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
Ski
Ski games
The Ski Games d’Orcières is all about energy and good humor at altitude. Far from the seriousness of championships, here we ski for fun, competing with friends in a friendly, typically Alpine atmosphere.
Ski
European Ski Cups
Sharp slopes and a resort that vibrates to the rhythm of dazzling descents. Here, young prodigies and experienced athletes come in search of time and adrenalin, offering the public a concentrate of speed and precision.
Big eventTourde France
On July 23, Orcières-Merlette 1850 will welcome the riders of the Tour de France 2026. The 18th stage, starting from Voiron, will be 128.5 km long and will take the riders up the Route Napoléon through the Champsaur before the interminable climb to the resort.
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
