In our article presenting you the resorts where to ski in the Southern Alps, we talked about Orcières-Merlette. Located not far from Gap, the resort of Orcières-Merlette is famous for its skiable kilometers but it is also worth a detour in summer, for its hikes and beautiful walks! In this article, I will show you what to do in Orcières-Merlette, both in winter and in summer. We also address a more practical subject relating to where to sleep in Orcières-Merlette during your stay!
And then I will tell you about all the beautiful things to discover around Orcières-Merlette because this resort is located in a very diverse region and rich in visits!
Summary:
- Presentation of Orcieres-Merlette
- What to do in Orcières-Merlette in winter?
- What to do in Orcières-Merlette in summer?
- Practical advice for your stay in Orcières-Merlette
- Where to sleep in Orcières-Merlette?
- What to do around Orcières-Merlette?
- My opinion on Orcières-Merlette
Presentation of Orcieres-Merlette
Before starting this article, here is some information on this beautiful resort. Orcières-Merlette is a ski resort located at 1 meters above sea level, at the bottom of the Champsaur valley. It is the largest resort in the valley. In the heart of the Hautes-Alpes department, this family resort welcomes many visitors every year, in winter of course, but more and more in summer as well. Its location is ideal: at the entrance to the Ecrins National Park and near the Valgaudemar valley. There are many things to do on site: visits, walks, outdoor activities, high mountain hikes, various and varied tastings, and this, in all seasons! The Orcières-Merlette region has everything to be your next holiday destination!
Find out more about the Champsaur-Valgaudemar valley
What to do in Orcières-Merlette in winter?
Let's start the things to do in Orcières-Merlette with the season that probably attracts the most people each year: skiing! Orcières-Merlette is above all a ski resort, the largest in the valley. Located at more than 1850 meters above sea level, it offers exciting playgrounds for board sports enthusiasts!
We will see in this part that skiing is one of the activities offered by the resort in winter, but not only! Indeed, many other activities are to be done in Orcières-Merlette in winter, this is what we will see right away.
- You ski!
- sled dog
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Sledging
- From the snowmobile
- Zipline
- A spa in Orcières-Merlette
- Ice skating
You ski!
Of course, the main reason for the majority of holidaymakers going to Orcières-Merlette is skiing! Located at 1850 and 2725 meters above sea level, the resort offers an exceptional ski area! With its 100 kilometers of ski slopes, there is something for everyone: green, blue, but also red and black for the more adventurous and adrenaline seekers!
In addition to the sporting aspect, the resort benefits from an exceptional setting and a breathtaking view once you reach the top! You will be both surrounded by huge mountains but also, you will enjoy an unobstructed view of the mountains in the distance and the neighboring valleys. So take the time to observe nature around you.
sled dog
Probably one of the most popular activities for families and animal enthusiasts, dog sledding is quite well developed in Orcières-Merlette. Located in the middle of the estate, near a plateau offering magnificent walks, the crew awaits you to help you discover its environment in a quite exceptional way.
Glide through the mountains and admire the landscapes that surround you!
Several offers are available depending on what you want to do: initiation for children, walks, sled driving, … but also depending on the duration you want to practice.
A very nice activity, which goes off the beaten track and which offers you an unforgettable ride, suitable for adults as well as for the youngest.
Practicing an activity with animals is good, but you must always be extremely vigilant about the organization offering this activity and about the health and general appearance of the animals.
In this case, the dogs present in Orcières-Merlette are happy to go for a walk, it's a pleasure for them and moreover, they are just waiting for that! You will be able to see this for yourself when the musher prepares the team.
Snowshoeing
Orcières-Merlette is not just about skiing! You can also do other activities in Orcières-Merlette, such as snowshoeing! There are a total of 25 kilometers of track specially designed for walking or snowshoeing. Change of scenery and physical effort guaranteed, but gently of course!
Cross-country skiing
Among the other activities allowing you to walk while discovering the area and enjoying the surrounding nature, you can also opt for cross-country skiing. Perhaps more physical than snowshoeing, cross-country skiing is an interesting alternative to downhill skiing. The Orcières-Merlette resort has provided around twenty kilometers of trails for this activity. So why not discover it or rediscover it?
Sledging
Who says snow, says sledding in all logic! And sledding, you can do it in Orcières-Merlette! Several options are available to you if you are interested in sledding:
- The classic toboggan
Rather popular with children, but also adults, you can have fun going down some slopes provided for this purpose with your sledge. Playful and fun, it's a classic way to enjoy the snow! - La luge snake gliss
This is an original toboggan that goes off the beaten track! The snake gliss luge is practiced at the end of the day and consists of connecting several luges together. You climb to the top of the slopes to descend for several kilometres: between 3 km and 8 km depending on the option you choose. An original alternative to sledding. - buoy on snow
Another original way to go down the slopes: the buoy on snow! Go to the specific tracks and board a big buoy to hurtle down the track! Alone or with others, this activity is really fun and for everyone!
From the snowmobile
Still in sliding activities, I offer you an initiation, or more, to snowmobiling. Very widespread in the Nordic countries, the snowmobile is an essential means of transport. You will also be able to come across trackers or rescuers on these all-purpose machines from time to time on the slopes.
But snowmobiling can also be a hobby for some, just like the classic motorcycle. At Orcières-Merlette, you can go for rides at the end of the day aboard a snowmobile, accompanied by a guide.
The little extras of this activity:
- the snowmobiles run on bioethanol, limiting the impact of this activity on the environment!
- glass trailers are available if you want to share this activity with your family and bring your children! They will be warm and safe.
- A gourmet break to discover local specialties is planned during your excursion!
Zipline
This is the longest zip line in Europe! With some 1870 meters in less than 2 minutes, you can reach up to 130 km/h. This activity guarantees you thrills and a great thrill at the start! Positioned head forward and looking down, your skis are hooked up with you and off you go for a great crossing with a breathtaking view! Wonder and adrenaline will be there!
A spa in Orcières-Merlette
All these activities are physical and take place, for the most part, at the top of the slopes. Suddenly, here is an activity dedicated to people wishing to stay at the bottom of the slopes or to skiers needing a little rest: a spa and a heated swimming pool await you at the foot of the slopes! In this large complex where relaxation is the key word, you can get a massage, enjoy the spa and its various pools, but also take your children to the swimming pool equipped with a large slide or even take advantage of the sports pool to do a few lengths . Everything is thought out so that you can enjoy this moment of relaxation and well-being!
Ice skating
The leisure and relaxation complex of Orcières-Merlette also offers an ice rink. With its surface area of 1600 m2, the Orcières-Merlette ice rink welcomes you every day and regularly organizes themed evenings with music and light shows. A friendly moment to enjoy with family or friends!
The relaxation and leisure complexIn addition to the spa, swimming pool and ice rink, this complex also offers other activities to do in Orcières-Merlette during your stay. Among other things, you can go bowling, go to the cinema, enjoy the bar or the pool table at your disposal. A beautiful space for your days off or your après ski evenings!
What to do in Orcières-Merlette in summer?
Although a renowned ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes, Orcières-Merlette is also an ideal destination for a summer stay in the mountains! The mountain is more and more "fashionable" and popular with tourists in summer, who want a breath of fresh air and get away from the seaside, overcrowded in high season.
In this part, we will see all the things to do in Orcières-Merlette in summer.
Walks
Located at the gates of the Ecrins National Park, in a magnificent valley, Orcières-Merlette is above all popular in summer for its beautiful walks and hikes! There is something for all levels and all tastes: with or without children, steep or not, small loop or long hike, 1 hour or several days! In short, you will have understood it, Orcières-Merlette in summer has some beautiful natural surprises in store for you.
The walk of the 6 lakes
Probably one of the most popular walks in the resort: the 6 lakes walk. This walk takes you to discover mountain lakes, located at the beginning of the Ecrins National Park. A breath of fresh air and wonder at this grandiose and preserved nature.
To get to the starting point of this walk, take the chairlifts leading you to the top of Drouvet. From there, travel the 10 kilometers linking the 6 high-altitude lakes to see in Orcières-Merlette in summer, then walk back down to the resort. You also have the option of taking a chairlift to the Roche Rousse chalet, a little lower down, which will allow you to get back down to the resort more quickly.
Count about 3 hours to do the loop of about ten kilometers, for a negative elevation of about 700 meters.
From Drouvet to Prapic
Still departing from the Drouvet summit, at the top of the chairlift, you can embark on a slightly more complicated and longer hike than the previous one, less touristy but just as pretty! Take the direction of Prapic, this small hamlet located at the end of the valley. You can admire the high altitude lakes, the mountain pastures of the region and the imposing mountains surrounding you.
This very beautiful walk ends in Prapic, where it will be necessary to take a shuttle to bring you back to Orcières. Remember to book it before your hike!
Count about 5h30 to cover the 15 kilometers of this hike, with an elevation gain of 250 meters.
The Col de Freissinières
Many hikes are possible in this region, but I will not present them all to you, I will only content myself with the main ones to do around Orcières-Merlette.
Regarding this hike leading you through the Col de la Freissinières, it is the most complicated of the 3 and also the longest. Departure is from the Cascades car park in La Freissinières. Then set off for 2 days of hiking: 21 kilometres, 8 hours of walking and a nice elevation gain of 1345 meters.
This hike can be done in several ways: either you do the round trip; either, once you have reached the pass, you can go down to Prapic, which we talked about just above; otherwise, from the pass, you can go down to the Orcières-Merlette station.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the big winners of mountain holidays! The terrain is perfect: ski lifts, kilometers of descent, well-developed slopes and a very large play area!
Several specific spaces are set up to meet the different expectations of riders:
- A bike park
Mountain bike enthusiasts can enjoy this bike-park. In total, 9 runs, 800 meters of elevation gain, a north-shore area and 2 pumptrack courses! - Enduro grounds
The ideal place for Enduro enthusiasts! 5 marked routes, between 2650 and 1300 meters above sea level! Breathtaking views and guaranteed thrills. - Des circuits de Cross-Country
From accessible routes to the most technical routes, 750 kilometers of trails are available and referenced on the FFC mountain bike site. - Electrically assisted mountain bikes
The little new ones in fashion: electrically assisted bicycles are present everywhere! Let yourself be tempted by this original experience on the different trails offered in Orcières-Merlette!
Zipline
I have already presented this activity to you in the things to do in Orcières-Merlette in winter. I'm telling you about it again because between summer and winter, the activity is totally different and offers new sensations. Same principle as in winter, go head first for the 1870 meters that separate you from the finish. Admire the landscape, the high altitude lakes and look for any marmots! An unusual experience, which guarantees you thrills!
A paragliding baptism
This activity is also possible in winter, but it depends entirely on the weather.
I therefore recommend that you favor this activity in summer, especially for a first! This paragliding baptism takes you to conquer the alpine airs and will make you discover these mountains and this valley from a different perspective. In complete safety, observe the lakes, the Ecrins National Park and the entire valley which stretches as far as the eye can see.
This baptism takes place on a two-seater paraglider, you will be accompanied by an experienced and state-certified instructor.
Different offers are available: from a 20-minute discovery flight to a one-hour flight with acrobatics!
Enjoy the relaxation and leisure area
And here is another activity to do in Orcières-Merlette that I have presented to you a little more. Indeed, the relaxation and spa area is very pleasant in the middle of winter, after a good day of skiing. But in summer, I assure you that this place is just as pleasant! Massages, baths, swimming pool, slides, but also bowling, cinema, skating rink, etc. All these activities are also available in summer. It is also in this complex that you can attend concerts or shows.
All other activitiesOrcières is not limited to the activities that I have just proposed to you, many others are available near the resort: paintball, tennis court, beach volleyball, petanque, lazergame, tree climbing, water sports at the base of leisure, electric karting, horse riding, etc. You will be spoiled for choice, whether to keep your children busy or to have fun with friends or family! Activities in Orcieres
Practical advice for your stay in Orcières-Merlette
Now that you know all the activities to do in Orcières-Merlette in winter but also in summer, I will address some practical questions that will be very useful for you in preparing for your stay.
Stay in Orcières-Merlette: practical advice- How to get to Orcières-Merlette?
- When should you plan your stay in Orcières-Merlette?
- What are the opening hours in summer and winter?
- Where to park in Orcières-Merlette?
- What equipment to plan?
- Where to rent your equipment?
- Where to buy your pass for the lifts?
- How much do the ski lifts cost?
- Catering on site and on the slopes
- Traveling with children to Orcières-Merlette?
How to get to Orcières-Merlette?
The easiest way to get to Orcières-Merlette is to come by car ! Indeed, the station is located at the bottom of the Champsaur valley and is therefore not served by public transport. Orcières is 220 km from Marseille and Lyon or 680 km from Paris.
Another possibility is available to you: come by plane or train to a large city nearby (Lyon, Grenoble, Marseille, Gap, etc.) and rent a car in one of these cities to then go to Orcières-Merlette.
Otherwise, a regular bus line operates the route between Orcières-Merlette and Gap, it is line Z or 05.
When should you plan your stay in Orcières-Merlette?
The answer will depend on the season and the activities you want to do:
- winter stay
If you want to come to Orcières-Merlette for a winter stay and enjoy the ski slopes and other snow activities, then you will have to come between mid-December and mid-April, when the station is open. School holiday periods are popular, but attendance remains quite correct and pleasant to ski. - summer stay
The summer season lasts from early July to early September. During this period, the activities are open and the ski lifts operate. - 4 hours : €18 per adult and €16 per child;
- 1 day : €20,50 per adult and €16,50 per child;
- 2 days : €35 per adult and €28 per child;
- 5 days : €86 per adult and €66 per child;
Residence Rochebrune
Located at the foot of the slopes, this residence really has an exceptional location! The apartments are fully equipped and can accommodate 4 to 8 people. The underground parking included with the rental is a real plus. Animals are accepted. The apartments are equipped with television and wifi. Location, Parking, Decoration See prices
The Terraces of the Sheepfold
Another perfectly located residence, at the foot of the slopes. It offers private parking, a fitness area with spa, hammam, etc. Pets are welcome for an additional fee, as is television. Location, Parking, Swimming pool
Residence les Cristallines
A last residence at the foot of the slopes! Also equipped with a relaxation area and parking, the apartments can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Small terrace for the summer, ski locker for the winter, these apartments are well thought out. Be careful, many extras to add: wifi, cleaning, towels, sheets, … Pitch, Parking, Sauna See the rates
Apt with view
Let's start with this apartment which offers a breathtaking view of the mountains from the living room and the terrace. Whether in summer or winter, this little cocoon is ideal for your stay in Orcières-Merlette. Close to covered parking and the ski lifts, you are also close to the center of the resort as well as all amenities and activities. Very well equipped, it can accommodate up to 4 people. Comfort, Location, Equipment See prices
Apartment with balcony
Here is a very nice apartment recently renovated. It is equipped with a very pleasant balcony offering a view of the surrounding mountains. A few meters from the slopes and shops, this accommodation is very well placed. Clean, well decorated, perfectly equipped and very comfortable, it can accommodate up to 6 people. Location, Decoration, Balcony
Nice cottage
This last accommodation is an individual chalet and can accommodate 2 people. Perfectly decorated in a very mountain style and ideally located in the heart of the resort, it is in a quiet area and offers a magnificent view of the mountains! An ideal place to stay in Orcières-Merlette. View, Location, Decoration Check rates
Gîte Du Bois De L'ours
Let's start with this very warm and friendly gite. Your host will be happy to tell you about his region, but also to delight you with his delicious and hearty dinners and breakfasts. A safe place to stay in Orcières-Merlette. The little extra: a jacuzzi and a Nordic bath are available upon reservation! Location, Restaurant, Reception See prices
Chalet la Forestiere
Here is a magnificent chalet, typical of the region. The latter offers 2 apartments for rent. Located about 1 kilometer from the ski resort, you have a shuttle that passes a few meters from this accommodation to take you to the foot of the slopes. These two apartments are very well equipped and each have a main entrance and an equipped kitchen. One has a nice terrace. These two accommodations can accommodate 8 people each. Ideal for a stay with family or friends. View, Decoration, Reception See rates
Chalet Triptych
Let's finish this selection of accommodations where to sleep in Orcières-Merlette with this unusual and rather original accommodation. With its original shape, it is located about 1 kilometer from the resort of Orcières-Merlette and the ski slopes. With a capacity of 12 people, this accommodation is ideal for a stay with friends or family. In addition, you can enjoy a garden and space to park your vehicles. View, Originality, Capacity See prices- Visit the Champoléon valley:
This small valley is located a few kilometers before arriving at Orcières-Merlette. It is a place that really deserves a look. If you are attracted by wild nature, small typical hamlets and stone houses, then you will probably fall in love with this valley!
- Go to the Valgaudemar valley:
This valley is closely linked to the Champsaur valley, where Orcières-Merlette is located. From Saint-Firmin to the refuge of Gioberney, you will cross magnificent corners with, at the end, a breathtaking natural place: the waterfall of the Veil of the Bride, in Gioberney. Impressive natural amphitheater, this place is splendid and worth the detour on its own. It is also the starting point for many hikes, including the one leading to Lac du Lauzon, another jewel of the valley!
- Visit Gap:
A short stopover in town does not hurt in this stay in the heart of nature! The small town of Gap is quite charming and its historic center deserves a look. Small alleys, small squares and many bars, restaurants, shops, craftsmen, … Do not hesitate to get lost in the alleys that wind through the city, you will inevitably come across a nice place to have a drink on the terrace!
- Skiing around Orcières-Merlette:
Orcières-Merlette is not the only resort in the valley. Indeed, other smaller and more family resorts will be on your way to Orcières. Among the main ones, there is the station of Ancelle. A very dynamic village and a small but very pleasant resort. You will also find the resorts of Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, Chaillol and Laye. Discover the Pass Vallée grouping all these resorts - Discover Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur:
Here is the small town in the valley, where you will find many shops, a supermarket and activities. The center of Saint-Bonnet is pleasant and lively in all seasons! If you stay near the city, it can be interesting to come and have a look at the local market. - Take the Napoleon road:
One of the most famous and traveled tourist routes in France: the Route Napoléon. The latter connects Gap to Grenoble and therefore passes through this valley of Champsaur-Valgaudemar. Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon by taking this mythical route. Find out more about the Napoleon route
What are the opening hours in summer and winter?
The opening hours will correspond to the operating hours of the ski lifts in the area. In summer, the ski lift opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 16 p.m. (or 17 p.m.). Times may vary depending on the geographic location of the lift in the ski area.
Where to park in Orcières-Merlette?
The best solution for parking in Orcières-Merlette is to opt for the Casse Blanche covered car park. Admittedly it is paying, but it will save you time looking for a place. Free places are found everywhere in the station, but they are taken by storm and if you have the clumsiness to park in a place that is not one, the fine is almost systematic (especially during the holidays schools) …
So for more comfort and serenity, head to the Casse Blanche car park. There is also parking for motorhomes here!
What equipment to plan?
Again, this question will depend on the season of your visit. It is obvious that in summer, a good pair of hiking shoes, a cap but also a sweater and warm clothes for the evening will be necessary. Do not forget any hiking equipment if you want to discover the heights of this resort.
For winter, plan your snow equipment: wetsuit, snow shoes, sunglasses, helmet, etc. And in all seasons, your swimsuit if you want to access the spa!
Where to rent your equipment?
Whether in winter or summer, you may need to rent some equipment. Skis, ski boots, snowboards, mountain bikes, sledges but also strollers, baby carriers, etc. You will find everything you need on site, at the foot of the slopes! Different stores welcome you in all seasons.
Where to buy your pass for the lifts?
The easiest way is to take your pass at one of the automatic terminals located at the entrance to the slopes. Practical and intuitive, you can buy or recharge your pass easily. Payment possible by credit card.
How much do the ski lifts cost?
Summer rates:
Prices will vary depending on whether you come in winter or summer. In summer, for a pedestrian lift, the price will be €7,40 per adult (€5,80 for a child). You will have the choice between the Drouvet 1 or Rocherousse chairlift.
If you wish to use these two chairlifts, then the prices will be €9,60 for an adult and €7,40 for a child.
You have the option of taking out a pedestrian pass valid for 6 days, giving you unlimited access to the lifts, for an amount of €38,50.
Regarding mountain bike lifts, always in summer, the operation will be different: you will have to take a day pass, from 4 hours to 5 consecutive days, offering you unlimited access:
Winter rates:
In winter, the rates will depend on the duration of skiing you wish to practice. Different packages are offered to you so that you can choose the one that suits you best. The passes offer durations of 3 hours to 6 days, for prices ranging from €31,50 (3 hour pass for an adult – €27 for children) to €190 (6 day pass for an adult – €154 for children). children). You also have the option of taking a Multigliss option or taking simple pedestrian access (€7,50 for one access per adult).
See details of winter ratesCatering on site and on the slopes
Of course, many restaurants, snacks, bakeries, mini-markets, etc. are found in the resort, at the foot of the slopes. You will inevitably find what you are looking for, whether it is for shopping or tasting local specialities.
Regarding the services on the slopes, Orcières-Merlette has a mountain restaurant: the Rocherousse chalet. The latter is at the foot of the ski lift of the same name. You can't miss it! On the menu, hot dishes, drinks, pancakes, ice cream, … An ideal break in your day with a magnificent view of the valley! A relaxation area is also available.
Traveling with children to Orcières-Merlette?
Like most ski resorts, Orcières-Merlette offers activities for the little ones and services for parents: crèche, babysitting, play area, ice garden at the ice rink, ski school, introduction to mountain biking, …
See all activities for childrenWhere to sleep in Orcières-Merlette?
Now that you know everything about Orcières-Merlette, what to do in winter, what to do in summer and that you have the practical information essential to the preparation of your stay in the mountains, let's now look at the question of accommodation: where to sleep in Orcieres-Merlette? In the ski resort, accommodation will mainly be apartments for rent by the week in high season. Let's take stock now to see what accommodation is available in Orcières-Merlette.
Accommodation + ski pass package
Today, you can book your accommodation for the week, and add options such as equipment rental (skis, boots, poles, etc.) or lift passes. Here is a suggestion of 3 establishments where you can select options if you wish!
Rent an apartment in Orcières-Merlette
After having presented to you the residences present at the foot of the slopes in Orcières-Merlette, offering the possibility of choosing equipment rental and/or ski passes, I would like to present to you other accommodation, managed by individuals, and offering other advantages such as more comfortable accommodation, more personal or guaranteeing a view of the mountains. Here is our selection of individual apartments and chalets for rent for your stay in Orcières-Merlette:
Other places to stay in Orcières-Merlette
In addition to apartments and residences, other accommodations are available for accommodation in Orcières-Merlette. I am thinking in particular of lodges or inns. Here are 3 other warm and ideal accommodations for your stay in the mountains, both in summer and winter.
What to do around Orcières-Merlette?
After having gone through the things to do in Orcières-Merlette in summer and winter, some practical advice and where to stay in the resort, you may be interested in this last part: what to do around Orcières-Merlette ? Located at the bottom of the Champsaur valley, Orcières-Merlette is located in a region of great wealth: cultural, culinary, historical, environmental, etc.
Let's do a quick overview of these things to see during your visit to Orcières-Merlette.
My opinion on Orcières-Merlette
We had the chance to discover Orcières-Merlette in summer as well as in winter and we really fell in love with this resort! In winter, the ski area is huge and offers absolutely magnificent places, the views are incredible and once at the top, there is no need to go back down to the station before evening. The snow is of very good quality at the top of the resort.
Regarding summer activities, we were able to discover the high altitude lakes during a hike and it was magical! Once again, the mountain offers us such beautiful views. Nature is both strong and powerful, yet so delicate. We were lucky enough to see more marmots, so we can only recommend this resort for your summer holidays and your ski trips!
