Hole 1 gives a good overview of what awaits you on the Méribel course. On the horizon, the curves of the Alpine peaks draw a picture postcard landscape. Below, the green seems to be within driving range and it is more than tempting to take out the big artillery right away. Except that the forest on the left and the airstrip (out of bounds) of the Altiport arrive very quickly from both sides. For the wisest, a water obstacle slyly placed halfway prevents a nonchalant iron stroke. In short, on this par 4 touchable in one, everything is possible, the birdie as the worst, like the short hole 5 and its riquiqui fairway threatened by an out of bounds all the way to the right. Or the 15 and the 17, also drivable, without forgetting the 18, with its narrow corridor of trees at the start which gives it false airs of the 18 of Augusta.

In Méribel, hole 9 is the only long par 4: an almost impregnable citadel with its raised green in the shape of a dome caparisoned by gigantic bunkers. Here, the par is well worth birdies elsewhere and almost deserves a medal of merit. Besides the 9th hole, the main difficulty of the course probably lies in its well-defended par 3, and in trompe-l'oeil greens. Reading the slopes is at times a real headache on all 18 holes.

On the wooded slopes dominated by the Dent de Burgin, the panorama is sometimes breathtaking. The signature hole n ° 3 - a par 5 that would be easily hit in two if it weren't for those two pesky bunkers placed upstream of a dromedary-shaped green - gives the impression of a driver on top of the world . "It is one of the most beautiful mountain golf courses in France," says Fred Dupont, the club's president, who was a gardener here in the early 80s. Between the highest point, at 1850 meters above sea level at the start of the 16th, and the lowest point at 1500 meters at the start of the 4th, there are 350 meters of elevation. " In fact, the cart is not a luxury, nor the electric cart, on a course that can quickly turn into a golf trail.

Born from the will of the Scotsman Peter Lindsay, at the origin of the Méribel station in 1938, the site initially hosted 4 holes in 1966, thus becoming the first course in France over 1500 meters. Before reaching adult size and 18 holes in the 90s. Open between the beginning of June and the end of October, does a mountain golf require any particular maintenance? “After the snow melts, the cleaning of the course lasts a fortnight, says Fred Dupont. Pine cones, branches, but also human waste such as paper or cigarette butts must be removed. And then there is the coring of the greens, which takes three days. "

A new clubhouse - which serves as a cash desk for the ski slopes in winter - should see the light of day within a few years. The golf course is also an ideal training place during the summer season with its 1100 m2 putting green and its practice with 40 stations, including 12 covered.

Frank Crudo

Meribel Nestled at 1450 meters above sea level, the station is part of the largest ski area in the world (the Three Valleys) with connections to Val-Thorens, Les Ménuires or Courchevel via the Col de la Loze. Perfectly integrated into its environment with its typical chalets, it offers many activities in summer: golf of course, but also downhill cycling, electric cycling, hiking trails within the Vanoise National Park, or even a ice rink and bowling alley. The ideal place for sports and / or family vacations.

Where to stay? Located in the center of the resort, the hotel la Chaudanne is a charming 4 * hotel with 64 rooms. In winter, the lift leads directly to the slopes, on the 4th floor. In summer, the restaurant "le 80" offers quality cuisine, concocted in particular by Michelin-starred chef Laurent Azoulay.

The spa by Nuxe, its pretty heated azure swimming pool and the delicious relaxing massages provided by Solène and Laurine are the other strong point of the establishment. A must !

Hotel guests also benefit from preferential golf rates. Open between December and April and in July-August.
More information: the hotel la Chaudanne

To know more : http://www.golf-meribel.com/