La Grave isn’t just a ski destination—it’s a rite of passage for skiers and riders seeking the raw, untamed spirit of the mountains. Join me for 5 days of exploring the best terrain and snow in the legendary backcountry of La Grave in France! With one lift and over 2,000 m / 6,561 ft of vert to play with, La Grave is one of the world’s last unspoiled ski areas that delivers unparalleled access to vast glacial fields, iconic couloirs like the Banane and Trifide, and wide-open powder runs with breathtaking views of the La Meije peak. There are no groomed runs, no rules, only an endless playground of couloirs and open powder fields. And although I will be guiding you all the way, please note that this trip is best suited to strong skiers and backcountry snowboarders with some previous experience. Ready to dive into the legend? Let’s make this happen!
Explore the untamed beauty of La Grave, France, on this guided backcountry skiing adventure. Over five days of skiing, you’ll carve through legendary terrain, from lift-served slopes via the iconic La Grave gondola to untouched powder in the Écrins national park and Col du Lautaret. Each day’s itinerary is tailored to the conditions, with up to 1,500 m (4,921 ft) of uphill touring. With La Grave as our base, there’s no need for hut stays, and you can focus on what matters most: skiing the untouched wilderness of the French Alps.
Please make sure to arrive at La Grave a day before and settle in your accommodation, as Days 1-5 are reserved for full days of backcountry skiing.
You’ll meet your guide at La Grave’s Skiers Lodge at a predetermined time. Each day’s itinerary will vary according to weather and conditions. We will maximize the lift-served skiing opportunities from La Grave’s iconic gondola, but we’ll also take advantage of skiing from the Col Lautaret, and in the Écrins national park. Be prepared for a full day of skiing each day and for touring uphill up to 1,000 m-1,500 m / 3,280 ft-4,921 ft. La Grave will be used as a base, so there will be no nights in refuges.
Elevation: +1,000-1,500 m / +3,280-4,921 ft
On Day 6, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart back home filled with new, unforgettable experiences from these backcountry ski holidays in La Grave, France.
Included:
Not included:
La Grave ski holidays are designed for strong, experienced skiers who can ski a variety of different types of snow in all types of backcountry terrain, and are able to skin uphill for at least 1,000 m / 3,280 ft relatively efficiently.
For more backcountry skiing adventures in France, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Backcountry skiing in France can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your La Grave ski holidays is La Grave. To get there, most people fly into Grenoble Alpes–Isère Airport (GNB). From there, you can take public transport or rent a car to reach La Grave.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at La Grave Skiers Lodge at a predetermined time. Your guide will provide more information before the trip starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Top level mountain guide services. Friendly, approachable, instructive; Tom is a super strong climber/skier and a very skilled and knowledgeable mountaineer. Highly recommended!