Search Ultimate-ski.com
eg. La Clusaz, Getting to St Anton

La Grave Ski Area

© 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.



 

La Grave

Base4,593 ft (1,400 m)
Summit11,647 ft (3,550 m)
Elevation7,054 ft (2,150 m)
Snowmaking
Ski area
Beginner0 %
Intermediate0 %
Advanced0 %
Number of trails0
Longest trail6 mi (9 km)
Snowfall0 inch (0 cm)
Season startmid Dec
Season endearly May

Navigation

Resort shortcuts

Choose by country

Resorts A to Z

Snow Reports & Weather

Snow Reports

Weather Forecasts

Free Newsletter

REGISTER now to receive our free newsletter with details of special offers from our travel partners.
First Name:

Surname:

Email:

Search Ultimate-ski.com
eg. La Clusaz, Getting to St Anton