Orcières Merlette 1850
And the glide took the light
Under the pure skies of the Hautes-Alpes, Orcières Merlette 1850 is a sunny, sporty resort that’s both generous and family-friendly. The mountains are experienced intensely, in the southern light and to the rhythm of strong emotions.
A southern setting,
at the gateway to the Écrins mountains
Orcières makes no secret of its key assets: an altitude of 1,850 metres and a south-facing aspect that makes for days bathed in sunshine. Just behind, the giants of the Ecrins National Park tower like a film set. The contrast is striking: the gentle southern light against the might of the high Alpine peaks.
The Rocherousse plateau,
beating heart
It’s a favorite playground for vacationers: the vast Rocherousse plateau. In winter, you can experience Nordic adventure with snow buoys, dog sledding, tobogganing and snowshoeing. In summer, the plateau becomes the starting point for a mythical circuit: the 6-lakewalk , an immersion between alpine pastures and high-altitude reflections. Down below, the resort’s snow front has recently been redesigned and refurbished.
Around the resort,
discoveries for all
Orcières isn’t just about skiing. The leisure center, with its aquatic center and wide range of activities, is a delight for families. Higher up, the Creuset wildlife park reveals marmots, ibex and chamois in their natural habitat. And then there’s the mountain village of Prapic, where the authenticity of the Hautes-Alpes is revealed in every cobbled lane.
The Camille Ricou trail,
a signature
Every resort has its legend, and in Orcières it’s called Camille Ricou. This wide, sunny red run embodies the sporting spirit of the resort. Every year, it’s the scene of the European Ski Cup. It’s a place where you can enjoy pure skiing, the kind that puts a smile on your face from the very first curve. A descent that sums up the resort: demanding, luminous and accessible to all those who love to ski with heart.
Orcières Merlette 1850
in figures
| SKI LIFTS | 26 |
| TRACKS | 52 |
| KM DESCENT | 100 |
at the gateway to the Écrins
Orcières Merlette 1850 highlights
MTB
MTB Games
In Orcières, the MTB Games send out some youngsters: two days of DH and enduro on the bike park, dedicated to 7-16 year-olds. A fun and competitive format that has become a must for budding riders.
Big event
Tour de France
The Tour de France peloton tackles Orcières-Merlette, a mythical alpine resort since Luis Ocaña’s victory in 1971. A dry climb, grandiose panoramas and popular fervor: the stage promises to be a spectacle at high altitude.
CyclingOrcières Cycling festival and Grandfondo
The Orcières Cycling Festival and Grandfondo has become a not-to-be-missed event in the Hautes-Alpes. With its demanding routes, festive atmosphere and timed challenges, this event is ideal for climbers in search of oxygen and thrills.
Practical notebook
- Trail map
- Webcam
- Snow bulletin
- Lodging
Need advice?
The tourist office,
your local ally
Good deals, ideas for activities, personalized advice: don’t hesitate to come and meet or contact the Tourist Office teams to make the most of your destination.
Orcières Merlette 1850
1 Rue des Ecrins, 05170 Orcières
See also
Lac du Lauzon
Destinations
Champsaur Valgaudemar
