Descente de ski dans la station La Grave La Meije dans les Alpes du Sud
©Hodson.B

La Grave La Meije

La Grave La Meije is a ski resort like no other. The gondola lift takes you up to 3200 m where the view is simply spectacular. The highest resort lies between La Meije (3983 m) and the Girose glacier.

Winter

This unique lift-accessed, big mountain, backcountry terrain attracts freeride enthusiasts from all over the world. As it is an unsecured area with no marked runs and very few boundary ropes, it should be explored in the company of a mountain guide or a ski instructor. Set on the sunniest side of the valley, the small village ski resort of Chazelet is ideal both for beginners and intermediates. It’s just the right size for making first turns in perfect peace of mind. At the topmost points of the resort, you’ll find a stunning view of high peaks and glaciers. The Nordic Area of Villar d’Arène is a haven of peace at the threshold of the Parc National des Écrins. The wooden groves by the river are home to various wild animals, amongst them the chamois who seek lower altitudes in the winter time.

Discover La Grave – La Meije

Summer

On one side of the Vallée de la Haute Romanche, the glaciers and peaks soar towards 4000 m. On the other side, lush green hillsides with snug stone-built hamlets are set in terraced fields. Beyond, pasturelands brim with alpine flowers and scenic mountain lakes.

The quaint and peaceful villages at the foot of the majestic La Meije are gateways to the high mountains and to the Parc National des Écrins. Thanks to its magnificent setting and authentic atmosphere, La Grave is counted among the most beautiful villages in France. Whether you go hiking, biking, climbing or just chill on a terrace, spectacular mountain landscapes will surround you. The gondola that leads to 3200 m is an obvious must-do, with breathtaking panoramas from the Vercors to the Mont Blanc and the glacier at your feet. Combine it with a visit to the ice cave and a glacier walk with the mountain guides. Don’t miss out on the Alpine botanical garden, Jardin du Lautaret, at the Lautaret Mountain pass–where you can admire more than 2000 plants from peaks all over the world.

Useful information

La Grave La Meije

Unsecured off-piste ski area.
Open from December 21st 2019 to April 26th 2020
Adult day pass: €50
Students’/young adults’ day pass (-25 years): €37
Pedestrians: €23 adults, €13 children 4 – 18 years

Chazelet Village Ski Resort

5 lifts, 5 pistes, 1 free rope lift, 1 sledging slope
Open from December 21st 2019 to March 15th 2020
Adult Day Pass: €18
Child Day Pass: €16
Free shuttle bus from La Grave and from Villar d’Arène during the school holidays.

Nordic Area of Villar d’Arène

Cross country trails: 3 loops of 3 to 10 km, pedestrian trail 8 km, snow shoe trail 11 km, natural ice skating rink and sledging slope.
Open from mid-December 2019 to late March 2020

Cross country rates

3h pass: €9
Day pass adults: €12
Day pass (10 – 16 years): €6
Free for children under 10 years

Events

Promotional weekend at the Chazelet village resort Late January

Mountain film Festival in La Grave Mid-February

Nordic Spring Festival Late March. Try out various Nordic disciplines during this festive family day.

32nd Derby de la Meije March 30th to April 5th. The famous Derby is a cheerful mix between serious race and costume party that is already a venerable tradition. Since 1989 the racers have been charging down the Vallons de la Meije on skis, snowboards or any other device that slides. All is rounded off with music and feasting until the early morning. This year the Derby offers a full week of workshops, activities and festivities. The race takes place on the Friday, as every year.

Meidjo Telemark Festival, La Grave Mid-April 2020 – This exciting meeting is a great opportunity to discover La Grave ski  domain and the pleasures of telemark skiing in a welcoming, joyful, respectful and good-humoured atmosphere. A must-do event for aficionados of the perfect free heel knee bend!

New

The Faranchin Hotel. Enjoy your first ski holiday of the year in this newly renovated family hotel. The Faranchin serves refined and savoury dishes including specialties from Villar d’Arène. In January, take advantage of reduced prices on the rooms that were upgraded to three star standard in 2017.
Hôtel Restaurant Le Faranchin, Villar d’Arène
+33 (0)4 76 79 90 01

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