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Larche – Val d’Oronaye

Overview

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Located on the Italian border, the Val d’Oronaye-Larche Nordic area offers an exceptional setting for cross-country skiing and nature hiking enthusiasts. Stretching between 1,700 and 2,000 metres altitude, this site offers 40km of trails dedicated to classic and skating techniques, winding through the heart of the Mercantour National Park. The trails cross varied landscapes, from larch forests to snowy valleys, offering an immersive experience in a preserved environment.

Larche – Val d’Oronaye

📏 Altitude: 1700 m
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 18 km
🌟 Resort style: Snow stadium
💰 From 15 €/day (2025-2026)

Overview of Larche – Val d’Oronaye

The village of Larche — the central point of the ski area — seduces with its authenticity and mountain heritage. Visitors can discover traditional stone-and-timber buildings, testament to local history. Nearby, the Ubaye and Lauzanier valleys offer breath-taking panoramas, reinforcing the picturesque charm of the region.

Our review — Larche – Val d’Oronaye

★★☆☆☆ 2.5/5

Ski area — key figures — Larche – Val d’Oronaye

  • 🌟 Snow stadium (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
  • 📏 1700 m Village altitude (2000 m Top altitude)

Get directions to Larche – Val d’Oronaye

When to visit

Larche – Val d’Oronaye in summer

In summer, Val d’Oronaye-Larche is an ideal playground for walkers — it even lies on the GR5, crossing the French Alps. Marked trails allow you to explore remarkable sites such as the Lauzanier valley, offering unbeatable views over the surrounding summits. Flora and fauna enthusiasts will appreciate the ecological richness of the Mercantour National Park, where marmots, chamois and diverse alpine plants can be observed.

🎯 Things to do in summer:

✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking

Larche – Val d’Oronaye in winter

During winter, the ski area offers varied activities alongside cross-country skiing. Snowshoe enthusiasts can follow dedicated routes to discover the mountains from a different perspective. A biathlon stadium is also available for initiation and training sessions. Families appreciate the 3 km toboggan piste linking the hamlet of Saint-Ours to the village of Meyronnes, providing fun moments for young and old alike.

🎯 Things to do in winter:

✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Snowshoeing

Skiing

Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Larche – Val d’Oronaye: Larche – Val d’Oronaye (nordique).

Larche – Val d’Oronaye

Cross-country ski area — Larche – Val d’Oronaye

⛰️ Altitudes: 1700 m – 2000 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 18 km
💰 Day pass: 15 €

Located in the upper Ubaye valley, the Val d’Oronaye-Larche Nordic ski area is renowned for its Grand Nord atmosphere at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park. Ranging mainly from 1,680 to 1,980 metres altitude, the ski area benefits from a north-facing aspect ensuring quality snow throughout the season. The ski area offers 40 kilometres of trails (up to 43 km according to some sources) groomed for both classic and skating technique. The 6 marked trails (2 green, 2 blue and 2 red) offer great diversity of routes, from initiation to more technical loops. The Oronaye route — a 10 km red trail — is considered a must-do. In addition to cross-country skiing, 3 marked snowshoe routes totalling 10 kilometres allow you to enjoy the calm of nature. The main welcome point is in the village of Larche (1,700 m), where the Nordic ski lodge offers pass sales, equipment hire (skis, snowshoes, sledges) and a warm room. Initiation sessions with the ski school are also available.

Our full guide to Larche – Val d’Oronaye

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Ski pass prices — Larche – Val d’Oronaye

Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Larche – Val d’Oronaye.

Ski area Day pass 6-day pass Season pass Season (prices)
Larche – Val d’Oronaye (nordique skiing) 15 € 64 € 109 € 2025-2026

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Where to stay

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