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Les Orres Ski Holidays
Les Orres is one of those best-kept secret resorts that British skiers are increasingly waking up to, and for good reason. It’s a place where the scent of larch forests meets the crisp air of high-altitude peaks, all while overlooking the stunning turquoise expanse of Lake Serre-Ponçon in the valley below.
Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department, Les Orres is a resort of layers - both literally and figuratively. It’s built across a significant vertical incline, split into four distinct hubs. You have the original, traditional village of Les Orres itself, tucked away from the main lifts, followed by the three purpose-built ‘snow fronts’: 1550 (Pramouton), 1650 (Centre), and 1800 (Bois Méan).
The resort has earned a reputation as a ‘smart mountain’. This isn't just marketing jargon; it reflects their commitment to modernising infrastructure, from high-speed lifts to digital connectivity and eco-friendly snow management. Despite the modern touches, it retains a wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere. You won’t find the eye-watering prices or the see-and-be-seen culture of the northern giants like Courchevel. Instead, you get authentic Alpine hospitality, incredible views of the Durance valley, and a ski area that feels much larger than the map suggests.
Soak up the Southern Alps sunshine and stunning views of Serre-Ponçon lake from high-altitude, larch-lined runs!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
For those who like to talk numbers over a morning espresso, Les Orres punches well above its weight. The ski area spans approximately 62 miles of marked slopes, but because of the way the runs are cut through the forest, the variety of terrain feels immense.
The vertical drop is one of the most impressive in the region, starting at a respectable 1,549m and climbing all the way to 2,720m at the summit of Les Crêtes. This nearly 1,219m descent means you can enjoy incredibly long, leg-burning runs from top to bottom. The resort is served by 17 lifts, including seven high-capacity chairlifts that do a grand job of keeping queues to a minimum, even during the busy half-term weeks.
Snow conditions in Les Orres
One of the most common questions about the Southern Alps (probably) is: ‘If it’s so sunny, is there actually any snow?’ In Les Orres, the answer is a resounding yes. The resort benefits from a unique microclimate. While it enjoys the famous Mediterranean-influenced sunshine of the Hautes-Alpes, most of its slopes face north and northwest. This orientation is crucial - it protects the snow from the direct afternoon sun, keeping it crisp and grippy long after other southern resorts might have turned to slush.
Furthermore, the ‘smart mountain’ philosophy entails a significant investment in snow-making. Over half the ski area is covered by a sophisticated network of snow cannons. This guarantees home-run coverage throughout the season, which typically runs from early December through to April. You can generally expect base depths to be pretty deep, with the top of the mountain often seeing significantly more during peak winter.
Skiing in Les Orres
Skiing here is an absolute joy, particularly for intermediates. If you love long, sweeping red runs that weave through snow-laden trees, you’ll be in heaven. The larch forests don’t just make for pretty photos; they provide excellent visibility on those rare days when the clouds do roll in.
The undisputed king of the mountain is the Pousterle run. This is a legendary track used for the European Downhill Ski Cup. It’s wide, fast, and undulating, offering a real thrill for anyone who likes to carve at speed. For those seeking a challenge, the black runs like L'Horrible and L'Ecureuil (The Squirrel) live up to their names with steep pitches and, depending on the week, some formidable moguls.
Beginners aren't left out, either. The nursery slopes at 1650 and 1800 are gentle and conveniently located right next to the accommodation hubs, meaning you don't have to navigate complex lift systems just to start your lesson.
Snowboarding in Les Orres
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Snowboarders will find plenty to keep them occupied, starting with the dedicated Snowpark. Located at altitude to ensure the best possible snow for the features, it includes a boardercross course that is a riot of fun for groups of friends, along with various rails, boxes, and kickers graded from beginner to ‘don't look down’.
The natural topography of Les Orres is also very boarder-friendly. There are very few flat cat-track sections that force you to unclip and walk. If you’re into freeriding, the Grand Vallon sector offers wide-open bowls of powder after a fresh dump. Just be sure to hire a guide if you’re heading off-piste - the terrain can be complex and challenging. For those looking to learn or refine their style, the Ozone Snowland school is highly recommended; they specialise in snowboarding and maintain small group sizes for optimal progression.
Accommodation in Les Orres
Where you stay in Les Orres largely depends on what kind of day you want to have - and we’ve got options to suit every possible option.
What's available at Les Orres ski resort?
Après-ski in Les Orres
While Les Orres might not be a party-til-dawn resort like some, it has a warm, buzzing social scene that centres around good food and friendly bars.
- For those looking for a bit of nightlife, Le Grizzly in the 1650 centre is the local institution. By day, it’s an excellent spot for a quick pizza; by night, it transforms into a lively bar that stays open until 2am, often hosting DJs or live music.
- When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice. Restaurant L'Orée des Pistes is the place to go if you want to lean into the full Alpine experience. Think bubbling pots of Savoyard fondue, raclette, and pierrade (cooking your own meats on a hot stone). The atmosphere is exactly what you want after a day in the cold - dim lighting, wooden beams, and plenty of cheese.
- For a lunch with a view, head to Restaurant Les Moufles at the Balcon des Orres. Their panoramic terrace offers some of the best views in the resort, and they are incredibly welcoming to families, offering a "mini montagnard" menu that introduces kids to local flavours without the fuss.
- Finally, for something a bit more tucked away, Lou Cuguilloun at the 1550 base (Pramouton) is a gem. It’s incredibly cosy, featuring a roaring fireplace and a menu focused on high-quality grilled meats. It’s the perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch before heading back out for a few final turns.
Facilities in Les Orres
Les Orres excels in providing activities for those times when you aren't clipped into your bindings. The standout attraction is the L’Orrian Express. This is a 0.9-mile bobsleigh track on rails that runs through the forest with hair-raising banked turns and steep drops. It’s open in both winter and summer and is an absolute must-do.
For the modern traveller, the Pôle Sport Innovation is a game-changer. It’s a state-of-the-art facility offering everything from virtual reality ski simulators (great for warming up your brain) to indoor climbing walls and a gym.
Getting around is easy, too. A free shuttle bus service runs constantly between 1550, 1650, and 1800, so you're never stranded if you decide to have an extra drink at a different level of the resort. Other leisure facilities include a cinema (L'Ubac), an ice skating rink for that classic winter feel, and a bowling alley (Le Bowlingo) for some evening competition.
Facilities for children in Les Orres
Les Orres holds the prestigious Famille Plus label, a national French certification awarded to resorts that provide a top-tier experience for families.
The childcare options are excellent. The Marmots Club and Les Pitchounets nurseries look after little ones from as young as 6 months up to 5 years. For the older kids (6 to 12), the Juni'Orres Club organises everything from snow treasure hunts to igloo building, ensuring they have a blast even if they aren't skiing all day.
For budding skiers, the ESF offers snow gardens - enclosed, safe areas with magic carpets and colourful obstacles - where children aged 3 to 6 can learn the basics under the watchful eye of professional instructors.
Why choose Erna Low for Les Orres 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 TOPP 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.
Perfect for families, with ski-in, ski-out convenience and the thrilling Orrian Express mountain coaster!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
