For decades in the Hautes-Alpesthe Champsaur valley has been a delight for vacationers looking for a change of scenery and tranquility. Dominated by Orcières 1850, a real high altitude resort culminating at 2725 m, the valley is a succession of small village resorts - Ancelle, Chaillol, Laye, Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes and Serre-Eyraud - peaceful and authentic. This territory has preserved its authenticity and rural character, far from the soulless ski factories usually found in the Alps. It welcomes ski enthusiasts, hikers and families who want to relax. And all this in the sun! Because in the Southern Alpsyou can enjoy both the Provencal climate and the quality of high altitude snow

Diving in the heart of the Ecrins National Park

A large part of Champsaur is located in the heart of the prestigious Ecrins National Park. At the edge of Orcières, there are more than 100,000 hectares where ibex and chamois make their home as soon as the first snow falls. Far from the noise of the resorts, you can enjoy the silence and the wild beauty of the high mountains. If you are a nature lover and ski enthusiast, it is a perfect excuse to put your bags down in Orcières or in the small surrounding village resorts. Every week, snowshoeing or ski touring outings are offered to discover this preserved area with a guide. But Orcières and its little sisters have many other treasures. You will be spoilt for choice, according to your desires.

In the Champsaur valley, six resorts and six atmospheres

A few hours from Paris and 35 km from Gap, Orcières is the promise of an ideal week of skiing. The village of Orcières and the resort of Orcières 1850 have joined forces to become one of the largest winter sports resorts in the Hautes-Alpes department. The high altitude resort, which culminates at 2 725 m, proudly unveils its hundred kilometers of slopes. It takes advantage of the exceptional sunshine of the Southern Alps, a stone's throw from the French Riviera. Orcières has everything of a big one. Telemix, snowpark, and, like any self-respecting resort, it jealously guards some high-flying off-piste runs. So it's up to you! Not far from Orcières, in the middle of the larches, the hamlet of Serre-Eyraud (between 1 400 and 2 100 m) is known for its quality snow and its particular charm. The snow is generous and the ski touring enthusiasts will find it an ideal starting point. Between powder and fir trees, it benefits fully from its exposure on the north face of the valley.

Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes also offers ski runs designed in the middle of the forest. And, after the forests, it is time to enjoy the sunshine and the exceptional panorama of the valley. Ancelle and Chaillol offer themselves to you. While Ancelle is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,350 m, Chaillol (from 1,450 to 2,000 m), a sunny resort par excellence, is suspended on the slopes of Vieux Chaillol, a famous peak that rises to 3,163 m. How can you get tired of this enchanting view at the gateway to the Écrins? Finally, Laye, the last one, is the ideal spot to learn snowploughing and to work on planting the stick. At the foot of the Aiguille peak, the smallest of the village resorts stands out for the friendliness of its inhabitants and its chamois. It is not uncommon to come across one on the way down from the Lauzon. Now that the valley has been revealed in its most beautiful guise, you will have to make a choice. Several options are available to you. For those who love skiing, no hesitation: Orcières 1850 is made for you. And the package includes access to the hamlet of Serre-Eyraud. A good idea to have a bite to eat in the intimate setting of the village. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can take their skis for a walk on the 40 km of trails for all levels in the Nordic domain of Haut-Champsaur, which links Orcières to the Champoléon valley and to Pont-du-Fossé in a quiet and wooded environment. They will also find great possibilities in the Nordic domain of Valgaudemar or Ancelle.

Great North atmosphere and original activities

More original, speed lovers will be able to challenge themselves on ice karting (accessible to all from 1.40 m), ride a snowmobile or hurtle down the slopes of the Winter Park of the Roche Rousse plateau sitting on big... buoys!

It is even possible to become a musher for a day. Going into the wild proudly on a sled guided by its pack of dogs is a rare experience and the Roche Rousse plateau at 2 300 m altitude offers incredibly beautiful views between the peaks of the Southern Alps.

Thrill seekers will not be left out. At the top of the Drouvet, take off on one of the biggest zip lines in Europe. It will lead you, head first, to the Long Lake. Horizontally, over 2 km and for 1 minute and 20 seconds, you will soar at more than 130 km/h! Perched between heaven and earth, the adrenalin promises to be there.

But it is also possible to enjoy the panorama without defying the laws of physics, although... When you board a hot air balloon that rises at the doors of the Écrins, time seems to be suspended in this bubble of air and you are off to admire the summits of the Hautes-Alpes, hand in hand with your darling (the best being to privatize the balloon). So cliché, but so magical! Finally, the adventurers will also be able to attack one of the ice falls of the domain.

A true culinary experience

Once hungry, you will discover the traditions of the Champsaur in your plate with images in your head. Throughout the valley, a point of honor is made to preserve the rural heritage of the ancients. Even today, hundreds of farmers continue to practice breeding in the high valleys. A godsend for the gourmet on vacation who will enjoy a multitude of culinary specialties that smell of the land. No more frozen pizzas, hot dogs or half-cold fries that can be found in the more aseptic and impersonal resorts of the Alps. In short, when it's time to sit down to eat, it's time to try the typical dishes of the Champsaurins! Ravioles - small dumplings made of potatoes and fresh tomme cheese -, tourtons - these delicious typical doughnuts -, or the numerous pies of the Southern Alps, will be as many pretexts to regain the calories lost during the ski day. Once satisfied, the luckiest among you will go back to their chalet or their rural gite. If you have to break your piggy bank, good opportunities are available outside of school vacations and especially in January. Otherwise, hotels and apartments of quality are also legion in this charming valley. The Champsaur valley is a bit of everything, between tradition and avant-gardism, to discover the mountain differently and respectfully and, finally, to benefit from an always warm welcome.

Smart info


When is it time to go? The Orcières ski area opens its doors from December 10, 2022 to April 16, 2023.

How to get there. By car, from Paris, take the A6 to Lyon, then the A46, and, near Grenoble, take the N85 towards Gap. By train, direction Grenoble or Gap stations.

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