Méribel welcomes Nordic France championship for Easter
Just in time for Easter, the Three Valley’s top winters sports athletes are preparing to wow those on ski holidays in France, at the French Nordic Ski Championships this weekend.
If you’re looking to soak up the French Alps continental charm, head out of your catered chalet in Méribel and marvel at France’s crème de la crème in the four traditional disciplines of Nordic skiing – cross-country skiing, biathlon, combined and jumping.
From the 25th to the 27th March , Méribel will host the competition alongside neighbouring resort Courchevel.
Méribel is set to oversee the cross country skiing, biathlon and combine events, while Courchevel presents the jumping contests in this year’s championships that expects to lure in an estimated 400 of the country’s top athletes in 15 events.
The French Nordic Ski Championships 2016 isn’t the first sporting event to bring popular alpine resorts Méribel and Courchevel together, with the partnership bidding to become the chosen candidate to co-host World Ski Championships 2023.
As of Easter weekend, however, the trendy ski destinations will attract visitors hoping to witness the Nordic ski action up close. Nearly 200 cross country skiers, 130 biathlon and 70 jump and combined athletes are anticipated to be taking part in the 2016 championships.
Amongst the stiff competition, some of the greatest French champions will make Méribel their home over the next few days, including the likes of Martin Fourcade, Marie Dorin Habert and Maurice Manificat to name a few.
Nordic or ‘free-heel’ skiing has long been an admired skill in the Northern parts of France and the 2016 events are a chance to celebrate this skiing technique, alongside holidaymakers looking to discover one of Europe’s favourite skiing locations – Méribel.
If you’re heading out to the French Alps in time for Easter, make sure you find time for a spot of Nordic spectating!