Ski-Areas > Northern Alps > Isère (38) > Vercors > Méaudre
The ski resort of Méaudre offers 100km of cross country ski trails, 18km of downhill pistes as well as snowshoeing. The lift served area extends from 1012 metres to 1600 metres. Situated on the west side of the Vecors plateau the east facing slopes see the sun from early in the morning to mid afternoon. Later in the day you need to take the top chair lift to benefit from the final rays of sunshine or stick to the beginner's hill at the bottom of the resort.
There are a wide range of pistes to suit all abilities: 5 greens, 4 blues, 3 reds and a black. The two large capacity chairs are complemented by 8 drag lifts. Unusually for a small resort the area attracts some good skiers and it is not unusual to see both telemarkers and monoskiers on the slopes. The runs can get busy in the afternoon as day trippers from Grenoble arrive.
Advanced and expert skiers will find the terrain limiting although the area appears bigger than the 18km of runs might make you believe. The resort could be a good choice for mixed groups with transport or who are prepared to use the Isere's extensive public transport service to explore the rest of the plateau.
A new 4 seater chairlift was installed during the autumn of 2008.
Add a history of the resort here
Off piste skiing is pretty limited. The resort leaves the edges of the runs unbashed and you can also strike out between the trees and on the narrow tracks that run through the woods. This is perhaps most enjoyable just after or during fresh snow. You can even ski back down to the village from the top of the beginners area. You can ski tour to the Pas de Guchon???, either via the pistes or the forest tracks with a return by the pistes if you want to get some vertical in before the lifts open. Otherwise the attractive village can serve as a base to explore other resorts and the extensive touring possibilities of the Vercors plateau.
The Vercors is synonimous with cross country skiing. The 1968 winter olympic events were held between Meaudre and Autrans. The area has two areas. The Village and the Narces with links to Autrans. In total there are 100km of runs and 100km of skating tracks. You can also try dog sledding and there is a luge area.
For kids there is a garderie which takes children from 3 months to 6 years and the ESF ski school will teach children from 4 years old. There is a beginners area served by four drag lifts down on the front neige with a range of slope steepnesses but you have to be able to handle full size drag lifts, there is no magic carpet. A warning, the blue that leads from the top chair is steeper than the blue from the lower chair and may prove an obstacle too much for some children or beginners.
Nearest Airports: Lyon St-Exupéry, Grenoble, Chambery
Road: Road access to the Vercors is always a bit of a faff to be honest. Take the Lans en Vercors road then Autrans then turn off for Meadre.
Rail/Bus Link : Grenoble TGV
We have stayed in the Sabot de Venus. This is a typical French hotel/pension. The rooms are large and tidy and there is a bar and restaurant. If you take full board there is a fixed menu in the evening. If you want to eat "a la carte" you need to make this clear at the time of booking.
Large ski in/ski out terrace which gets the sun early on. Ideal for coffee or lunch. Two services at lunchtime, arrive at midday or 1h30. Good view of the beginner pistes and friendly staff.
Shopping is limited. There is a good ski shop and tabac. Villard de Lans (13km by road) offers better possibilities.
There is a guide office in Meaudre.
Tél : 04.76.95.20.68. - Fax : 04.76.95.25.93 Internet : http://www.meaudre.com e-mail : infos@meaudre.com Minitel : 3615 Vercors
Category: Ski Areas
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