Content

© copyright B. Boone, P. Tournaire, D. Grillet, D. Le Guen / OT La Grave - La Meije

La Grave's vast snowfields, huge glaciers, giant seracs and moraine fields, and menacing couloirs can bring true exhilaration - and its less welcome companion, danger.

La Grave, with its vast snowfields, huge glaciers, giant seracs and moraine fields, and menacing couloirs, is capable of providing skiers and boarders with a magnificent experience – providing they give it the utmost respect. “You need a good dose of humility and responsibility” to ski here, according to the resort. Crevasses and avalanches are always a threat, and it makes excellent sense to hire a guide. Some itineraries, particularly in reaching some of the more technical couloirs, may require the use of climbing equipment. As Francis Ginet and Fabrice Villaret, authors of a booklet describing the off-piste possibilities in the region, stress: “The quality of the snow may make certain usually very safe slopes dangerous for several days. A slope that was good and safe yesterday won’t necessarily be so tomorrow.” And readers are reminded: “skiing in the wilds should never be confused with wild skiing.” Although there is no ski patrol as such, there is a patrouilleur stationed in a wooden hut near the gondola station who will give you advice about the mountain and current conditions.

La Meije
La Meije was the last major peak in the Alps to be conquered by climbers – in 1887. Although there are no groomed runs, the two main descent routes, Chancel and the steeper Vallons de la Meije, are skied so often that they might as well be pisted, and if there is anywhere on the mountain that interemediates can cope with, it’s here. The same goes for the steeper Pylônes run, which, unsurprisingly, follows the route of the pylons. But once you stray from these routes, you need to know exactly what you’re doing and where you’re going: it’s the enormous wealth of skiing in addition to these descents that can bring true exhilaration - and its less welcome companion, danger.

Reaching the slopes
There are two ways to reach the slopes: directly, by taking the two-stage, five-cabin téléphérique to the Col des Ruillans from La Grave itself, or by making a 20 minute hike on skis across from the neighbouring traditional ski area of Les Deux Alpes. Apart from this easy linked section, at the very top on the Glacier de la Girose, with two T-bars, the slopes provide a relentlessly challenging descent from top to bottom. It’s no place for beginners, but the nearby village of Le Chazelet has some good beginner slopes, and Serre Chevalier is just a half-hour’s drive away.

Boxes leftside

Navigation

• France
  • La Grave
    • On the mountain
    • Ski area
    • Lift system
    • Ski schools & guiding
    • Advanced
    • Intermediate
    • Beginner
    • Boarding & freestyle
    • Mountain restaurants
    • Off the mountain
    • Village
    • Accommodation
    • Après-ski
    • Restaurants & bars
    • Other information
    • Getting there
  • Haute Savoie
  • Avoriaz
  • Chamonix
  • La Clusaz
  • Les Gets
  • Megève
  • Morzine
  • Portes du Soleil
  • St Gervais
  • Hautes Alpes
  • Isere
  • Alpe d Huez
  • Les Deux Alpes
  • Savoie
  • La Plagne
  • Les Arcs
  • Tignes
  • Val d Isere
  • Trois Vallees
  • Courchevel
  • Meribel
  • Val Thorens
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Andorra
• Italy
• Germany
• United States
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Argentina

Quick access

Advertise your business on Ultimate-Ski.com

Promote your business on Ultimate-Ski.com in a full page advertisement and reach our targeted audience of skiers and snowboarders.