Ibex in the Ecrins National ParkIbex in the Ecrins National Park
©Ibex in the Ecrins National Park|Gilles Baron

Ecrins National Park

An unspoilt environment at the gateway to Orcières.

Ecrins National Park

Half of Orcières lies in the central zone of the Ecrins National Park. Starting out from the village, you can explore a unique area of unspoilt countryside, where the mountains and high peaks are at their very best!

In early summer, the unspoilt slopes are lit up with rhododendrons, orange lilies and marigold lilies… At first light, the light is exceptional and lends itself to surprising encounters with chamois, roe deer, foxes… Everywhere, marmots utter their shrill cry. Above 3000m, the glaciers dominate a striking mineral world, with vast mountain pastures and larch forests…

And in winter, you can explore the Park on snowshoes or cross-country skis: a majestic and secret space beneath its immaculate mantle. White dominates, of course, but also reveals the tracks of the animals that inhabit this territory. The breathtaking silence of the mountain becomes even heavier, adding to the wildness of the high mountains.

A space to explore with Respect

This is an area that deserves to be discovered, but with care and respect. Precautions with regard to the dangers of the mountains in winter, particularly avalanches. We strongly recommend that you go accompanied by professionals. Respect for the wildlife that survives the winter in difficult conditions and therefore needs peace and quiet. So hush, observe, but don’t get too close!

Every week from Orcières: “chamois”, “heritage” and “nocturnal” snowshoe outings, meetings and surveys of the snow cover with the team of mountain rangers… and ski touring outings supervised by guides open to all!

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