On Sunday the 18th of August, the tiny French ski resort of Orelle, which is part of the famous Three Valleys ski area, the largest in the world, will open its gondola lift all day from 9am to 5pm. What’s so special about that I hear you ask! Well, the particularity of Orelle’s 3 Vallées Express gondola is that it is not only the longest in Europe, but it takes you up to 2300 meters of altitude in just 15 minutes! I can tell you from experience, that climbing 1500 meters in such a short time, makes your head spin a little! For the first time, this lift will be opened for a special new event - read on to find out more
Each summer since 2009, the Tourist Office of Orelle, in partnership with la Société des Téléphériques d’Orelle, has opened its 3 Vallées Express gondola exceptionally for one day in the summer, to the delight of everyone from local people to international tourists. For some, it is an opportunity to discover the outstanding summer landscapes and high mountains on foot or by bicycle, starting directly from an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. For others, this is an opportunity to try out mountain-boarding which is a mix between skate boarding and snowboarding. For those looking for a real adrenalin rush, there is also the possibility of mountain biking down a 1500-meter altitude drop on the trail between Plan Bouchet and Francoz. All of this takes place in a festive atmosphere with the possibility of enjoying a good meal on the terrace of Chalet Chinal Donat restaurant!
The 3 Vallées Express gondola will open from 9am to 5pm and will be accessible to hikers from 9am and mountain bikers from 11.30am. The Chalet Chinal Donat restaurant will be open for meals and animations. A one-day lift pass: €15 per adult and €7 per child (under 12 years old).
This is what the professionals call a really steep climb! For the very first time, the Tourist Office of Orelle has decided to organise a hiking race covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometers and climbing an impressive 1500 meters of altitude between Francoz and Plan Bouchet. The trail takes you up through the traditional village, past its beautiful waterfalls and other scenic surroundings, allowing you to discover Orelle and its hidden charms. Participants depart from the bottom of the 3 Vallées Express cable car at 890 meters and hike up to Plan Bouchet at 2360 meters of altitude where they will be greeted by the many supporters! Awards will be presented at 1pm.
If you reserve your place now, the cost is €20. After the 10th of August, the entry price goes up to €25. This price includes a welcome pack, refreshments during the climb, a meal after the race and, of course, descent by cable car at the end of the event. For more information and registration visit the official website or contact the Tourist Office by telephone: 00 33 (0)4 79 56 87 22 or by email: [email protected] You can find out more in my articles about Orelle and Accommodation in Orelle both written after a wonderful weekend spent in Orelle last season.
On Sunday the 18th of August, the tiny French ski resort of Orelle, which is part of the famous Three Valleys ski area, the largest in the world, will open its gondola lift all day from 9am to 5pm. What’s so special about that I hear you ask! Well, the particularity of Orelle’s 3 Vallées Express gondola is that it is not only the longest in Europe, but it takes you up to 2300 meters of altitude in just 15 minutes! I can tell you from experience, that climbing 1500 meters in such a short time, makes your head spin a little! For the first time, this lift will be opened for a special new event - read on to find out more
Each summer since 2009, the Tourist Office of Orelle, in partnership with la Société des Téléphériques d’Orelle, has opened its 3 Vallées Express gondola exceptionally for one day in the summer, to the delight of everyone from local people to international tourists. For some, it is an opportunity to discover the outstanding summer landscapes and high mountains on foot or by bicycle, starting directly from an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. For others, this is an opportunity to try out mountain-boarding which is a mix between skate boarding and snowboarding. For those looking for a real adrenalin rush, there is also the possibility of mountain biking down a 1500-meter altitude drop on the trail between Plan Bouchet and Francoz. All of this takes place in a festive atmosphere with the possibility of enjoying a good meal on the terrace of Chalet Chinal Donat restaurant!
The 3 Vallées Express gondola will open from 9am to 5pm and will be accessible to hikers from 9am and mountain bikers from 11.30am. The Chalet Chinal Donat restaurant will be open for meals and animations. A one-day lift pass: €15 per adult and €7 per child (under 12 years old).
This is what the professionals call a really steep climb! For the very first time, the Tourist Office of Orelle has decided to organise a hiking race covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometers and climbing an impressive 1500 meters of altitude between Francoz and Plan Bouchet. The trail takes you up through the traditional village, past its beautiful waterfalls and other scenic surroundings, allowing you to discover Orelle and its hidden charms. Participants depart from the bottom of the 3 Vallées Express cable car at 890 meters and hike up to Plan Bouchet at 2360 meters of altitude where they will be greeted by the many supporters! Awards will be presented at 1pm.
If you reserve your place now, the cost is €20. After the 10th of August, the entry price goes up to €25. This price includes a welcome pack, refreshments during the climb, a meal after the race and, of course, descent by cable car at the end of the event. For more information and registration visit the official website or contact the Tourist Office by telephone: 00 33 (0)4 79 56 87 22 or by email: [email protected] You can find out more in my articles about Orelle and Accommodation in Orelle both written after a wonderful weekend spent in Orelle last season.
Being lucky enough to have parents who were crazy about skiing, my love for the mountains started when I was 4 years old on our first family ski holiday to Austrian ski resort of Obergurl. One ski holiday a year was never enough and tears rolled down my face as I looked out the back window of the car on the drive down the valley on the way home!
