The unique origin of the ski resort Orcieres-Merlette
Unlike older European resorts that evolved naturally from wealthy mountaineering hubs, Orcières was a purpose-built project engineered by locals to create regional jobs.
Before the modern high-altitude resort existed, local merchants installed a rudimentary, standalone ski lift down in the valley in 1952. This proved there was a local appetite for winter sports, though the infrastructure was far too low to support a true resort.
Ricou rallied a group of determined local volunteers to back a massive development project.
In January 1962, the first official ski lift at the 1,850-meter mark was inaugurated, establishing the resort base.
Ricou famously stated that his goal was to "cultivate the snowfields" to rescue his village from economic collapse.
Just two years after opening, the resort received a massive financial and structural boost from the French government's 1964 Plan Neige (Snow Plan). This state-sponsored initiative was designed to build purpose-built, high-altitude ski infrastructure across France. The funding allowed Orcières-Merlette to rapidly construct its first major apartment blocks—such as the landmark Le Chamois building in 1963—and establish true "ski-in, ski-out" accommodations.
From its very inception, the resort chose a unique niche: catering specifically to children and families. In 1967, Orcières-Merlette became the first resort in France to develop a Jardin des Neiges (Snow Garden), a dedicated, enclosed ski learning area for young toddlers. Shortly after, they introduced the innovative Cartable à la Neige (Schoolbag in the Snow) program, allowing French children to take half-day school lessons and half-day ski lessons so families could visit outside of standard holiday weeks.
On the significance of Orciéres-Merlette in the history of Tour de France:
