Tour de la Meije

The Tour de la Meije is a grand ski tour in a remote setting, around the most majestic peak in the Alps, “La Meije”. The steep terrain, massive glaciers and breathtaking views makes this seldom traveled tour one of our favorites in the Alps! We base our trip in La Grave, France, home to world class steep skiing. The first two days we utilize the 7,000′ telepherique to experience all that La Grave has to offer. The next three days are dedicated to the Tour de la Meije, with two nights spent in huts. There are three options for ending our tour below the La Meije massif; Les Enfetchores, Glacier du Tabuchet, or Glacier du L’Homme, all culminating in over 7000′ of skiing on incredible terrain looking down into the La Grave Valley. This tour is one of the hidden gems in the Alps!

Photos of Tour de la Meije

(click on image to view slideshow)

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 0	Arrive in La Grave. Meet for dinner and equipment check.
Day.1-2	Off-piste skiing in La Grave. Runs are up to 7000 vertical feet and there are many to choose from.
Day 3	Starting at the top of the Dome de Lauze we ski 2,600′ down the south side of La Grave to the Glacier de la Selle, skin to the Breche du Rateau (steep climbing with crampons and ice axe over the col), then ski another 2,600′ down into the Chatelleret Valley. This south facing basin can be a solarium on our way up to the Refuge du Promontoire where we will stay the night. This is one of the coolest huts in the alps, literally perched on the lower flank of La Meije.
Day 4	Start the day climbing up the Breche du la Meije, then rappelling 50 meters onto the North Face. If weather isn’t favorable skiing the amazing Les Enfetchores to La Grave. Otherwise traversing right below La Meije’s massive North Face, climbing the long couloir Passage du Serret du Savon and onto the Refuge du L’Aigle.
Day 5	From Refuge L’Aigle we can ski either the Glacier du Tabuchet or Glacier du L’Homme depending on conditions, ending back in La Grave.
Day 6	Earliest opportunity to fly home.

Skiing Ability

“La Grave/La Meije is not a ski resort! At ski resorts, they adapt the mountain to the skier, whereas here, the skier must adapt to the mountain.” – Pelle Lang

Therefore, skiing La Grave and for that matter the Tour de la Meije is for strong intermediate to expert skiers. You should be able to ski black and double black ski area runs with control and confidence. Skiers should be able to ski “off piste” (backcountry) in all types of snow (firm, wet, heavy, and breakable crust). No ski mountaineering experience is required; any necessary skills will be taught along the way. If you have prior experience we will build on that experience. The great thing about La Grave and the Tour de la Meije is there is plenty of challenge for every skier at every level!

Dreamy conditions

Price Includes:

- UIAGM / IFMGA guide
- Four nights lodging in La Grave
- Breakfast and dinner at hotel
- Two nights lodging in huts
- Breakfast and dinner in huts
- Use of avalanche transceiver, climbing harness, shovel and probe (must reserve)

Price Excludes:

- Travel to or from La Grave
- Food and drinks in huts
- Lunches
- Lift Tickets
- Rescue insurance
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities

Getting To and From

Traveling to Europe is always a bit of an endeavor. If you are flying from North American, it is important to plan your itinerary accordingly as it takes generally a full day to get there (if you leave on a Saturday you’ll arrive on Sunday). In general, it is best to fly into Lyon airport, take a bus to Grenoble, and then get the taxi shuttle to La Grave. Below are the best options for getting to La Grave.

1) Once again, the best generally is to fly into the Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS). Take the bus to Grenoble, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. They leave every hour and tickets can be purchased at the airport and schedules can be found at: Bus Lyon to Grenoble.pdf. From the Grenoble Gare (sounds like “car,” which is the main train/bus station) it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus or taxi to La Grave. Generally the easiest is to arrange a taxi with Taxi de la Meije as the bus from Grenoble to La Grave leaves only twice a day (11:15 am and 5:45 pm). If coming alone the bus is definitely cheaper, but can be a huge hassle. The tickets can be bought at the bus station and the schedule can be found at: Bus Grenoble to La Grave.
2) Another option is to fly into the Geneva, Switzerland Airport (GVA). From there, you can take a bus to Grenoble. The schedule can be found at: Bus Geneva to Grenoble.

3) You may also find a flight into the Grenoble Airport and take the taxi shuttle to La Grave from there: Taxi de la Meije

Any question regarding travel please contact us

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Dates: April 1-5, 2013
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Cost:
$2,280 2 to 1 ratio
$1,830 3 to 1 ratio
$1,580 4 to 1 ratio
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Pertinent Info

Trip Reports/Photos

Ski Trips

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