Orcières-Merlette Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Orcières-Merlette
This is the Snow Forecast for Orcières-Merlette, France for 17 days from 16 December.
Updated 16 December 2025 16:30 UTC.
Forecast times for Orcières-Merlette are in Central European Time (Europe/Paris).
For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Orcières-Merlette.
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Orcières-Merlette Snow Forecast Highlights
When will there be fresh snow in Orcières-Merlette?
| Next Snow Expected | 16 December |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 2cm 1in |
| Next 48 Hours | 2cm 1in |
| Next 7 Days | 33cm 13in |
| Save on Ski Hire | |
| Find a Ski Instructor |
Forecast for today in Orcières-Merlette
Max 3℃ 37°F
Min 1℃ 33°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 1℃ 33°F to daytime highs around 3℃ 37°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall
Snow Line
Tue
16
1cm to 2cm up to 1in New Snow
Rain showers early, then cloudy later.
Snow Line from 1,869m 6,132ft to resort level.
Orcières-Merlette has 2cm 1in new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Orcières-Merlette Snow Report
| Upper Snow Depths | 70cm 28in |
|---|---|
| Lower Snow Depths | 50cm 20in |
| Snow Conditions | - |
| Save on Ski Hire | |
| Pistes Open | 29 Pistes (55%) |
Ski area reported to be open, with 29 runs available.
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Orcières-Merlette 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
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| Tue 16 | Wed 17 | Thu 18 | Fri 19 | Sat 20 | Sun 21 | Mon 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | NE F4 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SE F2 | E F3 | ||
| 2,730m 8,957ft | -3℃ 26°F
 +2cm +1in
| -4℃ 26°F
| -2℃ 29°F
 | -1℃ 30°F
 +8cm +3in
| -2℃ 29°F
+9cm +3in
| -2℃ 29°F
 +22cm +9in
| 0℃ 32°F
+1cm +1in
|
| NE F4 | SE F2 | E F3 | |||||
| 2,290m 7,513ft | 0℃ 32°F
+2cm +1in
| -1℃ 31°F
| 1℃ 33°F
| 1℃ 33°F
+6cm +2in
| 0℃ 33°F
+6cm +2in
| 1℃ 34°F
+18cm +7in
| 3℃ 38°F
 |
| NE F2 | E F3 | ||||||
| 1,850m 6,070ft | 3℃ 37°F
+1cm
| 3℃ 38°F
| 5℃ 40°F
| 1℃ 34°F
 | 1℃ 34°F
| 4℃ 39°F
+6cm +2in
| 6℃ 43°F
|
| Snow Line | varying 1,869m 6,132ft | varying 2,129m 6,985ft | varying 2,149m 7,051ft | varying 1,949m 6,394ft | 1,850m 6,070ft | ||
| Max Town | 3℃ 37°F | 3℃ 38°F | 5℃ 40°F | 1℃ 34°F | 1℃ 34°F | 4℃ 39°F | 6℃ 43°F |
| Min Town | 1℃ 33°F | -1℃ 30°F | -1℃ 29°F | -1℃ 30°F | 0℃ 32°F | -1℃ 30°F | 4℃ 39°F |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Snow Forecast near Orcières-Merlette
| Ski Area | 48 Hr | 7 Day | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Joue du Loup | 4cm 2in | 44cm 18in | |||||||
| Puy Saint Vincent | 1cm - | 38cm 15in | |||||||
| Les Deux Alpes | 4cm 1in | 30cm 12in | |||||||
| Les Orres | 1cm - | 18cm 7in | |||||||
| Serre Chevalier | - | 17cm 7in | |||||||
| Risoul | - | 16cm 6in | |||||||
| Vars | 1cm - | 16cm 6in |
Snow Reliability
Orcières-Merlette boasts reliable snow conditions, with an average snow depth of around 2 meters during peak season. Snowfall typically occurs throughout the winter, with minimal snowmelt, so be sure to check the latest updates on J2Ski.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Orcières-Merlette
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Orcières-Merlette, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Orcières-Merlette, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Orcières-Merlette is uncontrolled and un-marked slopes are not made safe (from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, know the Avalanche Risk Level, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Orcières-Merlette will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Orcières-Merlette for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.