Orcières

Nestled at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, Orcières Merlette 1850 combines the majesty of the great Alpine spaces with the sunny mildness of the Hautes-Alpes. At an altitude of 1,850 metres, this dynamic resort offers a spectacular setting between vertiginous peaks, unspoilt nature and a southern atmosphere. It charms visitors with its exceptional sunshine, warm welcome and facilities tailored to families, sports enthusiasts and those who simply want to relax. A true link between the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps.

The Orcières ski area

The Orcières Merlette 1850 ski area is one of the jewels of the Southern Alps, perched at an altitude of 1,850 metres and rising to 2,725 metres. Dominated by the majestic peaks of the Écrins National Park, the resort offers over 100 km of slopes spread over 51 runs, served by 30 modern ski lifts. Thanks to its high altitude and regular snowfall, Orcières combines the best of alpine conditions with the generous southern light.

The Rocherousse plateau, at 2,280 metres, is a must-see area of the resort. A real hub of activity, it offers boardercross, cross-country ski trails, snowshoe circuits and ski touring routes. People come here as much for the skiing as for the friendly atmosphere: dog sledding, lunch in the sun on the high-altitude terrace, or thrills guaranteed at the winter park. Whether you are a beginner, a freerider or simply a contemplative soul, Orcières offers you a rich, lively mountain that is accessible to all.

The Orcières ski resort is committed to sustainable development

The Orcières Merlette 1850 resort is actively committed to a sustainable development approach by adapting its practices to current environmental issues. One of the most striking examples is its artificial snow network, which covers 60% of the ski area. This system uses a gravity-fed circuit, which is much less energy-intensive than a pumped network, and draws its water from a nature reserve, the Lac des Estaris, located at an altitude of 2,600 metres. The result is 100% natural snow, simply obtained by transforming water into crystals using the cold, and entirely returned to nature in the spring when it melts.

These facilities have been designed with respect for the Écrins National Park, whose requirements guarantee the preservation of biodiversity. Through these choices, Orcières shows that mountain tourism and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.

Unforgettable experiences in Orcières

In Orcières, originality is the order of the day at the Winter Park, where sledging takes on a new form thanks to the buoy sled. Glide at full speed while spinning around to experience new sensations and have fun with family or friends.

For thrill seekers, paragliding offers a unique experience. Take to the skies above the peaks and enjoy a spectacular 360° panorama. An unforgettable adventure where the beauty of the landscape blends with the adrenaline of flight.

Finally, for those who love discovery, the resort also offers dog sledding, torchlight descents and night skiing lessons. So many activities to enrich your stay and create memorable memories in Orcières.

The mountain resort of Orcières in summer

Orcières is renowned for its many mountain bike trails suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the panoramic views from the mountain heights will leave you speechless, they’re so breathtaking!

The Orcières Bike Park stands out for its free spirit, offering a variety of descents for all levels. You’ll find fast, rolling sections, footbridges and wooden modules such as step ups, step downs and flat drops. The site is also renowned for its enduro trails that descend into the valley, combining technical sections in the forest with exceptional views.

A summer must-do: Le Monde des 6 Lacs, a scenic hike accessible to all from the summit of Drouvet. This route crosses the north-western part of the resort, with its vast mountain pastures and six major lakes.

Along the 10 km route, 17 artistic and poetic stations mark the way, transforming the hike into a dreamlike and contemplative experience. A beautiful invitation to reconnect with nature in a peaceful and inspiring setting.

Webcams of the Orcières ski resort

If you would like to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find real-time webcams of Orcières below.

Hotels in the Orcières resort

Hôtel de la Base de Loisirs **

The hotel is located in an exceptional setting, in the centre of the leisure centre and its many activities for the whole family.

For a drink or a bite to eat, come and try the sunny terrace in the heart of the centre.

There are many activities in the surrounding area: go-karting, paragliding, mountain biking, electric bikes, swimming, tree climbing, inflatable games, cross-country skiing in winter, and more.

Hôtel Catrems Montagnou

A quiet hotel located 350 metres from the slopes and a 5-minute walk from the resort centre and the Palais des Sports.

The rooms have a balcony or loggia with views of the hamlet or mountains.

Skiing in Orcières (Orcières Merlette 1850): the resort’s strong points

Nestled in the Southern Alps in the Hautes-Alpes department, Orcières Merlette 1850 is located between 1,850 m at the base and 2,725 m at its highest point, offering a considerable vertical drop (approximately 875 m) for long descents. The resort has 52 alpine slopes (or 51 according to some sources) divided into 9 green, 18 blue, 18 red, and 7 black runs. In addition, the domain has approximately 100 km of alpine slopes in total, giving it a very solid intermediate scale.

One of Orcières’ strengths is its versatility for different levels of skiers. Beginners can learn in the adapted sectors (four dedicated “front de neige” areas) with accessible lifts and play areas. Intermediate skiers will find wide, well-marked slopes descending from the peaks, such as the panoramic ‘Bouquetins’ and “Freissinières” slopes, which allow you to descend from the peaks of the domain to the base. Advanced skiers have access to several technical black and red runs, as well as the Camille Ricou run, which is approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS), allowing Orcières to host high-level competitions and training sessions.

To enhance its operational capacity, the domain has a system of snow cannons covering approximately 70% of the skiable area, ensuring more stable conditions even when snowfall is scarce. In terms of lifts, the resort has around 26 mechanical installations (chairlifts, telemix, ski lifts, etc.) that ensure smooth traffic flow. In the 2025/2026 season, new features are planned, such as Muande, a 6-seater télésiège rapide, and improvements to conveyor belts and ski lifts in strategic areas (Les Marches, Etoile).

A distinguishing feature of Orcières is its range of complementary activities that go beyond the routine of pure skiing. For example, it has recreational areas such as boardercross and “Fun Zone” areas, spaces designed for those seeking fun experiences beyond traditional downhill skiing. The resort also offers cross-country skiing, with around 10 cross-country trails (pink, blue, and green) for those who prefer to explore the landscape at a more leisurely pace. Other notable activities include snowshoeing, group sledding (snake gliss), an igloo village, and in winter, the famous 1,870-meter zip line with speeds of up to 140 km/h, one of the longest in Europe.

Orcières’ geographical location is another strong point: it is on the edge of the Écrins National Park, which provides it with spectacular natural scenery and unspoiled mountain landscapes. Furthermore, as it is located in the upper Champsaur valley, it enjoys an authentic alpine environment, with traditional villages, smaller resorts (such as Serre-Eyraud) linked to its territory, and a less crowded environment than the large alpine resorts.

Useful tips for getting the most out of Orcières

• Start your days by climbing to the highest peaks (Drouvet/Freissinières) to make the most of the long descents with well-oriented areas and drier snow.
• Set aside a few days to enjoy the panoramic “Bouquetins” or “Freissinières” slopes, which allow you to descend from the highest points to the same snow front, ideal for families who want to stick to gentle routes.
• If you are coming with advanced skiers, plan a descent on the Camille Ricou slope or explore the less-traveled snow areas near the ridges.
• Alternate days of downhill skiing with days of cross-country skiing to vary the effort and enjoy the landscape from a different perspective.
• Take advantage of the new or renovated lifts (Muande, improved conveyor belts) to get around more comfortably and avoid bottlenecks at busy times.
• Check the piste and lift report every morning, especially at the beginning or end of the season, as some high areas or lifts may be temporarily closed due to snow.
• Explore complementary activities: try the zip line for an adrenaline-filled experience, or book a snowshoe outing at sunset to take in the views of the Champsaur valley.

5 good reasons to choose Orcières this winter

• A varied offering with more than 50 non-skiing activities (zip line, dog sledding, paragliding, snow tubing, etc.).
• A full program of entertainment and regular events.
• A Famille Plus-certified resort with free entertainment and tailored offers.
• Authentic villages such as Prapic and Serre-Eyraud, known for their local produce and freeriding.
• Direct access to the Écrins National Park, where you can enjoy vast, unspoiled natural spaces.