The resort in winter
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The resortOrcières Merlette 1850Presentation
Nature, sunshine and smiles at high altitude
Perched at 1,850 metres, with its ski area reaching a maximum altitude of 2,725 metres, Orcières is one of the few resorts in the Hautes-Alpes to offer such high altitudes. This sets it apart, but it’s not the only thing: in Orcières, there are no steep, enclosed slopes, no shaded areas – just a superb ski area bathed in sunlight. You’re in for a real treat! Just 2½ hours from Marseille, Orcières is the most Mediterranean of the resorts in the Southern Alps: the sunshine and warmth of the people of the South combined with the wild, unspoilt nature of the Alps.
Winter and summer
Orcières Merlette 1850 in winter
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Orcières Merlette in summer
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In winter, a ski resort with 100 km of slopes for all kinds of winter sports (snowboarding, downhill skiing, ski touring, etc.). But there’s also action, excitement and thrills: from one of Europe’s longest zip lines, on the crazy inflatable rings at the Winterparc, paragliding over the resort, or even on a ‘Far North’-style excursion with a team of sled dogs.
Ski area
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Snowshoe hikes
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Family husky ride
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In summer, forget the beach – here, it’s all about the great outdoors! You’ve found your ideal playground: whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a beginner, a day-tripper or a lifelong hiker, or the king of road cycling, we’ve got everything you need – look no further!
Orcières mountain biking area
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Tyrolean traverse in summer
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Leisure and wellbeing at the heart of the resort
Orcières is a pioneer in the world of après-ski, as exemplified by its Palais des Sports, situated in the heart of the resort. People come here to unwind, have fun, put themselves in expert hands or simply laze about for an afternoon in the sun, just as you would at the beach… but in the mountains, whilst enjoying the view of the peaks!
A sparkling event
In both winter and summer, Orcières offers a packed programme of events for everyone – young and old, with family or friends – including themed weeks, concerts and film screenings, nature outings and sporting competitions…
Festivals, such as Christmas or 14 July, are highlights to be enjoyed to the full in the resort. In summer, numerous festivals bring our villages’ heritage to life.
And throughout every season, you can take part in a wide range of workshops, games and taster sessions during your stay. Orcières Merlette 1850, your official souvenir supplier!
Calendar overview
Winterparc
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Alpi Traîneau
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Snake Gliss
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Tyrolienne Orcieres
A multitudeadventures to be had
Orcières is also a resort offering a wide range of activities. There’s something for all ages, and something to suit every taste! Action, thrills, excitement… there’s aunique experiencefor everyone! Set off on one of Europe’s longest zip lines, try out the crazy inflatable rings at the Winterparc, soar over the ski area in a paraglider accompanied by one of the resort’s many professionals, or let yourself be whisked away on a Far North-style adventure with a team of sled dogs… In summer, if you’re not out on your mountain bike exploring the ‘bike park ’, head tothe ‘ Monde des 6 Lacs’ fora poetic stroll through breathtaking natural surroundings.
A bit of history...
Camile Ricou, founder of the resort
To each his own speciality: mine – ours – is to cultivate the snowfields.
I saved my village from the desertification it was destined for.
I have brought real prosperity to my valley.
In January 1962, the first ski lift at Orcières-Merlette was inaugurated, marking the first step towards a future envisioned as bright and full of life. A handful of determined and committed men saw their project come to fruition. Was establishing a winter sports resort in the Southern Alps simply a challenge, a deep-seated conviction of certain success, or an urgent need to ‘create’ jobs locally to keep the area’s workforce there? No doubt a bit of all of that! ‘To each his own speciality: mine, ours, is to cultivate the snow-covered slopes. I saved my village from the depopulation to which it was doomed. I have brought real prosperity to my valley,” summarised Camile Ricou, mayor of Orcières (from 1959 to 1965 and from 1983 to 1989) and founder of the resort.
The fact remains that these men were far-sighted. They realised that Orcières was blessed with a location boasting three assets all highly coveted by winter sports resorts: an unspoilt environment, snow and sunshine. Beyond this tremendous asset, it has always cultivated its own distinct identity: that of a welcoming, attractive resort… endowed with a dynamism that has earned it a reputation as a pioneer in many fields: the creation of France’s first ‘Jardin des Neiges’ (1967), the launch of the ‘Cartable à la Neige’ programme (1970), the construction of a Sports and Leisure Centre as early as 1986, the inauguration of France’s first Télémix in 2003, the opening of Europe’s longest zip line in 2009, a new performance venue and the creation of the Espace Ecrins in 2017…
Over half a century of hospitality and innovation in tourism… Today, the resort offers superb facilities in both winter and summer, covering skiing and leisure alike, as well as rare and unusual activities, and always a genuinely warm welcome… An ideal little spot to dream even higher!
Tk De La Draille
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Ski Avenir Camile
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To mark the 50th anniversary of the Orcières-Merlette ski resort, the Tourist Office has commissioned a documentary chronicling its history. A comprehensive sociological, economic, cultural and human study that recounts the remarkable history of a unique, modern and rapidly expanding village resort. 1962–2012: a period during which the resort of Orcières 1850 has undergone many changes!
