Travel to La Grave with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Dominating the surrounding peaks and the high Romanche valley, the Meije mountain range reaches to 4,000m. The resort of La Grave has attracted countless visitors over the years to its breathtaking slopes and beautiful scenery. La Grave resort offers one of the most amazing runs in Europe, with an astounding vertical drop of 2,150metres.

La Grave is perched at 1,525m on a rocky slope which extends down to the Romanche River. It is surrounded by five smaller villages: Les Fréaux, Le Chazelet, Les Terrasses, Ventelon and Les Hières. The area offers a total of approximately 2,500 beds, with one hotel-residence, 16 hotels, one family centre, eight lodges, three group lodges, and 155 furnished rentals (from studios to actual houses).

From the top lift at 3,560m, you can descend freely to the 2,150-metre vertical drop of the Vallons de la Meije in an abundance of fresh snow. For novice skiers, there is the Oisans Mountain, where you can enjoy green, blue and red pistes. Hiring a mountain guide is highly recommended to help you explore the best skiing La Meije has to offer.

In parallel with the adventurous skiing on the north face of the Meije, the three areas of Le Chazelet, Villar dArène and the Col du Lautaret are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. This magnificent scenery has fascinated generations of travellers en route for Briançon via the Col du Lautaret and today attracts large numbers of tourists and alpinists alike.

The ski season at La Grave resort is generally from December through March, although some of the runs stay open through April until May. Flying into the airport at Lyon, you can take a shuttle to Grenoble, from where you can take a bus or taxi to La Grave.

Skiing in La Grave

La Grave is best known for the spectacular 2,150-metre vertical drop of the Vallons de la Meije, which attracts skiers from all over the world. There are plenty of easier runs and opportunities for ice-climbing, cross-country skiing and hiking as well.

From 3,560m, you can ski to the 2,150-metre vertical drop of the Vallons de la Meije in soft untouched snow, but this is only for the groomed skiers. Alternatively, Le Chazelet Ski Area has one red piste, two blue pistes, and one drag lift for beginners, as well as Snow Kindergarten ESF (French Ski School) and sledding for children.

The winter season lasts from December until March, although some of the runs are open until April. Prices differ according to the time you want to go; it’s best to call and check out the prices before you leave.

The easiest and quickest way of getting to La Grave is by flying to Lyon Satolas St Exupery Airport, and then heading to Grenoble, where a taxi or bus will take you on to La Grave. If you are coming by car, then follow the RN91 from Grenoble in the direction of Briancon.

Apres-ski in La Grave

La Grave is not a place to come for bars, discos and entertainment. This area is full of natural wonders and is better known for its skiing, although you will find the usual facilities like convenience stores, restaurants, barbershops, ski shops and a couple of bars. You’ll also find the Residence Des Alps, which is a wonderful hotel.

The village of La Grave is probably somewhat austere compared to plush resorts, but if you did your homework, you will know that no one comes here for the nightlife. There are plenty of chalets and one extraordinary hotel. The Residence Des Alps is a luxurious residence, with all the lodgings of 6 to 14 persons providing comfort, harmony and tranquillity. Most of them are south-oriented with a panoramic view of the Meije, its glaciers and its vallons.

Other activities in La Grave include: ice-climbing, hiking, paragliding and the thrilling sport of snow-kiting, where you ride with the wind as the only motor. At over 2000m of altitude, the Col du Lautaret is one of the best, and windiest, places for kiting

There’s a church in the village, along with a number of restaurants, a few bars and shops. It’s also worth noting that many events are held in the area, including a ski race for over 40s. At Villar d’Arène, on the border of the Ecrins National Park, you will find long cross-country trails in a startlingly beautiful environment.

Transportation to La Grave

La Grave is not difficult to reach, although you may have to use various modes of transport. The nearest airports are in Lyon and Geneva; from either of those, you will want to head to the town of Grenoble, from where you can drive, or take a taxi or a bus to La Grave.

If you are driving, then follow the signs to Grenoble; from here, you can take the RN91 all the way to La Grave. Check out the weather conditions before you endeavour to make the entire journey by car.

Another way to reach the resort is by train. The super-fast TGV goes to Grenoble station and is linked with most major cities in France. There are frequent coaches from Grenoble railway station to La Grave/Villar dArène.

Most people tend to opt for the airport at Lyon when travelling to La Grave; from the airport it will only take you a few hours to reach La Grave, via Grenoble. Lyon Airport is located 200kms from La Grave. The airport in Geneva is located 330kms from La Grave; while Paris is 600kms away.

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