Freeriding in La Grave La Meije, France

A Small Ski Resort with a Big Reputation for Expert Skiers

Aug 24, 2009 Lisa Auer

With 2,150 meters (7,054 feet) of vertical drop, no marked trails and wild off-piste ski routes, La Grave is arguably the best big-mountain skiing destination in Europe.

Fantastic lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding in La Grave in the Haute-Alps department of France is available to experienced backcountry enthusiasts.

Apart from two groomed trails at the top of the Glacier de la Girose accessed by t-bars; La Grave-La Meije as the resort is known, is unpatrolled and exclusively off-piste. Without thorough travel and route finding skills in big mountain, glaciated terrain, the services of a mountain guide are strongly advised.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding in La Grave

There are two main ski runs from the top of the lift-system: the Chancel and the Vallon de la Meije. For those who enjoy the challenge of steep rope-accessed couloirs, steep and deep tree skiing and broad gullies, La Grave is the place to visit. There are plenty of extreme skiing routes for riders seeking to test their mettle.

There's no park or pipes for boarders, just a dream world of unlimited natural hits for those already technically proficient off the beaten trails.

Most of the skiing is on the northern slopes of a deep mountainous valley at the foot of the mighty La Meije, the highest peak in the Massif at 3,983 meters (13,000 feet). As a result La Grave sees little sun in the early part of the winter, preserving for powder-hounds the desirable condition of cold winter snow.

Gentle slopes for beginners can be found at Le Chazelet, a small village facing the La Grave ski field affording spectacular views of La Meije and neighboring peaks.

La Grave — Les Deux Alpes Connexion

La Grave is linked to the sunny, west-facing slopes of Les Deux Alpes. This family-friendly resort is a complete contrast to the wild terrain of La Grave. Walking from La Grave to 2-Alpes takes 15 to 30 minutes over the Dôme de la Lauze at an altitude of 3,500 m (over 11,000 feet). Be sure to check that the weather-dependent link between resorts is open before departure. Lift passes covering skiing at both ski areas are available.

With what’s known as a Grand Galaxie Ski Pass, a total of 256 ski runs can be skied and snowboarded at the resorts of La Grave, Les Deux Alpes, Briançon, Puy Saint Vincent and Serre Chevalier.

La Grave Accommodation and Restaurants

Blink and miss the traditional alpine village of La Grave at the head of the Romanche River valley, on the border of the Park National des Ecrins. There are no grand hotel chains just a cluster of stone buildings many dating back to the 12th century. The three-staged gondola system starts its upward course from virtually the village center.

Accommodation options range from a number of Gites (youth hostels), to 2 and 3-star hotels and apartments including the Hotel des Alpes Skiers Lodge. For an authentic taste of mountain living seek out lodging in the high-perched medieval villages of Ventelon and Les Terraces. These quaint traditional alpine villages require vehicle access and intrepid snow-driving skills.

There are a dozen or more restaurants and pizza-houses. The cream of these is the high quality and reasonably priced Le Vieux Guide (€22 / $32 for a 3-course menu at 2009 prices). A handful of stores sell basic amenities, ski clothing and equipment though for stocking up on supplies it's worth visiting the larger town of Briançon.

La Grave is not particularly famous for its Après Ski. The Castillan Hotel however, with great views of the slopes, catching late-afternoon sun from the terrace in spring; is a popular location for an après-ski drink while watching skiers descend their last run of the day. For after dinner socializing and regular live entertainment check out The Pub.

How to Get to La Grave

La Grave is situated in the heart of the Ecrins Massif on the route from Grenoble (the closest airport 80 kms / 50 miles away) to Briançon, before the Col du Lautaret.

Driving route from the north: Take the auto-route A48 until Grenoble, then follow the RN 91 in the direction of Bourg-d'Oisans and the Col du Lautaret.

Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Grave is in many ways unspoilt by mass tourism. In terms of challenging skiing and gaining a taste of authentic, alpine village life; it is far removed from the spirit of an average ski resort. If you are seeking a snow adventure, La Grave La Meije may offer the skiing experience of a lifetime.

More articles in this adventure skiing series include: Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route and Sailing and Skiing the Lyngen Alps of Norway.

The copyright of the article Freeriding in La Grave La Meije, France in Winter Sports is owned by Lisa Auer. Permission to republish Freeriding in La Grave La Meije, France in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Steep Couloir Skiing From La Grave La Meije