À Orcières Merlette 1850, With the start of the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina just around the corner, the winter season takes on a dress rehearsal feel. Here, you don't need a race number or an international record of success to enjoy the thrills of the Olympic disciplines. The resort has structured its offer around the great classics of top-level sport.
The showcase of the system remains the Camille Ricou piste. This FIS-approved red run is not just another sports track. For several years, it has been the backbone of Orcières' competitive development.
A regular venue for European Cup alpine skiing events, it also serves as a training ground for regional clubs and national teams.
Thanks to the new La Muande chairlift, access to the slope has been redesigned to facilitate competitions while opening it up to the general public. Everyone can now take on a track built for speed and precision, in the same conditions as the athletes.
Just a stone's throw away, on the Rocherousse plateau, freestyle takes centre stage. At an altitude of 2,280 metres, the snowpark boasts over 16,000 m² dedicated to riding, with lines to suit all levels.
Boxes, rails, progressive or more technical modules allow you to discover the discipline as well as perfect your tricks, in a panoramic setting that reminds us that the mountains are not just for traditional skiers.
The thrills don't stop at skis and snowboards. Orcières also offers a fun, family-friendly approach to board sports, starting with the Winterparc. In this sector, accessible from the Rocherousse telemix, sledging takes on a whole new dimension.
Ski cross and biathlon on the programme
Sitting in large buoys, participants hurtle down specially prepared tracks, solo or in convoy, with up to eight buoys attached to each other. There's a dedicated area for the youngest riders, and a special lift means they can't go up on foot. It's a simple and effective way to make more runs without any effort.
Finally, it's impossible to talk about Orcières without mentioning ski cross. The Alizée Baron boardercross, named after the local champion and major figure in the discipline, winds for almost a kilometre from the top of the Estaris chairlift.
Steep turns, bumps and fast sequences offer a concentration of sensations, accessible to good skiers who want to measure themselves against a course inspired by the top level.
To complete this Olympic panorama, the resort is also banking on biathlon, the ultimate Winter Games discipline. On the Rocherousse plateau, children can discover an adapted version combining Nordic skiing and laser rifle shooting.
Supervised in small groups, the activity focuses on coordination, concentration and the enjoyment of the game, while introducing participants to the demands of an all-round sport. It's an educational approach that appeals to families and young athletes looking for something new.
The day can finally come to an end on the ice, at the Palais des Sports. The 1,600 m² ice rink welcomes beginners and experienced skaters in a festive atmosphere, with music and light shows.
Twice a week, themed evenings extend the experience, while hockey fans can attend the Orcières Rapaces matches, scheduled on certain weekends until the beginning of March.