TheOrcières Merlette 1850 continues its transformation and is undertaking new developments to make its ski area more fluid, comfortable and accessible. A number of major projects are due to get under way this winter 2025-2026. Here's an overview.
A redesigned snow front for beginners
During the summer of 2025, the snow front has been completely redesigned to provide a safe and exclusive area for beginner skiers.
The slope has been reduced from 17 % to 14 %, making it easier to learn and progress. This work, carried out under strict supervision and approved by the French government, will improve accessibility from the moment you arrive at the resort.
A gallery carpet and a redesigned ski lift
A 170 m covered gallery conveyor has been installed to replace two old ski lifts. It now serves a beginners' area and a green slope, offering a simple and protected ascent. The Flocon ski lift, dismantled for modernisation, will be reused in the Lauzières sector, where it replaces an old chairlift and a ski lift considered difficult.
The reworked Les Vallons blue trail
Another new feature is the re-profiling and widening of the Les Vallons blue run, which has a 600m vertical drop and is more gradual. It is now accessible from the top of the resort to the snow front, offering beginners a complete itinerary and a panoramic view of the Champsaur valley. This improvement also aims to improve the flow of skiers.
A new detachable 6-seater chairlift
Finally, the resort is inaugurating a detachable 6-seater chairlift (La Muande), linking the snow front directly to the Lauzières and Méollion sectors.
A real structuring axis, it replaces three old machines and considerably improves access to the Camille Ricou piste, which is FIS-approved and used for the European Alpine Skiing Cups as well as by numerous national teams. Faster and more comfortable, it reduces the number of pylons and is more energy-efficient and better integrated into the landscape.
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