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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 - it can also be accessed from the top of the
cable car but involves a bit of walking at 3550m.
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 €30 per day
(€84 for 3 days) 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. Open
until early May.
Click here for a virtual visit of the freeride ski
area
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.
Snowlegend ski guides prices 2007
(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)
http://www.snowlegend.com/eng/index.html
Derby de la Meije
The 20th edition of this mad race is held on 2-4
April. 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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Click to enlarge map
