Base: 1,550m | Summit: 2,720m | Terrain: 100km | Lifts: 24 | Season: Dec–Apr | Airport: Turin (TRN) — 2h or Lyon (LYS) — 3h
Les Orres is one of the French Alps’ sunnier, more affordable secrets — a high-altitude resort in the Hautes-Alpes above the Durance valley that combines 100km of varied skiing, a summit at 2,720m, and the exceptional sunshine levels of southern France with lift pass prices that would be considered budget-level in the more famous Savoyard resorts to the north. It is a beloved destination for French families and value-conscious skiers who have discovered that you do not need to pay Courchevel prices for excellent French Alps skiing. With Turin just two hours away and Lyon three, it is also a realistic option for self-drive visitors from continental Europe.
Resort overview
Les Orres sits at 1,550m in the commune of Les Orres, above the town of Embrun on the banks of Lac de Serre-Ponçon — one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, which creates a spectacular landscape setting particularly beautiful in spring. The resort was developed in the 1970s during the great French ski resort construction boom, but with more restraint than many contemporaries — it has a functional, honest character without the architectural excesses of some purpose-built French stations.
The surrounding Hautes-Alpes department is sometimes called the “Provence of the Alps” for its sunshine — over 300 sunny days per year on average, one of the highest levels in France. This translates to bluebird ski days with exceptional visibility across an extraordinary landscape: to the east, the Italian Alps; to the south, the pre-Alps and the beginning of Provence. The light in the southern Alps is quite different from the Savoie, and the skiing has a warmth and immediacy that the high-altitude northern resorts can lack.
Getting there
Turin Airport (TRN) is the closest major international gateway at approximately 2 hours by car, crossing the Alps via the Frejus Tunnel or the Col de Montgenèvre (weather dependent). Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) is 3 hours via the A51 autoroute. Marseille Provence (MRS) is 3 hours from the south. Grenoble (GNB) is around 2.5 hours. By rail, Gap and Embrun are served by TGV-connected services from Paris and Lyon, with local shuttle buses or taxis completing the journey to the resort. The drive up the Durance valley from Embrun is one of the more spectacular approaches to any French resort.
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The skiing
Terrain and pistes
Les Orres has 100km of marked pistes spread across the resort’s three sectors: the main Crêtes sector, the Bois sector with its tree-lined runs, and the high-altitude Chabrières summit area reaching 2,720m. The terrain breakdown is approximately 20% green, 35% blue, 35% red, and 10% black — well-balanced for a resort that serves a broad range of ability levels. The upper mountain around the Chabrières plateau is wide, open, and spectacular, with long red runs descending back to the resort. The Bois sector offers excellent sheltered tree skiing when weather conditions deteriorate at altitude.
The south-facing aspects of the lower mountain mean conditions can be variable in spring, but the altitude of the upper terrain reliably maintains quality snow cover from December through April. The resort has invested in snowmaking infrastructure that covers the principal return runs to the resort base, ensuring access from the top in all but the most extreme conditions.
Off-piste and freeriding
The open terrain above 2,400m around the Chabrières summit provides accessible off-piste for accomplished skiers. The Orres valley and the terrain around the Tête de Paneyron offer untracked powder in the days after a storm. The southern Alps generally receive lower snowfall totals than the northern Savoie, so off-piste opportunities are more conditions-dependent than at higher-snowfall northern resorts.
Ski schools and lessons
Les Orres has both the ESF (École du Ski Français) and independent ski school options. The schools have particular experience with children’s groups — the resort’s strong family market means children’s instruction is a core competency. Lessons for beginners and intermediates are consistently well-rated by visitors.
Lift passes
Lift pass prices at Les Orres are among the most competitive in the French Alps — day tickets around €35–45 and multi-day passes at proportionally good rates. This is 30–50% cheaper than comparable skiing in the major northern resorts. Family packages offer additional discounts and there are frequent early-booking promotions. The resort does not participate in large multi-resort pass networks, which helps keep prices stable and crowds manageable.
Where to stay
Les Orres accommodation is predominantly self-catering apartments — the legacy of French ski resort development that prioritised volume and affordability. A good range of apartment complexes sits close to the piste, many with genuine ski-in ski-out access. Hotel options are more limited but include the well-regarded Hôtel Baie des Anges. Village de Vacances (holiday village) formula accommodation is popular with French families. Embrun, 11km below, has additional hotel options in a charming medieval Provençal town setting. Booking through French tour operators often provides the best value for self-catering accommodation.
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Après-ski
Les Orres après-ski is unpretentious and convivial — French families and groups of friends sharing tartiflette and Savoyard fondue in comfortable mountain restaurants. The slope-side bars are lively without being raucous. Le Bistrôt des Cimes is a popular end-of-day spot. For a more substantial evening, Embrun’s medieval old town has excellent restaurants serving regional cuisine — including the local Sisteron lamb and cheeses. Lac de Serre-Ponçon below the resort is a popular summer destination and the surrounding landscape encourages walks and snowshoe excursions in winter.
Best time to visit
December and January for the freshest snow. The resort’s reliable sunshine means February and March are particularly popular — long days, blue skies, and a well-established snow base create conditions that justify the “Provence of the Alps” reputation. The spring skiing here, with Provençal light on Dolomite-like southern limestone peaks, is genuinely beautiful. April skiing is possible on the upper terrain in good years.
Les Orres ski tips
- Combine a Les Orres trip with a visit to Embrun’s medieval old town and Lac de Serre-Ponçon — one of the most beautiful lake settings in France
- The Chabrières summit at 2,720m gives views on clear days to Mont Blanc, the Ecrins, and the Italian Alps — worth the ascent even in marginal skiing conditions
- Visit Vars (30km away) for a different skiing style if conditions vary — both resorts share a similar southern Alps character
- Fly into Turin and take the Frejus Tunnel route for the most convenient international access
- Book lessons through the ski school directly rather than through UK tour operators for better value
Frequently asked questions
Where is Les Orres located?
In the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, above Embrun in the Durance valley. Summit altitude of 2,720m, with exceptional sunshine — the southern French Alps receive over 300 sunny days per year.
Is Les Orres good value?
Yes — one of the best-value resorts in the French Alps. Lift passes are 30–50% cheaper than the major Savoie resorts. Self-catering apartments dominate accommodation and are very competitively priced, especially for families.
How do I get to Les Orres?
Turin Airport is 2 hours via the Frejus Tunnel. Lyon is 3 hours. The nearest rail stations are Embrun and Gap, with transfers to the resort. Driving via the A51 and Durance valley is the most flexible approach.
Is Les Orres good for families?
Particularly popular with French families. Excellent value, sunny climate, good beginner terrain, well-regarded children’s ski school, and self-catering apartments make it an ideal affordable family destination.
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