When is the Orcières Merlette 1850 ski area open?

This winter, the Orcières Merlette ski area is scheduled to open from 13 December 2025 to 12 April 2026 (subject to snow conditions).

What are the advantages of buying my package online?

1. Buy earlier, pay less! In addition to exclusive web rates, the dynamic pricing of the Propuls’ pass adapts to the needs of each skier. 2. Save time by avoiding a checkout: you can now collect your ski pass from one of the “Pick up box” terminals located in front of the Tourist Office, Espace Écrins and Place du Queyrelet. A QRcode is sent with every online purchase, so all you have to do is scan it at the kiosk to get your pass. Find out more.

What are the lift times?

It depends on the ski lifts and the periods. Generally speaking, access to the ski area is possible from 9am. The last ascents take place between 16:00 and 17:00. Full details are on the back of the piste map.

After your stay: Did you like Orcières?

Take part in our satisfaction survey and be in with a chance of winning a Horizon 6-day pass (valid for summer 2026)!

Is there a parking charge in the resort?

During the winter season, the car parks at Casse-Blanche (P1), Marché (P3), Drapeaux (P4), Lutins (P5), Place des Queyrelets (P6) and Rocherousse (P7) are subject to a daily charge , as are the roads near the slopes. All the parking info.

What day is the market?

During the winter season, the market takes place every Thursday in the P3 car park opposite the Tourist Office. Parking is therefore prohibited from the evening before.

What do I need to know about winter traffic conditions?

Special equipment is now compulsory for all vehicles travelling in the Hautes-Alpes department during the winter period, from 1 November to 31 March each year. In practical terms, winter road users must have four snow tyres or a pair of chains or socks on board their vehicle. Traffic conditions are updated in real time on inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr. You can also call the Info Route 05 voice server on 04 65 03 00 05. For access from Grenoble, visit www.itinisere.fr

What shops are open in Orcières in the off-season?

Outside the ski lift opening periods (spring and autumn), activity in the resort slows down, but the mountain remains accessible! In each of the headings in the Stay section of the website, you’ll find opening times for bars, restaurants, shops, services and service providers, updated throughout the year.

What work is taking place in Orcières at the moment?

As part of the restructuring of the western sector of the ski area, work will start in spring 2025 from the Les Drapeaux snow front to the Vallons – Montagnou – Lauzières sectors, making these areas inaccessible to the public. A map of the works and details of the sectors affected this summer can be found on the Orcières se transforme page.

FAQ

Winter season

When is the Orcières Merlette 1850 ski area open?
This winter, the Orcières Merlette ski area is scheduled to open from 13 December 2025 to 12 April 2026 (subject to snow conditions).
What are the advantages of buying my package online?
1. Buy earlier, pay less! In addition to exclusive web rates, the dynamic pricing of the Propuls’ pass adapts to the needs of each skier.
2. Save time by avoiding a checkout: you can now collect your ski pass from one of the “Pick up box” terminals located in front of the Tourist Office, Espace Écrins and Place du Queyrelet. A QRcode is sent with every online purchase, so all you have to do is scan it at the kiosk to get your pass. Find out more.
What are the lift times?
It depends on the ski lifts and the periods. Generally speaking, access to the ski area is possible from 9am. The last ascents take place between 16:00 and 17:00. Full details are on the back of the piste map.
After your stay: Did you like Orcières?
Take part in our satisfaction survey and be in with a chance of winning a Horizon 6-day pass (valid for summer 2026)!

Access and traffic

Is there a parking charge in the resort?
During the winter season, the car parks at Casse-Blanche (P1), Marché (P3), Drapeaux (P4), Lutins (P5), Place des Queyrelets (P6) and Rocherousse (P7) are subject to a daily charge , as are the roads near the slopes. All the parking info.
What day is the market?
During the winter season, the market takes place every Thursday in the P3 car park opposite the Tourist Office. Parking is therefore prohibited from the evening before.
What do I need to know about winter traffic conditions?
Special equipment is now compulsory for all vehicles travelling in the Hautes-Alpes department during the winter period, from 1 November to 31 March each year. In practical terms, winter road users must have four snow tyres or a pair of chains or socks on board their vehicle.
Traffic conditions are updated in real time on inforoute.hautes-alpes.fr. You can also call the Info Route 05 voice server on 04 65 03 00 05. For access from Grenoble, visit www.itinisere.fr

The mountains out of season

What shops are open in Orcières in the off-season?
Outside the ski lift opening periods (spring and autumn), activity in the resort slows down, but the mountain remains accessible! In each of the headings in the Stay section of the website, you’ll find opening times for bars, restaurants, shops, services and service providers, updated throughout the year.
What work is taking place in Orcières at the moment?
As part of the restructuring of the western sector of the ski area, work will start in spring 2025 from the Les Drapeaux snow front to the Vallons – Montagnou – Lauzières sectors, making these areas inaccessible to the public. A map of the works and details of the sectors affected this summer can be found on the Orcières se transforme page.