Orelle ski resort guide & reviews Apres-ski, ski area, things to see & do in Orelle
Resort reviews
Orelle is a stunningly beautiful alpine resort in the Maurienne Valley and is one of several world class ski resorts within the famous 3 Vallées that includes Courchevel, Meribel and the up and coming resorts of La Tania and St. Martin de Belleville.
Orelleis surround by numerous peaks over 3000m with the the highest ski-able ones being Pointe du Bouchet (3220m) and Cime de Caron (3200m) accessed by one of the biggest cable cars in the world.
Many of Orelle's and the connecting Val Thoren's slopes are north and north-west facing which means the snow lasts longer but the pistes are not often sunny.
However, the resort itself faces south, and many people enjoy sitting in the sunshine at one of the terraced bars when they have finished skiing.
Après-ski
Orelle wont set your world on fire if you are looking for a vibrant party scene with loud packed bars. In fact, there are only a couple of bars and restaurants to choose from and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
Spa & wellbeing
There is a Wellness centre in the Cela-Orelle Residence with swimming pool, Turkish bath, jaccuzi, sauna and a range of massage treatments.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 880m |
| Top lift | 3200m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 600 |
| Longest run | 8 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 118 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 9 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✔ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed & fun |
Orelle ski area guide
Orelle has direct access in to Val Thorens which opens up 600km of connected pistes through Les 3 Vallees. Most of the skiing here is above 2000m and its ultra-modern snowmaking network (with over 2000 snow cannons spread across Les 3 Vallées), means Orelle can virtually guarantee great snow conditions – from December until April! There is not much skiing in Orelle itself but a 15 minute ride on the 3 Valleys express gondola gets you to the Orelle - Val Thorens ski area with 150km on your doorstep.
Beginners
Orelle has some gentle slopes for beginners before advancing on to the many blues.
For children under 5 years old, ski passes are free in Orelle and Val Thorens. Orelle also operates a kindergarten that takes children from 3 months to 6 years old.
Intermediate
One of the best places in the alps for intermediate skiers with stacks of long cruising blues and reds.
Advanced
Superb off-piste, long steep decents at high altitude make Orelle-Val Thorens a challenge for even the top skiers and boarders.
The best off-piste is around the Face Ouest (access from Peclet) and the Lac du Lou valley and its highly advisable to take a guide.
Snow boarding
Val Thorens is 1 lift away and has one of the best terrain parks in the Alps with 5 zones designed to cater for all levels plus there is the giant air bag to get you started on jumps!
Mychaletfinder view
Not as well known as it's more illustrious neighbours but Orelle gives easy access to the same superb pistes of Les 3 Vallees and is a fantastic family friendly resort.
Apart from skiing, there are many other activities to try such as snowshoeing, snowmibile and paragliding.
Similar resorts to Orelle are Les Carroz in the Grand Massif and Canazei in the Italian Dolomites.
