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Orelle Ski Holidays
Nestled in the Maurienne Valley (rather than the more familiar Tarentaise), at around 900m altitude, the village retains an authentic Savoyard atmosphere. It comprises several small hamlets, each with traditional stone houses, slate roofs and a pace of life that says: daylight till dinner, and no rush.
What makes Orelle particularly smart is its role as the ‘quiet gateway’ to Les 3 Vallées. One minute you’re strolling around a peaceful village; the next, you’re soaring up a high-altitude gondola and into a ski domain of 600 km of runs. No compromise. It gives you the best of both worlds – the peace of a traditional village plus access to something huge. According to the region’s own description: Orelle: la quatrième vallée, un joyau caché des 3 Vallées - a hidden gem of the Three Valleys.
From its valley floor at about 900m (yes, not ultra-high for a ski village, but that’s by design), you can hop into the base of the really rapid gondola system that sweeps you up to high alpine terrain.
The main selling point is the magnificent link to the summit area: the top of the domain sits around 3,230m (the peak being the Pointe du Bouchet or the Cime Caron, depending on what source you read), giving spectacular views and serious altitude. This means you start low in a calm village and ski high where the snow is reliable.
The perfect authentic gateway that whisks you up in minutes to access the entire 600km of the immense Les 3 Vallées ski area!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Let’s talk numbers. The whole Les 3 Vallées network boasts a vast 600km of interconnected pistes, and Orelle’s own linked area with Val Thorens gives you around 150km of skiable terrain right from lift-off. A very high proportion of the terrain sits at altitude: about 85% of the domain is above 1,800m (which matters for snow and promises some pretty great conditions). You quite literally have access to one of the biggest ski areas in the world, and Orelle offers you a less crowded, more relaxed entry than many of the big-name resorts.
Snow conditions in Orelle
If you’re after reliable snow, Orelle and the linked region deliver. Because you’re skiing up high, the snow cover tends to be robust. With terrain reaching above 3,000 m, you’re in good shape.
Furthermore, the region has invested heavily in snow-making: in Les 3 Vallées, more than 2,300 snow cannons cover over 50% of the ski area. That’s useful when Mother Nature is giving you a bit of limbo. Also, the village's home valley is calmer and less blasted by lift-queue hordes, so you often get to enjoy a fresher slope. A nice bonus.
Skiing in Orelle
For skiers, Orelle is a bit of a masterstroke - the sort of place that quietly delivers everything you want without the noise or the queues. Thanks to the superb Orelle Gondola, you’re effortlessly transported from 900 m in the Maurienne Valley up into the high-altitude terrain that merges seamlessly with Val Thorens and Les Menuires. That means you can spend the day on the world’s most extensive network of pistes - 600km of them - without ever needing to stay in the thick of it. Experts can sink their edges into steep, long descents from the Cime Caron (3,230m), including the leg-burning black run known locally as the Piste des Enfers, which drops all the way into the Orelle valley. Off-piste fans can test their nerve on the north-facing powder fields below the Pointe du Bouchet or explore the untamed bowls that sit just beyond the main lifts – all within a short traverse of the groomed network.
Intermediates, meanwhile, will find paradise in the sweeping reds and blues that dominate the Val Thorens-Orelle sector. These are broad, confidence-building motorway pistes where you can clock up miles without ever repeating the same run. From the top of Plan Bouchet, it’s just one quick link to the perfectly groomed pistes around Mont de la Chambre or the panoramic ridges that lead toward Les Menuires. And because you’re skiing above 2,000m for most of the day, snow conditions are consistently good – powder after a storm, crisp corduroy on bluebird mornings, and rarely a slushy mess, even late in the season. Beginners aren’t left out either: the upper bowl of Val Thorens offers an excellent learning environment, with gentle gradients, slow lifts, and wide green runs that encourage early confidence. You simply take the gondola up, clip in, and you’re right where the learning magic happens – none of that awkward halfway-up-the-mountain chaos.
Snowboarding in Orelle
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For snowboarders, Orelle is a quiet gem that gives you access to everything from high-altitude freeride to world-class park laps. Start your day on the fast Orelle gondola, which drops you right onto wide, groomed pistes that are ideal for carving. The altitude here is your best friend - the snow stays dry and perfectly packed for those big arcing turns we all crave. From there, it’s a short hop into the Val Thorens sector, where you can explore huge bowls and open powder fields that beg for fresh tracks after a snowfall. Freeriders will find no shortage of terrain to play with - steep couloirs near Cime Caron, mellow powder meadows around Plan Bouchet, and long, rolling off-piste routes that feel like mini-expeditions back toward the Orelle valley. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Orelle offers some of the best lift-served freeride terrain in the Alps, especially when a storm rolls through and paints everything white.
But Orelle isn’t just about backcountry dreams. Those who love a bit of freestyle have speedy lift access to the Val Thorens Snowpark - one of Europe’s most respected setups - featuring a mix of kickers, rails, boardercross, and half-pipes for every level. The run-up is fast, the landings are wide, and the atmosphere is electric when the sun’s out and the music’s on. And when you’re not chasing airtime, the piste network itself is heaven for snowboarders: wide, undulating slopes that are perfect for long-radius carving and high-speed flow. The snow reliability at this altitude (much of it above 2,000m) means the surface stays ideal for edge control, and there’s minimal flat linking - a blessing for anyone tired of unstrapping every five minutes. In short, Orelle gives snowboarders the freedom to mix big-mountain exploration with top-tier park riding, all without the bustle of busier resorts.
Accommodation in Orelle
We offer a great selection of accommodation options in Orelle, from apartments to cosy hotels - all perfectly positioned for quick access to the main gondola.
What's available at Orelle ski resort?
Après-ski in Orelle
If you’re thinking ‘quiet village life’, then yes, Orelle offers that. In the evenings, you’ll find low-key restaurants, a couple of traditional bars, and maybe a game of pétanque if you’ve still got energy. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a bit of calm after the slopes.
But - and this is perhaps the best bit - you also have easy daytime access to the big après-scene of Val Thorens. Fancy afternoon DJs, outdoor table-dancing, party terraces? From Orelle, you can ski or ride up and join the buzz on-site, then return to your relaxed base. For example:
- La Folie Douce Val Thorens is famous for live music, dancing on tables, and big energy.
- 360 Bar Val Thorens, formerly 360 Val Thorens, is a lofty terrace with DJs and party vibes.
- Town venues like La Maison Val Thorens and The Frog (Europe’s highest pub offer drinks and dinner.
Facilities in Orelle
Orelle may be small, but it’s cleverly designed so everything you need is right where you want it - no trudging through endless resort sprawl with ski boots on. The village’s heart is centred around the main Orelle–Val Thorens gondola base in the Francoz area, also known as Orelle-Station. This is where you’ll find the ski rental shops, ticket offices, parking, and most of the local conveniences neatly gathered together. It’s all about ease and practicality here: grab your gear, step onto the gondola, and you’re whisked up into the mountains within minutes.
At the base, there are well-equipped ski shops offering both rentals and storage, so you can leave your equipment close to the lift and avoid hauling it back to your accommodation every evening. There’s also free and covered parking, making life simple for those driving in from nearby towns or airports - a godsend compared to the pricey, crowded car parks of the main 3 Vallées resorts. For day-to-day essentials, you’ll find a small grocery store and a couple of welcoming restaurants and bars serving traditional Savoyard dishes, the perfect end to a long ski day.
Facilities for children in Orelle
Families will find Orelle a brilliant base for introducing little ones to the mountains without the stress that sometimes comes with larger, busier resorts. The local ski school, ESF Orelle, runs lessons for children of all ages, with both group and private instruction available right from the gondola base. It’s the sort of setup that makes mornings run smoothly - drop them off, head for your own adventures, and meet back later for hot chocolate and stories. The instructors are experienced, friendly, and patient, ensuring that even the most hesitant young skiers find their confidence on the snow.
Away from the ski school, Orelle also provides plenty of safe, snow-filled fun for families. There’s a dedicated, secure sledge run where children can burn off energy after ski lessons, plus specially designated play areas where they can build snowmen or just tumble about in the powder. Because Orelle connects directly to the high-altitude Val Thorens area, families can easily reach wide, gentle beginner slopes that are perfect for learning without the chaos of steep descents or heavy traffic. It’s all about combining convenience, safety, and fun - Orelle’s quiet charm and thoughtful layout make it an ideal environment for young skiers and parents alike.
Why choose Erna Low for Orelle skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
High-altitude thrills and some of the best-value skiing in a huge ski domain!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
