What to Do in Orcières Merlette in Summer and Winter? Your Stay at the Les Catrems & Le Montagnou Hotel
In the heart of the Hautes-Alpes and at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, theOrcières Merlette 1850 resort is a premier destination for a getaway in the mountains. Whether you’re coming to hit the snowy slopes during the winter or explore the lush alpine meadows when the warm weather returns, our hotel, Les Catrems & Le Montagnou, offers a welcoming home away from home, ideally located in the resort.
Your Winter in Orcières Merlette: A Blend of Thrills and Cozy Comfort
In winter, the Orcières resort showcases its snow-covered landscapes under the bright sunshine of the Southern Alps. From our buildings, you can easily reach the trailheads to fully enjoy the thrills of skiing.
Winter Season Must-Haves
- An exceptional ski area: Explore 100 kilometers of trails ranging in elevation from 1,850 m to over 2,700 m, designed for all skill levels.
- Play and freestyle areas: the snowpark, boardercross course, and the Opouual themed run are sure to delight both children and enthusiasts.
- Nordic Region: Explore the snow-covered valleys of Haut-Champsaur on cross-country skis or on rejuvenating snowshoe hikes.
Unique activities to enhance your stay
- Treat yourself to a spectacular flight over the mountain peaks on one of Europe’s longest zip lines (1,870 m descent).
- Marvel at the magical sights during a dog-sled ride on the Rocherousse Plateau.
- Unwind at the Palais des Sports Arena 1850 (water park, ice rink, spa, bowling alley, 2 movie theaters), located just a short walk from our hotels.
After an action-packed day on the slopes, come back to the cozy atmosphere of the Les Catrems & Le Montagnou hotel: take advantage of our secure ski storage and enjoy a relaxing moment at our bar overlooking the valley.
Your Summer in Orcières Merlette: Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Wilderness
As soon as the snow melts, the mountains become a wonderful playground for both outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of unspoiled natural areas.
The Orcières Mountain Bike & Bike Park: A Mountain Biker’s Paradise
A true benchmark in the Southern Alps, the Orcières mountain bike trail system offers a full range of facilities accessible directly from the resort:
- A diverse bike park: Served by the Télémix lifts, the park features 11 downhill (DH) trails for all skill levels—from smooth green trails for beginners to challenging black trails like the Mirabeau—along with fun zones and a pump track.
- Legendary Enduro Routes: Several enduro trails wind their way from the peaks down to the valley, such as the marked trails leading to the Orcières Recreation Center at an elevation of 1,350 meters. Free shuttles will then take you back up to the resort.
- E-Mountain Biking and Road Cycling: Discover stunning e-mountain bike loops or tackle the famous mountain passes of the Hautes-Alpes.
- Bicycle services at our hotel: For the convenience of cyclists, our hotels feature a secure bicycle storage area.
Exceptional Hikes at the Gateway to Écrins National Park
Orcières Merlette is the ideal starting point for exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful protected areas:
- The World of the 6 Lakes: Accessible directly from the resort (or easily reached via the ski lifts), this spectacular loop takes you past a succession of glacial lakes (Lac des Estaris, Lac Long, Lac Profond, Lac des Pisses, etc.) teeming with marmots, ibex, and chamois.
- The Hamlet of Prapic and the Saut du Laïre: Located at the bottom of the Orcières Valley, Prapic is a well-preserved traditional village. From there, hike along the Drac Noir River to the famous Saut du Laïre, a legendary waterfall nestled in a majestic alpine pasture.
- The Champoléon Valley: A nearby wilderness valley, Champoléon is a sanctuary of untamed beauty. Set out from the hamlet of Les Borels toward the Pré de la Chaumette mountain hut at the foot of Mount Sirac—a must-see route for observing alpine wildlife and unspoiled flora.
Leisure Activities in the Valley and Whitewater Rafting
- The Orcières Recreation Center: A family-friendly destination on the banks of the Drac River, featuring a developed lake, swimming, a tree-top adventure course, mini-golf, and playgrounds and sports fields.
- Whitewater sports: Try rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed, or kayaking in the rushing streams of Haut-Champsaur.
Want to have an unforgettable experience in the Hautes-Alpes?
Book your room now at Les Catrems & Le Montagnou Hotels and enjoy the best rate guaranteed for your summer or winter vacation in Orcières Merlette!