Backcountry Skiing in La Grave: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
4.7
(27 reviews)
Discover the stunning scenery and impeccable off-piste action in one of France’s premier backcountry skiing destinations!
Nestled at the foot of Massif des Écrins, near France’s eastern border, La Grave boasts dozens of incredible backcountry skiing opportunities for participants of every level. From simple half-day excursions to week-long hut-to-hut expeditions, there is no shortage of backcountry fun to be had. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Backcountry Skiing trips to La Grave. The mountains are calling!
Top backcountry skiing trips | La Grave
"Easy booking for a perfect adventure!"
4.8
Read all our verified reviews
FAQs: Backcountry Skiing in La Grave
What should I know about Backcountry Skiing La Grave?
Home to just 500 full-time residents in the summer, La Grave comes alive when the snow begins to fall. As January rolls around, enthusiast backcountry skiers flock to the tow in order to explore some of the incredible backcountry terrains found here.
Among the most popular activities for off-piste enthusiasts is the Haute Route des Ecrins. This week-long ski touring adventure takes you hut-to-hut through the heart of the stunning Ecrins massif. Complete with a challenging ascent and thrilling descent of Dome des Ecrins along with many others, the less traditional Haute Route is no less of an adventure.
Heading up onto the slopes of the mighty La Meije is another excellent option. The peak boasts several routes that take skiers down its slopes and back to La Grave as well as longer and more challenging routes for those looking for another type of ski touring adventure. Heading out for a day of freeriding down the couloirs is the perfect way to put your skills and nous to the test.
Why should I choose La Grave for my Backcountry Skiing adventure?
Stunning scenery
Sitting in the shadow of mighty La Meije, La Grave boasts plenty of incredible mountain scenery. Complete with glaciated mountain peaks and thick evergreen forests, there is plenty of natural beauty to keep you in awe as you head through the pristine snow covered slopes of the popular resort town.
Something for everyone
Whether you plan on heading out on your first backcountry skiing expedition or you’re a seasoned pro, La Grave has something great in store for you. From beginners getting a taste for the backcountry in nearby Serre Chevalier – learning the necessary skills to head off-piste – to advanced ski tourers striking out on the Haute Route des Ecrins, there is the perfect route for every type of skier here.
Fantastic freeriding
For those thrillseekers looking to get their adrenaline pumping, La Grave is the perfect place to be. The cable car from the town leads up onto the La Meije massif and provides two trilling 2,000 vertical meter descents back into town. Get off-piste in a hurry and careen back down to the lovely resort through pristine powder.
What can I expect from the weather during my Backcountry Skiing trip in La Grave?
During the winter, average daily temperatures in La Grave hover between 0 ºC and -5 ºC (32 ºF to 23 ºF). Winter is also one of the wettest times of the year with an average of about 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rain per month.
How can I get to La Grave?
Any trip to La Grave likely begins with a flight into Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS). From here, La Grave is two hours away by car. La Grave can also be reached by a combination of train and bus in about three hours.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the La Grave region?
French
What's the country code for the La Grave region?
+33
What currency is accepted around La Grave?
Euro
Best time to climb
January to April
What people are saying about Backcountry Skiing | La Grave
I was very happy with our guide, Benedikt Arnold, who did a great job. He was much more positive than many of my previous guides and was prepared to take an (entirely justifiable) view on the weather, with very balanced judgement. I would happily use him again.
Ettiene took us on a wonderful trip in the stunning Dolomites. First day was rain and snow, Ettiene planned an alternative program in the First World War tunnels so we didn’t have to walk in the rain all day. The huts were nice and good food. The trip was a bit too challenging for our mother (65) but Ettiene helped her a lot by carrying her bag and securing her with a rope on the steep parts. Via ferratas were super cool, wonderful views. A tip for others: just go because it is great, but expect some serieus walking up is inclusief to get to the via ferratas.
Mike
Enrico Geremia was an excellent guide for our 1 day Rock Climbing adventure in Dolomites. He chose an excellent location, set up 2 top ropes for our large group to climb while he did several multi-pitch routes with between 1 - 4 climbers. Amazing location, great guiding thanks to Explore Share and Enrico.
Myrla
Jordi was a great guide!!! Thanks for a wonderful hike.
Merci beaucoup à Manu et Antoine, nos deux guides, pour cette excellente semaine. Ils ont été aux petits soins et très professionnels: s'assurant que chacun était en sécurité et profitait le plus possible de son séjour, de la montagne et de la bonne neige ;). L'hébergement, à l'hôtel Les Agneaux était aussi fantastique: nourriture faite maison, locale, chambres très confortables et propriétaire encore une fois aux petits soins. C'était top!
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.