Ever wondered what the lift companies get up to during the summer months after the skiers are long gone and the snow has melted back exposing marmottes lazing around in the summer sunshine??!! Much work goes on during the summer months in a ski resort to prepare it for the coming winter. This summer in an effort to enhance the skiing experience and enjoyment of the Meribel valley, Meribel's lift company, Meribel Alpina have been working on a number of improvments.
Those who were lucky enough to ski in Meribel last season may remember the brand new Tougnète 2 high speed chairlift which replaced an old gondola of the same name. Not only did the new chairlift double the capacity of skiers that could use it, the hop over to les Menuires/St Martin was made much more accessible and hassle free.
This summer, after 31 years of transporting millions of skiers 465m up to the midstation, the Tougnète 1 gondola has been given a well deserved makeover. Plush, new comfortable cabins have replaced the old, rickety and uncomfortable yellow pods that will now take you up to the also newly renovated Tougnète mid-station. On exiting at the mid-station, the Faon piste which descends back to the Chaudanne has now been re-shaped for an easier and more 'fun' descent!
For all freestyle skiers and snowboarders, Meribel's 'Moon Park' has also been totally redesigned, reshaped and moved to the former Grive piste to make it more accessible for skiers and snowboarders alike. 1000m in length and more than 200m wide, the new park offers lots of different options for beginners and experienced park riders to enjoy.
Since snowfall is a key factor in a skiers enjoyment of these new improvments, Meribel Alpina have also significantly increased the number of snow cannons across the valley, more specifically on the Biche piste near the summit of the Saulire and on the Moon Park.
With all these new and exciting developments to whet your skiing appetite, now is the perfect time to book your 2008/09 winter ski holiday to Meribel. Details of Ski Beat's Meribel catered chalets can be found here, or why not call Ski Beat's office on 01243 780 405 to check availability and make your reservation.
Ski Beat Limited, Metro House, Northgate, Chichester PO19 1BE Telephone: 01243 780 405