Ice Climbing
One of the best ice climbing areas in the whole of France is in the Oisans Region, between Bourg d´Oisans and La Grave. In the immediate vicinity, just west of La Grave on the RN 91 is Malaval.
This is a major area with numerous cascades on either side of the road, varying from 40 meters to 600 meters in length and grade IV to VI in difficulty. Approach times of 2 minutes to 1 hour provide further alternatives, if that be needed. The climbs are too numerous to mention individually, but several are quite outstanding. Moulins (V) and Caturgens (V) are both 600 meters, the longest in France. Pride of the place for difficulty must go to La Pisse (250 VI) which we believe has only been climbed once in 1985.. From St Christophe, the Vallon de Diable is accessible in 2 to 3 hours with big serious routes. Our guides will be pleased to arrange 2 – 6 days program, from beginners to advanced.http://www.mwsguide.com
Snowboarding
Guiding to snowboarders cannot be guaranteed at the normal standard weekly price. We have learnt through the years not to mix skiers and snowboarders in the same group.
The guided lines and routes are different and the traverses in the domain area of La Meije makes it too complex to guide. The charge will depend on the specific demand for that week since we will not be mixing boarders with skiers unless a group of friend wish to do so! If we have a request of an individual or a group of boarders during any time of the season we will of course try our best to fit you in and make sure that the group will experience the best that the area has to offer. Snowboarders are encouraged to contact info@skierslodge.com at their earliest convenience.
Ski Touring
La Grave and the surrounding area is an ideal mountain base for ski touring. Some of the classic alpine tours can be accessed within a simple one hour hike up into the most spectacular terrain.
The tours are too numerous to mention individually, but several are too exceptional not to be mentioned: Tours de la Meije, Enfetchores… The high altitude glaciers ensure good snow conditions all year round.
April and May can offer exceptional days and powder falls are not as rare as you might imagine. Good spring snow can invariably be found down to the lift station at 1 800m. Whether your motivation is to climb summits or to reach good skiing, the possibilities are endless for randonée tours in the National Park. Ski touring can be enjoyed at many levels but as soon you move above alpine elevation, it is essential that you appreciate the severity of the environment.
We suggest that unless you are a local experienced winter mountaineer, you employ the services of a qualified high mountain guide. All our rental K2 skis will have AT touring bindings mounted, the Marker Duke with skins. info@skierslodge.com
Other Geographic Locations
We also offer custom off-piste tours, ski touring and heliski to other geographic location and resorts.
The Dolomites and Alagna Italy, Gulmarg Kashmir, India. Valdez Alaska and North Part of Norway. All the mountain guides have local knowledge! Tempted ? info@skierslodge.com
