La Grave

SKI TOURING & FREERIDE WEEK IN COL DU LAUTARET AND LA GRAVE - FRANCE

Ski Touring

What you'll do

Spend 8 unforgettable days exploring the legendary terrain of Col du Lautaret and La Grave. This guided ski touring and freeride week blends big-mountain descents, technical ascents, and deep cultural immersion in one of the Alps' most iconic regions. Tour across glaciers, drop into couloirs, and ride the famous Téléphérique de La Grave. Ideal for strong skiers ready to step into serious backcountry terrain with expert guidance and local knowledge.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and Gear Check

Arrive in either La Grave or Villar-d'Arêne and check into your basecamp—such as the Lautaret Lodge & Spa or Hotel Edelweiss (4 PM). After settling in, you'll meet your UIAGM/IFMGA-certified guide for a welcome briefing, gear inspection, and avalanche safety review. This is also a chance to meet the group, ask questions, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 - Warm-Up Tour: Col de Laurichard (2,654 m)

Today kicks off with a warm-up ski tour, gaining approximately 600 meters of elevation to the Col de Laurichard. The gentle terrain and reliable snowpack make it ideal for finding rhythm, checking snow conditions, and refining transitions. Depending on conditions and group energy, you'll either return via the same line or drop into an optional couloir descent.

Day 3 - Classic Summit: Pic Ouest de Combeynot (3,155 m)

We step it up with a classic Lautaret ski mountaineering objective. With about 1,100 meters of ascent, this tour may include crampon sections or bootpacking. The reward is a stunning summit and a variety of descent options—including the Glacier de Combeynot or the steeper north face, depending on conditions.

Day 4 - Freeride Day in La Grave

Today is all about pure freeride. We take the iconic Téléphérique de La Grave to 3,200 meters, where endless off-piste options await—no pistes, just raw, glaciated terrain. Your guide will select from classic descents like Vallons de la Meije, Trifides, or the mythical La Banane couloir. If conditions allow, we may ski all the way down to Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans.

Day 5 - Col de Côte Plaine or Col des Clochettes

After the adrenaline of La Grave, today is a chance to explore mellower terrain with spectacular views over the Écrins massif. It’s a lower-key day with optional skill-building—ideal for refining your transitions, navigation, or just giving your legs a partial rest.

Day 6 - Big Vertical: Pic Est de Combeynot (3,145 m)

A challenging and high-altitude tour with nearly 1,400 meters of elevation gain. Expect bootpacks, possible ice axe use, and serious terrain. The descents offer open bowls and steep couloirs depending on the group and snow stability. This is a true alpine day—remote, rewarding, and unforgettable.

Day 7 - Finale: Tête de la Cassille (3,113 m)

Our final ski day leads to one of the most scenic and under-the-radar peaks in the area. The ascent is steady, and the descents are wide open with fewer tracks. Depending on group preference, we’ll finish with a celebratory lunch or drink in Villar-d’Arêne or La Grave, capping off an epic week in the Hautes-Alpes.

Day 8 - Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before saying farewell to your guide and fellow skiers (11 AM). Depart for Grenoble, Lyon, or your next destination, with tired legs and a full memory card.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

UIAGM IFMGA Guide

Skiing Instructor

Accommodation

Transport from airport

Dinner

Breakfast

Lift ticket

Safety gear used by the Guide (eg. rope)

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Harness

Lunch

Extra transfer

Extra food and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Ski and avalanche equipment

Guide expenses (meals and lifts)

Ice axe

Accomodations

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Lautaret Lodge & Spa or Observatoire du Lautaret

Lautaret Lodge & Spa offers a warm and comfortable base for mountain adventurers. With cozy rooms, hearty alpine meals, and a spa area featuring a sauna and hot tub. While the Observatoire du Lautaret is a unique and atmospheric alpine base housed in a high-altitude research station. While more rustic than a traditional hotel, it offers direct access to ski touring zones and a true mountain refuge feel.

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Hotel Edelweiss

Hotel Auberge Edelweiss is a charming, privately owned inn situated in the heart of La Grave, a medieval village nestled beneath the majestic La Meije. Housed in a centuries-old coaching inn, the hotel seamlessly blends traditional alpine character with modern comforts.

Guides

Lorenzo & XMountain

Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world. He has guided international groups of skiers in Japan, Norway, Georgia, Turkey, Italy...and several other incredible peaks.

Meeting point

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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