The Alps – La Grave the iconic freeride spot
Come and experience the myth of La Grave with us. From the terrace of our wonderful Hotel Auberge Edelweiss, the eye can’t help but be cast skywards, straight up to La Meije and the iconic, steep freeride terrain that every skier must have seen once in their life.
Price: 1890 EUR
Trip Information and Itinerary
The rocky pinnacle of La Meje rises steeply into the sky, with couloirs and gullies stretching towards the valley. How are you supposed to ski up there? In fact, we can take the train and lift up to the Col de la Lauze, over 3500m above sea level. From here down to the village it is 2150m of iconic freeride terrain. We step into the bindings, take a look at the wild peaks and steep glaciers around us, and then ski down our first run. We start with big turns over wide open slopes, take a quick breath, now it gets narrower and we enter one of the gullies typical of La Grave. A short time later it spits us out in a hidden alp lined with larch trees. Looking up again – it’s unbelievable to be out and about here with skis! Another open slope and we swing down to the stream below the village. Now a beer in the afternoon sun...
Variety is provided, even on days when the avalanche situation does not allow the steep descents in La Grave. Les Deux Alpes and Alpes d'Huez are nearby and are definitely worth a trip. To the east we find magnificent terrain in Monetiers les Bains, and sometimes we also visit Montgenevre via Briancon - we find the best snow in the most beautiful places.
Our Hotel
The Hotel Auberge Edelweiss in La Grave has not only been our base for many years. Passionate freeriders from all over the world meet here and chat about the conditions at the bar in the evening. Most bedrooms offer a magnificent view of the north side of La Meije, La Grave's landmark.
Our hosts Marlon and Rob are self-confessed wine connoisseurs, so the selection of French and international wines is correspondingly large. In the kitchen, great value is placed on creativity, so in addition to classic French dishes, there are also something with an Asian touch or fusion.
The Most Important Details at a Glance
Requirements and Equipment
- Controlled and safe skiing at speed in every type of terrain (including colours and narrow chutes) and snow, as well as at least several years of freeride and deep snow experience.
- Ascents of 1h with ski skin and touring bindings may be required. Depending on conditions, a longer ascent may be necessary. A good level of fitness and endurance is therefore necessary.
- Freeride skiing equipment that can be used for ski touring will be required on this trip. It will also be necessary to wear a harness on the glacier. We are able to provide you with a harness should you not possess one.
- Many of the more interesting runs in La Grave are in challenging territory and it may be necessary to use a rope for some short passages. The number of participants is therefore limited to 6 per guide.
Hotel and Arrival
- Hotel: We have been staying with Robin and Marlon at the Auberge Edelweiss and enjoying their exquisite food for many years.
Auberge Edelweiss
F – 05320 La Grave
www.hotel-edelweiss.com
- Arrival: Motorway Basel – Genf – Grenoble, turn in the direction of Briancon, you will reach La Grave after approximately 90km. Our meeting point will be at the hotel on the first day at 19:00.
Participants
We offer this trip to a minimum number of 5 and maximum of 6 participants per mountain guide.
Included in the Price of 1890 EUR
- 7 nights in a double room at the Hotel Auberge Edelweiss with half board
- 6 days accompanied and led by a UIAGM certified mountain guide
- The hire of safety equipment (Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe) – N.B. please let us know 30 days in advance if safety equipment is required.
Not Included
- Arrival
- Lunch and beverages
- Lift pass approximately 60 EUR/day
- Single room surcharge 60 EUR/ night
Travel Preparations
Requirements and Fitness Level
A realistic self-assessment and an appropriate fitness level is required to join our trips. In order to enjoy a long day of skiing and to reduce the risk of injury, it is important to get in shape and possess a good level of fitness.
Current Country-Specific Information, Vaccines and Health
Please contact your own ministry of foreign affairs for current information about your destination.
Travel Insurance
Please note that there is a potential risk of injury on skiing trips. In addition to travel cancellation insurance, comprehensive medical and accident insurance that cover the costs of search and rescue, as well as transport costs, are imperative. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are insured before departure.
Comprehensive medical and accident insurance that covers potential costs of search and rescue operations as well as any medical costs is mandatory for all of our trips abroad.
It is required that you state this information during registration in our registration form in order to ensure 24h emergency assistance.
Links to Insurance Companies:
Please also check your credit card policies as it is possible that these already include insurance.
Booking
To sign up for a trip, please click on your preferred date and fill out the booking form carefully.
Please also note our terms and conditions .
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