The idea
Orelle is a village in the Maurienne valley, 20 km downstream from Modane. From there, the Orelle – Plan Bouchet gondola and then the Orelle – Caron gondola lift you to the Cime Caron (3,200 m), the summit of Val Thorens, in about twenty minutes from the valley floor. You ski in the 3 Valleys (Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel, Courchevel) with the Orelle pass or the 3 Valleys pass.
In winter
- The Orelle pass alone gives access to the Orelle sector (north-facing pistes, cold snow) and to Val Thorens depending on the formula; the 3 Valleys pass opens up the area’s advertised 600 km of pistes.
- Ideal for a “big ski area” day from Valfréjus, without changing valley by car.
- Allow a full day: set off early, with the last lifts around 4.30 pm late in the season (check the times).
In summer
The gondolas open on certain weeks in July and August: ride up to the panorama from the Cime Caron at 3,200 m, one of the few lifts in the Alps to reach such an altitude, walks from Plan Bouchet, and downhill mountain biking.
Practical information
- By road: about 25 minutes via Modane and the A43 or the D1006 to Orelle; a large free car park at the foot of the gondola.
- Pass prices and opening dates: official websites below.