La Grave -"Le Pays Magique"
La Grave, referred to as "Le Pays Magique" (the Magic Land) by the local community, is none other than the most spectacular, exciting, challenging, lift accessed wild mountain domain on the planet. Period. At least that's how the people who fall in love with this mystical place feel about it. High altitude (3,985m), steep north-facing slopes and couloirs offer one of the longest vertical drops (2,150m) in the World with infinitely variable and challenging terrain. Skiers and boarders are still finding new routes here even after seven consecutive seasons and as part of the wilderness of the Parc des Ecrins, it is not patrolled, groomed or avalanche controlled, so conditions can change hourly. The uncommercial and idiosyncratic nature of this "non-resort" means that with a local guide, you can still discover fresh tracks even when it hasn't snowed for a week. La Grave is more than "just" ski heaven, there is a special energy in the air - whether it is the intimidating way you have to crank your neck to view the peak of La Meije, the last peak in the Alps to be conquered; the enormous fast-moving glaciers; the anti-resort, laid back, free-thinking yet deeply respectful attitude of the ski community here or the geoenergy in the rock; no-one can deny it's uniqueness and very few freeriding souls leave unseduced by her charms.
Accommodation: We have two great central options - either brand newly rennovated apartments in an ancient building in the centre of town or the very cosy Hotel Edelweiss, both are just off the main road in the historic village of La Grave and are less than a 5 minute walk away from the téléphérique. The Auberge, a 18th century old coaching inn, is comfortable and warm, with wood panelling, log fire and a friendly bar. There is also a jacuzzi and a sauna for apres-ski and yoga. The Black Diamond Test Centre is located within the hotel for those wanting to test skis and other backcountry equipment. The restaurant offers a delicious 4 course dinner, with local specialities and innovative cuisine from a team of dedicated chefs. Freshly baked home made bread is served every evening in the restaurant and you can choose from more than 300 different wines from France and around the world, and if you are lucky, we might have a jam session or one of our famous blues concerts while you are here. Overnight at the Chancel Refuge - weather permitting - an optional extra to spend a night at the Chancel Refuge at 2,508m during the Freeride and Yoga Immersion week. This is an unforgetable experience in the most spectacular setting, experience true Alpine Montagnarde culture and food under the ambience of candlelight and moonlight, then wake up to first tracks and a beautiful sunrise over La Meije.
