Méribel Summer Fun - Part 3

Hi everyone and welcome to another blog post direct from Méribel, all about my latest summer visit and a snippet into activities available over the summer months. The previous two posts have shown sunset photos, latest news and various hikes including going into the Vanoise National Park. This time let me show you some cycling adventures, in particular road cycling.

Cycling is very popular out here, and that's an understatement. And also with many skiers, especially many of my ski instructor colleagues. Is it because there's a shared thrill of speed similar to skiing? Perhaps a sense of freedom in the great outdoors? Or a link with physical fitness, and even mental well-being? A combination of all of these I guess. I certainly love exploring the mountains on two wheels, even away from the 3 Valleys ski area. Recently I rode from Bozel to Champagny le Haut and then onto Pralognon (a fabulous ski area not far from Courchevel).

Each time I come back to Méribel in the summer I try to bag at least one big Col to climb. In the winter on skis, there are two liasons between Méribel and Courcheve; one is Saulire, the other is the Col de la Loze. Every summer I cycle up to the Col de la Loze summit. I can't explain why, because in certain places it's really tough, as the Tour de France pros demonstrated last year and in 2020.

Having said that, it is beautiful when you are all the way up there. And hopefully one's fitness improves because of the exertion, and many calories are burnt!?!

It's also nice recognising many features from skiing in the winter. For example the road up to the Col from the Méribel side is the actual Boulevard blue piste that we all ski down, back into Méribel. It's just as beautiful in the summer as it is in the winter.

Another passion of mine is mountain biking, which is a completely different activity to road cycling and just as much fun. This year, unlike last, I've done more road cycling than mountain biking. Hopefully I can squeeze in a bit more before the end of the holiday.

Right, that's it for now. One more week here, and I've loads to squeeze in before leaving. I'll report back soon with another blog post. As ever don't forget to Live With Passion. Martin.

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