Introduction to ski touring in La Grave
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions32.65 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Facing the imposing Meije , this trip to La Grave offers a progressive and exciting introduction to ski touring . The first few days on the gentle slopes of Chazelet allow you to master the basics: climbing techniques , terrain reading , and avalanche safety . Then, it's time for a three-day trek , between secluded mountain huts and an alpine atmosphere . The ascent to the Cime du Rachas and the playful descent from Serre Bernard punctuate this accessible traverse. Each stage is designed to teach you in real-world conditions while enjoying majestic panoramas of the Écrins massif . Evenings in cozy mountain huts , in small groups, foster camaraderie and the sharing of experiences. An ideal trip to take your first steps in self-reliance and experience a true mountain immersion .
The highlights
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A gradual introduction to ski touring on the gentle slopes of the Signal de La Grave
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Friendly alpine atmosphere in small groups in cozy mountain huts
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2 days of introductory skiing at Chazelet, followed by 3 days of ski touring with nights spent in mountain huts
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
In figures
Ski touring
- Average daily elevation gain: 525 m
Management
French
English
Originally from the flatlands of Belgium, and a high-mountain guide—it sounds like an oxymoron, and yet here I am, Olivier, 33 years old. Eager to venture off the beaten path, I will guide you with boundless enthusiasm in this magical world of the high mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the valleys. It is with the same enthusiasm that I will share convivial moments after the climb over a good Belgian beer!
Program
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Warm-up and exploration of the terrain
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:30 am in La Grave, in front of the rental shop, for a welcome coffee with the guide. This is a chance to check your equipment together and get acquainted. A short drive then takes you to the village of Chazelet and settle into the inn. In the afternoon, you'll begin your ascents towards the Signal de La Grave: wide, gentle slopes perfect for testing your gear and learning the basics. The day ends with a warm introduction to snow science and avalanche safety.
Day 1 -
Loop at La Petite Buffe and technical progression
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a loop hike to La Petite Buffe, an iconic summit overlooking Le Chazelet. This gradual route allows you to consolidate the skills learned the previous day: kick turns, route selection, effort management, and snow reading. Throughout the ascent, the panoramic views over the La Grave basin invite you to take a few contemplative breaks. Return to the gîte in the early afternoon for some rest or to discuss the day's adventures.
Day 2 -
On the way to the Mas de La Grave refuge
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trek begins with a head towards the Pic du Mas de La Grave refuge. The gentle and steady ascent is ideal for carrying your pack and warming up. Once settled at the refuge, the afternoon is dedicated to a practical avalanche victim search exercise, led by the guide. A short but essential step to put basic safety skills into practice in a realistic setting.
Day 3 -
Ascent of the summit of Rachas and overnight stay at Les Mouterres
- Activity Ski touring
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today we're heading to the Cime du Rachas, a more alpine stage that offers a chance to gain altitude. The climb remains manageable and steady, ideal for finding your rhythm. From the summit, there's a breathtaking view of La Meije and the entire Écrins massif, perfect for a picnic at altitude. The descent then leads to the friendly and welcoming Refuge des Mouterres, where we can spend the evening together after a great day of skiing.
Day 4
Note
Thanks to their expertise, the guide will adapt the itinerary if necessary to guarantee your safety and enjoyment, whatever the weather.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
From Paris, go to Lyon Part Dieu station to board the TER train towards Grenoble.
- Departure station > Lyon Part Dieu
- Lyon Part Dieu > Grenoble train station (1 hour 24 minutes)
Upon arrival in Grenoble, take bus 55 to La Grave in the PACA region.
- Grenoble train station > La Grave Tourist Office stop (1 hour 40 minutes)
You can leave your car in the free parking lot at the meeting point. If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other before the expedition even begins!
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision: A qualified and experienced high mountain guide will accompany you safely and provide you with technical advice.
- Accommodation: The first two nights will be spent in a friendly hostel in Chazelet. The following two nights will be spent in a comfortable mountain refuge, in a shared room, in the heart of the mountains.
- Full board catering: All meals are included from dinner on day 1 until the picnic on the last day.
The price does not include
- Return transport to the meeting point in La Grave.
- Equipment rental: Ski touring equipment, skins, poles, crampons, ski touring boots, avalanche transceiver kit (Available for rent when you book).
- Personal expenses: Drinks, snacks or other personal purchases during the stay.
- Anything not listed in the “what is included” section.
Options
- Ski touring package rental : CHF242.42 / person
- Additional night before the stay : CHF118.92 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Touring skis and bindings (rental available)
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Ski touring boots (rental available)
- Hiking backpack (35L) with attachments for skis and ice axe
- Safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (rental available)
- Telescopic ski poles (rental available)
- Charged headlamp
- Insulated water bottle (optional)
- Lightweight crampons and ice axes (rental available)
- Ski helmet / ski touring helmet
- ABS backpack (if you have one)
- Pair of ski crampons (rental available)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Insurance card
- External battery / power bank
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Credit card and cash
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Microfiber towel
- Earplugs
- Passport or ID
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
- Change of clothes
- Running tights or long underwear
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Warm socks (wool)
- Hat or cap
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Ski touring pants (hardshell or goretex)
- Down jacket
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Ski mask
- Lightweight gloves
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
