LA GRAVE
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Dominated by the monumental La Meije mountain peak the resort of La Grave La Meije, FRANCE has some of the world’s most formidable off piste terrain.
La Grave Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Extreme skiers and snowboarders flock to La Grave - La Meije for extreme off piste skiing and snowboarding.
The natural untouched and exceptionally steep terrain offers some of the largest lift accessed off piste skiing and snowboarding in the world. Some pistes stretch over nine kilometres in length with a vertical drop of 2,150 meters.
Suitable only for advanced skiers and snowboarders expect to find glaciers, open powder fields, steep chutes and cliffs and forests on the lower mountain areas.
From the top of the summit it is possible to access the resort of Les Deux Alpes. . For more information on Les Deux Alpes click here
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding at La Grave
The La Meije Glaciers Aerial Tramway transports energized skiers and snowboarders over steep glacier terrain to Ruillians Pass at 3,200 meters. From there a drag lift takes you to the summit at a height of 3,551 meters.
Only very advanced skiers and snowboarders should attempt the challenging trip back down from the summit. There are two marked pistes over nine kilometres in length leading back down to the village as well as your choice of endless off piste powder fields, tight narrow chutes and hair raising cliff drops.
It is highly recommended to hire a guide if you are looking to explore off piste. Carrying a shovel, avalanche receiver and probe is essential.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding at La Grave
La Grave – La Meije has two groomed areas suitable for intermediate skiing and snowboarding; the high altitude area of Col du Lautaret and the lower area of Le Chazelet.
The Col du Lautaret area has two chairlifts with one groomed intermediate trail.
The Plateau d’Emparis Chairlift at Le Chazelet gives access to fast challenging groomed terrain while the upper left hand side of the De Plagnes Chairlift terrain is quite steep and occasionally mogul covered.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding at La Grave
La Grave – La Meije does not really cater for beginners. The most suitable terrain for beginners is the lower and easily accessible area of Le Chazelet.
At Le Chazelet the small Poussins drag lift above the car park services the beginner children’s area. The Des Balmettes Chairlift next to the drag lift accesses longer gentle terrain.
Once beginner confidence grows catch the Du Signal Chairlift to the top for a long winding run back down to the base area.
The La Grave – La Meije Ski and Snowboard School offers group, private and day long lessons with professional bilingual instructors. Off piste guides and powder lessons are also readily available.
Other Activities at La Grave
For an extreme once in a lifetime adventure try ice diving under the glaciers at La Grave – La Meije. A small hole is cut through the ice on Lake Besson enabling divers to submerge into the deep cold water underneath and explore underwater crevices.
Other outdoor activities include ice climbing, snowshoeing, paragliding and cross country skiing.
Shopping at La Grave - La Meije
The small main street of La Grave – La Meije Village is lined with ski and snowboard shops stocked with the latest equipment and rental gear, mountaineering and hiking shops, gift and souvenir stores and a well stocked grocery market.
La Grave Restaurants
The restaurants in La Grave – La Meije Village serve mainly French and Italian cuisine.
The popular Les Vallons Pizzeria serves pizzas, sandwiches and beers until midnight every night.
The L’Edelweiss Hotel restaurant serves four course gourmet French meals and cheese fondues and raclette. The restaurant has a cellar full of excellent French wines.
For a quick snack and drink go to the internet Café Des Glaciers.
La Grave Nightlife
The nightlife at La Grave – La Meije is not huge with most people so exhausted from extreme skiing and snowboarding all day they are in bed by 10pm!
The Pub Le Bois Des Fees in the main street attracts the largest crowds with occasional DJs and live band performances throughout the winter season.
The bar at L’Edelweiss Hotel is a popular place for a nightcap with a wide variety of beers and single malt scotches.
More About La Grave
Your La Grave Ski & Snowboard Resort Reviews
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Elevation |
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Average Snowfall |
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| 200 inches | |||||||||
Lifts |
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| 14 | |||||||||
Trails - view
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Terrain % |
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Halfpipe |
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| no | |||||||||
Terrain Park |
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no |
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Resort Website |
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