Canyoning in Méribel : gorges, waterfalls and pools at the heart of the 3 Valleys

In summer, when the peaks around Méribel shed their snow, the torrents carve cool, wild gorges all around
the Allues Valley. Canyoning is the star activity of those hot days : jumps into
turquoise water, natural slides and abseils alongside waterfalls, in the shade of the rock walls.

What exactly is canyoning ?

Canyoning means descending the bed of a mountain stream by following the water : you
walk, swim, jump into pools, slide down chutes polished by the current and abseil down waterfalls. It’s a
unique blend of play, nature and adrenaline, supervised from start to finish by a qualified
instructor. You don’t need to be a climber or an expert swimmer : what matters most is the urge to get
wet and play with the water.

Why Méribel and the 3 Valleys are ideal

Around Méribel, the Tarentaise is crisscrossed by torrents born of glaciers and
high-altitude lakes. As they drop towards the valley, the water has carved steep gorges
where calm stretches, waterfalls and natural slides alternate. That relief is exactly what canyoning
needs : cool water all summer, spectacular rocky scenery and a great variety of routes a short distance
from the resort.

At Takamaka Méribel, creators of emotions since 1994, we know these canyons inside out and
pick the route to match your level, the weather and the water flow.

💧 Good to know : the full neoprene wetsuit provided keeps you warm even in mountain
water. Canyoning stays enjoyable even on the hottest summer days.

Canyons for every level

Canyoning adapts to everyone : you choose the route, not the other way round.

  • Discovery / family — a fun canyon with small jumps (always
    optional), slides and swimming. Ideal for a first time.
  • Sporty — more verticality, more committing abseils and higher
    jumps for those who want an eyeful.
  • Aquatic & playful — a water-rich canyon, perfect for
    linking slides and dives in hot weather.

Jumps are always optional : there is a down-climb or an alternative passage at every
obstacle. No one is forced ; everyone moves at their own pace.

How a trip unfolds

After the welcome, the instructor kits you out : neoprene wetsuit, harness, helmet and
suitable shoes. A short approach walk leads to the canyon entrance, then you descend the torrent with the
water : jumps, slides, swimming and abseils follow one another in a friendly atmosphere. The safety
briefing and instructions are given before each technical section. Expect roughly a half day,
approach walk included.

Combine canyoning with rafting & white water

Canyoning is the ideal complement to our other white-water activities. In a day or a weekend you can
link :

  • rafting on the Isère, our summer best-seller ;
  • hydrospeed (white-water swimming) to feel the river at water level ;
  • and the view from above with paragliding to finish the day in the sky.

Find the full programme on our
summer activities in Méribel
page, and the other rivers of the massif on
rafting in Savoie.

Canyoning for seminars, parties & friends

Jumping, cheering each other on, pushing your limits together : canyoning is a wonderful team-bonding
activity. It fits perfectly into :

To extend the adventure elsewhere in the valley, explore the
Takamaka Tarentaise hub
and the sister resort of La Plagne.

Practical info & booking

  • Season : June to September, depending on flow and weather.
  • Duration : about half a day, approach walk included.
  • Provided : neoprene wetsuit, harness, helmet + qualified-instructor supervision.
  • Bring : swimwear, a towel, trainers that can get wet.

Ready to take the plunge ?
Book your canyoning trip and white-water activities from Méribel.
Request a quote →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to swim to go canyoning in Méribel ?

Being comfortable in water is enough. The wetsuit provides buoyancy and the
instructor is with you at every passage. Easy routes exist for beginners and families.

Are the jumps compulsory ?

No, never. Every jump has a down-climb or an alternative passage : you choose
what you attempt, at your own pace.

What’s the minimum age for canyoning ?

Discovery canyons are open to children from late childhood ; sporty routes are
for teenagers and adults. Tell us the ages when booking so we pick the right route.

How long does a trip last ?

Expect about half a day, including the approach walk and changing.