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Orcières Merlette 1850

Situated on the threshold of the Parc National des Écrins, Orcières Merlette 1850 is a peaceful haven to enjoy the lifestyle of the valleys of Champsaur and Valgaudemar. The snow of the Écrins, the sun, and the light of the Hautes-Alpes make Orcières a privileged resort.

Summer

The resort offers an exceptional range of activities focussed on leisure and well-being: hikes, mountain biking, bathing, sampling the local gastronomy and heritage, and relaxation. Plus, you’ll find a remarkable programme of activities and events. The Orcières Bike Park gives you access to 9 monitored downhill runs (from level green to black), a north-shore zone, and a games area where you can learn to steer while having fun. Five Trail Bike routes are also on offer along with 750 km of nationally recognised (FFC) mountain bike trails across the whole Champsaur valley! With its accommodation and service options, its family deals, and its family-friendly mountain bike area, Orcières Merlette 1850 is a resort that is totally focused on families.

Discover Orcières

Winter

The ski area, rich in breathtaking panoramas, offers you the freedom of 51 trails blanketed in sunshine and an abundance of snow. Coming to Orcières Merlette 1850, rest assured, gives you the choice of a slew of activities in addition to skiing. For those who just love to chill, head off to the Leisure and Recreation Center with a pool, relaxation area, beautician, ice rink, bowling alley, and cinema. The Parc National des Écrins also offers sporting and cultural activities like snowshoe trails, learning to check the depth of the snow cover, farm visits, and more.

Useful information

Downhill Skiing

Adult day pass: €41 multiglisse (skiing + swimming pool + skating rink)
Child day pass: €33,20 multiglisse
Free to under 5s and over 75s.

Other facilities

Number of runs: 51
Snowpark: 1
Sledge run: 1

Nordic Skiing

Ski pass prices 2018-19
Adult 3-hour session: €9
Adult Day Pass: €11,
Child 3-hour session: €6 (10-16 year olds, free to under 10s)
Length of trail: 72 km (pistes and trails)
Length of snowshoe trails: 21 km (15 km are pisted for hikers)

Good ideas

Unusual activities

Sled dogs, zipline (one of Europe’s biggest!), snakesledge, winterparc (snowtubing)paragliding, night in an igloo, horse-drawn
skiing, snowshoe trails, go karts, skidoos …

Events

Orcières Night Trail Run Saturday

January
A unique night-time race around the Orcières Merlette 1850 resort for sports fans and nature lovers. The race will begin at sunset, and participants will finish the course by the light of their headlamps. On the programme: 2 trail races of 8 km (400 m elevation gain) and 14 km (800 m elevation gain), and an untimed 6 km walk (270 m elevation gain).

Imagine Pop Song Live Orcières

February
Imagine Pop Song Live is coming to Orcières Merlette 1850 for a memorable concert at the foot of the slopes. A number of well-known artists will be performing at this event, organised in partnership with Radio Imagine. Futher information : www.orcieres-reservation.com

Color Ski

April
Brave the obstacles and jets of coloured powder on a fun and lively descent of the slopes. Like the famous Colour Run, but on skis! At the bottom of the slope, everyone lets fly with their own powder sachet, adding an explosion of colour to the musical ambience! Participants can enjoy a whole host of crazy challenges with their team mates. The day ends with a colourful concert of sound and light. Prices, info and registration at www.orcieres.com

New

Restaurant

Totally Revamped Accommodation!

Orcières Merlette 1850 is working with property owners to offer holiday-makers a stay in one of the pretty apartments, redone and decorated in a modern and contemporary style. Nearly a hundred of apartments have already been renovated and have Orcières Quality Luxury Accommodation a 3- to 5- “claw” rating. Various other apartments are undergoing coaching.
Booking from: www.orcieres.com

A new 4-star residence

In the continuity of the current Rochebrune residence (owned by Orcières Construction, a residence managed by Odalys and Labellemontagne groups). Opening in December 2020. 50 apartments, about 250 beds. Construction of a relaxation area and a swimming pool that will connect the two buildings.