Les Prés d'Orvin
Intro
Les Prés-d'Orvin is located in a natural setting on the first southern foothills of the Jura chain, bordered by the Chasseral range to the north and Mont-Sujet to the west. In winter, skiers and snowboarders will find slopes at an altitude of 1300 metres, just 15 minutes from Biel.
In Les Prés-d'Orvin, in winter as in summer, you will discover the typical landscapes of the Bernese Jura and the magnificent views of Lake Neuchâtel, the Alps, the Jura and the Black Forest. Throughout the seasons, Les Prés-d'Orvin transforms itself to welcome hikers, cyclists, skiers, cross-country skiers and other sportsmen and lovers of natural landscapes. In spring, Prés-d'Orvin is adorned with the yellow of daffodils. In the warm season, beautiful hiking and mountain-biking trails are laid out in the heart of the Chasseral massif and amidst the forests and wooded pastures typical of the Bernese Jura. Finally, in winter, up to 45 kilometres of cross-country ski runs and winter hiking trails as well as two ski lifts welcome visitors.
Winter
Depending on the snow and weather, up to 45 kilometres of trails are prepared for cross-country skiing in both classic and skating styles, with the trails usually running parallel. The ski area stretches along the northern slopes of Mont-Sujet between 1030 and 1230 metres above sea level. Two ski lifts lead up to the various blue and red runs and three baby lifts are available for beginners in this ski area. In total, about five kilometres of slopes are marked and the area even offers a toboggan run. It is possible to rent equipment and book ski and snowboard lessons. Two snack bars on the slopes and the restaurant Le Grillon cater for the physical well-being.
Summer
In summer, the hiking and mountain biking trails of Les Prés-d'Orvin offer the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature, history and traditions of the Chasseral. First, nature with wooded pastures, which correspond to a traditional form of mixed use of pasture and forest. Numerous species benefit from this mosaic of herbaceous and wooded habitats. Then, history, with the dry-stone walls built by our ancestors and recently restored. Finally, the traditions with the various dairy farms (Prêles, Bison Ranch, Bois Raiguel, Pierrefeu, Milieu de Bienne, Petite Douanne, Gléresse, Jobert...), some of which still produce Gruyère d'Alpage AOC.
