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A limited number of packed-down runs and ski lifts
make way for a superb free ride area and a 2150m
drop. The small resort of Le Chazelet nearby is good
for beginners and easily accessed by free shuttle.
Serre-Chevalier,
well known to serious boarders, is only 25 minutes
drive away as is Les 2 Alpes, with its massive ski
area.
2 Alpes
can also be accessed from the top of the cable car
but involves a bit of walking at 3550m.
La Grave was the last great peak to be conquered.
What Snowlegends say about La Grave:
“In a remote corner of the Hautes Alpes; Oisans
is the largest mountain group in the Alps. At 3986
meters, La Meije may not be the highest peak, but it
does have one of the longest vertical drops in the
world (2150 meters; 7100 feet). Two lifts take you up
to an altitude of 3650 meters. From there, the number
of possible descents makes La Grave probably largest
untamed, off-piste site in Europe. The combination of
North and Northeast facing slopes and high altitude
means that snow conditions are often deep powder and
are excellent from Christmas to May”.
Season Opening
La Grave ski area is open 20th December 2008 –
3rd May 2009
Derby de la Meije
The 20th edition of this mad race is held on 2-4
April. The first ones down (usually over 1000 riders)
share the €10,000 prize money.
Click here for more information.
La Grave – La Meije is one of the world’s
most famous off-piste areas
There are no ski patrols, ski schools, grooming,
marked trails or avalanche control. Just a 3-stage
gondola and more terrain than 4-5 Jackson Holes.
The minimum required level is for skiers to be able
to ski everywhere on pistes and to be comfortable on
red slopes. For snowboarders a minimum of 5 seasons
is recommended.
Within ½ hour drive are also the resorts of
Serre-Chevalier, le Chazelet, les 2 Alpes, Alpe
d’Huez.
Lift passes
La Grave-La Meije gondola cost €35 per day for
adults (child reductions) and can be pre-booked from
the reception at Les Chalets de la Meije.
It is possible to join-up the domain of les 2
Alpes from the top point but it involves a small
walk.
Ski Guides
There are a number of ski guide organisations such as
the Bureau des Guides but we recommend Snowlegend,
which we can pre-book through the hotel. Since 1993,
Snowlegend has been offering snowboard, ski and
telemark classes in La Meije-La Grave.
Snowlegend ski guides prices 2008
(Minimum age: 18 - minimum required level is for
skiers to be able to:
Ski everywhere on pistes and to be comfortable
on red slopes.
For snowboarders a minimum of 5 seasons is
recommended)
(Guide prices)
1 Day €80 pp
2 Days €160 pp
3 Days €240 pp
4 Days €320 pp
5 Days €400 pp
Reduction of 5€ per day for riders with beepers,
shovel & probe
Private
group / day:
300
€ 4 riders
325
€ 5 riders
360
€ 6 riders
Lift pass cost not included – add €31/day
Price includes:
Snowlegend guiding (groups of 3 to 6 persons)
+ loan of ARVA (kit to locate victim in avalanches +
training)
+ loan of helmet (it's better to have)
+ loan of security bag (25 litres, back protection,
shovel, probe)
+ loan of Petzl harness
+ Rossignol Test Center (loan of ski, ski boots,
snowboard, backcountry gear)
+ Flow Test Center (loan bindings, snowboard, boots)
PAYABLE LOCALLY IN RESORT, NOT PRE-BOOKABLE
http://www.snowlegend.com/eng/index.html
Derby de la Meije
The 20th edition of this mad race is held on 2-4
April 2008. The Derby de la Meije is the only event
to unite so many people for 3 days of riding and
partying. It is also a music festival around a
meeting of riders from all over the world.
The Goal is simple: Start at 3560m and reach the
finishing line at 1800m as fast as possible on skis,
monoskis, telemarks, snowboards, or anything else
that can slide.
There is normally €10 000 of prize money to
share between the winners but with usually around
1000 riders from all over the world you may need a
bit of practice. Time to beat on the 9km long course
and its 2150m vertical drop is something under 6
minutes!!
www.derbydelameije.com
Mountain restaurants
There are two mountain restaurants, Les Vallons at
2400m and Les Ruillans at 3200m. The mountain refuge
Evariste Chancel is about 1 hour walk from the 2400m
stop.
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