more dramatic peaks of the area, group or individual tours are available for beginners and advanced hikers. The destination depends on level of walkers and the weather but can include: the Vanoise glaciers, Grande Glière, Grand Paradis, Dôme des Ecrins, Mont-Blanc, Aiguille de la Vanoise, Le Petit Arcelin. Costs start from 95€ per person. For more information contact the Mountain Guides' office:

www.guides-courchevel-meribel.com 

Walking and Mountain Bike riding maps are available form the Tourist Office, like the winter piste map they cover all three valleys giving a huge choice of routes to follow. There are also commercially available maps for the area which show an even wider range of tracks you can follow, there really is no excuse for a lazy summer holiday in Meribel.

Part of the walking map around Les Allues - plenty to keep you going for an active summer holiday

So while the southern hemisphere shivers the outlook for this week in Meribel is sunshine and 20 degrees – perfect for getting out and exploring. Enjoy.

Meripass - what is it and how to get one

Almost June and summer really is just around the corner. In our last post we mentioned the Meripass and promised more details so here it is. A bit like a Lift Pass but with many over activities included, the Meripass is a great buy for anyone lucky enough to be spending a summer holiday in Meribel. 

What doe Meripass cover?

Unlimited access for 7 days (from sunday to saturday):

• 3 Valleys lifts
• Swimming pool at Meribel Olympic Park.
• Ice-rink at Meribel Olympic Park (*).
• Tennis courts at the Golf.
• Bouncy castles at La Chaudanne.
• Practice ground at Meribel Golf Club.**

(*) Ice-rink: no skate hire included.
(**) Golf: 1 bucket / day/ pax.

Plus discounts on a range of other activities in Meribel for example 15% off tourist flights with the Aeroclub or if you prefer a more relaxing time 20% off massage at the Spa. For a full list of the discounts available see this page of the Meribel web site

How much does it cost?

As with Lift Pass prices in the winter you can secure a discount by buying 3 or more of the Meripass providing you purchase on the same transaction.

Rates
Children 5 - under 13 years old	€49
Adult	€69
Méripass "Tribu" (3 people)	€165
Adult add.	€55
Méripass "Family" (2 adults + 2 children 5 - under 18 years old)	€165
Child add.	€49

Guests of Chalet Vache Bleue receive a substantial discount on the already great price which brings the cost for the Meripass down to €29 per person. It really doesn't get much better than this for 7 days access to the summer lifts. In our next post we will give details of which lifts will be open and which amazing alpine areas they give you access to.

Time for Summer to arrive

Despite the snow which fell earlier this week as shown above the lifts have closed for the winter season and it's time to start thinking about summer activities. Chalet Vache Bleue is open throughout the inter season period as well as the summer season. This year Meribel is proud to be hosting the Mountain Bike World Cup Finals in August which promises to be a huge event with over 4,000 Athletes representing 9 Countries attending. We will post more information about the event closer to the time.

It's not all about Mountain Bikes during the summer in Meribel there are many other events planned from Flying to Fly Fishing, although of course you don't need to be attending a planned event to simply enjoy the magnificent scenery. The well marked paths and tracks throughout the area from the valley floor to the peaks should not be missed and during the main holiday period the lifts swing back into action to make the trip up a little easier on the legs.

During the summer access to the lifts and a range of other events can be achieved through the purchase of a Meripass. As Partners with Meribel Tourism we are able to off the Meripass at a reduced rate, we will include all the details in our next Post or e-mail us: chaletvachebleuemeribel@gmail.com for more details.

To mark the end of the winter season here is our favourite picture from the season which was taken in Les Allues on 6th February. The 2014/15 winter season will be upon us very soon but don't forget to take advantage of all the Alps during the summer.

Walking in Meribel during the Winter season

The Alps are very popular for walkers during the summer months; well maintained paths, amazing scenery and plenty of delightful places to stop for a drink or bite to eat. What many people don't realise is that the same applies in the winter with a number of paths maintained and signposted for those who don't feel the need to hurtle down a slope with a plank or two attached to their feet. 

At Chalet Vache Bleue we have accommodated many groups where not everyone is keen to  get on a lift with the aim being to get down again as quickly as possible, amongst these less frantic visitors walking is probably the most popular activity. In Les Allues we are spoilt by the number of signed paths which pass through the village. From the Chalet you can head north, south, east or west to enjoy peaceful vistas but still be able to meet up with your speeding friends for lunch or a spot of apres if you wish.

Many of the footpaths around Les Allues are part of the "Poets Footpath"
network which provide poems and verses posted on the sign posts 

 Each day the lift company publish which paths have been prepared, this is available on-line and also in printed format from the Tourist Office. To enjoy the walking you do not necessarily need to use any of the lifts. The free bus links all areas and enables you to walk in different areas and walk from one area to another. To venture further there is a a Pedestrian Lift Pass available at 22 Euro per day or 66 Euro per week, alternatively if you just want to hop on one of the Gondola lifts to take in the view from the top or meet up with friends you can buy a pass per "troncon" meaning stage. For full details see the Lift Pass Guide

Preparing the footpaths to make walking easier

Whilst good walking boots will allow you to explore many of the paths a walking stick or ski pole and grips which fit on the sole of you boots will make the going easier. You can also hire Raquets de Neige which are great when the snow is deep, and throughout the season there are organised Snowshoeing activities with experienced guides who can help you see the very best the area has to offer on foot.

So if you don't ski or ride don't let that stop you from enjoying the mountain air and scenery. Bring your walking boots and chances are you will see a side of Meribel that many people miss.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of Lac Tueda on foot

Time for exercise and relaxation

In between finishing off a few jobs around the Chalet we are currently fortunate enough to have a bit of spare time and have been blessed with glorious weather. The autumn colours are especially strong against the snow capped mountains and the seemingly endless blue sky. Yesterday we walked on the opposite side of the valley which gives great views down towards Moutiers. Walking trails in the area are plentiful, well marked and well maintained.

Earlier this week we walked from Meribel to Courchevel 1850 where the cranes are working overtime to get building projects complete or at least to a lock up stage before winter sets in. The views this time were up the valley towards Le Grand Bec which sits between the villages of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Champagny-en-Vanoise.

Walking can be a bit like skiing, sometimes more enjoyable while you are participating than afterwards when aches and tiredness sets in. We all know a massage can work wonders although once it is cooler and you have been out all day the thought of going out for a massage can be off-putting. Luckily there is an answer in the form of "Pamper Off Piste" who offer professional massage, beauty and spa treatments in the comfort of your holiday accommodation. From a foot and leg massage to help you forget your ski boots to indulgent facials the team can help you make the most of your holiday and leave you ready for another day on the snow. I made time last week for a much needed massage so I can vouch for the restorative effects even before my ski boots have been on. To read more about their great work and make a booking see their website or e-mail them on: enquiry@pamperoffpiste.com

First post of the new season

The weather has been getting colder in Meribel over the last month and several falls of snow have resulted. It is often the case that when snow arrives early it disappears very quickly because the ground and the air temperature is simply not cold enough. The early snow this season has been a little different and has settled being topped up every couple of days with fresh falls. Whilst we had read about the snow and seen web cams it was still a surprise to see the Alps look so white as we flew into Geneva.

The view coming into Geneva

Pretty as a picture alps

 By the time we arrived in Meribel we didn't need a thermometer to know it was cold, it felt more January than November the 1st. Day two at Chalet Vache Bleue brought welcome sunshine and it seemed only right that we took a break from unpacking and went to see the snow for ourselves. We climbed up from the Altiport to just below the new Saulire lift station building and can confirm it certainly has been snowy. 

The weather forecast for the next 5 days is for another 30cm of snow to fall on the summits with smaller amounts lower down. The cold will continue with a predicted minus 12 on Wednesday night - at the bottom of the resort, not even the top. Definitely time to rug up and maybe try the first mulled wine of the season.

Here are a few pictures taken today while we were out walking:

The view from Meribel Altiport

First snowy footprints